y。 Guan Yu knew that Zhang Liao had a sound heart and high principles and said no more； as he was unwilling to wound Zhang Liao。 Nor did he go out to attack。
Zhang Liao then drew off and proceeded to the east gate； and Zhang Fei went out to give battle。 Soon it was told Guan Yu； who came over quickly。 He saw Zhang Fei going out； but Zhang Liao was already withdrawing。 Zhang Fei wished to pursue； but his brother held him back。
〃He is afraid and so has gone away。 It would be best to pursue；〃 said Zhang Fei。
〃No；〃 said Guan Yu。 〃As a warrior he is not inferior to either of us； but I have spoken a few straight words； and he has sunk deep。 He is repentant and that is why he will not meet us。〃
So Zhang Fei understood； and the gates were shut and orders given for careful defense。 When Jian Yong； Liu Bei's messenger； reached the capital； he saw Cao Cao and told him what had happened。 The advisers were called to discuss a plan。
Cao Cao said； 〃I wish to attack Lu Bu。 I fear not Yuan Shao； but Liu Biao and Zhang Xiu may attack me in the rear。〃
Xun You； the nephew of Xun Yu； replied； 〃Both these latter have been too recently defeated to do anything so rash。 But Lu Bu is a bold fighting man； and if he joined forces with Yuan Shu and they set themselves to conquer River Huai and River Si； the problem would he difficult。〃
Then spoke Guo Jia； 〃Let us take advantage of the moment before they have fully made up their mind。 Smite before they are fully prepared。〃
And Cao Cao did so。 An army of fifty thousand were sent in advance with four manders………Xiahou Dun； Xiahou Yuan； Lu Qian； and Li Dian。 Cao Cao manded the Center Army； which marched by divisions； and Jian Yong brought up the rear。
Soon the scouts informed Gao Shun。 He se