Chapter 17: Yuan Shu Marches Out an Army of Seven Divisions; Cao Cao and Three Generals Join Forces

The lands south of the River Huai were fertile, and Yuan Shu, as governor of this vast region, wielded significant influence. Possession of the Imperial Hereditary Seal, pledged by Sun Ce, inflated his pride, prompting him to consider declaring himself emperor.

He gathered his officers and declared, “The Supreme Ancestor, founder of the Han Dynasty, rose from humble beginnings to rule the empire. After four centuries, the dynasty’s fortune has waned, and its authority is broken. My family has held high office for generations and is revered. Heaven and the people call for me to assume the Imperial Dignity. What say you?”

Secretary Yan Xiang opposed him: “King Wen of Zhou, though virtuous and commanding two-thirds of the empire, remained loyal to the Shang Dynasty until its downfall. Your house, while honorable, lacks such distinction. The Han may be in decline, but they are not tyrants like the Shang rulers. This ambition is unwise.”

Yuan Shu, displeased, retorted, “My family shares ancestry with King Shun, and the signs of fate align. I hold the Imperial Seal and must follow Heaven’s mandate. Oppose me, and you die.” He declared himself emperor, adopting the title “Second Glory,” appointed officials, and assumed imperial ceremonies. His son became Heir Apparent, and he sought to marry Lu Bu’s daughter to complete his court.

When Yuan Shu learned that his envoy, Han Yin, had been executed in the capital, he flew into a rage and prepared for war. He mobilized over 200,000 troops under seven commanders, with Zhang Xun leading the main force. Yuan Shu personally commanded 30,000 troops, appointing generals to coordinate the campaign. Their objective: Xuzhou and its surrounding towns.

Lu Bu, aware of the threat, convened his advisers. Chen Gong suggested executing Chen Gui and Chen Deng, blaming them for the invasion. However, Chen Deng laughed and assured Lu Bu, “These armies are disorganized and easily defeated. If you trust me, I can protect the region and even turn the tide.”

He proposed enlisting Han Xian and Yang Feng, two disgruntled commanders under Yuan Shu, and sought assistance from Liu Bei. With Lu Bu’s consent, Chen Deng delivered letters to Han Xian, reminding him of his past loyalty to the Han and urging him to betray Yuan Shu. Han Xian agreed, promising to coordinate with Yang Feng and signal their attack with a flare.

As Yuan Shu’s armies advanced, Lu Bu divided his forces to defend key towns. He led his troops against Zhang Xun, camping ten miles from the enemy. Zhang Xun, wary of Lu Bu, retreated to await reinforcements. That night, Han Xian and Yang Feng lit the signal flare, allowing Lu Bu’s troops to infiltrate Zhang Xun’s camp and sow chaos. Lu Bu launched a full-scale assault, routing Zhang Xun.

The fleeing enemy collided with Ji Ling’s forces, but Lu Bu, reinforced by Han Xian and Yang Feng, defeated them. Yuan Shu then appeared on the battlefield, escorted by an imposing guard beneath imperial banners. Clad in silver armor and accompanied by symbols of imperial authority, Yuan Shu prepared to confront Lu Bu’s forces.

Yuan Shu stood before his army, cursing Lu Bu as a traitor. Lu Bu said nothing, charging forward to fight. Yuan Shu’s general, Li Deng, stepped up but was wounded in the third clash, dropping his spear and fleeing. Lu Bu pressed the attack, scattering Yuan Shu’s forces and seizing spoils of war.

As Yuan Shu retreated, Guan Yu’s army blocked his path. “Traitor! Why do you still live?” roared Guan Yu. Yuan Shu fled in terror, his army dissolving into chaos as Guan Yu’s troops cut them down. Yuan Shu and his remnants retreated to the lower Huai River.

With victory secured, Lu Bu and his allies celebrated in Xuzhou. Guan Yu returned to Yuzhou, while Han Xian and Yang Feng were assigned governorships. Chen Gui advised against keeping them in Xuzhou, fearing they might aid Lu Bu.

Meanwhile, Yuan Shu sought reinforcements from Sun Ce, who refused, calling Yuan Shu a rebel for claiming imperial status. Enraged, Yuan Shu considered attacking Sun Ce, but his advisor Yang Dajiang dissuaded him.

Sun Ce prepared for Yuan Shu’s potential retaliation, receiving Cao Cao’s appointment as Governor of Kuaiji and orders to suppress Yuan Shu. At a council, Zhang Zhao advised Sun Ce to ally with Cao Cao instead of risking a direct assault. This strategy was adopted.

After Yuan Shu’s defeat at the River Yu, Cao Cao returned to Xuchang, mourning his fallen commander, Dian Wei. Hearing Yuan Shu was raiding Chenliu due to food shortages, Cao Cao launched a southern campaign, summoning Sun Ce, Liu Bei, and Lu Bu.

Liu Bei met Cao Cao with the heads of Han Xian and Yang Feng, explaining they had abused their power. Cao Cao praised Liu Bei for his decisive action. At Shouchun, Cao Cao, Lu Bu, and Liu Bei coordinated their forces, surrounding the city. Sun Ce’s fleet approached from the west. Shouchun’s defenders, under severe famine, resorted to desperate measures, while Yuan Shu fled across the Huai River with his wealth.

Cao Cao’s troops faced supply shortages during the siege. To maintain order, he executed the granary official for short-measuring rations. This appeased the soldiers and upheld discipline. Intensifying the assault, Cao Cao’s forces breached the walls, captured the city, and executed its commanders.

As supplies dwindled, Cao Cao heeded Xun Yu’s advice to withdraw and regroup. However, news arrived of Zhang Xiu’s rebellion, supported by Liu Biao. Cao Cao quickly pivoted, leaving Liu Bei to defend Xiaopei and preparing his forces for the next conflict.

Marching through wheat fields, Cao Cao ordered his troops to avoid damaging crops, earning local support. When his horse trampled a patch of grain, Cao Cao cut off his hair as symbolic punishment to uphold discipline, inspiring his army’s loyalty.

At Nanyang, Zhang Xiu insulted Cao Cao, prompting Xu Chu to engage in battle, killing Zhang Xian. Zhang Xiu’s forces retreated behind city walls. Cao Cao besieged Nanyang, constructing a mound to scale the defenses. Within the city, Jia Xu devised a strategy to counter Cao Cao’s attack.