A guard recognized the signature, and after sending a runner in advance, escorted the trio toward the city administration complex. When they arrived, the structure seemed to be under repair. A messenger came out from the inside--the runner from before--and informed the guard that the General was at the stable just to the east of the complex, and would meet them there. From there, the group traveled over that direction, where a group of soldiers seemed to be in training.Chen Ping wrote:At midday, three riders appeared in the outskirts of Donga. They quickly approached the city gates, and upon arrival, their lead rider dismounted to address the gate guards.
"I am Cao Cao, from Pengcheng. General Fang Ai invited me to speak with him. Please direct me to him."
From his satchel he withdrew a bamboo scroll bearing the signature of the general.
The head of the force, a larger man who sat upon a horse wearing full battle regalia, soon turned to the incoming group. He dismounted, and leaving his horse with a lieutenant, walked over. "I am General Fang," he said as he walked. He stopped a distance away, giving a slight salute, and said, "You are Cao Cao, then? I was surprised to hear that you were here; I did not expect a visit so soon. If you want, we can stable your horses here and speak inside. Until that construction finishes, I've commandeered this stable for my own private use."