He replied, “I have long desired this but, so far, have not found a man fit to undertake the task. Since you, Mêng-tê, have so noble a desire I willingly devote all my property to the cause.” This was joyful news and the call to arms was forthwith prepared and sent far and near. So they established a corps of volunteers and set up a large white recruiting banner with the words “Loyalty and Right” inscribed thereon. The response was rapid and volunteers came in like rain drops in number. One day came a certain Yo Chin, whose minor name was Wên-chʻien, and another Li Tien, also known as Man-chʻêng. These two were appointed to Tsʻao’s personal staff. Another was one Hsiahou Tun. He was descended from Hsiahou Ying and had been trained from his early boyhood to use the spear and the club. When only fourteen he had been attached to a certain master-in-arms. One day some one spoke disrespectfully of his master and Tun killed him. For this deed, however, he had to flee and had been an exile for some time. Now he came to offer his services, accompanied by his brother. Each brought a company of trained men. Really these two were brothers of Tsʻao Tsʻao by birth since his father was originally of the Hsiahou family, and had only been adopted into the Tsʻao family. A few days later came two other brothers, Tsʻao Jên and Tsʻao Hung, each with a company. These two were accomplished horsemen and trained in the use of arms. Then drill began and Wei Hung spent his treasure freely in buying clothing, armour, flags and banners. From all sides poured in gifts of grain. When Yüan Shao received Tsʻao Tsʻao’s call to arms he collected all those under his command to the number of three legions. He came to take the oath to Tsʻao. Next a manifesto was issued:— “Tsʻao and his associates, moved by a sense of duty, now make this proclamation. Tung Cho defies heaven and earth. He is destroying the State and injuring his prince. He pollutes the palace and oppresses the people. He is vicious and cruel. His crimes are heaped up. Now we have received a secret command to call up soldiers and we are pledged to cleanse the Empire and destroy the evil-doers. We will raise a volunteer army and exert all our efforts to maintain the dynasty and succour the people. Respond to this, O Nobles, by mustering your soldiers.” Many from every side answered the summons as the following list shows:—