Tan claimed to be a cavalry general and led his troops to campaign in Liyang. Due to a lack of troops, he had Feng Ji accompany him. Tan requested reinforcements, but Shen Pei and the others deliberated and ultimately refused. In a fit of rage, Tan executed Feng Ji. Cao Cao crossed the river to launch an attack on Tan. Tan sought help from Yuan Shang, who left Shen Pei to defend Ye City while he led troops to support Tan, where they confronted Cao Cao in Liyang. From September to February of the following year, battles raged continuously outside the city, and Tan and Yuan Shang were defeated and retreated back into the city. Cao Cao aimed to encircle them, but they managed to sneak back to Ye City under the cover of night. Cao Cao's forces pursued, but Yuan Shang launched a counterattack and routed Cao Cao, forcing Cao Cao's forces to retreat to Xuchang. Tan told Yuan Shang, "My armor is of poor quality, which led to our previous defeat by Cao Cao. Now that Cao Cao's army is retreating and everyone wants to go home, we can attack them while they haven't crossed the river yet and inflict a crushing defeat on them. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!" Yuan Shang hesitated and refused, neither sending reinforcements nor replacing the armor. Tan was furious, and Guo Tu and Xin Ping told Tan, "It’s all Shen Pei’s fault." Tan believed them. He then led his troops to confront Yuan Shang and engaged in battle at the outer city gate. Tan was ultimately defeated and retreated back to Nanpi with his troops.
Wang Xiu led officials and people from Qingzhou to rescue Tan. After Tan returned, he wanted to attack Yuan Shang again. He asked Wang Xiu, "Do you have any good ideas?" Wang Xiu said, "Brothers are like a person's left and right hands. For example, if a person wants to fight, but first cuts off his right hand, and then says 'I will definitely beat you,' is that possible? If you abandon your brother and do not get close to him, who else will want to be close to you? Right now, there are troublemakers stirring up discord, hoping to gain temporary benefits. I hope you can turn a deaf ear to them. If you deal with a few traitors, your brothers will reconcile like before, and you will be able to resist attacks from all directions and dominate the world." Tan did not listen to him. Yuan Shang personally led the troops to attack Tan again, and Tan was defeated and had no choice but to defend the city. Yuan Shang laid a tight siege on him, and Tan escaped to the plains, sending Xin Pi from Yingchuan to request help from Cao Cao.
Liu Biao wrote a letter advising Tan: Heaven has sent down disasters, and calamities keep coming. Initially, the relationships with other ethnic groups were strained, but in the end, an alliance was formed, leading to turmoil within the royal family and chaos in moral ethics. Thus, all wise and discerning people are heartbroken and saddened by how people cannot tolerate one another. But Taigong and I are aligned in our goals. Even though Chu and Wei are far apart, separated by mountains and rivers, we work together to support the royal family, keeping outsiders from breaking our alliance and ensuring that different ethnic groups do not disrupt our friendly relations. This is what Taigong and I have consistently upheld.
His great work was still unfinished when Taigong passed away. His virtuous descendants took up his mantle and continued to pursue his grand vision. They inherited the merits of their ancestors, consolidated the royal authority, defeated powerful enemies in the capital city of Ye, gained renown in the northern borderlands, defended the territory, and remained vigilant over the lands north of the Yellow River, with all allied countries coming to depend on us. Who could have imagined that there would be despicable people, like flies buzzing around, stirring up trouble under our banner, slinking between the two armies, leading our loyal subjects to fracture into rival factions and turning our once-trusted allies into foes?
I was skeptical at first when I heard about this. But when the grim news arrived, I realized that the animosity between E Bo and Shi Shen had boiled over, and their treacherous plan to forsake their kin and ally with our enemies was set in motion. The battle standards clashed in the Central Plains, and bodies lay heaped beneath the city walls. Upon hearing this news, I felt a crushing weight in my heart, as if I had experienced death and returned. From the Three Kings and Five Hegemons of the past to the Warring States period, where rulers and their subjects turned against each other, fathers and sons slaughtered each other, brothers harmed each other, and relatives exterminated each other, these atrocities have all occurred. But they did this to secure royal power or establish dominance, all in the relentless pursuit of wealth and power during their lifetimes. However, there has never been a case of forsaking family to ally with foreign tribes, betraying one's own roots, and still managing to find lasting stability.
