Chapter 12: Tao Qian Thrice Offers Xuzhou to Liu Bei; Cao Cao Retakes Yanzhou from Lu Bu

Cao Cao narrowly escaped death after Lu Bu’s pursuit, saved by Xiahou Dun and his troops. Dian Wei, rewarded for his valor, advanced in rank. Meanwhile, Chen Gong proposed a scheme to lure Cao Cao into a trap using a fake letter from the Tian family in Puyang. The letter promised internal support to overthrow Lu Bu, enticing Cao Cao to seize the city. Despite Liu Ye’s caution to enter with only part of his forces, Cao Cao led the charge himself.

As Cao Cao entered Puyang under a white flag of “Rectitude,” he discovered empty streets—a trap. Explosions and ambushes erupted, with Lu Bu’s generals closing in. Trapped, Cao Cao barely escaped thanks to Dian Wei, who repeatedly charged back into the burning city to save him. At one point, Lu Bu nearly caught Cao Cao, but he tricked Lu Bu into chasing another rider, buying time to flee.

Cao Cao and Dian Wei fought through flames and enemies to reach safety. A falling beam injured Cao Cao, but Xiahou Yuan rescued him. Back at camp, Cao Cao plotted revenge. Pretending he died in the fire, he set an ambush at Maling Hills. When Lu Bu attacked upon hearing of Cao Cao’s “death,” he fell into the trap and retreated with heavy losses.

Soon after, locusts devastated the region, causing famine and halting the conflict. Both armies withdrew—Cao Cao to Juancheng and Lu Bu to Shanyang. Meanwhile, in Xuzhou, the ailing Tao Qian summoned Mi Zhu to plan his succession. Tao Qian resolved to step down, hoping Liu Bei would accept the role he previously declined.

A message summoned Liu Bei to Xiaopei for a military counsel. He arrived with his brothers and a small escort and was immediately brought to the chamber of the ailing Tao Qian.

“Sir,” began Tao Qian, “I am gravely ill and may die soon. For the sake of the Han Empire, I entrust you with this region’s command. Take the commission and seal, so I may pass in peace.”

“You have two sons. Why not entrust them instead?” Liu Bei asked.

“They lack the necessary talents. Please guide them, but do not let them rule.”

Liu Bei declined, but Tao Qian insisted, recommending Sun Qian as an advisor. Addressing Mi Zhu, Tao Qian said, “Liu Bei is the right man for this time. Serve him well.” Tao Qian then passed away, pointing to his heart as a sign of sincerity.

After Tao Qian’s funeral, the people of Xuzhou pleaded with Liu Bei to take charge, saying, “Without you, we cannot live in peace.” Persuaded by his brothers, Liu Bei reluctantly agreed. He appointed Sun Qian and Mi Zhu as advisors, Chen Deng as secretary, and moved his army to Xuzhou City, where he issued proclamations to reassure the people.

Meanwhile, in Juancheng, news reached Cao Cao. Furious, he said, “Liu Bei has taken Xuzhou without a fight! I will kill him and desecrate Tao Qian’s grave in revenge for my father.”

However, his advisor Xun Yu warned, “Attacking Xuzhou leaves Yanzhou vulnerable to Lu Bu. Instead, target the rebel Yellow Scarves in Chencheng, Yingchuan, and Runan to secure supplies and the people’s support.”

Cao Cao agreed, leaving Xiahou Dun and Cao Ren to guard Juancheng. His forces crushed the rebels, capturing leaders He Yi and Huang Shao and amassing great spoils. A fierce warrior named Xu Chu also joined Cao Cao’s ranks after being captured in battle, earning the title of general.

Returning to Juancheng, Cao Cao learned that Yanzhou had been left defenseless by Lu Bu’s generals. Striking swiftly, Cao Cao’s forces reclaimed Yanzhou after Xu Chu defeated Li Fang and Lu Qian killed Xue Lan. Cao Cao then turned to Puyang, where Lu Bu held out.

Ignoring Chen Gong’s caution, Lu Bu engaged Cao Cao’s forces but was overwhelmed by multiple commanders, forcing him to retreat. Betrayed by the Tian family, who defected to Cao Cao, Lu Bu fled with Chen Gong and his family. Puyang fell, and Cao Cao pardoned the Tians for their betrayal of Lu Bu.

Advised to pursue Lu Bu to Dingtao, Cao Cao set an ambush. Feigning weakness, he lured Lu Bu into a trap, routing his forces. Chen Gong advised abandoning Dingtao, and Cao Cao captured the city without resistance. Zhang Chao committed suicide, Zhang Miao fled to Yuan Shu, and Cao Cao consolidated his hold over the northeast, restoring order and defenses.

Though retreating, Lu Bu regrouped with his generals. “Our forces are small,” he said, “but still enough to break Cao Cao.”