SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Xun Yu

  • The Fateful Encounter: Cao Cao and Hua Tuo

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    Rob

    This article distinguishes historical facts from Romance of the Three Kingdoms fictions about Cao Cao and genius physician Hua Tuo. Ashamed of being a doctor, Hua Tuo lied to flee Cao’s service, leading to execution. Cao later regretted killing him when his son Cao Chong fell fatally ill.

  • The Independent Spirit of the Strategist: Sun Tzu’s Wisdom on Choosing a Master

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    Juan

    This article interprets Sun Tzu’s view on strategists choosing lords. It highlights their independent spirit to pick wise rulers or leave incompetent ones, citing ancient figures. It also reflects the scholar-strategists’ philosophy of mutual selection in the Spring and Autumn Period.

  • The empty box and Xun Yu’s silent death [Three Kingdoms]

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    Juan

    In Chapter 61 of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, the death of Xun Yu – Cao Cao’s chief strategist and moral compass – is portrayed with tragic symbolism.

  • The Map Unbestowed [Three Kingdoms]

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    Juan

    This article tells how Cao Cao lost Yizhou by rejecting Zhang Song. Insulted by Cao Cao’s arrogance and contempt, Zhang Song abandoned his plan to offer Yizhou’s secret maps. He instead persuaded Liu Zhang to invite Liu Bei, who later seized Yizhou and founded Shu Han.

  • The Battle of Guandu [Three Kingdoms]

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    Juan

    This article recounts the pivotal Battle of Guandu (200 CE), a turning point in the Three Kingdoms era. It details how Cao Cao, vastly outnumbered by Yuan Shao’s massive army, utilized ingenious engineering – such as the “Thunder Wagon” – to neutralize early assaults. The narrative highlights the decisive moment when the disgruntled advisor…

  • Rise of Cao Cao [Three Kingdoms]

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    Juan

    This article details the dramatic ascent of Cao Cao from a minor administrator to the de facto ruler of Northern China. It recounts the chaotic aftermath of Dong Zhuo’s death, where the Han Emperor Xian was left starving amidst ruins. Recognizing the opportunity, Cao Cao executed his famous strategy of “Holding the Emperor to…

  • Guo Jia: Cao Cao’s peerless strategist [Three Kingdoms]

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    Juan

    Among the brilliant minds who shaped the Three Kingdoms era, none captured Cao Cao’s trust – or foresaw the future with such uncanny precision – as Guo Jia, styled Fengxiao.

  • The tragedy of Cui Yan [Three Kingdoms]

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    Juan

    After capturing Yecheng, Cao Cao promptly executed the highly meritorious Xu You to win the hearts of the people in Jizhou (Ji Province) and secure the support of the local gentry. Simultaneously, he began seeking out influential local talents to join his ranks, aiming to consolidate his rule over Ji Province.

  • The defection of Xu You at Battle of Guandu [Three Kingdoms]

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    Juan

    Among the Three Great Campaigns of the Three Kingdoms—the Battles of Guandu, Red Cliffs, and Yiling—the Battle of Guandu was by far the most critical for Cao Cao. While his loss at Red Cliffs merely cost him control of Jing Province, defeat at Guandu would have meant total annihilation. For Yuan Shao, too, this…