Introduction: This article explores Liu Bei’s most perilous period of concealment in Xuchang (196–199 CE). After losing Xu Province to Lü Bu, Liu Bei became a nominal vassal of Cao Cao, masking his royal ambitions by posing as a humble gardener. The narrative details the high-stakes political intrigue, including the secret “Girdle Edict” conspiracy to assassinate Cao Cao. It culminates in the legendary “Plum Wine Feast,” where Cao Cao identifies Liu Bei as the only true hero under heaven. Liu Bei narrowly escapes detection using a thunderclap as a cover before seizing the opportunity to break free and reclaim his sovereignty in Xu Province.
A gift wrapped in poison
In 196 CE, Xuzhou was both a blessing and a curse for Liu Bei. When the dying governor Tao Qian entrusted him with the province – declaring, “Only Liu Bei can bring peace to this land” (Sanguozhi) – Liu Bei finally escaped his years of dependence on others and entered the ranks of warlords. This act honored not only his timely military aid but also his growing reputation for benevolent governance.
Yet Xu Province lay at the heart of China – a strategic crossroads bordered by Yuan Shu to the south, Cao Cao to the north, and Lü Bu to the west. Known as a “battleground for all sides,” it attracted the covetous eyes of every major power. Before Liu Bei could even settle into his new role as Governor, crises began surging like tidal waves.
Enemies on all sides
At the time, Yuan Shu was at the height of his power. After his defeat by Cao Cao at the Battle of Fengqiu (193 CE), he consolidated control over the Huai River region, ruling eight commanderies from Shouchun, and even extending influence into Chen and Yingchuan in Yu Province. Proud of his “four generations of Three Excellencies” lineage, Yuan Shu scorned Liu Bei’s humble origins as a “mat-weaver and sandal-seller” and viewed Xu Province as rightfully his.
Meanwhile, Lü Bu – the famed “Flying General” – had been driven from Yanzhou (Yan Province) by Cao Cao and sought refuge with Liu Bei. Despite warnings from Guan Yu and Zhang Fei that “Lü Bu is fickle and untrustworthy,” Liu Bei, moved by fellow-feeling for a fallen warlord, granted him sanctuary in Xiaopei. This act of mercy would soon become the seed of his downfall.
Yuan Shu, recognizing Lü Bu’s greed and martial prowess, secretly sent envoys offering 200,000 hu of grain in exchange for neutrality during his invasion of Xu. Lü Bu, already resentful of Liu Bei’s rise, eagerly accepted. When Yuan Shu’s army approached, Lü Bu betrayed Liu Bei, seized Xiapi, and captured his family.
Caught between two enemies, Liu Bei suffered repeated defeats. He was forced to sue for peace and retreat to Xiaopei – only to be attacked again by Lü Bu months later. After a six-month siege, Xiaopei fell. With no options left, Liu Bei fled to Cao Cao for protection.
Though Cao Cao later defeated and executed Lü Bu, he never returned Xu Province to Liu Bei. Overnight, Liu Bei’s hard-won domain vanished. He became Cao Cao’s nominal General of the Left, trapped in Xuchang – a warlord in name only, caged like a bird.
The Garden of Deception
Life in Xuchang was Liu Bei’s most perilous period of concealment. Cao Cao treated him with outward respect – naming him General of the Left, sharing carriages and meals – but kept him under constant surveillance. Liu Bei understood the ancient truth:
“Those whose merit overshadows their lord invite danger; those famed throughout the realm receive no reward.”
To mask his ambition, he transformed himself into a humble gardener. In the courtyard behind his residence, he donned coarse robes and spent his days watering, weeding, and fertilizing vegetables, never uttering a word about politics. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei pleaded with him:
“The realm is in chaos! Our lord should sharpen swords and train troops – not waste time tending melons!”
But Liu Bei only smiled. Every sprout in that garden was a shield against suspicion.
The Girdle Edict
Beneath this calm surface, rebellion brewed. In 199 CE, Emperor Xian, desperate to end Cao Cao’s tyranny, sewed a secret imperial decree into the lining of a belt and entrusted it to his uncle Dong Cheng, ordering him to rally loyalists to assassinate Cao Cao – the infamous “Girdle Edict.”
Knowing Liu Bei’s royal lineage, virtue, and resolve, Dong Cheng secretly recruited him. Upon reading the words – “Cao the traitor monopolizes power; the state is on the brink of collapse” – Liu Bei, recalling his lifelong vow to restore the Han, swore an oath of blood and joined the conspiracy.
From then on, his gardening became even more meticulous – a performance for invisible eyes.
The Plum Wine Feast
In early summer, as plums ripened, Cao Cao summoned Liu Bei to a private banquet. While Liu Bei was watering his garden, armored officers Xu Chu and Zhang Liao arrived with the command: “My lord invites you!” Liu Bei’s heart sank – he feared the Girdle Edict had been exposed.
