Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature
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When Cao Cao learned that Liu Bei had taken control of Yizhou (Yi Province, modern Sichuan), he realized that unifying the empire would be impossible without securing the strategic corridor of Hanzhong, which lay directly north of Yizhou.
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In 211 CE, news reached Liu Zhang, governor of Yizhou (modern Sichuan province), that Cao Cao planned to march through Guanzhong to attack Hanzhong – the northern gateway to Yizhou.
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The Guanxi (Guanzhong and Liangzhou) region had long been under the control of two powerful warlords: Ma Teng and Han Sui. Ma Teng, a descendant of the famed Eastern Han general Ma Yuan, commanded deep loyalty among the frontier troops.
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After retreating from Changban, Liu Bei stationed his forces at Fankou, awaiting news from Eastern Wu. When he learned that Zhou Yu’s fleet had arrived, Liu Bei immediately dispatched envoys to greet them.
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In AD 208, Cao Cao abolished the traditional “Three Excellencies” and revived the title of Chancellor – a position he assumed himself, consolidating absolute power. By July, he launched a massive southern expedition to conquer Jingzhou (Jing Province).
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In 201, Liu Bei was defeated by Cao Cao in Runan and lost his base, so he fled south to Jingzhou to seek the protection of Liu Biao. Liu Biao also needed Liu Bei as a northern barrier against Cao Cao, so he granted Liu Bei a thousand troops and stationed him in Xinye.
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In 200 CE, the long-simmering rivalry between Yuan Shao and Cao Cao reached its climax at Guandu.
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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.
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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.…