ao Cao was very angry and sent for Cai Mao and Zhang Yun at once。
As soon as they appeared; he said; 〃I want you two to attack。〃
Cai Mao replied; 〃But the soldiers are not yet sufficiently trained。〃
〃The soldiers will be well enough trained when you have sent my head to Zhou Yu; eh?〃
Both manders were dumb…founded; having not the least idea what this meant。 They remained silent for they had nothing to say。 Cao Cao bade the executioners lead them away to instant death。 In a short time their heads were produced。
By this time Cao Cao had thought over the matter; and it dawned upon him that he had been tricked。 A poem says:
No one could stand against Cao Cao;
Of sin he had full share;
But Zhou Yu was more treacherous;
And caught him in a snare。
Two manders to save their lives;
Betrayed a former lord;
Soon after; as was very met。
Both fell beneath the sword。
The death of these two naval manders caused much consternation in