； and then do so and so。〃
A plan was arranged quite secretly。
Next day Zhang Xiu went into Cao Cao's tent； saying； 〃Since the surrendered troops are deserting in great number； it would be well to camp them in the center of your camp to prevent this。〃
Cao Cao gave the permission； and Zhang Xiu moved and placed his army in four camps。
But Dian Wei； the especial guard of Cao Cao's tent； was a man to be feared； being both brave and powerful。 It was hard to know how to attack him。 So counsel was taken with Hu Juer； the mander of one camp and a man of enormous strength and activity。 He could carry a burden of six hundred pounds and two hundred miles in a day。 Hu Juer proposed a plan。
He said； 〃The fearsome thing about Dian Wei is his double halberds。 But get him to e to a party and make him quite drunk before you send him back。 I will mingle among his escort and so get into his tent and steal away his weapons。 One needs not fear him then。〃
So the necessary arms were prepared and orders given in the various camps。 This done Zhang Xiu gave a banquet； and the intended victim was invited and plied vigorously with wine so that he was quite intoxicated when he left。 And； as arranged； Hu Juer mingled with his escort and made away with his weapons。
That night； when Cao Cao was at supper with Lady Zhou； he heard the voices of men and neighing of horses and sent out to ask what it meant。 They told him it was the night patrol going the rounds； and he was satisfied。
Near the second watch of the night again was heard some noise in the rear of his tent； and one of the fodder carts was reported to be burning。
〃One of the soldiers has dropped a spark； there is nothing to be alarmed at；〃 said Cao Cao。
But very soon the fire