In the past, Duke Xiang of Qi avenged a grudge spanning nine generations; the "Spring and Autumn Annals" praises the deeds of Shi Gai and Xun Yan, and gentlemen commend their righteousness. Bo Yi and Shu Qi's hatred towards the Qi state is not as intense as Taigong's hatred towards the Cao state; the ministers of Xuanzi carry on his legacy, which is not as commendable as the descendants of a benevolent ruler inheriting the throne. Moreover, gentlemen refuse to visit enemy states, let alone speak ill of them, much less forget the hatred of their ancestors and renounce friendly ties with kin. This will serve as a cautionary tale for future generations, leaving behind the shame of alliances! Even foreign tribes will have words of reproach; let alone our own people—shouldn't we feel sorrowful?
Ah, if you want to leave a good reputation in history books and let your family's descendants enjoy glory, how can you bicker with your brothers over who's right and who's wrong? If there are disrespectful behaviors in Jizhou, without any shame or obedience, those who aspire to be benevolent rulers should set aside their pride, endure humiliation, and make fulfilling great tasks their top priority. Once the issue is resolved, let everyone see the truth; isn't that a noble thing to do? Now your relationship with your wife isn't nearly as dire as that of Duke Zheng and Lady Jiang; the grievances between brothers are not as severe as Emperor Shun's with Xiang Ao. But what happened? Duke Zhuang eventually held a grand celebration, and Xiang Ao also received a fief in the end. I hope you can set aside your prejudices and mend your brotherly ties, be as respectful to your mother as you once were, and live in harmony with your brothers. You are now organizing the army, but you are not moving, like a statue.
I went to persuade the Chancellor again, but he simply wouldn't listen. Cao Cao ultimately went to rescue Tan, reaching Liyang in October. Upon hearing that Cao Cao was crossing the river, the Chancellor abandoned Pingyuan and returned to Ye City. The Chancellor's subordinates Lv Kuang and Gao Xiang betrayed him and joined Cao Cao. Tan secretly carved a general's seal and lent it to Lv Kuang and Gao Xiang. Cao Cao realized Tan was up to tricks, so he soothed him by arranging for his son to marry Tan's daughter, and then withdrew his troops.
In the third month of the ninth year of his reign, the Chancellor sent Shen Pei to guard Ye City and went to attack Tan's army in Pingyuan. Shen Pei wrote a letter to Tan, saying:
Although good medicine is bitter to the mouth, it can cure illness; although honest advice is unpleasant to the ear, it can correct mistakes. I hope, General, that you can calm down and not be angry, and listen to my advice. In short, as noted in the "Spring and Autumn Annals," a ruler dies for the state, and a loyal minister dies for the ruler. If it endangers the ancestral temple and disrupts the state, it is a sin no matter the relationship. Therefore, Duke Zhou tearfully dealt with the rebellion of Guan Shu and Cai Shu, and Ji You sorrowfully executed the punishment of Shu Ya. Why? Because righteousness is more important than personal interests, and when things develop to this point, there is no choice.
Before, the Duke deposed you to let your virtuous brother succeed, then made you the legitimate son. This matter is known to ancestors, recorded in the family genealogy, and known throughout the world. Why did the treacherous Guo Tu go to such lengths to flatter insincerely, sow discord, and make you forget filial piety and brotherly love, imitating the precedents of the E family and the Shen family, leading troops to plunder everywhere, massacring officials, and having the souls of the wronged crying out in the underworld, their scars marring the fields? Are you still planning to attack Ye City, promising rewards to Qin and Hu, with spoils and women already promised? You even said, "Although I have an elderly mother, as long as she is healthy, it's fine." Anyone who heard this couldn't help but weep; your wife is even more distressed and furious. The officials and ministers in our state are restless, lamenting without end.
If we petition the court directly, it is likely to violate the principle from the "Spring and Autumn Annals" that loyal ministers sacrifice themselves for their monarch, which would destroy the legacy left by our late lord. General, your refusal to listen to advice resulted in the Battle of Guantao. You have always been filial, demonstrating this from a young age. Your friendly nature is innate, and coupled with your intelligence and decisiveness, makes you effective in handling matters. You have also studied the rise and fall of ancient and modern times, disregarding wealth and glory; you hold reputation and status in the highest regard, as lofty as a mountain. Why did you suddenly lose your way, losing the demeanor of a wise man, accumulating grievances and inviting disaster? You are eagerly looking forward to fighting the enemy, putting a kind mother in danger, all for momentary gratification. Isn't this heartbreaking?
