hou； you will see their forces cooperate with those of Liu Biao。 All regions and counties ought to organize volunteers and set them along their borders to demonstrate their force and prove their loyal support of the dynasty。 Will not this be rendering extraordinary service？
〃The rank of lordship； with feudal rights over five thousand households and a money reward of five millions； will be the reward of the one who brings the head of Cao Cao。 No questions will be asked of those who surrender。 I publish abroad this notice of my bounty and the rewards offered that you may realize that the dynasty is in real danger。〃
Yuan Shao read this effusion with great joy。 He at once ordered copies to be posted everywhere； in towns and cities； at gates； tax stations； ferries； and passes。 Copies found their way to the capital； and one got into Cao Cao's palace。 That day he happened to be in bed with a bad headache。 The servants took the paper to the sick man's room。 He read it and was frightened from the tips of his hair to the marrow of his very bones。 He broke out into a cold perspiration； and his headache vanished。
Cao Cao bounded out of bed and said to Cao Hong； 〃Who wrote this？〃
〃They say it is Chen Lin's brush；〃 replied he。
Cao Cao laughed； 〃They have the literary gift； they would rather have the military too to back it up。 This fellow may be a very elegant writer； but what if Yuan Shao's fighting capacity falls short？〃
Cao Cao called his advisers together to consider the next move。
Kong Rong heard of the summons and went to Cao Cao； saying； 〃You should not fight with Yuan Shao： He is too strong。 Make peace。〃
Xun Yu said； 〃He is despicable。 Do not make peace。〃
Kong Rong replied； 〃His land is wide and his people strong。