prefectures of Ch‘i, Ch‘ing, Yu and Ping and sent in a report of the death of the late governor.
At this time Yüan T‘an, the eldest son, had already marched out his army to oppose Ts‘ao Ts‘ao, but hearing of his father’s death he called in Kuo T‘u and Hsin P‘ing to consult as to his course of action.
“In your absence, my lord,” said Kuo T‘u, “the two advisers of your younger brother will certainly set him up as lord, wherefore you must act quickly.”
“Those two, Shên and Fêng, have already laid their plans,” said Hsin P‘ing. “If you go you will meet with some misfortune.”
“Then what should I do?” asked Tan.
Kuo T‘u replied, “Go and camp near the city and watch what is taking place while I enter and enquire.”
Accordingly Kuo T‘u entered the city and sought an interview with the young governor.
“Why did not my brother come?” asked Shang after the usual salutes.
Kuo T‘u said, “He cannot come as he is in the camp unwell.”
“By the command of my late father I take the lordship. Now I confer upon my brother the rank of General of Cavalry and I wish him to go at once to attack Ts‘ao Ts‘ao, who is pressing on the borders. I will follow as soon as my army is in order.”
“There is no one in our camp to give advice,” said Kuo T‘u.
“I wish to have the services of Shên P‘ei and Fêng Chi.”
“I also need the help of these two,” said Shang. “And as I am always working at schemes I do not see how I can do without them.”
“Then let one of these two go,” replied T‘u.
Shang could do no other than accede to this request so he bade the two men cast lots who should go. Fêng Chi drew the lot and was appointed, receiving a seal of office. Then he accompanied Kuo T‘u to the camp. But when he arrived and found T‘an in perfect health he grew suspicious and resigned. T‘an angrily refused to accept his resignation and was disposed to put him to death, but Kuo T‘u privately dissuaded him saying, “Ts‘ao Ts‘ao is on the borders and he must be kept here to allay your brother’s suspicions. After we have beaten Ts‘ao we can at once make an attempt on Ch‘ichou.”
Yüan T‘an agreed and forthwith broke up his camp to march against the enemy. He reached Liyang and lost no time in offering battle. He chose for his champion Wang Chao and, when he rode out, Ts‘ao Tsʻao sent Hsü Huang to meet him. These two had fought but a few bouts when Wang Chao was slain. At once Ts‘ao’s army pressed forward and T‘an suffered a severe defeat. He drew off his army and retired into Liyang, whence he sent to his brother for reinforcements.
