Introduction: This article chronicles Liu Bei’s tumultuous years of exile following his escape from Cao Cao. It details his flight to Yuan Shao after the “Girdle Edict” conspiracy was exposed, highlighting the precariousness of his position. The narrative focuses on key events like Guan Yu’s temporary surrender and his slaying of Yuan Shao’s general Yan Liang, which Liu Bei had to navigate carefully. It also covers the reunion with Zhao Yun and the eventual miraculous reunion of the three sworn brothers in Runan. The story illustrates Liu Bei’s resilience and strategic patience as he survived betrayal and shifting alliances, setting the stage for his eventual move to Jingzhou.
Liu Bei’s escape from Cao Cao
After the famous “Plum Wine Feast,” where Cao Cao declared, “The only heroes under heaven are you and I,” Liu Bei knew his life in Xuchang was untenable.
Seizing an opportunity, he volunteered to lead troops against Yuan Shu, who had declared himself emperor and was attempting to flee north to join Yuan Shao. Cao Cao, still viewing Liu Bei as useful and perhaps underestimating his resolve, granted permission.
Once outside Cao Cao’s reach, Liu Bei swiftly turned on Cao Cao’s appointed Inspector of Xu Province, Che Zhou, killed him, and reclaimed Xu Province – only briefly. The following year, however, disaster struck: the “Girdle Edict” conspiracy was exposed.
Cao Cao dared not move against Emperor Xian but executed Dong Cheng, his daughter Consort Dong, and all co-conspirators. Knowing Liu Bei was among them, Cao Cao personally led an army eastward to punish him.
Flight to Yuan Shao
Liu Bei could not withstand Cao Cao’s assault. Xiaopei fell almost immediately. In the chaos, Liu Bei and Zhang Fei attempted a breakout, but their forces were scattered. Separated from Zhang Fei and losing his hard-won territory once again, Liu Bei fled alone to seek refuge with Yuan Shao in Ji Province.
To Liu Bei’s relief, Yuan Shao welcomed him warmly – not out of kindness, but because he saw strategic value in allying with a respected Han loyalist. Yuan Shao planned a major campaign against Cao Cao and intended to use Liu Bei as a key ally.
Yuan Shao’s arrogance and the Fall of Yan Liang
Yuan Shao’s chief strategist, Tian Feng, strongly opposed immediate war:
“Cao Cao has just won victories. His troops are strong and morale high. We must bide our time.”
But Yuan Shao, flushed with pride after defeating Gongsun Zan, retorted:
“I have more troops, more land – how can Cao Cao compare?”
When Tian Feng persisted, Yuan Shao, enraged by what he saw as defeatism, imprisoned Tian Feng for undermining morale.
Undeterred, Yuan Shao ordered his secretary Chen Lin to draft a scathing public denunciation of Cao Cao’s crimes. He then dispatched his top general, Yan Liang, to besiege Baima (modern Hua County, Henan), while he followed with over 100,000 men.
Days later, panicked cavalrymen returned with grim news: Yan Liang had been slain in single combat by a red-faced, long-bearded warrior charging from Cao Cao’s ranks.
Liu Bei’s heart pounded. He had heard that Guan Yu, isolated after the fall of Xiapi, had temporarily surrendered to Cao Cao – but never truly defected. Now, this description could only mean one thing: Guan Yu had killed Yan Liang.
Yet if Yuan Shao learned that Liu Bei’s sworn brother was fighting for Cao Cao – even if only temporarily – Liu Bei’s position would become perilous. He kept silent, inwardly anxious.
Zhao Yun’s Arrival
Soon after, a familiar figure arrived at Yuan Shao’s camp demanding to see Liu Bei. It was Zhao Yun, formerly a subordinate of Gongsun Zan, and an old friend of Liu Bei. Disillusioned by Gongsun Zan’s lack of vision, Zhao Yun had retired to his hometown of Zhen Ding after his brother’s death. Hearing Liu Bei was with Yuan Shao, he came immediately.
Overjoyed, Liu Bei welcomed him and confided that night:
“Yuan Shao is indecisive. His advisors feud constantly. This is no place for us. Quietly recruit loyal men – we must prepare to leave.”
