Cao Cao, styled Mengde, was from Qiao County in Pei State. His ancestor was Cao Shen, a Chancellor of the Han Dynasty. His grandfather, Cao Teng, served as the Grand Regular Attendant during the reign of Emperor Huan of Han and was granted the title of Marquis of Feiting. His father, Cao Song, inherited the title and later held the position of Grand Commandant. However, there are different accounts of how he came into prominence, but in any case, he fathered Cao Cao.
Cao Cao was intelligent and shrewd from a young age, but he was also somewhat unruly and did not take his studies seriously. Most people at the time did not see anything special about him; only Qiao Xuan of Liang State and He Yong of Nanyang saw his potential. Qiao Xuan once said to Cao Cao, "When chaos descends upon the land, only talented individuals like you can save it. Whether the world can be stabilized rests on your shoulders!" At the age of twenty, Cao Cao was recommended for his filial piety and appointed as the Prefect of Luoyang. He was later promoted to the position of Commandant of Dunqiu and eventually summoned to serve as a Gentleman of the Court.
Towards the end of the Guanghe era, the Yellow Turban Rebellion broke out. Cao Cao was appointed as the Cavalry Commander to suppress the Yellow Turban army in Yingchuan. He was later promoted to be the Prefect of Jinan, overseeing more than ten counties. At that time, many county officials were corrupt and ingratiated themselves with the powerful, but Cao Cao dismissed eight of them for their misconduct. He also banned immoral activities, causing criminals to flee, resulting in a marked improvement in public safety in the region. After some time, the court summoned him to serve as the Administrator of Dong Commandery, but he turned it down and went home, claiming to be ill.
Not long after, the Inspector of Ji Province, Wang Fen, Xu You of Nanyang, and Zhou Jing of Pei State, along with some other heroes, conspired to overthrow Emperor Ling of Han and install the Marquis of Hefei as the new emperor. They shared their plan with Cao Cao, but he refused to get involved. As a result, their rebellion failed.
At that time, the border commanders of Jincheng Commandery, Bian Zhang and Han Sui, killed the regional inspector and commandery governor and rebelled, with over one hundred thousand men under their command, causing chaos in the country. The court summoned Cao Cao to serve as Colonel of the Elite Cavalry. Coincidentally, at this time, Emperor Ling of Han died, and the crown prince ascended the throne, with the empress dowager acting as regent. General He Jin and Yuan Shao conspired to kill the eunuchs, but the empress dowager disagreed. He Jin planned to summon Dong Zhuo to leverage him against the empress dowager, but before Dong Zhuo arrived, He Jin was killed. After Dong Zhuo arrived, he deposed the emperor and installed a puppet emperor, causing chaos in the capital. Dong Zhuo also appointed Cao Cao as Colonel of the Rapid Cavalry, wanting him to work together. Cao Cao discreetly changed his name and stealthily fled eastward. Passing through the pass and arriving in Zhongmou, he was suspected by a local innkeeper and arrested, but fortunately, someone recognized him and helped him escape. Later, Dong Zhuo killed the empress dowager and Prince of Hongnong. Cao Cao arrived in Chenliu, squandered his entire family fortune, recruited troops and acquired horses, preparing to attack Dong Zhuo. In December of the sixth year of Zhongping, Cao Cao raised his army. In January of AD 184, General Yuan Shu, Governor of Jizhou Han Fu, Inspector of Yuzhou Kong Rong, Inspector of Yanzhou Liu Dai, Prefect of Henan Wang Kuang, Prefect of Bo Hai Yuan Shao, Prefect of Chenliu Zhang Miao, Prefect of Dong Commandery Qiao Mao, Prefect of Shanyang Yuan Yi, and Magistrate of Jibei Bao Xin, these ten men simultaneously rose in rebellion, each commanding tens of thousands of soldiers, and elected Yuan Shao as their leader. At that time, Cao Cao was appointed as General of Valiant Cavalry.
In February, Dong Zhuo heard that uprisings were happening in various places, so he hastily relocated the emperor to Chang'an. Dong Zhuo remained in Luoyang and then set the imperial palace ablaze. At that time, Yuan Shao was encamped in Henei, while Zhang Miao, Liu Dai, Qiao Mao, and Yuan Yi were in Suanzao, Yuan Shu was in Nanyang, Kong Rong was in Yingchuan, and Han Fu was in Ye City. Dong Zhuo had a strong military force, and Yuan Shao and the others did not dare to act rashly. Cao Cao said, "We have risen up to suppress the chaos; everyone has united. What more do you have to worry about? If Dong Zhuo hears that Shandong has risen up, relying on the prestige of the imperial family and occupying strategic positions for two weeks' time, threatening the realm from the east; even if he uses improper means, it is enough to make people afraid. Now that he has burned down the imperial palace and kidnapped the emperor, the hearts of the people across the country are in turmoil, not knowing what to do. This is a sign from heaven to bring him down! As long as we fight one battle, the world will be stable; this opportunity must not be missed!" So Cao Cao marched his troops west, intent on seizing Chenggao. Zhang Miao sent General Wei Zi to follow Cao Cao. When they reached the Bian River in Xingyang, they encountered Dong Zhuo's general Xu Rong, and the battle did not go well, resulting in heavy casualties. Cao Cao was struck by an arrow, and his horse was wounded; his brother Cao Hong gave his own horse to Cao Cao, allowing him to escape at night. Xu Rong saw that Cao Cao had few troops, so he fought to the death with him for a whole day. Realizing Suanzao was a tough nut to crack, he decided to pull back his troops.
Cao Cao arrived at Suanzao with over 100,000 troops from different directions, but they spent their days drinking and socializing, with no intention of attacking. Cao Cao scolded them and laid out a strategy, saying, "Listen up, let's have the armies from Bo Hai and He Nei meet at Mengjin. The generals at Suanzao should defend Chenggao, occupy Aocang, block Huan Yuan Pass and Taigu Pass, and secure these key locations. Let General Yuan lead the army of Nanyang to station at Danshui and Xixian, enter Wuguan, and intimidate the region of Sanfu. Everyone should build high city walls, dig deep moats, don't attack first, set up decoy troops, and show our strategy to the world. Act in accordance with the will of heaven to deal with the rebels, then we can quickly pacify the world. Now is the time to rise up in righteousness, but you hesitate and disappoint the expectations of the world; I’m ashamed for all of you!" But Zhang Miao and the others ignored Cao Cao's advice.
Cao Cao's army was short on manpower, so he headed to Yangzhou with Xiahou Dun and the others to recruit soldiers and gather supplies. The Governor of Yangzhou, Chen Wen, and the Prefect of Danyang, Zhou Xin, gave him more than 4,000 soldiers. But when they got back to Longkang, a lot of soldiers had defected. They managed to recruit over 1,000 more in Zhixian and Jianping counties, then stationed in Henei.
Liu Dai had a bad relationship with Qiao Mao, so he killed Qiao Mao and made Wang Gong the Prefect of Dongjun. Yuan Shao and Han Fu plotted to back Liu Yu, the Governor of Youzhou, as emperor, but Cao Cao strongly opposed it. Yuan Shao once obtained a jade seal and deliberately showed it off in front of Cao Cao, even bumping the jade seal against Cao Cao's arm, which really ticked Cao Cao off and made him resentful.
