The news of the events in Hsüchou duly reached the ears of Tsʻao Tsʻao, then in Chüanchʻêng. Said he, angrily, “I have missed my revenge. This Liu has simply stepped into command of the district without expending half an arrow; he sat still and attained his desire. But I will put him to death and then dig up Tʻao’s corpse in revenge for the death of my noble father.” Orders were issued for the army to prepare for a new campaign against Hsüchou. But an adviser, Hsün Yü, remonstrated with Tsʻao saying, “When the founder of the Han dynasty secured Kuanchung and his illustrious successor on the throne, Kuang-wu, took Honei, they both first consolidated their position whereby they could command the whole Empire. Their whole progress was from success to success. Hence they accomplished their great designs in spite of difficulties. Illustrious Sir, your Kuanchung and your Honei are Yenchow, which you had first, and Hochi which is of the utmost strategic value. If you undertake this expedition against Hsüchou leaving many men here, you will not accomplish your design; if you leave too few, Lü Pu will fall upon us. And finally if you lose this and fail to gain Hsüchou whither will you retire? That prefecture is not vacant. Although Tʻao has gone, Liu Pei holds it, and since the people support him they will fight to the death for him. To abandon this place for that is to exchange the great for the small, to barter the trunk for the branches, to leave safety and run into danger. I would implore you to reflect well.” Tsʻao Tsʻao replied, “It is not a good plan to keep soldiers idle here during such scarcity.” “If that is so it would be more advantageous to attack the east and feed your army on their supplies. Some remnant of the Yellow Turbans are there with stores and treasures of all kinds that they have amassed by plundering wherever they could. Rebels of their stamp are easily broken. Break them, and you can feed your army with their grain. Moreover, both the Court and the common people will join in blessing you.” This new design appealed strongly to Tsʻao Tsʻao and he quickly began his preparations to carry it out. He left Hsiahou Tun and Tsʻao Jên to guard Chüanchʻêng while his main body, under his own command, marched to seize Chʻênchʻêng. This done they went to Juying. Now when the Yellow Turbans knew that Tsʻao Tsʻao was approaching they came out in a great body to oppose him. They met at Goat Hill. Though the rebels were numerous, they were a poor lot, a mere pack of foxes and dogs without organisation and lacking discipline. Tsʻao Tsʻao ordered his strong archers and vigorous crossbowmen to keep them in check. Tien Wei was sent out to challenge. The rebel leader chose a second-rate champion for his side, who rode out and was vanquished in the third bout. Then Tsʻao Tsʻao’s army pushed forward and they made a camp at Goat Hill.