If you can repent and change your mind, we, your loyal subjects, will kneel before you in tears, ready to accept any punishment. If you persist in your refusal to repent, disaster will soon befall you. We hope you will carefully consider the consequences and provide us with a response.
Tan Buna.
Cao Cao attacked Ye city, and Shen Pei ordered Feng Li to open the city gate from within, allowing over three hundred of Cao Cao's soldiers to enter the city. When Shen Pei found out, he hurled large stones from the city wall at the gate, closing it and killing all the soldiers who had gotten inside. Cao Cao then began digging a moat around the city, which was initially shallow to create the illusion that it would be easy to cross. Shen Pei saw this and did not go out to fight. Cao Cao deepened and widened the moat overnight, making it two zhang deep and two zhang wide, and flooded the city with water from the Zhang River. Between May and August, over half the population in the city starved to death. Yuan Shang heard that Ye city was in danger and brought over ten thousand soldiers to rescue it, but Cao Cao defeated him in battle. Yuan Shang fled to Quzhang to set up camp, where Cao Cao surrounded him. Before any fighting could commence, Yuan Shang, fearing defeat, sent Yin Kui and Chen Lin to surrender, but Cao Cao refused. Yuan Shang fled to Lankou, and Cao Cao pursued him and laid siege. Yuan Shang's generals, including Ma Yan, surrendered, his army was defeated, and he fled to Zhongshan. Cao Cao confiscated all of Yuan Shang's supplies, as well as his seal, ceremonial axe, and clothing, displaying them to the people of Ye city, which caused their morale to plummet. Shen Pei ordered the soldiers to "hold the city, fight to the end! Cao Cao's army is tired, and the reinforcements from Youzhou are on their way, so what is there to worry about!" Cao Cao took a tour of the city, and Shen Pei ambushed him with crossbow arrows, missing him by a hair. Shen Pei's nephew, Shen Rong, the captain of the east gate, opened the city gate at night to let Cao Cao's army enter the city. Shen Pei put up a resistance in the city but was ultimately captured alive. Cao Cao inquired of Shen Pei, "I have been inspecting the city recently, why do you have so many crossbow arrows?" Shen Pei replied, "I still think it’s not enough!" Cao Cao said, "You are loyal to the Yuan family; that's only natural." Cao Cao had initially intended to spare Shen Pei's life, but Shen Pei stayed resolute and defiant to the very end. Those who witnessed this couldn't help but sigh, and in the end, Cao Cao ultimately executed Shen Pei. Cao Cao treated Yuan Shang's family with kindness and returned their valuables. Gao Gan surrendered with Bingzhou, and Cao Cao appointed him as governor.
When Cao Cao besieged Ye City, Tan Fu betrayed the Yuan clan. Cao Cao seized the opportunity to occupy several places such as Ganling, Anping, Bohai, and Hejian, before attacking Yuan Shang in Zhongshan County. Yuan Shang was defeated and fled to Gu'an to seek refuge with Yuan Xi. Tan Fu consolidated Yuan Shang's army and stationed them in Longcou.
In December, Cao Cao marched against Tan Fu, with his army stationed at the gates of Tan Fu's city. Tan Fu escaped to Nanpi at night and camped by the Qinghe River. In the first month of the following year, Cao Cao launched a fierce attack on Nanpi. Tan Fu wanted to fight outside the city, but his army was defeated before they could engage in battle. Tan Fu fled disheveled, with his pursuers realizing he was no ordinary man and pursuing him relentlessly. Tan Fu fell off his horse, turned around, and said, "Hey, kid, you've outdone me. I could make you rich and powerful!" Before he could finish speaking, his head fell to the ground. Cao Cao then executed Guo Tu and others, along with their wives and children.