At the pavilion, Cao Cao greeted him warmly, with fresh plums and boiling wine on the table.
“You’ve been doing great things at home!” he said with a grin.
Liu Bei turned pale – until Cao Cao laughed:
“I mean your vegetable garden – it’s very well kept!”
Relief washed over him.
As they drank, storm clouds gathered. Pointing to the dragon-shaped clouds, Cao Cao asked:
“Do you know how dragons change?”
He then described the dragon’s nature – able to soar or hide, vast or minute – and concluded:
“Now is the season for dragons to rise. You’ve traveled the world, Liu Bei. Who are the true heroes of our age?”
This was a trap. Liu Bei played along, naming Yuan Shao (“brave in appearance but cowardly within”), Yuan Shu (“a walking corpse”), Liu Biao, Liu Zhang, and Sun Ce – all dismissed by Cao Cao.
When Liu Bei feigned ignorance and asked,
“Then who?”
Cao Cao set down his cup, locked eyes with him, and declared:
“The only heroes under heaven are you, Liu Bei, and I!”
The words struck like thunder. Liu Bei’s chopsticks clattered to the floor. At that exact moment, a bolt of lightning split the sky, followed by torrential rain. Seizing the chance, Liu Bei calmly picked up his chopsticks and chuckled:
“That thunder startled me – I lost my composure.”
Cao Cao, convinced Liu Bei was merely afraid of storms, relaxed his guard. They laughed together – but each knew the other’s true nature.
Escape and Rebirth
After the feast, Liu Bei knew he must flee. His chance came when Yuan Shu, having declared himself emperor and alienated all allies, attempted to flee north to join Yuan Shao. Cao Cao, fearing a united Yuan front, prepared to intercept him.
Liu Bei volunteered to lead the mission as the strategy to escape from Cao Cao. Cao Cao, still seeing him as useful, agreed – and assigned generals Zhu Ling and Lu Zhao to accompany him.
Once in Xu Province, Liu Bei struck. He crushed Yuan Shu’s remnants; humiliated and ill, Yuan Shu vomited blood and died. Then, under the pretext of “pacifying the region,” Liu Bei sent Zhu Ling and Lu Zhao back to Xuchang – and ambushed and killed Cao Cao’s appointed Inspector of Xuzhou, Che Zhou.
He reclaimed Xiapi, stationed Guan Yu there, and garrisoned Xiaopei with Zhang Fei. The sleeping dragon had broken free. Once again, Liu Bei stood as a sovereign warlord in the chaotic realm.
Legacy of the Plum Wine Dialogue
The Plum Wine Feast was more than a conversation – it was a clash of titans. Cao Cao’s declaration revealed his supreme confidence and recognition of Liu Bei as his sole rival. Liu Bei’s feigned fear demonstrated unmatched prudence and presence of mind.
“Liu Bei was bent but never broken; he would never submit.”
His hidden ambition in Xuchang, the terror of the thunderclap, the silent labor in the garden – all became fuel for his rise. From a mat-weaver in Zhuo County to a contender for empire, Liu Bei proved that in the age of heroes, true greatness lies not in force alone, but in endurance, wisdom, and unwavering purpose.
Note
Liu Bei
A benevolent warlord and future founder of Shu Han. He hid his ambition by pretending to be a simple gardener while living under Cao Cao’s watch.
Cao Cao
The powerful de facto ruler of northern China. He saw through Liu Bei’s disguise and recognized him as his only true rival.
Emperor Xian
The last puppet emperor of the Eastern Han. He issued the secret Girdle Edict to plot against Cao Cao.
Dong Cheng
An imperial relative who organized the conspiracy to assassinate Cao Cao, including Liu Bei.
Guan Yu & Zhang Fei
Liu Bei’s sworn brothers, confused by his gardening but loyal to him.
Yuan Shu
A arrogant warlord who declared himself emperor; his downfall gave Liu Bei a chance to escape.
Xuchang
Cao Cao’s capital city, where he kept the imperial court and controlled the emperor.
Hidden Dragon
A metaphor for a talented person who conceals his strength to survive danger.
Girdle Edict
A secret imperial order sewn into a belt, ordering loyal officials to kill the traitor Cao Cao.
Plum Wine Feast
A famous historical dialogue where heroes test each other’s intentions over wine.
Gardening to hide ambition
Liu Bei’s classic strategy of pretending to be harmless to avoid being killed.
Heroes under heaven: only you and I
Cao Cao’s bold declaration that Liu Bei was his only equal.
Thunder excuses the fallen chopsticks
Liu Bei used a sudden clap of thunder to pretend he was easily frightened, fooling Cao Cao.
The caged dragon breaks free
Describes Liu Bei’s narrow escape and return to power.
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