So forthwith Liu Pei, leaving Mi Chu and Chien Yung at Hsüchou, went south, taking in his train his brothers and Sun Chʻien. And Tsʻao led his army to Hsiaopʻei. Lü Pu felt very secure in his refuge. He had good store of grain and he had the protection of the river, so he sat quiet, satisfied that he could maintain his defence. So he allowed Tsʻao’s army to approach without molestation. “You ought to attack Tsʻao’s army as they come up before they have time to make camps and defences. They will only have fatigued men to oppose to your fresh troops and you will certainly defeat them.” So said Chʻên Kung but Lü Pu replied, “I have suffered too many defeats lately to take any risk. Wait till they actually attack and you will see them floating away on the waters.” So he neglected the confidant’s advice and waited till the enemy had settled into their camp. This done, the attackers advanced against the city. From the foot of the wall Tsʻao Tsʻao called to Lü Pu to listen while he spoke. Lü Pu ascended to the wall where he stood. Tsʻao addressed him, saying, “When I heard that your family and that of Yüan Shu were likely to be united by marriage I sent an army against you, for Yüan was guilty of treason while you had to your credit the destruction of Tung Cho. For what reason have you sacrificed all your merits to throw in your lot with a rebel? It will be over late to regret when this city shall have fallen. But if you surrender and help me to support the ruling house you shall not lose your rank of Marquis.” Lü Pu replied, “If the Minister will retire we may be able to discuss the matter.” But Chʻên Kung, standing near his master, began to rail at Tsʻao Tsʻao for a rebel and shot an arrow that struck his plumed helmet. “My oath, but I will slay you at least!” cried Tsʻao, pointing his finger at Chʻên Kung. Then the attack on the walls began. “They have come from far and cannot maintain this for long,” said Chʻên Kung. “General, go out with your horse and foot and take up a position outside, leaving me to maintain the defence with the remainder of our men. If he engages you, I will come out and strike at his rear ranks; if he attacks the city, you can come to our aid. In a few days their stores will fail and we can beat them off. This will place them between the horns.” “The advice seems good,” said Lü Pu. He went back to his palace and prepared his weapons. As it was the depth of winter he made his men take plenty of wadded clothing to keep them warm. His wife heard of it and came to ask whither he was going. He told her of Chʻên Kung’s plan. She said, “My lord, you are leaving an undamaged city, abandoning your wife and little ones and going with a paltry force. Should any untoward event happen will your handmaid and her lord ever meet again?” Lü Pu hesitated, and for three days made no move. Then Chʻên Kung came to see him again and said, “The enemy are all round the city and unless you go out soon you will be quite hemmed in.”