023. The Mission of War
“General! The Prime Minister has summoned you to the Chancellor’s Residence for a council meeting.”
One day, as he was practicing the Phoenix Gathering Spear Technique in his manor, the old servant called out from the edge of the training grounds.
“I’m coming. Prepare my horse!”
Cao Xin put away his heavy iron spear, bathed and changed his clothes, and rode his tall steed to the Chancellor’s Residence.
The atmosphere there today was lively, the audience chamber filled with both civil and military officials. More than fifty of the Chancellor’s elite—Xun Yu, Xun You, Cheng Yu, Dong Zhao, Zhong Yao, Man Chong, Cao Ren, Shi Huan, Xiahou Dun, Cao Hong, Yu Jin, Le Jin, Han Hao, Xiahou Yuan, Xu Huang, Cao Xiu, and others—were all gathered in the hall.
“Sixth General arrives!”
As General Cao entered, the guards at the doors announced him in a loud voice. All eyes in the hall turned to the tall, broad-shouldered man striding in.
“Uncle Six!”
“Sixth General!”
“Brother Ziyu!”
Xun You, Cheng Yu, Man Chong, Cao Xiu, and others rose to greet him, showing their closeness.
“Haha, forgive me for being late. We should have a drink together next time—my treat, of course.”
Cao Xin clasped his fists and greeted everyone in turn.
“Ziyu, over here! Your seat is here.”
Xiahou Yuan waved and called out to him.
Xiahou Yuan, courtesy name Miaocai, was twenty-eight years old, brother to Xiahou Dun. Years ago, when Cao Cao was implicated in a case in Qiao County and faced execution, it was Xiahou Yuan who volunteered to take the blame and serve the sentence in his place. Cao Cao later rescued him, forging a bond of life and death.
When Cao Cao raised his banner in Chenliu in 189, Xiahou Yuan followed him. Brave in battle and distinguished in merit, he was now Governor of Yingchuan, married to Lady Ding’s cousin.
“Haha, Brother Miaocai, it’s been a while. Have you finished rounding up the Yellow Turbans in Yingchuan? Need any help? I’m in Nanyang, you’re in Yingchuan—we’re neighbors. Just ask if you need anything, no need for formalities.”
Cao Xin laughed heartily, clapping Xiahou Yuan on his burly arm.
“Haha, the Yellow Turbans in Yingchuan are just petty thieves. No need for Ziyu to get involved. If something comes up next time, I certainly won’t forget you.”
Xiahou Yuan laughed in turn.
“I’ll hold you to that.”
After some banter, Cao Xin sat beside Xiahou Yuan. In front of them were Xiahou Dun, Prefect of Henan; Cao Ren, Governor of Heyang; General of Sharp Blade Cao Hong; Commander of the Central Army Shi Huan; and Han Hao, Commander of the Central Guard.
Cao Cao’s commanders fell into two categories: first, those who had followed him since he raised arms in Chenliu—brothers of the Cao and Xiahou clans, many holding both court and military posts thanks to their family ties. The second group, such as Yu Jin, Shi Huan, Le Jin, and Xu Huang, had joined later and held solely military ranks, usually lower than the family members.
Cao Xin was something of a third case: both a member of the Cao family and a later recruit. At first, his position was awkward, but with repeated achievements on the battlefield and saving members of both the Cao and Xiahou families on several occasions, he gradually secured his place among the Cao army.
Huff—huff—
Not long after he sat down, a sound of hurried breathing came from the doorway. Guo Jia, panting heavily, burst in, leaning on his knees to catch his breath. His handsome face was pale, a true pretty boy.
“Ah, Fengxiao is here! What a surprise—you’re not late for once.”
Xun You, courtesy name Gongda, teased him.
“You only arrived a moment before me,” Guo Jia shot him a glare, then complained to Cao Xin, “Cao Ziyu, why did you walk so fast? I chased you all the way from the gate and couldn’t catch up.”
“You’re too frail. Of course you can’t catch me.”
