Lü Pu acquiesced and had the two arrested. But the son, Chʻên Têng, only laughed. “What is this anxiety about?” said he. “These seven armies are no more to me than so many heaps of rotting straw. They are not worth thinking about.” “If you can show us how to overcome them I will spare your life,” said Lü. “General, if you will listen to a poor stupid fool the city will be perfectly safe.” “Let us hear what you have to say.” “Yüan Shu’s men are numerous but they are only a flock of crows; they are not an army under a leader. There is no mutual confidence. I can keep them at bay with the ordinary guards of the place and could overcome them by some unsuspected stratagem. If I should fail I have another plan by which I can not only protect the city but capture our enemy.” “Let us have it.” “Han Hsien and Yang Fêng, two of the leaders of our enemies, are old servants of the Han dynasty who fled from fear of Tsʻao Tsʻao and, being homeless, sought refuge with Yüan Shu. He despises them and they are dissatisfied with his service. A little letter will secure their help as our allies, and with Liu Pei to help us on the outside we can certainly overcome Yüan.” “You shall take the letters yourself,” said Lü. He agreed and a memorial detailing his intentions was sent to the capital, letters to Yüchou to Liu Pei, and finally Chʻên Têng was sent, with a small escort, to wait for Han Hsien on the road to Hsiapʻei. When Han Hsien’s army had halted and pitched camp Chʻên Têng went to see Han Hsien who said, “What are you here for? You belong to Lü Pu.” “I am a noble of the Court of the great Hans. Why do you call me a Lü Pu’s man? If you, General, hitherto a Minister of State, now serve a traitor you nullify the grand services you rendered in protecting the Emperor and I despise you. Beside the suspicious Yüan Shu will assuredly do you some harm and you will regret not having taken this opportunity to work against him.” Han Hsien sighed. “I would return to my allegiance if there should be any opportunity.” Thereupon Chʻên Têng gave him the letter. Han read it and said, “Yes; I know. You may return to your master and say General Yang and I will turn our weapons and smite him. Look out for a signal-flare and let your master come to our aid.” As soon as Chʻên Têng had got back and reported his success, Lü Pu divided his men into five divisions and sent them to five points to meet his enemies. He himself led against the main body under Chang Hsün, leaving a guard in the city. Lü Pu camped thirty li from the walls. When the enemy came up their leader thought Lü Pu too strong to attack with the force he had, so he retired twenty li to await reinforcements.