In the two preceding articles, we discussed Cao Cao’s recovery of Yan Province and Zhang Miao’s betrayal of Cao Cao. Both accounts involved a key figure: Zhang Chao, Zhang Miao’s younger brother. In December 195, Cao Cao besieged Yongqiu, where Zhang Chao was stationed, eventually conquering the city and executing Zhang Chao and all…
In the summer of 194 AD, while Cao Cao was deep in Xuzhou, devastating Tao Qian’s forces and advancing toward Tan County, disaster struck at home. News reached him: Chen Gong and Zhang Miao had rebelled, opening the gates of Yanzhou to Lü Bu, the famed warrior fleeing from Dong Zhuo’s downfall.