of a single candle till about the third watch； when he prepared to retire to bed。 He was startled by a knock at his door and in came Yi Ji； who had heard of the plot against his new master and had e in the darkness to warn him。 He related the details of the plot and urged speedy departure。
〃I have not said farewell to my host。 How can I go away？〃 said Liu Bei。
〃If you go to bid him farewell； you will fall a victim to the Cai faction；〃 said Yi Ji。
So Liu Bei said a hasty good…bye to his friend； called up his escort； and they all mounted and rode away by the light of the stars toward Xinye。 Soon after they had left the soldiers arrived at the guest…house； but their intended victim was already well on his way。
Naturally the failure of the plot chagrined the treacherous Cai Mao； but he took the occasion to scribble some calumnious verses on one of the partitions。
Then he went to see Liu Biao to whom he sai