Chapter 59: The General Cannot Be Saved

Xuzhou Affairs.

In the first year of Xingping, 194 AD, Cao Cao launched an attack on Tao Qian of Xuzhou. Tao Qian was unable to resist and sought help from Tian Kai, the Inspector of Qingzhou. Tian Kai invited Liu Bei to Xuzhou to assist Tao Qian and oppose Cao Cao, prompting Liu Bei’s arrival in Xuzhou.

Later, Chen Gong and Zhang Miao betrayed Cao Cao, welcoming Lü Bu to take control of Yanzhou. With his base lost, Cao Cao was forced to retreat, and the siege of Xuzhou was lifted.

Tao Qian recommended Liu Bei as the Inspector of Yuzhou, instructing him to station his troops at Xiaopei to guard against Cao Cao’s forces.

In the second year of Xingping, Tao Qian fell ill and, before dying, entrusted Xuzhou to Liu Bei. With the support of Chen Deng, Kong Rong, and Mi Zhu, Liu Bei assumed control of Xuzhou.

That autumn, Lü Bu was defeated by Cao Cao. He led his remnants to Xuzhou, seeking refuge from Liu Bei. Liu Bei allowed Lü Bu to station his troops at Xiaopei to defend against Cao Cao, and thus Lü Bu settled in Xuzhou.

Cao Cao officially recognized Liu Bei as General Who Pacifies the East and granted him the title of Marquis of Yicheng Pavilion.

In the first year of Jian’an, 196 AD, Yuan Shu attacked Xuzhou. Liu Bei, with Guan Yu and others, went south to Guangling Commandery to fight Yuan Shu, leaving Zhang Fei to guard Xiapi Commandery.

Zhang Fei quarreled with Cao Bao, a Xuzhou commander, resulting in chaos within Xiapi. Lü Bu seized the opportunity, capturing Xiapi, Langya, Pengcheng, and other commanderies, occupying Xuzhou and capturing Liu Bei’s wife.

Meanwhile, Liu Bei was defeated by Yuan Shu in Guangling, returned to Xuzhou with his remaining forces, and sought reconciliation with Lü Bu.

Lü Bu allowed Liu Bei to garrison at Xiaopei to guard against Cao Cao.

In October of the first year of Jian’an, Yuan Shu ordered Ji Ling to lead thirty thousand troops to attack Liu Bei at Xiaopei. Lü Bu fired an arrow at the gate of his camp, causing Ji Ling to withdraw.

In the beginning of the second year of Jian’an, 197 AD, Yuan Shu proclaimed himself emperor in Shouchun and allied with Lü Bu. Cao Cao appointed Lü Bu as General of the Left in an attempt to win him over.

Persuaded by Chen Deng, the Grand Administrator of Guangling, Lü Bu executed Yuan Shu’s envoy who was sent to Xudu, then responded to Cao Cao’s call and led his army against the traitor Yuan Shu.

In August, Yuan Shu retreated to Lujiang, sending his strategist Yan Xiang on a secret mission to Xuzhou to warn Lü Bu that the fall of Yuan Shu would soon bring Cao Cao’s attack upon Xuzhou.

Urged by Chen Gong, Lü Bu launched a surprise attack on Cao Cao’s rear after the latter’s troops were struck by floods, inflicting a heavy defeat.

Meanwhile, Liu Bei, supported by the Mi family, recruited and trained over ten thousand troops at Xiaopei in secret.

Upon returning to Xuzhou and finding Liu Bei’s army strong, Lü Bu suspected Liu Bei of plotting rebellion and attacked Xiaopei, defeating Liu Bei and capturing his wife once more.

Liu Bei sought assistance from Cao Hong, who led five thousand troops to help but was defeated by Colonel Gao Shun and Zhang Liao, Grand Administrator of Beidi.

Cao Cao had no choice but to abandon his campaign in Huainan and return to Xudu.

Seeing the Cao army withdraw, Lü Bu retreated to Xiapi and sent envoys to ally with Yuan Shu.

As the weather turned colder, Cao Cao and his advisers decided to suspend military operations, to renew the fight against Lü Bu the following year. Cao Cao nominated Liu Bei as Governor of Yuzhou and sent him money and provisions to return to Xiaopei, recruit soldiers, and attack Lü Bu.

“The Prime Minister truly favors Liu Bei,”

Cao Xin remarked as he read through the records of Xuzhou.

From 194 onward, Liu Bei repeatedly stood against Cao Cao, time and again causing him harm. Yet Cao Cao continued to grant Liu Bei titles and honors—General Who Pacifies the East, Governor of Yuzhou—and before long, they would share wine over plums, with Liu Bei appointed General of the Left, second only to Cao Cao’s rank of General of Chariots and Cavalry. Cao Cao treated Liu Bei as one might an idol, with genuine admiration.

Yiji, newly returned from Xinye, said, “It is said that Governor Liu of Yuzhou is a man of outstanding talent, heroic in bearing and renowned for his virtue. The Prime Minister and Governor Liu are heroes who recognize one another.”

