Chapter 10: Ma Teng Moves To Rescue The Emperor; Cao Cao Marches to Avenges His Father

Li Jue and Guo Si initially planned to kill Emperor Xian, but their advisors Zhang Ji and Fan Chou opposed it. They suggested restoring the Emperor’s power to gain public support, then eliminating him later. The Emperor pleaded for peace, but the rebels demanded titles in exchange for leaving. Forced to agree, Emperor Xian granted them ranks and titles, including top positions for Li Jue, Guo Si, Fan Chou, and Zhang Ji.

Afterward, the rebels withdrew their troops from the capital. They honored their late leader Dong Zhuo with a burial, but storms repeatedly disrupted the process, as if Heaven itself was condemning him.

With the capital under their control, Li Jue and Guo Si tightened their grip, replacing palace staff with loyalists and taking full control of state affairs. To counter their tyranny, western leaders Ma Teng and Han Sui rallied a force of 100,000 troops to challenge them, with secret support from officials within the capital.

The rebels prepared defenses under Jia Xu’s advice, but two ambitious generals, Li Meng and Wang Fang, insisted on immediate battle. They led 15,000 troops but were crushed by Ma Teng’s forces, thanks to the exceptional skill of Ma Chao, Ma Teng’s young son. Ma Chao killed Wang Fang and captured Li Meng, forcing the rebel forces to retreat.

Realizing Jia Xu’s wisdom, the rebels switched to a defensive strategy, letting time deplete their enemies’ supplies. Meanwhile, a conspiracy within the capital to support Ma Teng and Han Sui was betrayed, and the rebels executed the conspirators. With supplies dwindling and no allies left, Ma Teng and Han Sui had to retreat.

Fan Chou, sent to pursue Han Sui, allowed him to escape after an emotional appeal. However, Li Jue, angered by this leniency, followed Jia Xu’s advice to invite Fan Chou to a banquet and then execute him for dereliction of duty. Fan Chou was killed during the feast, and his command was given to Zhang Ji, who returned to his garrison.

After Dong Zhuo’s fall, no leader dared to challenge the new regime. Jia Xu, however, urged his masters to focus on the people’s welfare, which began to restore the government’s authority.

But a new threat emerged—the resurgence of the Yellow Scarves in Qingzhou. They ravaged cities, led by numerous chieftains. Minister Zhu Jun advised, “Only Cao Cao can quell this rebellion.”

Cao Cao, Governor of Dongjun, was called to action. He led an assault on the rebels, with Bao Xin of Jibei as his ally. Bao Xin died in battle, but Cao Cao pursued the rebels, forcing thousands to surrender. By strategically placing former enemies at the front, Cao Cao’s army grew rapidly. After three months, he had gathered thousands of soldiers and civilians, increasing his fame and influence. He was appointed “General Who Guards the East.”

Cao Cao’s power continued to rise. He welcomed wise advisors like Xun Yu and Xun You, who introduced him to other strategists like Cheng Yu and Guo Jia. Cao Cao’s headquarters in Yanzhou became a center of military and civil expertise.

Cao Cao’s forces grew, attracting skilled generals and warriors, including Dian Wei, known for his strength and bravery. Dian Wei, once a fugitive, proved his worth by single-handedly stabilizing a collapsing banner despite his heavy weaponry.

Cao Cao’s growing fame attracted people from all over, and he eventually invited his father, Cao Song, to Yanzhou. During the journey, Tao Qian, the governor of Xuzhou, welcomed them warmly, but some of Tao Qian’s men, former Yellow Scarves, plotted to kill the Cao family. They ambushed Cao Song’s party, killing many. Cao Cao, upon hearing of the attack, swore revenge on Tao Qian.

Determined to avenge his father’s death, Cao Cao raised an army and set out to destroy Xuzhou. The Governor of Jiujiang, Bian Rang, attempted to aid Tao Qian, but Cao Cao intercepted and killed him. Meanwhile, Tao Qian, realizing his weakness, sent emissary Chen Gong to warn Cao Cao of the needless destruction. But Cao Cao, enraged, rejected the plea.

Cao Cao’s forces ravaged Xuzhou, and Tao Qian, realizing the situation was hopeless, prepared to surrender. However, a voice from his officers suggested a plan to resist. The next chapter of the conflict loomed, as Tao Qian prepared for a desperate defense.