ime by flight； but they have since secretly returned to the capital。 With their help all will go well。〃
Geng Ji and Wei Huang rejoiced at the prospect of further help； and a messenger was sent to call in the two Ji brothers。 Soon they arrived； and the plot was laid before them。 They were deeply affected and shed copious tears。 Their wrath rose to the sky； and they swore to aid in the destruction of the rebel。
〃On the fifteenth day of the first month there will be grand illuminations in the city；〃 said Jin Yi； 〃and felicitations will continue on every side。 Geng Ji and Wei Huang will each lead out their retainers and make their way quickly to Wang Bi's camp to wait till they see the fire begin。 Then they will dash in； slay Wang Bi； and follow me inside the Palace。 We will then request the Emperor to ascend the Tower of the Five Phoenixes； assemble his officers； and issue orders to destroy the rebels。 The two Ji brothers will make their way into the city and set fires going。 Then all will raise their voices and summon the populace to their aid。 They are to hold up any rescue force in the city till the Emperor has issued the edict and disturbance is allayed； when they will rush toward Yejun and seize Cao Cao。 Then a messenger will be dispatched with a summons for Liu Bei； the Imperial Uncle。 We will begin our work that night at the second watch； and we will escape the ill success that attended Dong Cheng's attempt。〃
All five swore before Heaven to be true； and they smeared their lips with blood in earnest of their oath。 After this； each returned to his own home to prepare arms and call up their people。
Geng Ji and Wei Huang each had four or five hundred retainers； whom they armed。 Ji Mao and Ji Mu also got together three hundred men。 They gave o