The Meeting of Heroes: Both Absurd and Astonishing

[Ju Shou] insisted that the enemy must be destroyed by these means, but [Yuan] Shao followed none of his advice. It happened that the family of Xu You A childhood friend of Cao Cao who became a key strategist for his rival, Yuan Shao broke the law, and Shen Pei A high-ranking official under Yuan Shao known for his strictness and lack of flexibility had them arrested and detained.

Furious, [Xu] You defected to [Cao] Cao. When [Cao] Cao heard of his arrival, he was so overjoyed that he ran out barefoot original: "跣" (xiǎn). In ancient Chinese etiquette, meeting a guest without shoes or properly adjusted clothing indicated such extreme excitement or urgency that one forgot formal decorum to welcome him. Clapping his hands and laughing, he said: "Ziqing Xu You's courtesy name; using it indicates intimacy and respect, since you have come from so far, my cause is as good as won!"

Once they were seated, [Xu You] said to [Cao] Cao: "The Yuan clan's army is in its full strength; how do you intend to face them?" ○ "How much grain do you have left currently?"

[Cao] Cao replied: "It can still last for one year."

[Xu] You said: "That is not true. Speak again."

○ [Cao] Cao spoke again: "It can last for half a year."

[Xu] You said: "Does your excellency not wish to defeat the Yuan clan? Why do you speak so untruthfully!"

○ [Cao] Cao admitted he was only joking, saying: "In truth, it can only last for one month."

○ "What should be done then?"

[Xu] You said: "The Yuan clan has more than ten thousand supply wagons original: "輜重" (zīzhòng). This refers to the heavy baggage, food, and equipment of an army stationed at Gushi and Wuchao. These camps are not strictly guarded. If you lead light cavalry to raid them and burn their accumulated stores, the Yuan clan will collapse on its own within three days."

○ [Cao] Cao was greatly pleased. He left Xun You and 曹洪 (Cao Hong) to guard the main camp while he personally led five thousand infantry and cavalry...