In the spring of the following year, Yuan Shao and Han Fu indeed proclaimed Liu Yu as emperor, but Liu Yu didn't dare to take the throne himself. In April, Dong Zhuo made his way back to Chang'an. In July, Yuan Shao threatened Han Fu and seized Ji Province.
The leaders of the Black Mountain Army, including Zhang Yan, Bai Rao, and Sui Gu, commanding over 100,000 troops, launched an attack on Wei County and Dong County, but Wang Gong was unable to withstand them. Cao Cao marched into Dong County and achieved victory over Bai Rao at Puyang. Yuan Shao recommended Cao Cao as the governor of Dong County, with his headquarters in Dong Wuyang.
In the spring of the third year, Cao Cao's army camped in Dunqiu, as Zhang Yan and his forces laid siege to Dong Wuyang. Cao Cao then led his troops west into the mountains to strike at Zhang Yan's stronghold. Hearing the news, Zhang Yan abandoned Dong Wuyang and fled. Cao Cao then proceeded to defeat Sui Gu, and subsequently the Xiongnu Chanyu Fulo in Neihuang, achieving decisive victories in both battles.
In April, Minister Wang Yun and Lu Bu conspired to kill Dong Zhuo. Dong Zhuo's generals, Li Jue, Guo Si, and others, killed Wang Yun and then launched an attack on Lu Bu, who was defeated and fled eastward towards Wuguan. Li Jue and his cohorts then seized control of the court without any authorization.
It is said that the Yellow Turban Army in Qingzhou, with a massive army of a million, marched towards Yanzhou in a grand display, and swiftly took down the county magistrate Zheng Sui in Rencheng, before advancing into Dongping. Liu Dai wanted to lead troops to fight, but was stopped by Bao Xin, who said, "Hey, the Yellow Turbans have a million strong army, scaring the common people to death. Our soldiers have no fighting spirit; we simply can't win! Look at them, a vast, disorganized crowd, surviving solely through looting. We should focus on holding our ground, building our strength, and defending rather than attacking. They want to fight but can't reach us, want to attack but can't break through. Eventually, they'll scatter on their own. Then we can send out elite soldiers to defend the key points and annihilate them in one fell swoop!" Liu Dai didn't listen to advice and insisted on fighting, which led to his inevitable death at the hands of the Yellow Turbans. Bao Xin had no choice but to team up with Wan Qian and others to go to Dongjun to invite Cao Cao to be the governor of Yanzhou. After Cao Cao arrived, he led his troops to engage the Yellow Turbans east of Shouzhang. Bao Xin fought to the death, and though they emerged victorious, he heroically lost his life. Since his body couldn't be found, they carved a wooden effigy in his likeness to honor him and mourn. Later, they chased the Yellow Turbans to Jibei, where the Yellow Turbans ultimately surrendered. That winter, they took in over 300,000 surrendered troops, along with more than a million men, women, and children, handpicking elite soldiers to create the Qingzhou Army. Yuan Shu and Yuan Shao were at odds, so Yuan Shu reached out for help from Gongsun Zan. Gongsun Zan stationed Liu Bei in Gaotang, Dianjing in Pingyuan, and Tao Qian in Fagan, all coordinating their efforts to strike at Yuan Shao. Cao Cao also clashed with Yuan Shao, defeating both of his armies.
In the spring of the fourth year of the Han dynasty, Cao Cao's army was stationed in Juancheng. The Governor of Jingzhou, Liu Biao, cut off the supply lines to Yuan Shu. Yuan Shu then led his army to Chenliu, set up camp in Fengqiu, and also recruited the Black Mountain bandits and Yu Fuluo to help. Yuan Shu sent General Liu Xiang to guard Kuangting. Cao Cao went to attack Liu Xiang, and Yuan Shu came to rescue him, but was decisively defeated by Cao Cao and fled back to Fengqiu in disgrace. Cao Cao besieged Fengqiu; before the battle even began, Yuan Shu fled to Xiangyi. Cao Cao pursued him to Taishou and diverted the river to besiege the city. Yuan Shu fled to Ningling, and Cao Cao chased him again, with Yuan Shu finally fleeing to Jiujiang. In the summer, Cao Cao returned to Dingtang with his army.
In Xiapi, there was a man named Que Xuan who raised several thousand people and proclaimed himself as the emperor; the Governor of Xuzhou, Tao Qian, joined him in rebellion, occupying Taishan Huaxian, Feixian, and even raided Rencity. In the autumn, Cao Cao set out to punish Tao Qian and quickly captured more than ten cities, as Tao Qian stayed holed up in his stronghold. That year, Sun Ce crossed the river under Yuan Shu's command and occupied Jiangdong in a few years.
In the spring of 194 AD, Cao Cao returned from Xuzhou. Earlier, his grandfather Cao Song resigned and returned to Qiaoxian. When Dong Zhuo rebelled, Cao Song escaped to Langya to avoid the chaos, but was killed by Tao Qian. So Cao Cao had always wanted revenge and planned an eastern campaign against Tao Qian. In the summer, Cao Cao sent Xun Yu and Cheng Yu to guard Juancheng, then led the army to campaign against Tao Qian again, capturing five cities in one go and advancing all the way to the East Sea. On his way back through Tancheng, Tao Qian's generals Cao Bao and Liu Bei were stationed to the east of Tancheng, attempting to intercept Cao Cao. Cao Cao defeated them, then took Xiangbei and continued to advance, inflicting heavy casualties along the way.
At this time, Zhang Miao and Chen Gong defected and welcomed Lu Bu, and many counties followed suit. Xun Yu and Cheng Yu defended Juancheng, while Fan County and Dong'e resisted as well. Cao Cao had no choice but to lead his troops back. After Lu Bu arrived, he failed to capture Juancheng and instead settled in Puyang. Cao Cao said, "If Lu Bu can capture the states and counties, he should first occupy Dongping to cut off the road between Kangfu and Mount Tai, seizing the strategic location to deal with me. But instead, he chose to camp in Puyang, which shows me he lacks the ability." So Cao Cao led his army to attack. Lu Bu led his troops to fight, first using cavalry to attack the Qingzhou army. The Qingzhou army was routed, and Cao Cao's forces fell into chaos. In the chaos, Cao Cao fought his way through but fell from his horse, sustaining burns on his left palm. Sima Louyi quickly helped Cao Cao onto his horse and then retreated. When they returned to camp and found Cao Cao missing, the generals were all terrified. Cao Cao himself tried to appease the army, ordering the troops to quickly construct siege equipment and continue the attack, and the two sides remained locked in a stalemate for over a hundred days. Later, a locust plague broke out, leading to widespread starvation among the people. As a result, both sides withdrew their troops.
In September of autumn, Cao Cao returned to Juancheng. Lu Bu was defeated by the local Li Jin in Chengshi, and then settled in Shanyang. At this time, Yuan Shao sent someone to negotiate with Cao Cao, hoping to unite. Cao Cao had just lost Yan Province and had exhausted his food supplies, initially intending to ally with Yuan Shao. Cheng Yu advised Cao Cao, and Cao Cao listened to his advice. In October of winter, Cao Cao arrived in Dong'e.
That year, the price of one hu of grain soared to over five hundred thousand coins, and the people were driven to cannibalism. Cao Cao was forced to disband the newly recruited troops. With Tao Qian's death, Liu Bei rose to take his place.
