r。
And they said to Gao Gan； 〃Cao Cao's troops are new to the country and not settled。 You ought to fall upon their camp this very evening。 If you approve； we will lead the attack。〃
Gao Gan decided to trust them and prepared to attack； giving the two brothers the leadership of ten thousand soldiers。 But as they drew near Cao Cao's camp； a great noise arose behind them and they found themselves in an ambush attacked on all sides。 Realizing too late that he had been the victim of a ruse； Gao Gan retreated to the pass； but found it occupied by Li Dian and Yue Jing。 Gao Gan then made the best of his way to the Chieftain of the Xiongnu People。 Cao Cao gave orders to hold the passes and sent panies in pursuit。
When Gao Gan reached the boundary of the Xiongnu State； he met Ce Xian； the Khan of the northern tribespeople。
Gao Gan dismounted and made a low obeisance； saying； 〃Cao Cao is conquering and absorbing all the borders and your turn； O King； will e quickly。 I pray you help me and let us smite together for the safety of the northern regions。〃
Ce Xian the Khan replied； 〃I have no quarrel with Cao Cao。 Why then should he invade my land？ Do you desire to embroil me with him？〃
He would have nothing to do with Gao Gan and sent him sway。 At his wits' end； Gao Gan decided to try to join Liu Biao and go southward so far on his journey as Shanglu when he was taken prisoner and put to death by Governor Wang Yan。 His head was sent to Cao Cao； and Wang Yan received lordship for this service。
Thus Bingzhou was conquered。 Then Cao Cao began to discuss the overthrow of the Wuhuan State。
Cao Hong； speaking in the name of other officials； said； 〃The two Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang are nearly done for and too weak to be feared。 They have fl