While Cao Cao and Lü Bu waged a brutal war for control of Yanzhou, Tao Qian, the aging Governor of Xuzhou, passed away in 194 AD at the age of 63.
The call for a new leader
On his deathbed, Tao Qian turned to Mi Zhu, a prominent wealthy magnate and Chief Clerk (Bie Jia) of Xuzhou, and declared:
“Only Liu Bei can bring peace and stability to Xuzhou.”
Following Tao Qian’s final wish, Mi Zhu led a delegation of officials and citizens to Xiaopei in Yuzhou, where Liu Bei was stationed, to formally invite him to assume the governorship of Xuzhou.
Yet Liu Bei hesitated. Though flattered by the offer, he was deeply cautious—both out of political prudence and fear of the surrounding dangers.
Liu Bei’s dilemma: A province surrounded by foes
Xuzhou was a strategic prize, but also a powder keg surrounded by powerful warlords.
To the west, Cao Cao and Lü Bu were locked in a fierce struggle for Yanzhou. Liu Bei knew that Cao Cao had launched his campaign against Xuzhou in 193 AD—only to be ambushed by Lü Bu in his rear. If Cao Cao failed to defeat Lü Bu, he might turn his wrath toward Liu Bei, blaming him for taking advantage of the chaos.
To the south, Yuan Shu was aggressively expanding his power from Shouchun. Yuan Shu had long coveted Xuzhou, and his forces posed a direct threat.
Yuan Shu’s general, Sun Ce, was a military prodigy, inheriting his father Sun Jian’s fearless spirit and unmatched battlefield prowess. Sun Ce had already proven himself invincible in numerous campaigns. Liu Bei feared that if Yuan Shu sent Sun Ce to attack, Xuzhou might fall quickly.
To the north, Yuan Shao’s stance was unclear. Though allied with Cao Cao, Yuan Shao had once been at odds with Liu Bei due to Liu Bei’s earlier allegiance to Gongsun Zan. If Yuan Shao ordered his son Yuan Tan to march south, Liu Bei would face a three-front threat.
Moreover, Liu Bei lacked administrative experience. His highest post had been Chancellor of Pingyuan State under Gongsun Zan. Though Tao Qian had recommended him as Inspector of Yuzhou, his actual control extended only to Xiaopei—a single city.
Given these risks, Liu Bei initially declined, preferring to remain in Xiaopei and build his strength gradually.
Chen Deng’s persuasion
Seeing Liu Bei’s hesitation, Chen Deng, a leading Xuzhou scholar-official, urged him to accept:
“Today, the Han dynasty is fractured, and the realm is in chaos. This is the moment to achieve greatness. Xuzhou is wealthy and populous, with over a million households. We humbly ask you to take charge of this province.”
Liu Bei countered:
“Yuan Shu is nearby in Shouchun. His family has produced five high ministers across four generations—he is respected throughout the land. Shouldn’t the province be offered to him?”
Chen Deng replied firmly:
“Yuan Shu is arrogant and extravagant—he is no man to govern a time of disorder. Now, we are ready to offer you 100,000 infantry and cavalry. With this force, you can uphold the emperor, save the people, and establish a hegemon’s legacy. At the very least, you can secure your borders and leave a name in history.”
Kong Rong’s support
Kong Rong, the Chancellor of Beihai State, also sent a letter backing Liu Bei:
“Is Yuan Shu truly a man who forgets himself for the sake of the nation? No—he is but dry bones in a grave, unworthy of consideration! The people now seek a capable leader. If Heaven offers you this chance and you refuse it, you will regret it for the rest of your life.”
Securing Yuan Shao’s approval
To prevent northern aggression, Chen Deng also wrote to Yuan Shao, explaining their decision:
“Heaven has sent disaster upon Xuzhou with the death of our governor. We feared that warlords might seize the opportunity to invade, bringing chaos to our land and troubling our esteemed leader of the ally. Thus, we have proclaimed Liu Bei, former Chancellor of Pingyuan, as our leader, so the people may have a protector. With bandits rampant and order broken, we must remain vigilant. We send this envoy to inform you of our actions.”
Yuan Shao responded favorably:
“Liu Xuande is noble, elegant, and trustworthy. That Xuzhou willingly follows him is exactly what I desire.”
With Yuan Shao’s blessing, Liu Bei’s position became more secure.
Chen Qun’s warning
However, Chen Qun—not to be confused with Mi Zhu—voiced strong opposition.
Chen Qun, a native of Yuzhou, had been appointed as Liu Bei’s Chief Clerk of Yuzhou after Tao Qian recommended Liu Bei as Inspector. He warned:
“Yuan Shu is still powerful. If you move east now to take Xuzhou, you will surely clash with him. And if Lü Bu attacks our rear in Xiaopei, then even if you gain Xuzhou, the outcome will be disastrous.”
Chen Qun’s advice was strategically sound, reflecting his loyalty to Yuzhou and concern for Liu Bei’s safety.
But by now, Liu Bei had made his decision. With growing support from Mi Zhu, Chen Deng, Kong Rong, and Yuan Shao’s approval, he rejected Chen Qun’s counsel.
The move to Xuzhou
Liu Bei, accompanied by Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, left Xiaopei and entered Xuzhou to assume the governorship.
Upon taking control, he appointed Sun Qian, a scholar from Beihai, as his Chief Clerk (Congshi), further solidifying his administration with talented men from the region.
Historical vs. Literary Accounts
- Historical Records (Sanguozhi, Zizhi Tongjian): Focus on the political maneuvering, Chen Deng’s diplomacy, and Chen Qun’s foresight. The offer of 100,000 troops is likely exaggerated for rhetorical effect.
- Romance of the Three Kingdoms: Dramatizes Tao Qian’s three offers of Xuzhou, Liu Bei’s repeated refusals, and Mi Zhu’s emotional plea, enhancing Liu Bei’s image as a virtuous and reluctant leader.
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