Cao Cao traveled in hot haste toward Qiao； his home county。 On the road at Zhongmou； he was recognized by the guards at the gate and made prisoner。 They took him to the Magistrate。 Cao Cao declared he was a merchant； named Huang Fu。 The Magistrate scanned his face most closely and remained in deep thought。
Presently the Magistrate said； 〃When I was at the capital seeking a post； I knew you as Cao Cao。 Why do you try to conceal your identity？〃
The Magistrate ordered Cao Cao to the prison till the morrow when he could send Cao Cao to the capital and claim the reward。 He gave the soldiers wine and food as a reward。
About midnight the Magistrate sent a trusty servant to bring the prisoner into his private rooms for interrogation。
〃They say the Prime Minister treated you well。 Why did you try to harm him？〃 said Magistrate。
〃How can swallows and sparrows understand the flight of the crane and the wild goose？ I am your prisoner and to be sent to the capital for a reward。 Why so many questions？〃
The Magistrate sent away the attendants and turning to the prisoner said； 〃Do not despise me。 I am no mere hireling； only I have not yet found the lord to serve。〃
Said Cao Cao； 〃My ancestors enjoyed the bounty of Han； and should I differ from a bird or a beast if I did not desire to repay them with gratitude？ I have bowed the knee to Dong Zhuo that thereby I might find an opportunity against him； and so remove this evil from the state。 I have failed for this time。 Such is the will of Heaven。〃
〃And where are you going？〃
〃Home to my county。 Thence I shall issue a summons calling all the bold people to e with forces to kill the tyrant。 This is my desire。〃
Thereupon the Magistrate himself loosened the bonds of the pris