d the city； which Zhong Yao set about defending。
Changan had been the capital of the Western Han and so was well fortified with a solid wall and a deep moat； safe against the most terrific attacks。 The new armies besieged the city for ten days without success。 Then Pang De proposed a plan。
Said he； 〃Since the land about the city is barren and the water bitter； the people must have munication with the country around in order to live。 Further they have no fuel。 Ten days of siege must have exhausted the supplies in the city； wherefore if we relax for a time………well； you will see。 We shall capture the city without moving a finger。〃
〃Your plan seems excellent；〃 said Ma Chao； when he heard what it was。
Thereupon they sent orders to each division to retire； and Ma Chao covered the retreat。 Next day Zhong Yao went up on the walls to look around and saw that the besiegers had gone。 However； suspecting a ruse； he sent out spies； who