In the spring of the year 196 AD, Cao Cao attacked Dingtao. The governor of Jiyin, Wu Zi, defended the southern city, but could not be taken down. At that moment, Lu Bu arrived, prompting Cao Cao to attack Lu Bu, which ultimately led to the fall of Wu Zi's southern city. In the summer, Lu Bu stationed Xue Lan and Li Feng in Juye, and Cao Cao led his troops to attack them. Lu Bu rushed to rescue Xue Lan, but Xue Lan was defeated. Lu Bu fled, and Cao Cao had both of them executed. Lu Bu returned from Dongmeng with Chen Gong and over ten thousand troops. With fewer troops at that time, Cao Cao set an ambush and launched a surprise attack, decisively defeating Lu Bu's forces. Lu Bu fled under the cover of night, with Cao Cao closely pursuing him, eventually capturing Dingtao and dispatching troops to subdue the surrounding counties. Lu Bu fled to Liu Bei, and Zhang Liao accompanied him, while he sent his brother Zhang Chao to defend Yongqiu. In August, Cao Cao commenced the siege of Yongqiu. In October, Yongqiu fell; Zhang Chao committed suicide, and Cao Cao exterminated Zhang Liao's entire family. Zhang Liao sought refuge with Yuan Shu, but was killed by his soldiers. As a result, Yanzhou was pacified, allowing Cao Cao to advance eastward to attack Chen territory. That year, Chang'an fell into chaos, the emperor moved eastward, but was defeated in Caoyang and crossed the Yellow River to escape to Anyi. In January 196 AD, Cao Cao's army reached Wuping, where the governor of Chen County, Yuan Si, surrendered. Cao Cao intended to welcome the emperor back to Luoyang, but some of his generals raised concerns. General Wei Dong Cheng and Yuan Shu's general Chang Nu mounted a defense in a strategic location, preventing Cao Hong from advancing.
Leaders of the Yellow Turbans in the Runan and Yingchuan regions, such as He Yi, Liu Bi, Huang Shao, and He Man, each band had tens of thousands of people. They initially sided with Yuan Shu and later aligned with Sun Jian. In February, Cao Cao led troops to attack them, defeated and killed Liu Bi, Huang Shao, and others. He Yi and his subordinates surrendered. The emperor appointed Cao Cao as General of Virtue, then in June promoted him to General of the East and granted him the title of Marquis of Feiting. In July, Yang Feng and Han Xian escorted the emperor back to Luoyang, while Yang Feng stationed troops in Liang. Cao Cao arrived in Luoyang to defend the capital, and Han Xian fled. The emperor gave Cao Cao the authority to manage the Secretariat's affairs. Due to the dilapidated condition of Luoyang, Dong Zhao and others advised Cao Cao to move the capital to Xuchang. In September, the emperor's carriage departed from Huanyuan to the east, appointing Cao Cao as Grand General and Marquis of Wuping. Since the emperor's westward migration, the court had been chaotic until this time when the system of ancestral shrines and state altars was restored. It is said that Cao Cao had a subordinate named Feng in the east, whom he tried to control but failed. In October, Cao Cao personally led a campaign against Feng, who fled to Yuan Shu. Cao Cao then launched an attack on Feng's troops stationed in Liang and defeated them. Cao Cao appointed Yuan Shao as Grand Commander, but Yuan Shao felt inferior to Cao Cao and refused to accept. Cao Cao reluctantly declined the position of Grand General and gave it to Yuan Shao. The emperor appointed Cao Cao as Minister of Construction and also appointed him as General of Chariots and Cavalry. That year, Cao Cao adopted the suggestions of Zao Zhi, Han Hao, and others to implement the garrison farming system.
Next, Lu Bu launched a surprise attack on Liu Bei and occupied Xiapi. Liu Bei fled to Cao Cao. Cheng Yu said to Cao Cao, "Liu Bei is talented, and his subordinates are loyal to him. He will not settle for being subordinate to others. It's better to deal with him sooner rather than later." Cao Cao replied, "Now is the time to subdue heroes. Killing Liu Bei would chill the hearts of the people, which is unacceptable."
Zhang Ji fled from Guanzhong to Nanyang, but later passed away. His nephew Zhang Xiu inherited his military power. In January of the second year, Cao Cao arrived at Wancheng. Zhang Xiu surrendered to Cao Cao, but later regretted it and rebelled. Cao Cao engaged Zhang Xiu in battle but was defeated, with his eldest son Cao Ang and nephew Cao Anmin both killed. Cao Cao was forced to retreat to Wuyin, where Zhang Xiu's cavalry harassed them. Cao Cao defeated them, and Zhang Xiu fled to Rang, joining forces with Liu Biao. Cao Cao addressed his troops, saying, "I failed to seize the opportunity to pressure Zhang Xiu when he surrendered, which led to this failure. I know my mistake; remember it, and we will not fail again in the future!" Then Cao Cao returned to Xuchang.
Yuan Shu wanted to declare himself emperor in Huainan and informed Lu Bu. Lu Bu captured Yuan Shu's messenger and handed his letter to Cao Cao. Furious, Yuan Shu launched an attack against Lu Bu, only to be defeated. In September, Yuan Shu attacked Chen Jun, and Cao Cao launched an expedition against him. Hearing that Cao Cao was coming, Yuan Shu abandoned his army and fled, leaving his generals Qiao Rui, Li Feng, Liang Gang, and Le Jiu to hold the rear. Upon Cao Cao's arrival, he defeated Qiao Rui and his men, killing them all. Yuan Shu fled to the far side of the Huai River. Cao Cao returned to Xuchang.
After returning from Wuyin, Cao Cao encountered rebellions in counties like Nanyang and Zhangling, which had once again defected to Zhang Xiu. Cao Cao dispatched Cao Hong to quell the rebellions, but he was unsuccessful and had to garrison in Ye County, frequently troubled by disturbances from Zhang Xiu and Liu Biao. In November, Cao Cao personally led a southern campaign and reached Wancheng. Liu Biao's general Deng Ji occupied Huyang, but Cao Cao captured both Huyang and Deng Ji, resulting in their surrender. Cao Cao then attacked Wuyin and captured it as well.
In the spring of 196 AD, after being appointed as the Military Advisor, Cao Cao returned to Xuchang. In May, during the summer, Liu Biao sent troops to rescue Zhang Xiu in an attempt to cut off Cao Cao's retreat. Cao Cao planned to withdraw, but Zhang Xiu's troops pursued them closely, making it increasingly difficult for Cao Cao's army to advance. Cao Cao wrote to Xun Yu, stating, "The enemy is chasing us; although we are only moving a few miles each day, I have a plan. Once we reach Anzhong, we will surely defeat Zhang Xiu!" Upon reaching Anzhong, Zhang Xiu and Liu Biao's armies joined forces and occupied a strategic defensive position, surrounding Cao Cao's army. Cao Cao then secretly tunneled through the strategic location at night, moving all supplies and setting up ambushes. At dawn, the enemy believed Cao Cao was fleeing and pursued, only to be ambushed by Cao Cao's forces, leading to a resounding victory. In the autumn of July, Cao Cao returned to Xuchang. Xun Yu asked Cao Cao, "You claimed you would definitely defeat the enemy; why is that?" Cao Cao replied, "The enemy blocked our retreat and forced us into a do-or-die battle, which made me realize we could win."