Meanwhile, Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang were pursued by Jiao Chu and Zhang Nan, fleeing all the way to the Wuhuan tribes in Liaoxi. Jiao Chu declared himself Inspector of Youzhou, rallying a group of county magistrates to betray Yuan Shao and join Cao Cao, leading an army of tens of thousands. He sacrificed a white horse to swear an oath, loudly proclaiming, "Those who disobey orders shall be mercilessly killed!" No one dared to look up at him, each taking turns to swear by drinking blood. When it was the turn of the Attendant Han Heng, he said, "I have received great kindness from Yuan Shao and his son. Now that their family is destroyed, I don't have the wisdom to save them or the courage to die for them. I am truly sorry. As for joining Cao Cao, that is absolutely impossible!" The people present were shocked by Han Heng's words. Jiao Chu said, "To accomplish great things, one must uphold great righteousness. The success of any endeavor doesn't rely on just one person. Han Heng, you may persist in your beliefs, as this can also inspire everyone to serve the monarch faithfully." Cao Cao admired Han Heng greatly upon hearing of his deeds and summoned him several times, but Han Heng never came and eventually passed away at home.
Later, Gao Gan rebelled again, captured the Governor of Shangdang, and took command of his troops at Hukou Pass. In the eleventh year of Jian'an, Cao Cao personally went to attack Gao Gan. Gao Gan left his generals to defend the city while he sought help from the Xiongnu. Failing to get assistance, he fled with only a few cavalry soldiers, attempting to escape to Jingzhou in the south. However, he was captured in Shangluo by a military officer and was killed.
In the twelfth year of Jian'an, Cao Cao attacked Liaoxi and fought against the Wuhuan. Yuan Shang, known for his bravery and ferocity, Yuan Xi, and the Wuhuan joined forces to resist Cao Cao's army but were defeated and fled. They escaped with several thousand soldiers to Liaodong to seek refuge with Gongsun Kang. Yuan Shang discussed with Yuan Xi, "When we arrive in Liaodong, Gongsun Kang will definitely meet us. I will personally kill Gongsun Kang, take over his territory, and we can make a comeback!" Gongsun Kang had long intended to use Yuan Shang for his own gain, so he first ambushed elite soldiers in the stables before inviting Yuan Shang and Yuan Xi in. Yuan Xi was somewhat suspicious and didn't want to go in, but Yuan Shang dragged him in. Before they could sit down, Gongsun Kang ordered his ambush to seize them and throw them to the cold ground. Yuan Shang said to Gongsun Kang, "I’m still alive! This ground is freezing; can we sit together?" Gongsun Kang replied, "Your head is about to be a thousand miles away; what’s the point of sitting?" He then killed Yuan Shang and sent his head to Cao Cao.
Kang is from Liaodong. His father, named Du, initially became a minor official in Xuantu County to evade the authorities and gradually rose in rank. In the first year of Zhongping, he returned to his hometown of Liaodong and became the prefect. He was known for his ruthless punishments and executions, eliminating over a hundred prominent local families that opposed him. He led troops to attack Goguryeo in the east and the Wuhuan in the west, earning a fearsome reputation that resonated along the coast. At that time, the court was in chaos, and his father Du, capitalizing on their remote location, secretly planned to declare himself king. Coincidentally, a large stone about ten feet long appeared on the altar of the city of Xiangping, with three smaller stones as its base. His father interpreted this as a divine omen that he was meant to become emperor. In the first year of Chuping, he unilaterally divided Liaodong County into two: Liaoxi and Liaozhong, appointed governors for each, and even crossed the sea to incorporate some counties in Donglai, declaring himself the governor of Yingzhou, the Marquis of Liaodong, the Governor of Pingzhou, and posthumously granted his grandfather the title of Marquis of Jianyi. He also built temples for the two ancestors of the Han Dynasty. His father set up an altar to honor heaven and earth in the south of Xiangping City, held the Jietian ceremony, trained the army, and used the Luan carriage with nine umbrellas for travel, with the Yulin Army in the procession, creating a grand spectacle. In the ninth year of Jian'an, Cao Cao appointed his father as General Fenwei and granted him the title of Marquis of Yongning Township. After his father's death, his son Kang inherited his territory and continued to control the land of Liaodong.
Liu Biao, styled Jingsheng, was from Gaoping in Shanyang and was a descendant of King Lu Gong. He was over eight feet tall and very handsome. Along with Zhang Jian and others from the same county, he was suspected by the court and referred to as one of the "Eight Nobles." When the court ordered the arrest of party members, he narrowly escaped capture. Later, after the lifting of the ban on political parties, he was recruited as an advisor by Grand General He Jin.
