Chapter 58 of Romance of the Three Kingdoms plunges readers into one of the novel’s most dramatic confrontations: a clash not only of arms, but of impulsive valor versus calculated deception.
Spurred by Cao Cao’s execution of his father Ma Teng and brothers, the fierce western warlord Ma Chao allies with Han Sui and marches on Tong Pass (Tongguan), threatening the heart of Cao Wei’s domain. In a series of thunderous cavalry charges, Ma Chao nearly kills Cao Cao himself, forcing the warlord into a humiliating flight across the Wei River.
Ma Chao’s Onslaught
Upon learning of his family’s execution, Ma Chao – renowned for his martial prowess and fiery temper – rallies the Qiang and Di tribes of Liang Province and joins forces with veteran general Han Sui, his nominal foster uncle.
Their coalition army storms toward Tong Pass, the strategic gateway to Cao Cao’s Guanzhong heartland. In the battle of Tong Pass, Ma Chao charges alone into the enemy ranks, clad in white robes, wielding a silver spear, cutting down Cao generals like wheat.
At one point, he spots Cao Cao on the field and gives chase. Cao Cao, in panic, cuts off his beard and discards his red robe to avoid recognition – a moment of profound humiliation for the self-styled “Prime Minister of Han.”
He flees to the Wei River, where he barely escapes drowning, saved only by loyal officers like Xu Chu and Cao Hong.
Historically, Records of the Three Kingdoms (Sanguozhi) records that Cao Cao was indeed nearly captured during the chaotic retreat, and Ma Chao’s ferocity terrified his troops. The beard-cutting anecdote appears in Pei Songzhi’s annotations, likely drawn from popular lore – yet it endures as a symbol of Cao Cao’s vulnerability.
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