One day the Emperor sent to summon Tsʻao Tsʻao to audience. The messenger was called in. Tsʻao noticed that he looked remarkably well and could not understand it seeing that everyone else looked hungry and famine stricken. So he said, “You look plump and well, Sir, how do you manage it?” “Only this; I have lived maigre for thirty years.” Tsʻao nodded. “What office do you hold?” “I am a graduate. I had an office under Yüan Shao, but came here when the Emperor returned. Now I am one of the secretaries. I am a native of Tingtʻao called Tung Chao.” Tsʻao got up from his place and crossed over saying, “I have heard of you. How happy I am to meet you!” Then wine was brought into the tent and Hsün Yü was called in and introduced. While they were talking a man came in to report that a party was moving eastward. Orders were given to find out whose men these were but the visitor knew at once. “They are old leaders under the rebels, Yang Fêng and the “White Wave General” Han. They are running off because you have come, Illustrious Sir!” “Do they mistrust me?” said Tsʻao. “They are not worthy of your attention. They are a poor lot.” “What of this departure of Li and Kuo?” “Tigers without claws, birds without wings will not escape you very long. They are not worth thinking about.” Tsʻao Tsʻao saw that he and his guest had much in common so he began to talk of affairs of State. Said Tung Chao, “You, Illustrious Sir, with your noble army have swept away rebellion and have become the mainstay of the throne, an achievement worthy of the five chieftains. But the officials will look at it in very different ways and not all favourably to you. I think you would not be wise to remain here and I advise a change of capital to Hsütu in Honan. However, it must be remembered that the restoration of the capital has been published far and wide and the attention of all the people is concentrated on Loyang, hoping for a period of rest and tranquillity. Another move will displease many. However, the performance of extraordinary service may mean the acquisition of extraordinary merit. It is for you to decide.” “Exactly my own inclination!” said Tsʻao Tsʻao, seizing his guest’s hand. “But are there not dangers? Yang Fêng at Taliang and the Court officials?” “That is easily managed. Write to Yang and set his mind at rest. Say plainly that there is no food in the capital here and so you are going to another place where there is, and where there is no danger of scarcity. When the higher officials hear it they will approve.” Tsʻao Tsʻao had now decided and as his guest took leave he seized his hands once more saying, “All my success I shall only owe to you.” Tung Chao thanked and left. Thereafter Tsʻao and his advisers secretly discussed the change of capital.