〃What preparations are necessary？〃 asked Cao Cao。
〃Just a youth as my servant and a couple of rowers。 Nothing else。〃
Cao Cao offered him wine； wished him success； and sent him on his way。
Clad in a simple white robe and seated in his little craft； the messenger reached Zhou Yu's camp and bade the guards say that an old friend Jiang Gan wished to see him。
The mander was in his tent at a council when the message came； and he laughed as he said to those about him； 〃A persuader is ing。〃
Then he whispered certain instructions in the ear of each one of them； and they went out to await his arrival。
Zhou Yu received his friend in full ceremonial garb。 A crowd of officers in rich silken robes were about him。 The guest appeared； his sole attendant a lad dressed in a simple blue gown。 Jiang Gan bore himself proudly as he advanced； and Zhou Yu made a low obeisance。
〃You have been well I hope since last we me