ur other plan even under the penalty of death！〃
Xu Sheng's countenance changed。 The recalcitrant young man was ordered to leave the tent by Sun Quan。
〃He will not be any loss to us；〃 said Sun Quan to Xu Sheng； 〃and I will not employ him again。〃
Then the Prince left and returned to his own place。
That night they reported to Xu Sheng that Sun Shao had gone secretly over the river with his own three thousand troops。 Xu Sheng did not wish him to e to harm； as evidently that would displease the Prince。 So Xu Sheng sent a force to support him。 Ding Feng was chosen to mand this reinforcement； and he was told what to do。
The Ruler of Wei； in his dragon ships； reached Guangling； and the van got to the river bank。 He came to survey the position。
〃How many soldiers are on the other bank？〃 asked Cao Pi。
Cao Zhen replied； 〃I have not seen a single one。 Nor are there any flags or encampments。〃
〃That is a ruse。 I will go and find out。〃
So Cao Pi set out to cross the river in one of the dragon ships。 He anchored under the bank。 On his boat were displayed the imperial emblems of dragon； phoenix； sun； moon； and they shone out bravely。 Seated in the ship； the Emperor looked up and down the south bank； but not a man was visible。
〃Do you think we should cross？〃 asked the Emperor of his strategists。
Liu Ye replied； 〃If the rules of war mean anything； they ought to be prepared。 We think Your Majesty should exercise caution。 Wait a few days and watch。 Then perhaps the van might be sent to make a reconnaissance。〃
〃So I think；〃 said the Ruler of Wei。 〃But as it is now late； we will pass the night on the river。〃
It was a dark night； and the ships was brilliantly lighted up； it seemed like day on board。 But