Lu Bu requested Yuan Shu to send Gao Shun to launch another attack on Liu Bei. Cao Cao dispatched Xiahou Dun to provide assistance, but he was unsuccessful. Gao Shun defeated Liu Bei. In September, Cao Cao marched east to attack Lu Bu. In October, Cao Cao captured Pengcheng and took Lu Bu's advisor, Xie Xie, prisoner. Cao Cao continued to advance to Xiapi, where Lu Bu personally led his cavalry in a counterattack. Cao Cao decisively defeated Lu Bu, and his valiant general, Cheng Lian, was captured. Cao Cao pursued Lu Bu to the city, and in his fear of defeat, Lu Bu considered surrendering. Chen Gong and others thwarted his plan, sought help from Yuan Shu, and advised Lu Bu to fight, but they were defeated again. Lu Bu retreated to the city and defended it, but Cao Cao was unable to breach it. Cao Cao's troops were exhausted and wished to withdraw, so they implemented the strategy devised by Xun You and Guo Jia to breach the dam and flood the city using the Si and Yi rivers. A month later, Lu Bu's generals, including Song Xian and Wei Xu, captured Chen Gong, resulting in the surrender of the entire city. Both Lu Bu and Chen Gong were captured alive and subsequently executed. In the Taishan region, Zang Ba, Sun Guan, Wu Dun, Yin Li, and Chang Xi each gathered their own forces. When Lu Bu triumphed over Liu Bei, Zang Ba and the others rallied to his side. After Lu Bu's defeat, Cao Cao captured Zang Ba and the others and treated them generously. He ceded Qingzhou and Xuzhou to them, enabling them to align with the sea. He also renamed Langye County, Donghai County, and Beihai County to Chengyang County, Licheng County, and Changlu County, respectively.
At first, Cao Cao served as an official in Yanzhou and appointed Bi Chen, a native of Dongping, as his deputy. When Zhang Miao rebelled, he held Bi Chen's mother, brother, and wife hostage; Cao Cao sympathetically let him leave, saying, "Your mother is there; you can go back and see her." Bi Chen bowed deeply to express his loyalty, which impressed Cao Cao, visibly moved to tears. After Bi Chen left, he escaped back to his hometown. Later, after Lu Bu's defeat, Bi Chen was captured, and everyone worried for him. However, Cao Cao said, "A filial person—would he not also be loyal to his lord? This is exactly what I seek!" So he appointed him as the magistrate of Lu Province.
In the second month of spring in the fourth year, Cao Cao returned to Changyi. Yang Chou, a general under Zhang Yang, killed Zhang Yang, and Sui Gu killed Yang Chou, leading his army to join Yuan Shao, where they camped at Shequn. In the fourth month of summer, Cao Cao led his army to the banks of the Yellow River and dispatched Shi Huan and Cao Ren to cross it and attack Sui Gu. Sui Gu left behind Yang Chou's former chief clerk, Xue Hong, and the prefect of Henei, Miao Shang, while he himself led his army north to seek help from Yuan Shao, meeting Shi Huan and Cao Ren in Shequn. The two sides engaged in battle, and Cao Cao achieved a decisive victory, slaying Sui Gu. Cao Cao then crossed the Yellow River and laid siege to Shequn. Xue Hong and Miao Shang led their troops to surrender, and Cao Cao appointed them as marquises before withdrawing his army to Aocang. Cao Cao appointed Wei Zhong as the prefect of Henei Province, putting him in charge of affairs in northern Hebei.
Cao Cao had initially recommended Wei Zhong as an upright and filial official. When the rebellion broke out in Yanzhou, Cao Cao had said, "Only Wei Zhong will not abandon me." Later, when he heard that Wei Zhong had fled, Cao Cao, filled with fury, exclaimed, "If Wei Zhong does not flee to the south to the Yue region or to the north to the barbarian lands, I will never let you go!" After the capture of Shequn, Cao Cao apprehended Wei Zhong alive, but remarked, "Indeed, a true talent!" He untied his ropes and continued to use him.
At that time, Yuan Shao had already defeated Gongsun Zan, occupied the territories of four states, commanded over a hundred thousand troops, and was preparing to march and attack Xuchang. All the generals believed it was impossible to resist, but Cao Cao said, "I know this person Yuan Shao; he has great ambitions but lacks in strategy, he appears strong but is actually cowardly, he is envious of others and lacks respect, he has many troops but an ambiguous command structure, his generals are arrogant, and his military orders lack unity. While his territory is vast and resources plentiful, it will serve as my supply." In August, Cao Cao led his troops to camp in Liyang, sent Zang Ba and others to enter Qingzhou, and captured the states of Qi, Beihai, and Dong'an, leaving Yu Jin to guard the Yellow River. In September, Cao Cao returned to Xuchang and divided his troops to guard Guandu. In November, Zhang Xiu surrendered with his forces and was appointed as a marquis. In December, Cao Cao's army camped at Guandu. Yuan Shu was defeated in Chen, and his situation became increasingly dire. Yuan Tan sent troops from Qingzhou to support him. Yuan Shu planned to head north from Xiapi, so Cao Cao dispatched Liu Bei and Zhu Ling to intercept him. However, before Yuan Shu could make his move, he fell ill and passed away. Cheng Yu and Guo Jia heard that Cao Cao had sent Liu Bei, so they quickly advised Cao Cao, "Liu Bei cannot be let off easily!" Cao Cao regretted this decision, but it was too late to pursue him. In fact, prior to Liu Bei's eastward journey, he secretly conspired with Dong Cheng and others to rebel. When he arrived at Xiapi, he assassinated Che Zhou, the Inspector of Xu Province, and then raised troops to camp in Pei County. Cao Cao dispatched Liu Dai and Wang Zhong to confront him, but they were unable to secure a victory. Liu Xun, the Administrator of Lujiang, surrendered to Cao Cao, and Cao Cao granted him the title of marquis.
In the spring of the fifth year, during the first month, Dong Cheng and his associates' plot to rebel was exposed, and they were all killed. Cao Cao was preparing to personally go to the east to attack Liu Bei, but his generals advised him, "The one competing with you for supremacy is Yuan Shao! Yuan Shao is about to attack you, but you are leaving him to go to the east to fight. If Yuan Shao takes advantage of this, what will you do?" Cao Cao said, "Liu Bei is a remarkable figure. If we don't deal with him now, he will surely become a serious threat later. Although Yuan Shao has great ambitions, he is slow in action and will not act immediately." Guo Jia also advised Cao Cao, so Cao Cao led his troops to the east to attack Liu Bei, defeated him, and captured his general Xiahou Bo. Liu Bei fled to Yuan Shao, and Cao Cao also took Liu Bei's wife and children captive. Liu Bei's general Guan Yu was stationed in Xiapi at the time, and Cao Cao attacked Xiapi, where Guan Yu ultimately surrendered. Later, Chang Xi betrayed Cao Cao and joined Liu Bei, breaking through Cao Cao's forces. Cao Cao returned to his base at Guandu, and Yuan Shao ultimately did not attack him. In the second month, Cao Cao sent Guo Tu, Chunyu Qiong, and Yan Liang to attack Liu Yan, the Governor of Dongjun, at Baima. Cao Cao himself led his troops to Liyang, preparing to cross the river himself. In the fourth month, Cao Cao went north to rescue Liu Yan. Xun You proposed a strategy to Cao Cao, saying, "We have few troops now and cannot defeat the enemy. We need to find a way to divide and conquer. When you reach Yanjin, pretend to cross the river to attack Cao Cao's rear; he will definitely have to send troops back to deal with it. At this time, we will travel lightly and swiftly attack Baima, catching them off guard, and Yan Liang will be able to capture them!" Cao Cao followed this advice.