Cao Xin smiled lightly.
Hmph—Guo Jia wiped his sweat and sat among the civil officials, eyeing the white-feather fan in Cheng Yu’s hand, just about to speak.
“Not lending it.”
Cheng Yu replied.
Hmph—Guo Jia turned his gaze to Xun Yu’s feather fan but dared not ask.
“Here.”
Xun You produced a small palm-sized fan from his robe.
“Borrowing your daughter’s fan again, I see.”
Guo Jia fanned himself and glanced around the hall. “Everyone’s here. Why hasn’t the Chancellor arrived yet? Did he throw his back out?”
Clip-clop, clip-clop—
The newly appointed Commander of the Guards, Xu Chu, strode forth and declared,
“The Chancellor arrives!”
The hall fell silent as everyone stood in welcome.
Chancellor Cao walked in slowly from the rear, hands clasped behind his back, scanning both the civil and military officials. Seeing Cao Ziyu and Guo Fengxiao had arrived on time, he breathed a sigh of relief.
“Greetings, Chancellor!”
All bowed in salute.
“Be at ease, gentlemen. Take your seats.”
Cao Cao waved his wide sleeve and sat at the principal seat.
“Wenruo, state the situation.”
“Yes, Chancellor.”
Xun Yu stepped to the center of the hall, bowed to the assembly, and began his report.
From last year to this, the Central Plains had suffered severe drought. Regions like Yangzhou and Yuzhou saw widespread famine. Thanks to the system of military agriculture in Yanzhou and Yuzhou, where soldiers and peasants reclaimed wastelands for military and tax support, their harvests had been good and the famine less severe.
Yuan Shu, however, was not so lucky. Huainan suffered drought and crop failure. After being tricked by Lü Bu out of 300,000 hu of grain, conditions in Huainan became dire, with even the army lacking rations. Yuan Shu sent envoys to request grain from Chancellor Luo Jun of Chen State in Yuzhou.
Chen was one of Yuzhou’s nine commanderies, bordering Yuan Shu's Huainan. Thanks to the capable leadership of Duke Liu Chong and Chancellor Luo Jun, the area had remained untouched by war since the Yellow Turban Uprising, and Luo Jun often took in refugees from other regions. After several years, Chen grew prosperous, with over eighty-three thousand households—rivaling even the largest county in Yuzhou, Yingchuan.
Upon hearing Yuan Shu’s request for grain, Luo Jun refused. Yuan Shu then sent assassins disguised as grateful refugees, bearing wine and meat to Luo Jun’s residence. They presented him with a cup of rice wine in thanks. Luo Jun, unaware of the ruse, drank it in one gulp. Soon after, the poison took effect and he was murdered by the assassins.
Yuan Shu then led fifty thousand troops in a night assault on Chen, capturing the county seat, killing Duke Liu Chong, frantically searching for grain, looting and pillaging, earning the wrath of Heaven and the people.
“The Chancellor is the Prime Minister of Han. The traitor Yuan Shu has looted and murdered in Chen, killed Duke Liu and Chancellor Luo—an act of utter treason and wickedness. To raise an army against him would be just and righteous, winning the hearts of the people and Heaven alike.”
Xun Yu finished and stepped back.
Cao Xin smacked his lips in silent amazement. In the past, he’d wondered if it was possible to poison a foreign leader with a cup of wine. Hearing of Yuan Shu’s plot against Luo Jun, he realized such tricks had existed two thousand years ago already—true talent.
“Is everyone clear on the situation?”
Chancellor Cao looked to his generals.
“We understand, Chancellor! I am willing to lead troops to punish the traitor Yuan Shu.”
Cao Hong leapt up and shouted.
“Chancellor! I request the honor of leading the attack!”
“Chancellor, let me share your burden!”
One after another, Cao Ren, Shi Huan, Xiahou Dun, Yu Jin, Le Jin, Xiahou Yuan, Xu Huang, and other commanders all stood and loudly volunteered to lead troops against Yuan Shu.
