Chapter 14: Cao Cao Moves the Court to Xuchang; Lu Bu Night-Raids Xuzhou

Li Yue falsely claimed the approaching army belonged to rebels Li Jue and Guo Si, intending to capture the Emperor. Recognizing his voice, Yang Feng ordered Xu Huang to fight. Xu Huang defeated Li Yue in a single bout, scattering the White Wave rebels. The Emperor’s party passed safely through Zhiguan Hills, where Zhang Yang, Governor of Henei, provided supplies and escorted them to Zhidao. Grateful, the Emperor honored Zhang Yang as Grand Commander. Yang Feng’s forces moved to camp northeast of Luoyang at Yewang.

Upon entering Luoyang, they found a desolate city. Palaces were ruins, streets overgrown, and famine gripped the people, forcing them to eat bark and roots. Officers scavenged for fuel, and collapsing walls crushed many. Amidst this misery, the Emperor changed the reign style to Rebuilt Tranquility (AD 196).

Imperial Guardian Yang Biao suggested involving Cao Cao to stabilize the empire. The Emperor agreed, sending a decree east. Cao Cao, learning of the court’s return to Luoyang, saw an opportunity to restore the Emperor’s honor, much like Duke Wen of Jin and Liu Bang had done in the past. He prepared his army immediately, receiving the Emperor’s summons just in time.

Luoyang’s weak defenses worried the Emperor as rebels approached. Yang Feng and Han Xian vowed to fight, but Dong Cheng advised retreat eastward. As they departed, dust clouds heralded an approaching army. A messenger announced Xiahou Dun and 50,000 troops sent by Cao Cao to protect the Emperor. Reassured, the Emperor welcomed Xiahou Dun and his capable generals.

Soon Cao Cao arrived with reinforcements. His forces defeated the rebels, killing Li Jue’s nephews, Li Xian and Li Bie. The rebels fled west in disarray. Cao Cao received high honors, including Minister of War, while the surviving rebels scattered into hiding.

Fearing Cao Cao’s growing power, Yang Feng and Han Xian retreated under the guise of pursuing rebels. At court, Cao Cao noticed a well-fed official amidst famine. Impressed by the man’s resourcefulness, he invited him to join his service. This official, Dong Zhao, suggested relocating the capital to Xuchang, a city better suited to provide stability and resources. Cao Cao agreed and began planning the move.

Astrologers predicted the rise of Wei, linking it to Cao Cao’s destiny. Encouraged by these omens, Cao Cao proposed the relocation to the court, citing Luoyang’s desolation and lack of supplies. Thus, the Emperor prepared to move to Xuchang.

The Emperor dared not oppose, and the officials, overawed, had no choice but to comply. A day was chosen to depart, with Cao Cao commanding the escort. As they traveled, they encountered Yang Feng and Han Xian, who blocked their path with troops. Xu Huang, standing at the forefront, shouted, “Cao Cao is stealing the Emperor!”

Cao Cao admired Xu Huang’s valor, despite being an enemy, and sent Xu Chu to fight him. The two clashed fiercely for over fifty rounds without a clear victor. Reluctant to harm Xu Huang, Cao Cao withdrew and devised a plan to win him over.

That night, Man Chong infiltrated Xu Huang’s camp disguised as a soldier. Greeting him as an old friend, Man Chong praised Xu Huang’s skills and urged him to join Cao Cao, a leader who appreciated talent. After some hesitation, Xu Huang agreed, but he refused to kill his current masters, Yang Feng and Han Xian, as a gesture of loyalty. Taking a few men, Xu Huang defected to Cao Cao.

When Yang Feng pursued him, Cao Cao ambushed and defeated him. Han Xian arrived to help, but their forces were routed. Both retreated to Yuan Shu, leaving Cao Cao to continue his journey. Arriving at Xuchang, Cao Cao established it as the new capital, rewarding his followers and consolidating power. He became Prime Minister, with state affairs passing through him before reaching the Emperor.

During a banquet, Cao Cao raised concerns about Liu Bei and Lu Bu potentially joining forces. Xun Yu proposed a ruse: granting Liu Bei official authority while secretly urging him to eliminate Lu Bu. Cao Cao approved and sent the decree.

In Xuzhou, Liu Bei received the decree. Zhang Fei, eager to kill Lu Bu, was stopped by Liu Bei, who refused to betray Lu Bu’s trust. Liu Bei saw through Cao Cao’s scheme and assured Lu Bu of his loyalty. However, the situation remained tense.

Meanwhile, Zhang Fei, left to guard Xuzhou, hosted a banquet. Ignoring Liu Bei’s orders, he drank heavily and punished Cao Bao, Lu Bu’s father-in-law, after a drunken argument. Humiliated, Cao Bao invited Lu Bu to attack Xuzhou. Lu Bu, seizing the opportunity, stormed the city. Drunken and unprepared, Zhang Fei barely escaped, retreating with a small group of loyal soldiers.