“Haha, heroes who recognize heroes! What do you think, Jibo, who in our era deserves the title of hero?”

Cao Xin poured a cup of hot tea for Yiji.

Yiji stroked his beard and smiled, “In my view, only those who command armies on horseback and bring peace to the people on foot can be called heroes. Of the hundreds of bold figures in the realm, perhaps only five truly deserve the name: the Prime Minister, Governor Liu of Yuzhou, Yuan Shao, Sun Ce, and yourself, General.”

“Haha, as for me, I need not be counted. I only wish for a carefree and happy life, never aspiring to be a hero.”

Cao Xin reclined against soft cushions, two beautiful maids kneading his shoulders and arms, while two more knelt at his thighs, working to relax his muscles.

Yiji shook his head in resignation. Before meeting Cao Xin, he had heard rumors that Cao Xin was a lascivious man, fond of beauty, luxurious mansions, fine food, silk garments, gold carriages, a life of indulgence and excess, unconcerned with personal virtue.

But after joining Cao Xin’s retinue, he found him not so lacking.

Cao Xin fought bravely in battle, unyielding and determined, attentive to strategy, both courageous and wise. He understood how to train troops and command officers, and in governance, he recognized talent and delegated effectively. His achievements as an official were as impressive as those of any renowned prefect.

Seeing all this, Yiji thought the world had misunderstood Cao Xin, or perhaps someone had deliberately slandered him.

He intended to use his visit to Xudu to spread word of Cao Xin’s deeds and achievements in Nanyang through his friends, hoping to restore Cao Xin’s reputation.

But upon arriving in Xudu, he saw Cao Xin’s grand mansion, more magnificent than the palace;

Hundreds of maids, all beautiful;

Extravagant food, drink, and entertainment, at tremendous cost;

Cao Xin himself rode in a golden carriage, making a show wherever he went;

At home, he became idle and lazy, often lounging in the inner chambers.

Each thing he observed was pure indulgence and luxury, needing no false accusations from others.

Yiji had tried hard to persuade him, urging Cao Xin to emulate famous generals, abandon bad habits, cultivate virtue, and secure lasting fame.

Cao Xin paid no heed, saying he cared nothing for personal reputation, nor whether his name survived in history, only for happiness in the moment.

Toward such a man, Yiji felt both helpless and admiration—a man who enjoyed rank and wealth, yet was not obsessed with them, was impossible not to respect.

“Jibo, once the affair at Rangcheng is settled, what will you do? Continue as chief clerk in the commandery, or return to serve at court? I have a few recommendations to offer; you may choose any post below the rank of prefect.”

Cao Xin twirled two walnuts in his hand as he spoke.

Yiji had come to Xudu for two reasons: first, to bring the Xinye agreement for him to sign; second, to accompany Bian Qi, chief clerk of the Western Liang army, to receive Zhang Xiu’s imperial appointment, fulfilling their previous accord.

“General, I have served many years in Nanyang Commandery and am well acquainted with its affairs. I wish to remain in Nanyang.”

Yiji pondered for a moment and replied.

“That is acceptable. I will soon be following the Prime Minister in campaigns north and south, and will have no time to oversee Nanyang’s affairs. Liao Hua, Zhang Baiqi and others will also withdraw, and Mao Xiaoxian will soon be summoned to the Prime Minister’s office. The administration of Nanyang will rest with you and Zhengfang.”

“Yes, General!”

Yiji bowed deeply.

Cao Xin lifted his hand in a gesture of support and recalled another matter.

“What is the situation with Jia Wenhe? I’ve been too busy lately to ask.”

“General, I have spoken personally with Jia Wenhe. He seems to have some reservations.”

Yiji hesitated before answering.

“What concerns?”

“Uh, General, you once said Jia Xu’s cunning schemes brought chaos to the realm, costing both wife and troops. This appraisal made Jia Wenhe famous, but also branded him as a man lacking virtue and full of treachery, all thanks to you.

So when I called on Jia Wenhe, he declined, saying he did not wish to employ any more cunning schemes that might harm you. He intends, once Rangcheng’s affair is finished, to retire with Zhang Xiu to Western Liang.”

Yiji stroked his beard as he spoke.

Cao Xin laughed heartily, recalling the events at Bowang Slope months before.

“All those things were indeed his doing; I never wronged him. What’s he upset about? Never mind, I’ll have some leisure this winter—let’s take a trip to Nanyang together and meet this great talent myself.”

“General, you honor the worthy and treat the humble with respect, truly in the manner of ancient renowned commanders. I congratulate you.”

Yiji smiled faintly.

“Haha, don’t flatter me, or you’ll only be disappointed.”

Cao Xin laughed loudly, pulling a maid onto his lap to play.

Yiji’s mustache twitched as he quickly stood to take his leave, fearing that to linger longer would corrupt him.

Watching Yiji’s departing figure, Cao Xin smiled slightly, waved the maids away, and rose to seek pleasure in the inner chambers.

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