“You have plotted with Tsʻao Tsʻao to injure my master as we know now; why should I not ‘bind’ you?” So saying he gave the signal to attack. But Yüan-tê did not go out to repulse him; he only kept the gate fast closed. Soon after Chang Liao led an attack on the west gate, then kept by Yün-chʻang, who addressed him from the wall. “You are too good a man to waste yourself on rebels,” said he. Chang hung his head and made no reply. Kuan Yü knew that he had a sound heart and high principles and said no more as he was unwilling to wound him. Nor did he go out to attack. Chang Liao then drew off and proceeded to the east gate, and Chang Fei went out to give battle. Soon it was told Kuan Yü, who came over quickly. He saw Chang Fei going out, but Chang Liao was already withdrawing. Fei wished to pursue, but his brother held him back. “He is afraid and so has gone away; it would be best to pursue,” said Fei. “No,” said his brother. “As a warrior he is not inferior to either of us, but I have spoken a few straight words and they have sunk deep. He is repentant and that is why he will not meet us.” So Chang Fei understood and the gates were shut and orders given for careful defence. When Liu Pei’s messenger reached the capital he saw Tsʻao Tsʻao who told him what had happened. The advisers were called to discuss a plan. Tsʻao said, “I wish to attack Lü Pu. I fear not Yüan Shao, but Liu Piao and Chang Hsiu may attack me in the rear.” Hsün Yü replied. “Both these latter have been too recently defeated to do anything so rash. But Lü Pu is a bold fighting man, and if he joined forces with Yüan Shu and they set themselves to conquer Huai and Ssŭ [10] the problem would be difficult.” Then spoke Kuo Chia, “Let us take advantage of the moment before they have fully made up their mind. Smite before they are fully prepared.” And Tsʻao Tsʻao did so. Five legions with four captains were sent in advance. Tsʻao commanded the rear army, which marched by divisions, and Chien Yung brought up the rear. Soon the scouts informed Kao Shun. He sent flying messengers to Lü Pu, who detached two hundred horse to assist him. Kao Shun posted this reinforcement about thirty li from the city to meet Tsʻao’s army. He followed close. When Liu Pei saw the enemy retiring from the city he knew Tsʻao’s army was close at hand. So, making arrangements for guarding the city within, he and his two brothers marched their men out of the city and made a camp, that they might be ready to assist.