Chapter 10 of Romance of the Three Kingdoms unfolds against a backdrop of escalating chaos following the collapse of central authority in Chang’an.
With Li Jue and Guo Si now ruling the imperial court through terror, and regional warlords carving out their own domains, the Han dynasty teeters on the brink of total disintegration. This chapter weaves together two pivotal storylines: the righteous rebellion of Ma Teng and Han Sui against the tyrants in the west, and Cao Cao’s devastating campaign of vengeance in the east, triggered by the murder of his father.
Ma Teng and Han Sui’s Campaign Against Tyranny
In the wake of Dong Zhuo’s death, Li Jue and Guo Si seized control of Chang’an, plunging the imperial capital into a new era of brutality. Their rule was marked by corruption, violence, and the humiliation of the emperor—conditions that sparked outrage among loyalist officials and regional commanders.
Among them was Ma Teng, the Governor of Xiliang, a man known for his integrity and martial prowess. He also joined the anti-Cao Cao coalition, known as the Imperial Girdle Edict incident, several year later. Together with his sworn brother Han Sui, Ma Teng rallied over 100,000 troops from the western frontier and marched eastward toward Chang’an. Their declared mission: to eliminate Li Jue and Guo Si, restore order to the court, and breathe life into the dying Han dynasty.
Their uprising, though ultimately unsuccessful, symbolized a rare moment of principled resistance in an age dominated by self-interest. The Sanguozhi confirms Ma Teng’s role as a powerful warlord of Liang Province and his frequent conflicts with Li Jue and Guo Si, though the scale and timing of the coalition are likely exaggerated for dramatic effect in the novel.
A Father’s Death, A Son’s Wrath
While the west burned with rebellion, a personal tragedy unfolded in the east—one that would ignite one of the most brutal campaigns of the era.
Cao Cao, having secured control of Yan Province (Yanzhou) with the help of strategist Chen Gong, sought to bring his aging father, Cao Song, to safety. However, as Cao Song traveled from Langya toward Yan Province, he and his family were ambushed and murdered by subordinates of Tao Qian, the Governor of Xuzhou.
Though historical accounts differ—some suggest Tao Qian ordered the attack; others claim it was carried out by rogue soldiers—the event had a profound impact. Upon learning of his father’s gruesome death, Cao Cao was consumed by grief and fury.
“I shall not rest until I have razed Xuzhou to the ground and slaughtered every man, woman, and child!”
— Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Chapter 10
This vow, while hyperbolic in tone, reflects Cao Cao’s ruthless determination and foreshadows the brutality of his military campaigns.
Fire and Retribution
True to his word, Cao Cao mobilized his entire army and launched a full-scale invasion of Xuzhou. His forces advanced with terrifying speed, leaving behind a trail of burned villages and massacred civilians. Towns surrendered en masse, fearing annihilation.
Tao Qian, overwhelmed by the scale of the assault, fell into despair. He sent urgent appeals for aid across the land, hoping to find allies who could stand against Cao Cao’s wrath.
Beacons of Hope
Among those who answered the call was Kong Rong, the learned governor of Beihai. Deeply sympathetic to Tao Qian, he wished to send reinforcements. However, he was himself under siege by remnants of the Yellow Turban rebels, rendering him unable to assist. It was Liu Bei who rescued Kong Rong. Kong Rong then recommended Liu Bei to Tao Qian.
Liu Bei, a man of modest means but unwavering moral conviction, chose to answer Tao Qian’s plea despite commanding only a small force. Accompanied by his loyal brothers Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, he marched to Xuzhou—not for glory or gain, but out of compassion and a sense of justice.
When Tao Qian first saw Liu Bei, he wept:
“You come not for power, but for righteousness. Truly, you are a hero of the age!”
Liu Bei’s arrival transformed the conflict from a simple revenge war into a clash of values: Cao Cao’s relentless vengeance versus Liu Bei’s humanitarian intervention.
Historically, Cao Cao did invade Xuzhou twice between 193–194 AD, and the campaign was indeed marked by extreme violence, see “The first massacre of Xuzhou” and “The second massacre of Xuzhou by Cao Cao“. While Liu Bei’s early involvement may be embellished, his later association with Tao Qian is documented, lending credibility to the narrative framework.
The Tides of War: Stalemate and Retreat
Despite Cao Cao’s overwhelming strength, his campaign eventually stalled. News reached him that Zhang Miao and Chen Gong had betrayed him, opening Yan Province to Lü Bu. Fearing the loss of his base, Cao Cao was forced to abandon the siege of Xuzhou and retreat to defend his homeland. More details can be found from this article about Cao Cao’s ordeal against Lü Bu.
This turn of events spared Xuzhou from total destruction. Tao Qian, grateful and aging, offered Liu Bei control of Xuzhou—a gesture Liu Bei initially refused out of humility, but which set the stage for his future rise.
The Seeds of a Tripartite World
Chapter 10 is more than a chronicle of battles—it is a portrait of contrasting ideals in a collapsing world. In Chapter 10, we see loyalty, vengeance, and the struggle for survival among clashing fates in the Chaos.
Ma Teng’s failed revolt illustrates the difficulty of restoring centralized authority without unity. Cao Cao’s vengeance reveals the destructive potential of unchecked ambition and personal grief. Liu Bei’s compassion, meanwhile, begins to forge a legacy of benevolent leadership that will define the Shu Han cause.
These intertwined narratives lay the foundation for the Three Kingdoms era, where loyalty, betrayal, justice, and cruelty will continue to shape the fate of millions.
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