Cao Xin was momentarily stunned. While he’d merely been lost in thought, everyone else had leapt up. He quickly rose and shouted,
“Chancellor, give me ten thousand troops and I’ll surely shatter Yuan Shu’s forces and bring him back to dance for you.”
“Chancellor, I only need five thousand men to drive off Yuan Gonglu!”
Cao Hong shouted.
The other generals exchanged looks and immediately reported their requested numbers—some ten thousand, some eight, some five. Regardless of the size, their attitudes were earnest.
Cao Xin gritted his teeth and decided to go further. “Chancellor, give me only three thousand men, and I will defeat Yuan’s army and rout Yuan Shu. I’m willing to sign a military pledge.”
A collective gasp filled the hall. You’re ruthless, leaving no room for error!
“Ha! Amusing, truly amusing.”
Guo Fengxiao doubled over with laughter. Beside him, Xun You hid his smile behind his small fan.
“Fengxiao, enough!”
Xun Yu gave Guo Jia and Xun You a cool glance. They shrugged and propped their chins to watch the generals’ contest.
“All right, enough squabbling.”
Cao Cao massaged his forehead. “I intend to personally lead the army to Chen and punish the traitor Yuan Gonglu. Wenze, Wenqian, Gongming!”
“We are here!”
Yu Jin (Wenze), Le Jin (Wenqian), and Xu Huang (Gongming) rose.
“You three are to prepare your troops immediately. When supplies and arms are ready, you will march with me to Chen County to strike Yuan Shu.”
“Yes, Chancellor!”
The three generals saluted and left the council hall.
“Yuanrang, Zilian!”
“We are here!”
Xiahou Dun and Cao Hong stood.
“You two will guard Yanzhou. Keep watch on Yuan Shao in Jizhou, Yuan Tan in Qingzhou, Liu Bei in Xiaopei, and Lü Bu in Xuzhou. Do not let them take advantage of our absence.”
“Yes, Chancellor!”
The two saluted and sat.
“Zixiao, Gongliu!”
“We are here!”
Cao Ren (Zixiao) and Shi Huan (Gongliu) stood at attention.
“You two will keep watch on Li Jue in Guanzhong and Zhang Yang in Henei. Be ready to act according to circumstances.”
“Yes, Chancellor!”
They sat.
“Ziyu, Miaocai!”
“We are here!”
Cao Xin and Xiahou Yuan stepped forward.
“After I march out, you two will hold Nanyang and Yingchuan. Should Liu Biao or Zhang Xiu send troops, stall them as much as possible and ensure I have no worries at home.”
“Yes, Chancellor!”
The two clasped their fists and sat.
“Zhongde, you will garrison Ruyin County. If Jingzhou sends troops, support from your position.”
“Yes, Chancellor!”
Cheng Yu, Governor of Ruyin, saluted.
“Gongda, Fengxiao, you two will accompany me to Chen County.”
“Yes, Chancellor!”
Xun You and Guo Jia bowed in assent.
“Everyone else will remain in Xudu, assisting Wenruo to gather supplies and maintain the army’s logistics.”
“Yes, Chancellor!”
All stood and answered.
“Ziyu!”
Chancellor Cao finally fixed his gaze on Cao Xin. “While you defend Nanyang, do not act rashly or provoke Jingzhou. Do not grow arrogant or underestimate the armies of Xiliang and Jingzhou. Your main duty is to defend—if you hold off the enemy, you will have rendered great service. If you fail, I will hold you solely responsible.”
He spoke sternly.
“Yes, Chancellor! I guarantee the enemy from Jingzhou will not cross Wancheng by a single step.”
Cao Xin replied loudly.
Not being chosen to join the campaign didn’t bother him. He remembered that after Chancellor Cao marched on Chen, Yuan Shu fled at the mere approach, and the army’s thirty thousand men made the journey in vain.
Going along would mean no battle anyway. Better to stay in Nanyang, recruit troops, perhaps clash with Jingzhou, and then turn to deal with Yuan Shu.
—