In the year 184 AD, Sun Jian eliminated Wang Rui, the Inspector of Jingzhou, and was then appointed as the Inspector of Jingzhou by the court. However, at that time, the rebel forces in Jiangnan were particularly powerful, and with Yuan Shu’s troops blocking the way at Luyang, Sun Jian had no other option but to ride alone to Yicheng to discuss countermeasures with Jing Yue from Nanchuan and Cai Mao from Xiangyang. Sun Jian said to Jing Yue, "Although those rebels are numerous and powerful, the common people aren't backing them. If Yuan Shu continues to use them, it will be troublesome! I want to recruit soldiers and gather supplies, but I'm worried I won't find anyone. What do you think?" Jing Yue replied, "To govern in times of peace, one must emphasize benevolence and righteousness, but to govern in times of chaos, one must use strategies. Winning battles isn't just about numbers, but in finding the right people. Yuan Shu is arrogant and foolish, and those rebels are all greedy and cruel. I know some people who can be bribed to bring their followers to join you. As long as you deal with those unreasonable folks, use your talents well, and establish your authority, the common people will flock to you like a tidal wave. Once the troops are assembled and the people are loyal, you can occupy Jiangling in the south and defend Xiangyang in the north. The eight counties of Jingzhou will be easily taken. Even if Yuan Shu comes, he won't stand a chance against you!" Sun Jian thought it made sense and said, "Good!" He then sent people to deceive the leaders of the rebels, captured a total of fifteen, killed them all, and incorporated their troops. Only the bandits Zhang Hu and Chen from Jiangxia were still occupying Xiangyang with their troops. Sun Jian sent Jing Yue and Pang Ji to convince them to surrender, and they did. With this, the situation in Jiangnan was brought under control. When other local officials caught wind of Sun Jian's reputation, many willingly stepped down. Sun Jian then regrouped his troops in Xiangyang and got ready to assess the situation.
Yuan Shu had a bad relationship with his cousin Yuan Shao, but Yuan Shao had a good relationship with Sun Jian. So Yuan Shu conspired with Sun Jian to attack Yuan Shao. As a result, Sun Jian was defeated and subsequently surrounded in Xiangyang. Just as Sun Jian's general Huang Zu came to rescue him, Sun Jian was shot by an arrow and killed, and the remaining troops withdrew. In the winter, when Li Jue and his men attacked Chang'an, Sun Jian sent people to the court to pay tribute. Li Jue appointed Sun Jian as General of the South and Governor of Jingzhou, also granting him the title of Marquis of Chengwu and giving him the ceremonial axe, hoping he would assist him. In the year 196 AD, General Zhang Ji fled from Guanzhong to Nanyang, but was shot and killed by an arrow while attacking Rangcheng. Officials from Jingzhou went to congratulate Liu Biao. Liu Biao said, "Zhang Ji sought refuge here, but as a host, I failed to entertain him properly, leading to conflict, which was not my intention. I should offer condolences, not congratulations." He then sent envoys to take command of Zhang Ji's army, and the soldiers were pleased to hear this, willingly submitting to Liu Biao. Three years later, Zhang Xian, the Prefect of Changsha, rebelled with the two counties of Lingling and Guiyang. Liu Biao sent troops to attack and quickly defeated Zhang Xian, suppressing the rebellion. In this way, Liu Biao's influence expanded, reaching as far south as the Five Ridges and controlling the Han River basin to the north, with a territory spanning thousands of miles and an army of over ten thousand men. At first, the people of Jingzhou were prone to unrest, coupled with continuous conflicts and rampant banditry, causing chaos everywhere. But Liu Biao was good at appeasement, using a mix of kindness and firmness. The cunning old bandits became his trusted aides, bringing peace within a thousand miles, with officials and commoners all sincerely content. More than a thousand scholars from Guanzhong, Yanzhou, and Yuzhou came to Liu Biao seeking refuge. Liu Biao provided comfort and support, helping them settle down.
He also established schools and recruited talents widely, inviting talents like Qi Mu Kui and Song Zhong to compile the "Five Classics with Annotations," which later came to be known as "Hou Ding." Liu Biao cared for the people as if they were his own children, nurtured talents, and calmly preserved his own strength.
