assembly to decide upon their plan of attack。
Then spoke the Governor of Henei； Wang Kuang； 〃We have been moved by a noble sense of right to assemble here。 Now must we first choose a chief and bind ourselves to obedience。〃
Then said Cao Cao； 〃For four generations the highest offices of state have been filled by members of the Yuan family； and their clients and supporters are everywhere。 As a descendant of ancient ministers of Han； Yuan Shao is a suitable man to be our chief lord。〃
Yuan Shao again and again declined this honor。 But they all said； 〃It must be he！ There is no other！〃
And then he agreed。
So the next day a three…story altar was built； and they planted about it the banners of all parties in five directions of space。 And they set up white yaks' tails and golden axes and emblems of military authority and the seals of leadership round about。
All being ready； the chief lord was invited to ascend the altar。 Clad in ceremonial robes and girded with a sword； Yuan Shao reverently ascended。 There he burned incense； made obeisance and