ould not thus salute a simple civilian like me。〃
〃But you are my old friend； and no name or office makes any difference to us；〃 replied Cao Cao。
〃Having been unable to choose the lord I would serve； I bowed my head before Yuan Shao wishing to support him sincerely。 But he was deaf to my words and disregarded my plans。 Wherefore I have left him and e now to see my old friend from whom I hope employment。〃
〃If you are willing to e； then have I indeed a helper；〃 said Cao Cao。 〃I desire you to give me a scheme for the destruction of Yuan Shao。〃
〃I counseled him to send a light force to take Capital Xuchang and at the same time attack here in full scale so that head and tail be both attacked。〃
Cao Cao was alarmed； saying； 〃If he does so； I am lost！〃
〃How much grain have you in store？〃 said the new adviser。
〃Enough for a year。〃
〃I think not quite；〃 said Xu You； smiling。
〃Well； half a year。〃
The visitor shook out his sleeves； rose and hurried toward the door of the tent； saying； 〃I offer him good counsel； and he repays me with deceit。 Could I have expected it？〃
Cao Cao held him back。
〃Do not be angry；〃 said he。 〃I will tell you the truth。 Really I have here only enough for three months。〃
〃Everybody says you are a marvel of wickedness； and indeed it is true；〃 said Xu You。
〃But who does not know that in war there is no objection to deceit？〃 replied Cao Cao。
Then whispering in Xu You's ear； he said； 〃Actually here I have only supplies for this month's use。〃
〃O do not throw dust in my eyes any more。 Your grain is exhausted and I know it。〃
Cao Cao was startled； for he thought no one knew of the straits he was in。
〃How did you find that out？〃 said Cao Cao。