The turbulent Three Kingdoms era saw numerous heroes emerge, yet few could have predicted that a power struggle would begin with a reluctant capital relocation.
Cao Cao’s Political Maneuver
In the late Eastern Han Dynasty, after Emperor Xian escaped from Li Jue and Guo Si, he resided in Luoyang as the Son of Heaven (Emperor). However, the city had been reduced to ruins when Dong Zhuo forced the capital to move. The emperor had to live in constant peril amidst the city’s ruins and extreme poverty. At this critical juncture, Cao Cao’s strategist Xun Yu proposed the strategy of “holding the emperor hostage to command the nobles.” Upon hearing this, Cao Cao immediately led his forces to Luoyang. After demonstrating his loyalty and through both his military strength and meticulous arrangements, he won the trust of the emperor and his officials. Soon after, citing Luoyang’s severe dilapidation, Cao Cao persuaded Emperor Xian to move the capital to Xuchang. From this point onward, Cao Cao gained an absolute political advantage.
Liu Bei’s Setback in Xuzhou
Meanwhile, in Xuzhou, Liu Bei had taken in Lü Bu, allowing him to station troops at Xiaopei. However, when Yuan Shu from Huainan learned that Liu Bei had assumed the governorship of Xuzhou, he was enraged and sent his general Ji Ling with a large army to attack. Knowing he was outmatched, Liu Bei sought help from Lü Bu. Lü Bu devised a plan to resolve the conflict, temporarily averting war, though Yuan Shu remained resentful.
Subsequently, Cao Cao forged an imperial decree ordering Liu Bei to campaign against Yuan Shu. Although Liu Bei knew Cao Cao was manipulating him, he could not defy the emperor’s command, nor did he have the strength to challenge Cao Cao directly. Leaving Zhang Fei to guard Xuzhou, Liu Bei set out with Guan Yu. During their absence, Zhang Fei, after drinking, whipped Cao Bao, who then bore a grudge and conspired with Lü Bu. Seizing the opportunity, Lü Bu attacked Zhang Fei at night. Zhang Fei, unable to withstand the assault, abandoned the city and fled. Lü Bu captured Xuzhou with ease, forcing Liu Bei to fall back to Xiaopei.
The Outcome for Various Forces
In this chapter, Cao Cao used his cunning to control the emperor, significantly enhancing his power. Pressured by circumstances, Liu Bei went on a campaign but lost Xuzhou. Lü Bu took advantage of the situation, seizing the city and greatly strengthening his own position. Various factions engaged in covert and overt struggles within the chaotic era, setting the stage for even more intense conflicts to come.
Leave a Reply