uler of Wu； and Sun Xiu's fears increased so that he could not rest。 Shortly after this； Sun Chen sent a large body of troops under the mand of Minister Meng Zong into camp at Wuchang； and Sun Chen armed them from the state arsenals。
Whereupon General Wei Miao and Imperial Guard Shi Shuo secretly memorialized the Ruler of Wu： 〃Sun Chen has moved the troops outside and provided them with state arms。 This action points to rebellion。〃
Sun Xiu was shocked； and called in Zhang Bu to consult； and he said； 〃The Veteran General Ding Feng is an able and trustworthy officer。 He should be consulted。〃
So Ding Feng was called and taken into the Emperor's confidence。
〃Have no anxiety；〃 said Ding Feng。 〃I will find some way of ridding the state of this evil。〃
〃What do you propose？〃
〃When the winter court is held； and all the officers are assembled； spread a great banquet and invite Sun Chen。 I shall be ready to act。〃
Wei Miao and Shi Shuo were taken into the plot and were to do what was possible outside the Palace； and Zhang Bu saw to arrangements within。
One night a heavy storm came on to blow； which tore up great trees by the roots。 However； by daylight it had abated； and that morning an Emperor's messenger arrived bearing an invitation to a banquet in the Palace。 Sun Chen rose from his couch； and； as he did so； fell flat on the ground as though he had been pushed from behind。 This accident troubled him； and he felt apprehensive； so he called half a score of his trusty guards to act as his escort to the Palace。
As he was leaving home； his family besought him not to go out； saying； 〃The storm last night and the fall this morning are fearful omens。 You should not go to that banquet。〃
However； he made light of their