one of these events were soon set at rest； for a messenger came from Hefei to report： 〃Lu Su； the Supreme mander of the South Land； has died in Lukou。〃
Then Cao Cao sent hurriedly into Hanzhong； and the scout returned to report： 〃Zhang Fei and Ma Chao have taken the Xiabian Pass and are threatening Hanzhong。〃
Cao Cao was angry and inclined to march at once against the invaders。 But he consulted the great soothsayer； who advised him not to move。
〃Do not act in haste。 In the ing spring there will be a conflagration in Xuchang；〃 said Guan Lu。
Having been witness of the verification of Guan Lu's words； Cao Cao was in no mood to neglect the warning。 He stayed on in his palace； but he sent Cao Hong with fifty thousand troops to assist in the defense of East River Land； while Xiahou Dun； with thirty thousand troops； went to Xuchang to keep careful watch and be ready against any surprises。 He placed High Minister Wang Bi in mand of the Imperial Guard。
Sima Yi warned Cao Cao against this Wang Bi； saying； 〃The man is given to wine； and slack。 He is not a fit person for such a post。〃
Cao Cao replied； 〃He is very fit。 He has followed me through all difficulties and dangers。 He is loyal and diligent； solid as stone or iron。〃
Wang Bi was appointed and led the guard into camp at the capital； outside the East Gate of the Imperial Palace。
Now there was a certain Geng Ji； a Luoyang man； who had long been employed in the Prime Minister's palace in a subordinate capacity and afterward had been promoted to a post of Minister。 He and Minister Wei Huang were close friends。
These two were greatly distressed at Cao Cao's advance to princely rank； and more especially at his use of the imperial chariots。 In the early months of the twe