Zhao Yun agreed without hesitation. Within days, he assembled several hundred warriors, presenting them to Yuan Shao as Liu Bei’s personal retainers. The ruse worked – Yuan Shao remained oblivious.
The miraculous reunion of Guan Yu and Zhang Fei
Not long after, messengers arrived from Runan with astonishing news: Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were alive and waiting for him.
As Liu Bei had suspected, Guan Yu’s surrender to Cao Cao had been conditional. According to the Records of the Three Kingdoms, Guan Yu told his companions:
“I share a bond of life and death with Liu Bei. I cannot betray him. But Cao Cao has treated me well – I must repay his kindness before I go.”
When Cao Cao asked him to fight Yan Liang at Baima, Guan Yu saw his chance. After slaying Yan Liang – a feat that earned him the title Marquis of Hanshou Pavilion – he learned Liu Bei was with Yuan Shao. Leaving behind all of Cao Cao’s gifts untouched, he departed with his original followers.
En route, he encountered Zhang Fei, who had been wandering after their separation at Xiaopei. The two reunited and made their way to Runan, from where they sent word to Liu Bei.
A clever excuse to leave Yuan Shao
With his brothers located, Liu Bei devised a plan to escape Yuan Shao. He approached him earnestly:
“Liu Biao governs Jingzhou with ample troops and grain. He once favored you. If we form an alliance, Cao Cao cannot stand.”
Yuan Shao hesitated:
“What if he refuses?”
Liu Bei replied smoothly:
“We’re both of the Liu clan. I’ll persuade him – he won’t refuse.”
Delighted, Yuan Shao agreed immediately. Fearing second thoughts, Liu Bei departed that very night with Zhao Yun.
In Runan, the three sworn brothers were finally reunited. Tears flowed as they recounted their ordeals since the fall of Xu Province. Soon, loyal aides like Sun Qian, Mi Zhu, and Jian Yong also arrived.
Though they now had their core team restored, they lacked a base. After deliberation, they decided to remain in Runan temporarily – and if Yuan Shao fell to Cao Cao, they would seek refuge with Liu Biao in Jingzhou.
Thus, even in exile, Liu Bei’s network of loyalty, virtue, and strategic patience laid the groundwork for his eventual rise in the south.
Note
Liu Bei
Benevolent warlord and future founder of Shu Han. He endured long years of wandering, defeat, and separation from his brothers while keeping his ambition alive.
Guan Yu
Liu Bei’s sworn brother, known for unwavering loyalty. He temporarily served Cao Cao to protect Liu Bei’s family, killed Yan Liang, then left to reunite with Liu Bei.
Zhang Fei
Liu Bei’s sworn brother, fierce and loyal. He got separated during the defeat at Xiaopei and wandered until reuniting with Guan Yu.
Yuan Shao
Most powerful warlord in northern China. Arrogant and overconfident, he welcomed Liu Bei but ignored wise advice.
Cao Cao
Ruthless and brilliant ruler who chased Liu Bei across the country. He admired Guan Yu’s loyalty but could not keep him.
Zhao Yun
One of Liu Bei’s greatest generals. He joined Liu Bei during exile and secretly built a personal army for him.
Yan Liang
Top general under Yuan Shao, killed by Guan Yu at the Battle of Baima.
Life of Wandering Hardship
The long period when Liu Bei had no territory, lost battles, separated from family and followers, and relied on others for survival.
Sworn Brothers
Deep brotherhood bond between Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei-they shared life and death.
Conditional Surrender
Guan Yu’s principle: surrender only to protect Liu Bei’s family, not to betray Liu Bei.
Warlord Era
Chaotic time when regional military leaders fought for control after the Eastern Han collapsed.
Killing Yan Liang to repay kindness
Guan Yu’s honorable act: he fought for Cao Cao once to repay his generosity, then left.
Miraculous Reunion
The joyful, dramatic meeting of the three sworn brothers after long separation.
Feigned alliance to escape
Liu Bei’s clever strategy to leave Yuan Shao by pretending to seek an alliance with Liu Biao.
Though defeated repeatedly, never surrender
Liu Bei’s spirit: he kept rising even after constant losses.
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