Cao Cao arrived at Yanjin, and indeed he immediately called back his troops for reinforcement. Cao Cao quickly led his troops, traveling light, directly towards Bai Ma. Before they reached Bai Ma, Yan Liang, frightened, rushed out to confront them. Cao Cao sent Zhang Liao and Guan Yu to charge and attack, defeating Yan Liang and killing him on the spot. The siege of Bai Ma was lifted, and Cao Cao relocated the people of Bai Ma and retreated west along the Yellow River. As soon as Cao Cao retreated, he crossed the river to pursue them, going to the south of Yanjin. Cao Cao ordered his troops to camp on the southern slope of the mountain, sending scouts to the high ground to assess the enemy's situation and report back: "Probably five or six hundred cavalry." After a while, another report came in: "The cavalry is increasing, and there are countless infantry!" Cao Cao ordered, "No more reports!" and then commanded the cavalry to dismount, remove the saddles, and set the horses free. At this time, Cao Cao's supply convoy happened to be on the road. The generals felt the enemy cavalry was overwhelming and advised a quick return to camp for defense. Xun You replied, "This is the bait we've set; we can't retreat now!" Cao Cao's cavalry general Wen Chou brought five or six thousand cavalry to flank and assault. The generals urged again, "We can mount our horses and meet the enemy!" Cao Cao said, "It's not time yet!" Soon, even more enemy cavalry appeared, with some attempting to seize the supplies. Cao Cao said, "It's time!" and then ordered all the cavalry to mount up. At that time, Cao Cao had fewer than six hundred cavalry, but they charged fiercely and routed the enemy, killing Wen Chou. Both Yan Liang and Wen Chou were famous generals under Cao Cao, both captured or killed in these two major battles, significantly boosting the morale of Cao Cao's army. Cao Cao returned to Guandu, while he retreated to Yangwu. Later, Guan Yu fled and sought refuge with Liu Bei.
In August, Cao Cao's army moved slightly forward, setting up camp among the sand dunes, stretching for dozens of miles in the east-west direction. Cao Cao also stationed troops, facing off against Yuan Shao's army, and suffered setbacks in the battle. At that time, Cao Cao's army was less than ten thousand men, and nearly one-third of the soldiers were injured. Yuan Shao continued to advance to Guandu, starting to build earthen mounds and tunnels. Cao Cao also built earthen mounds and tunnels in his camp to counter Yuan Shao. Yuan Shao's army shot arrows towards Cao Cao's camp, the arrows falling like raindrops, and the soldiers all cowered behind shields, filled with fear. At that time, Cao Cao's food and supplies were insufficient, so he wrote to Xun Yu to discuss the possibility of withdrawing to Xuchang. Xun Yu said, "Yuan Shao has concentrated all his troops at Guandu, intending to fight you to the death. You are now confronting an extremely powerful enemy with extremely weak forces; if you cannot defeat him, he will definitely take advantage of your weakness. This is a matter of great importance to the world! Furthermore, Yuan Shao is merely a hero of commoner origin; he can gather many people, but cannot use them well. You have such heroic strength, a wise mind, and the blessing of heaven; what can’t you achieve?" Cao Cao followed Xun Yu's advice. Sun Ce heard that Cao Cao and Yuan Shao were deadlocked, so he planned a surprise attack on Xuchang, but before he could act, he was killed by an assassin. The defected generals from Runan, including Liu Bi, betrayed and joined Yuan Shao, attacking Xuchang. Yuan Shao sent Liu Bei to help Liu Bi, while Cao Cao dispatched Cao Ren to confront them, leading to their defeat. Liu Bei fled, and Cao Cao took the opportunity to break through Liu Bi's camp.
Yuan Shao sent thousands of grain carts, but Cao Cao used Xun You's plan to send Xu Huang and Shi Huan to intercept them, resulting in a decisive victory over Yuan Shao and the destruction of all the grain carts. Cao Cao confronted Yuan Shao for several months, and although they defeated some of Yuan Shao's generals in battle, Cao Cao's troops were few and supplies were running low, as the soldiers were exhausted. Cao Cao told those responsible for transporting food and supplies, "Hold out for another fifteen days, and I will help you defeat Yuan Shao. Then you won't have to work hard anymore!"
In October, during the winter, Yuan Shao again sent people to transport food and supplies by cart, with Chun Yuqiong and five others escorting over ten thousand people to establish their camp forty miles north of Yuan Shao's main camp. Yuan Shao's strategist Xu You was greedy, and when Yuan Shao couldn't satisfy his greed, he defected to Cao Cao and proposed an attack on Chun Yuqiong and his men. Some of Cao Cao's officers expressed doubts, but Xun You and Jia Xu advised Cao Cao. Cao Cao left Cao Hong in charge of guarding the camp and set out at night with five thousand infantry and cavalry, arriving at dawn. When Chun Yuqiong and his men saw that Cao Cao had fewer troops, they lined up outside the camp gate to face them. Cao Cao immediately launched a fierce attack, causing Chun Yuqiong to retreat back into the camp, which Cao Cao besieged. Yuan Shao sent cavalry to rescue Chun Yuqiong. A soldier reported to Cao Cao, "The enemy's cavalry is approaching fast, please send reinforcements to intercept them!" Cao Cao sharply retorted, "The enemy is right behind us, and you're reporting this!" The soldiers fought valiantly, decisively defeating Chun Yuqiong and his men, killing them all.
Upon hearing that Cao Cao was attacking Chunyu Qiong, Yuan Shao said to his eldest son Yuan Tan, "If we attack his camp, they'll have nowhere to run!" So he sent Zhang He and Gao Lan to attack Cao Hong. When Zhang He and his troops learned that Chunyu Qiong had been defeated, they surrendered to Cao Cao. Yuan Shao's army was routed, forcing Yuan Shao and Yuan Tan to abandon their troops and flee, crossing the Yellow River. Cao Cao couldn't catch up, so he seized all of Yuan Shao's supplies, books, treasures, and captured soldiers. Cao Cao confiscated Yuan Shao's letters and discovered correspondence from Xudu and military personnel, which he subsequently burned. Many counties in Jizhou capitulated.
Initially, during the reign of Emperor Huan of the Han Dynasty, a yellow star appeared at the border between Chu and Song. Yin Kui from Liaodong was knowledgeable in astronomy; he said that fifty years later, a true emperor would appear between Liang and Pei, and his power would be unmatched. Now exactly fifty years later, Cao Cao defeated Yuan Shao and became invincible.