It is said that when Cao Cao and Yuan Shao confronted each other at Guandu, Yuan Shao sent someone to ask Liu Biao for help. Liu Biao agreed on the surface, but in reality, he neither sent troops to help Yuan Shao nor Cao Cao, preferring to sit back and watch how the situation unfolded. His subordinates, Han Song and Liu Xian, advised him, "Now all the heroes are vying for supremacy. The two major forces, Cao Cao and Yuan Shao, are deadlocked. The fate of the realm rests in your hands, General. If you want to make a move, now is the perfect opportunity to seize the moment; if you don't want to do anything, you should align yourself with a suitable faction. How can you have an army of a hundred thousand and simply stand by, agreeing to help but not lending a hand, seeing wise men but not wanting to join them? Both of these mistakes will make the people resent you, and you may find it difficult to remain neutral. Cao Cao is a skilled military strategist, and many talents have joined him. His forces are bound to overcome Yuan Shao, and then he will lead his troops south to attack the Jianghan region. By then, General, you might find it hard to resist! The wisest move now would be to offer Jingzhou to Cao Cao. Cao Cao will surely value you and allow you to enjoy wealth and prestige, and your descendants will reap the rewards as well. This is the safest strategy!" Kuai Yue also advised Liu Biao to do this.
Liu Biao hesitated and sent Han Song to Xuchang to investigate the truth about Cao Cao. He told Han Song, "The situation in the world is not yet stable. Cao Cao is using the emperor to control the vassals. Help me see if there are any weaknesses in Cao Cao." Han Song replied, "I think Cao Cao is very wise and will definitely unify the world in the future. If the general wants to join him, just let me go; if you are still hesitating, after I arrive in the capital, the emperor will definitely give me an official position. I cannot refuse, and I will become the emperor's subject, merely your former subordinate. When the time comes, I will serve the emperor and will no longer serve you. General, you must think carefully!" Liu Biao felt that Han Song's words were a bit frightening, so he forced him to go to Xuchang. After arriving in Xuchang, Han Song was indeed appointed as a court attendant and the Prefect of Lingling.
When Han Song returned, he praised the court and Cao Cao's grace, and even advised Liu Biao to send his son to Xuchang as a hostage. Liu Biao was furious upon hearing this, thinking that Han Song had ulterior motives. He berated Han Song and threatened to kill him. Unfazed, Han Song calmly clarified his earlier statements. Liu Biao's wife, Lady Cai, knew that Han Song was a talented individual and advised Liu Biao not to kill him. Despite his anger, Liu Biao imprisoned Han Song and killed several people who had followed Han Song to Xuchang, to show that he had no other intentions.
Six years later, Liu Bei fled to Jingzhou from Yuan Shao. Although Liu Biao warmly welcomed him, he ultimately did not offer him a position. Seven years later, Cao Cao personally led troops to attack Liu Biao. Before reaching Jingzhou, Liu Biao died from an infected sore on his back. Despite nearly twenty years in Jingzhou, his family had accumulated no savings.
Liu Biao had two sons, one named Qi and the other named Cong. Liu Biao initially favored Qi because he resembled him. Later, he arranged for Cong to marry the niece of his second wife, Madam Cai. Madam Cai then favored Cong and disliked Qi, often speaking ill of Qi in front of Liu Biao. Liu Biao, being fond of his second wife, always took her words at face value. In addition, Madam Cai's brother Cai Mao and nephew Zhang Yun also gained Liu Biao's favor and had a good relationship with Cong, leaving Qi increasingly unsettled. He once discussed with Zhuge Liang from Langya how to protect himself from potential threats. Zhuge Liang initially ignored him, but later they went up to a high building together, where Zhuge Liang told Qi to keep quiet and asked, "Today, we are speaking in a space that is neither here nor there. Can we speak privately now?" Zhuge Liang said, "Have you not seen that Shen Sheng is in danger in the court, while Chong'er is safe abroad?" Qi took this to heart and began to plot in secret.
