“Hua Hsiung will laugh at us if we send a mere archer to fight him, said the chief.” “He looks no common person. And how can the enemy know he is but a bowman?” said Tsʻao Tsʻao. “If I fail then can you take my head,” cried Kuan. Tsʻao Tsʻao bade them heat some wine and offered a stirrup cup to Kuan Yü as he went out. “Pour it out,” said Kuan. “I shall return in a little space.” He went with his sword in his hand and vaulted into the saddle. Those in the tent heard the fierce roll of the drums and then a mighty sound as if skies were falling and earth rising, hills trembling and mountains tearing asunder. And they were sore afraid. And while they were listening with ears intent, lo! the gentle tinkle of horse bells, and Kuan Yü threw at their feet the head of the slain leader, their enemy Hua Hsiung. The wine was still warm! This doughty deed has been celebrated in verse. The power of the man stands first in all the world; At the gate of the camp was heard the rolling of the battle drums; Then Yün-chʻang set aside the wine cup till he should have displayed his valour, And the wine was still warm when the enemy had been slain. Tsʻao Tsʻao was pleased at this success. But Chang Fei’s voice was heard, shouting, “Brother, you slew the leader; why did you not break through the Pass and seize Tung Cho? Could there have been a better time?” Again arose the voice of the peevish Yüan Shu, “We high officials are too meek and yielding. Here is the petty follower of a small magistrate daring to flaunt his prowess before us! Expel him from the tent, I say.” But again Tsʻao Tsʻao interposed, “Shall we consider the station of him who has done a great service?” “If you hold a mere magistrate in such honour then I simply withdraw,” said Yüan Shu. “Is a word enough to defeat a grand enterprise?” said Tsʻao Tsʻao. He told Kungsun Tsan to lead his three companions back to their own camp and the other chiefs then dispersed. That night he secretly sent presents of flesh and wine to soothe the three after this adventure. When Hua Hsiung’s men straggled back and told the story of defeat and death Li Su was greatly distressed. He wrote urgent letters to his master who called in his trusted advisers to a council. Li Ju summed up the situation. “We have lost our best leader and the rebel power has thereby become very great. Yüan Shao is at the head of this confederacy and Yüan Wei of the same family is holder of high office in the government. If those in the capital combine with those in the country we may suffer. Therefore we must remove them. So I request you, Sir Minister, to place yourself at the head of your army and break this confederation.”