Xu Shu follows Pan Tong’s instructions, and sets out rumours saying that Ma Teng and Han Sui have started a revolt in Xiliang. The morale of Cao Cao’s army is shaken. Xu Shu goes to see Cao Cao and volunteers to take on the mission [to suppress the rebellion], and share this burden with Cao Cao. Xu Shu will lead the troops to the northwest. If the military situation becomes urgent he will immediately send reports, and ask Cao Cao to move his troops back to the capital. If there is no war, Xu Shu will himself get the situation under control. Then Cao Cao can keep his mind on getting control over the Southland.
徐庶按照龐統的教傳造謠言說西涼馬騰、韓遂造反。曹操軍心大亂，徐庶見曹操謀差，願替他分憂，領兵到西北，如有軍情即來緊急公文，要曹操班師回都，如沒有干戈我會來平安公事，丞相安心取江東。