In Chapter 26 of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, one of the most celebrated episodes in Chinese historical fiction unfolds: Guan Yu’s dramatic departure from Cao Cao’s court. This chapter not only showcases Guan Yu’s unwavering loyalty to Liu Bei but also highlights Cao Cao’s complex mix of admiration, regret, and statesmanship.
Yuan Shao’s Fury and Liu Bei’s Cunning
After Guan Yu’s stunning victory at Baima—where he beheaded Yan Liang, Yuan Shao’s elite general—news reached the Yuan camp in the north. Yuan Shao flew into a rage, convinced that Liu Bei, then taking refuge under his protection, had conspired with Cao Cao to sabotage his campaign.
He threatened to execute Liu Bei on the spot.
But Liu Bei, ever resourceful, calmly deflected the accusation:
“My lord, are you going to believe only one side of the story and disregard our past friendship? Since I was separated from my two brothers in Xu Province, I have had no news of them. There are many people in the world with similar appearances—how can you be certain that this red-faced, long-bearded man is Guan Yu? Why didn’t you investigate this more carefully?”
Soon after, Yuan Shao sent Wen Chou, another of his top generals, to avenge Yan Liang. But fate repeated itself: Guan Yu charged into battle and slew Wen Chou, just as he had done to Yan Liang.
Once again, Yuan Shao turned on Liu Bei in fury—only for Liu Bei to repeat his strategy, insisting that Guan Yu’s heart still belonged to him and that reunion was imminent.
“Guan Yu and I are sworn brothers. If you allow me to summon him, he will surely abandon Cao Cao and join us—bringing with him Cao’s military secrets.”
Yuan Shao, swayed by the prospect of gaining Guan Yu’s allegiance, relented.
This time, however, Liu Bei secretly resolved to leave, sensing his position had become untenable.
Guan Yu’s decision: Loyalty over Honor
Back in Xuchang, Guan Yu grew deeply troubled. Though Cao Cao had treated him with extraordinary generosity—granting him rank, wealth, and the famed Red Hare steed—the slaying of two of Yuan Shao’s generals weighed on his conscience, especially knowing Liu Bei was under Yuan’s roof.
When a letter from Liu Bei finally arrived, confirming his location in Hebei, Guan Yu made his choice: he would leave Cao Cao and rejoin his sworn brother.
He went to Cao Cao’s residence to bid formal farewell—but Cao Cao, foreseeing his intent, avoided him, hoping delay might change his mind.
Faced with silence, Guan Yu took a symbolic and honorable step:
He sealed his official seal, returned all gifts of gold and silk, and departed with only his Green Dragon Crescent Blade, escorting Liu Bei’s two wives in their carriage.
This act—”hanging up the seal and sealing the gold” — became a lasting emblem of integrity and righteous departure in Chinese culture.
Cao Cao’s magnanimity: Letting a hero go
When Cao Cao’s officers urged him to pursue and kill Guan Yu for desertion, Cao Cao refused.
“Each man serves his own lord. Guan Yu has not forgotten his former master. His conduct is clear and upright. How can I harm such a man?”
Instead of sending assassins, Cao Cao rode out personally to see Guan Yu off, presenting him with travel provisions and a final token of respect.
This moment—a warlord letting his greatest warrior walk away—reveals Cao Cao not just as a schemer, but as a man who understood and respected true virtue, even when it worked against his own interests.
The legendary journey: Passing five passes, Slaying six generals
What follows in the Romance is one of its most iconic sequences: Guan Yu’s solo journey north, known as “Crossing Five Passes and Beheading Six Generals.”
Though historically unsubstantiated—the Sanguozhi simply states that Guan Yu “left Cao Cao and returned to Liu Bei”—the novel transforms this trek into an epic trial of loyalty. At each checkpoint, corrupt or suspicious officers attempt to block his passage; each time, Guan Yu, protecting the ladies and upholding his oath, cuts down those who stand in his way.
His destination: Hebei, where Liu Bei awaited under Yuan Shao’s uneasy protection.
This journey cements Guan Yu’s image not merely as a warrior, but as a paragon of Confucian fidelity—a man who places brotherhood and righteousness above power, comfort, and even life itself.
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