Chapter 21 of Romance of the Three Kingdoms stands as one of the most iconic and psychologically intense episodes in Chinese literature—a masterclass in political deception, hidden ambition, and the delicate dance between survival and destiny.
At its heart lies the legendary “Boiling Wine and Discussing Heroes”, a conversation that crackles with tension and foreshadows the future division of China. As Liu Bei struggles to conceal his aspirations under Cao Cao’s watchful eye, he resorts to gardening as a disguise, only to face a terrifying moment of exposure. Meanwhile, the Blood Edict conspiracy reaches a critical juncture, forcing Liu Bei to flee Xu and reclaim his independence.
Liu Bei’s Humble Facade
After killed Lü Bu, who once betrayed Liu Bei and snatched his territory, Cao Cao did not return Xuzhou to Liu Bei. Instead Liu Bei was brought back to the capital Xuchang. Liu Bei found himself in a perilous position. Though outwardly honored, he was under constant surveillance. Fearing that his lofty ambitions might arouse suspicion, he adopted a strategy of deliberate obscurity.
He retreated to a back garden, where he began growing vegetables, tending to melons and beans, and avoiding political discourse. His goal was to appear as a man content with a simple life—uninterested in power, unthreatening, and harmless.
This act of “hiding one’s light under a bushel” was a survival tactic, reminiscent of ancient sages who concealed their wisdom to avoid persecution. Historically, Liu Bei did reside under Cao Cao for a time, and while the vegetable garden may be a literary device, it symbolizes his prudence and strategic patience.
The feast that shook the world
Cao Cao, ever perceptive, was not deceived. To test Liu Bei’s true nature, he invited him to a private banquet during the plum season, when fresh plums were boiled with wine—a custom known as “boiling wine with green plums”.
As they drank, Cao Cao posed a seemingly casual but profoundly dangerous question:
“Who do you think are the true heroes of our age?”
Liu Bei, playing the role of the humble observer, listed powerful warlords: Yuan Shu of Huainan, Yuan Shao of Ji Province, Liu Biao of Jing Province, and others. Each time, Cao Cao dismissed them with scorn:
“They are but shadows, not true heroes.”
Then, with a thunderous declaration, Cao Cao pointed at Liu Bei and then himself:
“The only heroes in the world are you and I!”
The moment was electrifying. Liu Bei, caught completely off guard, dropped his chopsticks in shock—a physical betrayal of his inner turmoil.
Fortune, however, favored the cautious. At that very instant, a clap of thunder shook the sky. Liu Bei seized the opportunity:
“I have always been afraid of thunder. That sudden crack startled me so much I dropped my utensils.”
Cao Cao, convinced by the explanation, laughed it off. But the damage was done—he had seen the flicker of fear and ambition in Liu Bei’s eyes.
This scene, while dramatized, encapsulates the psychological warfare of the era. Cao Cao boasts keen insight into human nature, and the episode has become a proverbial expression of hidden rivalry and the fragility of disguise.
The Blood Edict Unfolds: Liu Bei’s Decision to Flee
Unbeknownst to Cao Cao, Liu Bei was already entangled in the Blood Edict conspiracy led by Dong Cheng, a plot to assassinate Cao Cao and restore Emperor Xian’s authority.
Knowing that any misstep could lead to exposure and execution, Liu Bei realized that the capital Xuchang was no longer safe. He needed a legitimate reason to leave.
The opportunity came when Yuan Shu, defeated and desperate, attempted to flee north to join his half-brother Yuan Shao. Liu Bei seized the moment and petitioned Cao Cao to lead an army to intercept Yuan Shu.
Cao Cao, seeing strategic value in stopping the union of the two Yuan brothers, granted Liu Bei command of troops and allowed him to depart with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei.
Historically, Liu Bei did campaign against Yuan Shu around 199 AD, though the direct link to the Blood Edict is likely fictionalized. Still, the narrative logic reflects the realpolitik of shifting alliances and opportunistic warfare.
The tragic end of Yuan Shu
Liu Bei seized the opportunity to swiftly escape from Cao Cao’s control. Liu Bei marched swiftly and engaged Yuan Shu’s weakened forces. The campaign was a decisive victory—Yuan Shu’s army was shattered, and his dream of resurgence was crushed.
Dejected and ill, Yuan Shu attempted to reach his last stronghold but was rejected by his own officers. In despair, he tried to drink honeyed water, but there was none to be found. He cried out:
“How can there be no honey in this world?”
Soon after, he died—a pitiful end for a man who once claimed the imperial title.
Liu Bei’s victory not only fulfilled his mission but also removed a rival warlord, clearing the path for future expansion.
The Recapture of Xuzhou: Guan Yu’s Cunning
After defeating Yuan Shu, Liu Bei was expected to return to Xucheng. Instead, he turned east and reoccupied Xuzhou, declaring his independence from Cao Cao.
Cao Cao, furious, ordered Che Zhou, the governor he had installed in Xuzhou, to eliminate Liu Bei.
But Chen Gui, father of the official Chen Deng, learned of the plot and secretly informed Guan Yu. The brothers devised a ruse:
Guan Yu disguised his men as reinforcements sent by Zhang Liao, a trusted general under Cao Cao. Che Zhou, believing them to be allies, opened the city gates.
As Che Zhou came out to greet them, Guan Yu emerged from the ranks and beheaded him in a single stroke. The city fell instantly, and Liu Bei once again held Xuzhou as his base.
This episode highlights Guan Yu’s bravery and tactical cunning, as well as the importance of intelligence and betrayal in warfare. While the specifics may be embellished, historical records confirm that Liu Bei did break with Cao Cao and seize Xuzhou, only to be later driven out by Cao Cao’s counterattack.
The chapter masterfully blends historical events with literary symbolism, using the thunderclap as a metaphor for divine intervention or fate protecting the righteous. It also underscores a central theme: true heroes are not those with the most power, but those who endure, adapt, and rise when the time is right.
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