CHAPTER XXX.
Yüan Shao Defeated at the Ferry:
Ts‘ao Ts‘ao Burns the Wuch‘ao Granaries.
Hearing that Yüan Shao was hastening to attack at Kuantu, Hsiahou Tun wrote to the capital urgently asking for reinforcements, and Ts‘ao Ts‘ao told off seventy legions with which he marched. Hsün Yü was left to guard the capital.
Just as Yüan’s army was starting T‘ien Fêng sent out a remonstrance from his prison cell denouncing the policy of attack and counselling Shao to wait upon such times as Heaven should appoint.
An enemy said to Yüan, “Why does this T‘ien Fêng utter ill-omened words? My lord is sending forth an army in the cause of humanity and justice.”
Easily moved to anger Yüan Shao was going to execute T‘ien, but this time he forebore at the entreaties of many of his officers. However, he was not appeased, for he said, “I will punish him when I return from conquering Ts‘ao Ts‘ao.”
Meanwhile he hastened to start. The banners of his host filled the horizon, their swords were as trees in the forest. They marched to Yangwu and there made a strong camp.
Then Chü Shou once more opposed any hasty movement, saying, “Though our soldiers are many they are not so bold as the enemy; however, veterans as are the enemy they have not ample supplies. Therefore they will wish to force on a speedy battle, while our policy is to hold them off and delay. If we can keep from a decisive battle long enough the victory will be ours without fighting.”
This advice did not appeal to the General. Said he, threateningly, “T‘ien Fêng spake discouraging words to my armies and I will assuredly put him to death on my return. How dare you follow in the same way?”
He summoned the lictors and sent away the adviser in chains, saying, “When I have overcome Ts‘ao then will I deal with you and T‘ien Fêng together.”
The huge army was camped in four divisions, one toward each point of the compass. The camps were ninety li in circuit. Scouts and spies were sent out to discover the strong and the weak points of the enemy.
Ts‘ao’s army arrived and were smitten with fear when they heard of the strength of their enemy. The leader called