In the fourth month of summer in the sixth year, Cao Cao launched an attack on Yuan Shao's Cangting army near the Yellow River, defeating them. After returning, Yuan Shao regrouped his scattered troops and launched an assault on the rebellious counties. In September, Cao Cao returned to Xuchang. Before his defeat, Yuan Shao sent Liu Bei to assault Runan, and the bandits and local officials rallied to Liu Bei's cause. Cao Cao dispatched Cai Yang to confront the officials, but this effort failed, resulting in a defeat for Cao Cao. Cao Cao marched south to confront Liu Bei. Upon learning that Cao Cao was coming in person, Liu Bei fled to Liu Biao, causing the officials to scatter.
In January of the year 194 AD, Cao Cao issued an order in Qiao County, saying: "I have taken up arms to eliminate chaos in the world. The people of my hometown have suffered greatly; I walked around the capital all day and didn't see anyone I knew, which fills me with great sorrow. Since the rebellion, many soldiers have died in battle without descendants to inherit their legacy. I will arrange for their relatives to be taken care of, distribute land and oxen to them, and arrange for teachers to instruct their children. I will also establish temples for the deceased soldiers, to allow them to honor their ancestors, hoping their souls may find peace, so that I will have no regrets a hundred years from now!" Cao Cao then arrived in Junyi, overseen the Suiyang Canal, and sent people to sacrifice to Qiao Xuan. Afterwards, Cao Cao led his troops to station in Guandu.
After his army's defeat, Yuan Shao fell ill and began to cough up blood, and died in May. His son Yuan Shang succeeded him, while Yuan Tan declared himself General of Chariots and Cavalry, stationed in Liyang. In September, Cao Cao led his army to attack them, and the two sides fought continuously. Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang retreated after multiple defeats, holding their ground.
In March of the year 195 AD, Cao Cao attacked their cities; Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang came out to engage, but were soundly defeated by Cao Cao and fled that very night. In April, Cao Cao led his army to march towards Ye City. In May, Cao Cao returned to Xuchang, leaving Jia Xin to guard Liyang.
In the year of Jiyou (195 AD), Cao Cao issued an order, saying: "The 'Sima Fa' states, 'When a general dies in battle, his family must be consoled,' so Zhao Kuo's mother requested that Zhao Kuo not be implicated. This is the rule of ancient generals; the failures of the army occur outside, yet the families must suffer at home. I personally lead the troops into battle, rewarding only those who show merit and not punishing the innocent; this is not how our country operates! Therefore, from now on, all generals who lead their troops into battle must be held accountable if the army suffers defeat, and if they lose a battle, their ranks will be stripped."
In July, Cao Cao issued an order saying, "It has been fifteen years since the world fell into chaos. The younger generation has never seen the values of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, and humility. I feel deeply pained by this. Therefore, I order all counties to set up schools. Every county with a population of more than five hundred households must establish a school. Select outstanding talents from the countryside to teach and educate people, so that the teachings of Confucianism will be preserved, and all people in the world can benefit from it."
In August, Cao Cao campaigned against Liu Biao, and his army arrived in Xiping. When Cao Cao marched south from Ye City, Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang were vying for control of Jizhou. Yuan Tan was defeated by Yuan Shang and fled to Pingyuan City for refuge. Yuan Shang closely pursued him. Yuan Tan sent Xin Pi to Cao Cao to surrender and request assistance. Cao Cao's generals expressed skepticism, but Xun You advised Cao Cao to agree to Yuan Tan's request, so Cao Cao then led his army back. In October, Cao Cao arrived in Liyang and arranged a marriage between his son Cao Zheng and Yuan Tan. When Yuan Shang heard that Cao Cao was heading north, he abandoned Pingyuan and returned to Ye City. Lü Kuang and Lü Xiang in Dongping defected from Yuan Shang and stationed in Yangping. They surrendered to Cao Cao and were granted marquis titles.
In the spring of a certain year, in January, Cao Cao led his troops across the Ji River and blocked the Qi River, diverting it to flow into Baigou, ensuring smooth transportation of food and forage. In February, Cao Cao continued to attack Tan County, leaving Su You and Shen Pei to guard Ye City. Cao Cao's army advanced to the Huan River, and Su You surrendered. After the army arrived at Ye City, they began to attack the city, building earth mountains and tunnels. At that time, Yin Kai, the magistrate of Wuan, stationed troops in Maocheng, tasked with transporting food and forage from Shangdang. In April, Cao Cao left Cao Hong to continue attacking Ye City, personally leading his troops to attack Yin Kai. After defeating him, he returned with his army. Shen Pei sent Ju Hu to guard Handan, and Cao Cao successfully captured Handan. Han Fan, the magistrate of Yiyang, and Liang Qi, the magistrate of She, also surrendered along with their respective counties. Cao Cao rewarded them with the title of Marquis of Guannei (关内侯).
In May, Cao Cao ordered the demolition of the earthen mounds and tunnels, rebuilding them into walls and moats, and also breached the dike to flood the city with water from the Zhang River; more than half of the city's population starved to death. By July, in the autumn, Shen Pei returned to rescue Ye city, and his generals thought, "These must be the enemy's reinforcements; we should fight separately and avoid them." However, Cao Cao said, "If Shen Pei comes from the main road, we will avoid him; if he comes from the western mountain, he'll be trapped like a turtle in a jar!" Indeed, Shen Pei came from the western mountain and set up camp by the Fushui River. Cao Cao launched a nighttime attack on the outskirts of Ye city, personally leading a counterattack and defeating Shen Pei's army, then surrounding their camp. Before any fighting began, Shen Pei grew fearful and sent Yin Kui and Chen Lin to surrender, but Cao Cao refused and intensified the siege. Shen Pei escaped that night, fleeing to Qishan with Cao Cao in pursuit. Shen Pei's generals Ma Yan, Zhang Yi, and others surrendered; Shen Pei's army was defeated, and he fled to Zhongshan. Cao Cao seized all of Shen Pei's supplies, including his seal and insignia, and sent Shen Pei's surrendering men to persuade the people in Ye city to surrender, which caused panic and a collapse in morale. In August, Shen Pei's nephew, Shen Rong, opened the east gate of Ye city at night to let Cao's army in. Shen Pei fought fiercely but was ultimately defeated and captured, and was subsequently beheaded by Cao Cao, resulting in the fall of Ye city. Cao Cao went to worship Yuan Shao's tomb, crying tears of grief; he also comforted Yuan Shao's wife, returned the family's belongings, and rewarded them with cloth, silk, and provisions.
Originally, when Yuan Shao and Cao Cao raised their armies together, Yuan Shao once asked Cao Cao, "If things don't go smoothly, which places would be best for us to control separately?" Cao Cao asked him, "What do you think?" Yuan Shao said, "I plan to use the Yellow River as a base in the south and rely on Yan and Dai in the north, unite the forces of the nomadic tribes, and then move south to contend for the world. Perhaps it will succeed?" Cao Cao said, "I rely on the wisdom and strength of the world, and govern with the right methods. There is nothing that cannot be done."
In September, Cao Cao ordered, "The northern region has suffered from the Yuan family's conflicts, so this year the taxes in Hebei will be exempted!" He also increased penalties for the wealthy who were consolidating land, and the people were very happy. The emperor appointed Cao Cao as the Governor of Jizhou, but Cao Cao declined the appointment and returned to Yanzhou.
