im just as easily as I can get something out of my pocket。 What I want to do is to overe and win his heart； so that peace may follow of itself。〃
They listened； but they had no great confidence in the success of the policy of conciliation。
In the meantime Meng Huo had reached the River Lu； and there he fell in with some of his defeated leaders； who were trying to get news of their King's fate。
They were surprised； but glad； to see him； and asked； 〃How were Your Highness able to get back？〃
The King lied； saying； 〃They confined me in a tent； and I broke out in the night。 I slew more than ten guards and ran。 And then I met one of their sentries； killed him； and that is how I got this horse。〃
They never doubted his word； and very joyfully they hurried him over the river to a camping place。 Then all the notables assembled from the various ravines； and the soldiers that had escaped death were mustered and got into shape as a fighting force。
The two leaders in the late campaign； Dongtu Na and Ahui Nan； were in one of the ravines； and Meng Huo sent to ask them to e。 They were afraid； but they could not disobey； and they came with an escort。
When all had assembled； the King proclaimed as follows： 〃I know Zhuge Liang is too full of ruses for us to conquer him in a fight； we should only fall victims to other base devices。 However； we must remember that his soldiers have marched far and the weather is sultry； which are factors in our favor。 Beside； River Lu is our rampart。 We will have boats and rafts on the south side； and we will build a mud wall。 With such good defenses we can afford to wait and see what the enemy intends。〃
His speech met with approval； and his plan was carried out。 The wall was supported by the hills and st