。
All being ready; the squadron drums beat the roll thrice; and the ships sailed out under a strong northwest wind on a trial cruise。 When they got among the waves; they were found to be as steady and immovable as the dry land itself。 The northern soldiers showed their delight at the absence of motion by capering and flourishing their weapons。 The ships moved on; the squadrons keeping quite distinct。 Fifty light cruisers sailed to and fro keeping order and urging progress。
Cao Cao watched his navy from the mand Terrace and was delighted with their evolutions and maneuvers。 Surely this meant plete victory。 He ordered the recall and the squadrons returned in perfect order to their base。
Then Cao Cao went to his tent and summoned his advisers。
He said; 〃If Heaven had not been on my side; should I have got this excellent plan from the Young Phoenix? Now that the ships are attached firmly to each other; one may traverse the river as easily as walking on firm earth。〃
〃The ships are firmly attached to each other;〃 said Cheng Yu; 〃but you should be prepared for an attack by fire so that they can scatter to avoid it。〃
The General laughed。
〃You look a long way ahead;〃 said he; 〃but you see what cannot happen。〃
〃Cheng Yu speaks much to the point;〃 said Xun You。 〃Why do you laugh at him?〃
Cao Cao said; 〃Anyone using fire depends upon the wind。 This is now winter and only west winds blow。 You will get neither east nor south winds。 I am on the northwest; and the enemy is on the southeast bank。 If they use fire; they will destroy themselves。 I have nothing to fear。 If it was the tenth moon; or early spring; I would provide against fire。〃
〃The Prime Minister is indeed wise;〃 said the others in chorus。 〃None can equal