At this time, Huang Zu, the Governor of Jiangxia under Liu Biao, was killed by Sun Quan. Qi requested to take over Huang Zu's position. Later, when Liu Biao fell seriously ill, Qi returned home to visit his father, as he was always filial. Cai Mao, Zhang Yun, and others were worried that if Qi and Liu Biao had a strong bond, Liu Biao might appoint Qi as his successor. So they told Qi, "Being in charge of Jiangxia is a great responsibility. If you leave your post without permission now, you will be reprimanded. This could affect your visit to your father and worsen his condition. This is not filial behavior!" They then blocked Qi from seeing Liu Biao. Qi left in tears, and many sympathized with him. In the end, Liu Biao appointed Cong as his successor. Cong gave the seal of the marquis to Qi. In a fit of anger, Qi threw the seal to the ground and planned to rebel during the mourning period. When Cao Cao's army arrived in Xinye, Qi fled to Jiangnan.
Kuai Yue, Han Song, and Fu Xun, and others, advised Liu Cong to surrender to Cao Cao. Liu Cong replied, "Currently, we occupy the entire territory of Chu, inheriting our father's legacy. We can observe the situation in the world. What’s stopping us?" Fu Xun said, "Compliance and resistance are the main paths, and strength and weakness have their own patterns. It is morally wrong for a subject to resist the ruler; it's also unwise to rely on Liu Bei to resist Cao Cao, which will be very dangerous. These three points are all disadvantages. If we want to resist the edge of Cao Cao's army, we're bound to be destroyed. General, think about it, how do you compare to Liu Bei?" Liu Cong said, "I am not as good as him." Fu Xun said, "Since Liu Bei is not enough to resist Cao Cao, even if we occupy the entire Chu territory, we cannot protect ourselves. If Liu Bei is enough to resist Cao Cao, then Liu Bei will not obey the general's orders. I hope the general will not hesitate."
Cao Cao's forces arrived at Xiangyang, and Liu Cong directly surrendered the entire province. Liu Bei hastily fled to Xiakou. Cao Cao appointed Liu Cong as the Governor of Qingzhou and bestowed upon him the title of Marquis. Fifteen others, including Kuai Yue, were also granted official titles. Cao Cao released Cai Song from prison, recognizing his esteemed reputation, showing him special favor and putting him in charge of evaluating the officials in the province and elevating talented officials. Cao Cao appointed Cai Song as the Grand Herald, extending the courtesy of a friend to him. Kuai Yue was appointed as the Palace Attendant, and Liu Xian was appointed as the Prefect of the Imperial Secretariat. Legend has it that when Liu Biao first allied with Yuan Shao, the advisor Deng Yi cautioned him against it, but Liu Biao did not listen. Deng Yi resigned due to illness and he never returned to public service. Later, Cao Cao called him back to serve as an advisor, and many of Liu Biao's former subordinates also rose to prominent positions.
Later, Cao Cao suffered defeat at the Battle of Chibi, and Liu Bei appointed Fu Qi as the Inspector of Jingzhou. The following year, Fu Qi died. The book comments, "Yuan Shao initially gathered many people with his reputation as a hero, and then aimed to conquer the world. All who rebelled did so under Yuan Shao's banner. However, when it came to facing the enemy on the battlefield, they only fought fiercely like a horde of barbarians; when it came to strategy, they had to depend on the wise. Indeed, Yuan Shao was quite formidable; he had so many talented people around him! As noted in 'Han Feizi': 'Having a strong character but not understanding unity and cooperation, being stubborn and competitive, looking down on legitimate sons and favoring illegitimate sons, these are all signs of doom.' Liu Biao occupied a piece of land but only wanted to quietly wait for fate, wanting to have a share of the world like a wooden puppet compared to a real person, which is utterly unattainable."
The book concludes, "Yuan Shao was both graceful and imposing, and Liu Biao was also a respectable elder. Yuan Shao dominated north of the Yellow River, while Liu Biao was powerful in the Jingzhou region in the south. Yuan Shao's army was as dense as a school of fish, with chariots linked together; his cavalry gathered like clouds in Jizhou. They all wanted to seize the world, offering sacrifices to the heavens and the earth, like ancient emperors. They had both natural talent and relied on wise talents. But they preyed on the weak and ultimately met their downfall; what good is it to merely talk about ideals? As a result, Yuan Shao was destroyed by Cao Cao, Liu Biao also died, and their legacies were shattered."
