Cao Cao laid hold of the sword by his side and made to take his own life。 All hastened to prevent him。
Guo Jia said； 〃In ancient days； the days of the Spring and Autumn history； the laws were not applied to those of the most important。 You are the supreme leader of a mighty army and must not wound yourself。〃
Cao Cao pondered for a long time。 At last he said； 〃Since there exists the reason just quoted； I may perhaps escape the death penalty。〃
Then with his sword he cut off his hair and threw it on the ground； saying； 〃I cut off the hair as touching the head。〃
Then he sent messengers to exhibit the hair throughout the whole army； saying； 〃The Prime Minister； having trodden down some corn； ought to have lost his head by the terms of the order； now here is his hair cut off as an attack on the head。〃
This deed was a stimulus to discipline all through the army so that not a person dared be disobedient。 A poet wrote：
A myriad soldiers march along and all are brave and bold；
And their myriad inclinations by one leader are controlled。
That crafty leader shore his locks when forfeit was his head；
O full of guile were thou； Cao Cao； as everyone has said。
On the first news of the approach of Cao Cao with an army； Zhang Xiu wrote to Liu Biao for help。 Then Zhang Xiu led out his troops； with his two generals； Lei Xu and Zhang Xian。
When the array was plete Zhang Xiu took his station in front and pointing at Cao Cao railed at him； saying； 〃O false and pretended supporter of benevolence and justice！ O shameless one！ You are just a beast of the forest； and absolutely devoid of humanity。〃
This annoyed Cao Cao who sent out Xu Chu against the insulter。 Zhang Xian came to meet him and fell in the third b