the center； with Zhu Huan and Quan Zong supporting him left and right with the other two columns。
Then said Zhu Huan； 〃Cao Xiu is neither able nor bold。 He holds office because he is of the blood。 He has fallen into the trap laid by Zhou Fang and marched too far to be able to withdraw。 If the mander…in…Chief will smite； Cao Xiu must be defeated。 Defeated； he must flee along two roads； one Jiashi on the left； the other Guichi on the right； both of which are precipitous and narrow。 Let me and my colleague go to prepare an ambush in these roads。 We will block them and so cut off their escape。 If this Cao Xiu could be captured； and a hasty advance made； success would be easy and sure。 We should get Shouchun； whence Xuchang and Luoyang can be seen。 This is the one chance in the thousand。〃
〃I do not think the plan good；〃 said Lu Xun。 〃I have a better one。〃
Zhu Huan resented the rejection of his scheme and went away。 Lu Xun ordered Zhuge Jin and certain others to garrison Jiangling and oppose Sima Yi and made all other dispositions of forces。
Cao Xiu neared Huancheng； and Zhou Fang came out of the city to wele him and went to the general's tent。
Cao Xiu said； 〃I received your letter and the memorandum； which was most logical； and sent it to His Majesty。 He has set in motion accordingly three armies。 It will be a great merit for you； Sir； if the South Land can be added to His Majesty's dominions。 People say you are abundant in craft； but I do not believe what they say； for I think you will be true to me and not fail。〃
Zhou Fang wept。 He seized a sword from one of his escort and was about to kill himself； but Cao Xiu stopped him。
Still leaning on the sword； Zhou Fang said； 〃As to the seven things I mentioned； my regret is that I c