It is said that when Cao Cao attacked the city of Ye, Tan (referring to Yuan Tan) first occupied places like Ganling, Anping, Bohai, and Hejian. He ended up fighting Yan Shang and was defeated, then he ran back to Zhongshan. Tan pursued Yan Shang and fought him until he fled to Gu'an, and Tan incorporated Yan Shang's troops. Cao Cao wrote to Tan, stating that he had violated their previous agreement, so he broke off the engagement with Tan, brought his daughter back, and then continued to lead the troops to attack. This frightened Tan, who quickly abandoned Pingyuan and fled to Nanpi to hide. In December, Cao Cao captured Pingyuan and took control of the surrounding county towns.
After the New Year, the first month of the tenth year of the Spring and Autumn period, Cao Cao directly attacked Tan, defeated him, killed him, and did not spare his wife or children. As a result, Jizhou was thoroughly pacified. Cao Cao ordered, "Anyone who associates with those scoundrels from the Yuan family must start over!" He also ordered the common people not to take private revenge, banned extravagant burials, and required all matters to be handled according to the law. In that month, Yuan Xi's generals Jiao Chu, Zhang Nan, and others betrayed him, attacking Yuan Xi and Yan Shang. Yuan Xi and Yan Shang fled to the Wuman tribe in Sanjun. Jiao Chu and his men surrendered their lands to Cao Cao, who granted them noble titles. Initially, when Tan was being defeated, the common people fled in panic, and Cao Cao ordered them not to surrender. After a while, some refugees ran to Cao Cao's camp, and he said, "Surrendering would violate my order, but killing you would make me seem indiscriminate. Find a place to hide quickly and avoid being caught by the officials." The commoner left in tears but was ultimately caught.
In the fourth month of summer, the Black Mountain bandit Zhang Yan surrendered along with his army of over 100,000 men, and Cao Cao ennobled him as a marquis. Consequently, Zhao Du and Huo Nu from Gu'an killed the Inspector of Youzhou and the Prefect of Zhuojun. The Wuman tribe launched an attack on Xianyu Fu in Guangping. In the eighth month of autumn, Cao Cao led his troops to punish them, resulting in the deaths of Zhao Du and his men. He then crossed the Lu River to rescue Guangping, forcing the Wuman people to flee beyond the borders.
In September, Cao Cao ordered, "Mutual attachment to form factions and engage in self-serving interests is something that all sages in history detest. I have heard that in Jizhou Province, fathers and sons serve in different positions, undermining and slandering one another. In the past, if a man had no older brother, people would say he seduced his sister-in-law; if Fifth Uncle Yu married three widows, people would say he abused his wives' fathers; Wang Feng abused his power, and Gu Yong compared him to Shen Bo; Wang Shang loyally advised, but Zhang Kuang said he was following an evil path: all these are turning black into white, deceiving heaven and misleading the ruler! I want to rectify customs; if these four bad habits are not eliminated, I will lose face!" By October, Cao Cao returned to Ye City.
Initially, Yuan Shao appointed his nephew Gao Gan as the governor of Bingzhou. After Cao Cao captured Ye City, Gao Gan surrendered, and Cao Cao appointed him as the governor. Later, Gao Gan heard that Cao Cao was going to campaign against the Wuhuan, so he rebelled, captured the Prefect of Shangdang, and defended Huguan with his troops. Cao Cao sent Yue Jin and Li Dian to attack him, and Gao Gan retreated to Huguan and defended it to the death. In the spring of the eleventh year, in the first month, Cao Cao personally went to campaign against Gao Gan. When Gao Gan heard that Cao Cao was coming, he left his deputy to guard the city and fled to the Xiongnu for help, but the Chanyu ignored him. Cao Cao besieged Huguan for three months and finally captured it. Gao Gan fled to Jingzhou, where he was captured and killed by Shangluo's Commandant.
In August of autumn, Cao Cao went east to campaign against the pirate Guan Cheng. Upon reaching Chunyu, he sent Yue Jin and Li Dian to defeat him, and Guan Cheng fled to an island. Cao Cao assigned the three counties of Xiangben, Tan, and Qi from the East Sea to Langye County and dissolved Changlu County.
The Wuhuan of the three counties took advantage of the chaos in the realm to break into Youzhou, looting many Han people, amounting to over a hundred thousand households. Yuan Shao also bestowed the title of Chanyu upon the Wuhuan chieftains and married his daughter to them. Liaoxi Chanyu Tadun was particularly fierce, and Yuan Shao treated him especially well, so many Wuhuan submitted to him and often launched raids on the borders. Cao Cao planned to campaign against him; he therefore constructed a canal, diverting water from the Hutuo River to the Fuyu River, which he named the Pinghu Canal, and also dug from the Juhu River mouth to the Lu River, naming it the Quanzhou Canal, to facilitate water transportation.
In the spring of the twelfth year, during the second month, Cao Cao returned to Ye City from Chunyu. On the Dingyou day, Cao Cao ordered, "I have led campaigns against rebellions for nineteen years, achieving victory in every battle. Is this truly my accomplishment? This is the result of the efforts of wise men and officials! Although the world has not yet been completely pacified, I will definitely pacify it together with the wise men and officials; how can I enjoy the achievements alone and be at ease? Now quickly determine the achievements and rewards!" So Cao Cao ennobled more than twenty meritorious officials, all of whom were enfeoffed as marquises, and the rest were enfeoffed according to the size of their achievements, and the descendants of those who sacrificed their lives for the nation were also honored, with different levels of rewards.
Cao Cao wanted to campaign northward against the Wuhuan in the three counties, but his generals unanimously deemed it unnecessary and urged him not to proceed, arguing, "Yuan Shang is merely a desperate fugitive, and the Wuhuan are greedy and lack any sense of loyalty. How could they really sell their lives for him? If we venture deep into enemy territory to confront them now, Liu Bei will definitely take the opportunity to unite with Liu Biao to attack Xuchang. Should anything unexpected occur, we would surely regret it!" Only Guo Jia believed that Liu Biao would not cooperate with Liu Bei and strongly urged Cao Cao to continue northward.
In May, Cao Cao's army arrived in Wuzhong. In July, they encountered a great flood, and the coastal roads were washed away, rendering them impassable. At this time, Tian Chou offered to guide Cao Cao, and his suggestion was accepted. The army set out from Lulong Pass, with the roads beyond the pass completely blocked. Cao Cao ordered the mountains to be leveled and valleys filled to construct a road of over five hundred li. The troops crossed Baitan Mountain, passed through Pinggang, traversed the Xianbei territory, and moved toward Liucheng. Before they reached Liucheng by two hundred li, the Wuhuan people spotted Cao Cao's army. Yuan Shang, Yuan Xi, Tadun, the Liao Xi Chanyu Lou Ban, and the Youbei Ping Chanyu Nengchen, along with other Wuhuan leaders, led tens of thousands of cavalry to intercept them.
In August, Cao Cao's army ascended a vantage point on Bailang Mountain and finally encountered the Wuhuan army. The enemy forces were vast and powerful. Cao Cao's supply troops were still behind, and there were relatively few soldiers in armor, instilling fear in the ranks. Cao Cao observed the chaotic formation of the enemy forces and commanded an immediate attack, with Zhang Liao leading the vanguard. The Wuhuan army was swiftly routed, Tadun and other Wuhuan kings were killed, and over two hundred thousand Hu and Han people surrendered. The Liaodong Chanyu Supuwu and some powerful figures from Liao Xi and Beiping deserted their kin and fled to Liaodong with Yuan Shang and Yuan Xi, leaving behind only a few thousand cavalry.
