The border commander, seeing their overwhelming numbers, forbade them from landing.

The Red Hair people pleaded, "All we ask for is a patch of ground, that is all we require."

The commander thought, "How much land is a 'patch of ground'?" and nodded his assent.

Two Red Hair soldiers carried a blanket and spread it on the shore. At first, it only accommodated two men, but they slowly pulled it wider until it could fit four or five. As the Red Hair people kept pulling and sending men ashore, by the time the blanket was fully spread, it covered an area of nearly an mu (acre), upon which hundreds of their soldiers were standing.

Once their feet touched solid ground, their true nature was revealed. Each drew a short knife and began plundering in all directions. Due to the suddenness of the attack, the losses were considerable.

The Red Hair people plundered for several li (miles) before finally departing.