The Rise of the “Five Marquises” With the Liang clan destroyed in 159 CE, Emperor Huan of Han finally held real power. But instead of reforming the state, he focused on consolidating his own authority – by rewarding the very men who helped him: the eunuchs.
In the summer of 194 AD, Cao Cao assembled a massive army to launch his second invasion of Xu Province, this time under the banner of filial vengeance. His father, Cao Song, had been murdered by soldiers of Tao Qian.