At the beginning, the Governor of Liaodong, Gongsun Kang, was defiant against Cao Cao due to his remote location. After Cao Cao defeated the Wuhuan, some suggested he take advantage of his victory and capture the Yuan brothers in one fell swoop. However, Cao Cao said, "I’ve already sent someone to have Gongsun Kang execute Yuan Shang and Yuan Xi and bring me their heads. There is no need to raise an army again." In September, Cao Cao withdrew his troops from Liucheng. Gongsun Kang indeed executed Yuan Shang, Yuan Xi, Su Puwan, and others, sending their heads back. Some generals asked, puzzled, "My Lord, you have withdrawn your troops, but Gongsun Kang has sent the heads of Yuan Shang and Yuan Xi. What's going on here?" Cao Cao explained, "They were already afraid of Yuan Shang and the others. If I were to press them, they would unite against me; if I ease up a bit, they'll suspect one another and end up turning on each other; that's the inevitable outcome." In November, Cao Cao's army arrived at Yishui, where the Wuhuan leaders Pufulu and Naluodai from Daijun and Shangjun came to pay their respects.
In the thirteenth year of the Jian'an era (208 AD), Cao Cao returned to Ye city and constructed Xuanwu Lake for naval training. The Han dynasty abolished the three public offices, establishing the positions of Prime Minister and Grand Inspector. In June, Cao Cao was appointed Prime Minister.
Once upon a time, Cao Cao set out southward in the seventh month of autumn to attack Liu Biao. In August, Liu Biao died, and his son Liu Cong succeeded him and was stationed in Xiangyang, while Liu Bei hurriedly fled to Xiakou after camping in Fancheng. In September, Cao Cao arrived in Xinye, and Liu Cong surrendered. Cao Cao marched into Jiangling and ordered the officials and people of Jingzhou to begin anew. He then rewarded fifteen individuals with titles of marquis, appointed Liu Biao's general Wen Pin as the governor of Jiangxia, and entrusted him with command of the existing army, employing scholars from Jingzhou such as Han Song and Deng Yi. Liu Zhang, the Governor of Yizhou, also answered the call and sent troops to support the army. In December, Sun Quan led his army to attack Hefei. Cao Cao departed Jiangling to confront Liu Bei, and after reaching Baqiu, sent Zhang Xi to rescue Hefei. Upon hearing that Zhang Xi had arrived, Sun Quan withdrew his troops. Cao Cao arrived at Chibi and fought with Liu Bei, but ultimately suffered defeat. Soon after, a large-scale epidemic broke out, resulting in the deaths of many officials and soldiers. Cao Cao had no option but to retreat. Consequently, Liu Bei seized control of numerous counties in Jingzhou and Jiangnan.
In the spring of the fourteenth year, during the third month, the army arrived in Qiaoxian. Cao Cao ordered the building of light warships and the restructuring of the navy. In the seventh month of autumn, Cao Cao led his army from Wusui to the Huai River, then exited from Feishui and arrived at Hefei. On the day of Xinwei, Cao Cao issued an order stating, "Since I started the army, we have fought many battles, sometimes encountering epidemics. The officials and soldiers who died in battle or from illness are unable to return home, leading to resentment from their families. The people are displaced. This is not what a compassionate person would wish to witness. It is truly unavoidable! Therefore, for those who died in battle and whose families lack the means to survive, each county government must continue to provide food, local officials must care for and comfort their families. Only by doing this can we align with my intentions." He also appointed officials for the counties in Yangzhou, excavated the Shaobei, and developed farmland. In December, the army made its way back to Qiaoxian.
In the spring of the fifteenth year, Cao Cao ordered, "Since ancient times, which monarch appointed by heaven or restoring order has not governed the world with wise men and gentlemen? Some of these talented individuals might not even be from the same village—what a fortunate coincidence! It’s really the responsibility of those in power for not seeking them out! The world has not yet been pacified, and this is the time when talented individuals are urgently needed! Just like Meng Gongchuo, who excelled in service in the states of Zhao and Wei but could not secure a position in Teng or Xue. If only incorruptible individuals are to be used, how could Duke Huan of Qi have achieved dominance? Surely there are folks out there, dressed in rough clothes, hiding precious jade, fishing by the Wei River? Are there not those who steal from their sister-in-law but have not yet met someone discerning? I need your help to find those talented individuals who have been overlooked—let's appoint based on talent so I can put them to good use!" In winter, Cao Cao built the Bronze Sparrow Terrace.
In the spring of the first month of 166 AD, the emperor appointed Cao Pi, the crown prince of Wei, as the General of the Five Chariots, and gave him a team to assist him, making him the deputy to the prime minister. Ah, what a cushy position! At that time, the rebels in Taiyuan led by Shang Yao were causing trouble, so the emperor sent Xiahou Yuan and Xu Huang to suppress them, eventually pacifying them.
This Zhang Lu guy is holed up in Hanzhong and isn’t playing fair! In March, Cao Cao sent Zhang Yao to attack him. Cao Cao also ordered Xiahou Yuan and others to depart from Hedong and join forces with Zhang Yao to deal with Zhang Lu. This was quite a showdown! This shows that Cao Cao was solidifying his power, fighting battles all over the place—talk about ambition!
Back then, the generals in Guanzhong were suspicious that Yang Feng was plotting a surprise attack, so Ma Chao, along with Han Sui, Yang Qiu, Li Kan, and Cheng Yi, rebelled. Cao Cao then sent Cao Ren to suppress them. Ma Chao and his forces were stationed at Tongguan, so Cao Cao told the generals, "The soldiers from the west are tough and fierce; hold the fortresses and don’t engage them in battle."
In early autumn, during the seventh month, Cao Cao marched westward and confronted Ma Chao and his forces across Tongguan. Cao Cao pressed them hard and secretly sent Xu Huang and Zhu Ling to cross the Puban River at night and establish a camp on the west bank. Cao Cao himself crossed the river from the north of Tongguan. Before he could finish crossing, Ma Chao rushed onto the boat and attacked fiercely. Captain Ding Fei used cattle and horses as bait to lure the enemy, which caused chaos as they scrambled for the cattle. This allowed Cao Cao to cross the river and build a road along the riverbank to head south.
As the enemy retreated to block Cao Cao at Weikou, he deployed additional decoy troops and secretly transported troops to the Wei River to build a pontoon bridge. At night, his troops camped on the south bank of the Wei River. The enemy launched a nighttime surprise attack but was repelled by the ambush. Ma Chao and his forces stationed themselves in the south of the Wei River and sent a messenger requesting the cession of the Hexi region for peace, but Cao Cao refused. In September, Cao Cao's army crossed the Wei River. Despite Ma Chao's repeated challenges and requests for land concessions or to send his son as a hostage, Cao Cao feigned agreement based on Jia Xu's advice.
Han Sui requested a meeting with Cao Cao, as they were of the same age and both recognized as filial scholars, with Han Sui being a contemporary friend. The two men rode horses and chatted for a while, reminiscing about past events in the capital, laughing heartily without discussing military matters. After the conversation, Ma Chao and his forces asked Han Sui, "What did Cao Cao say?" Han Sui replied, "Nothing much." This raised Ma Chao's suspicions.
The next day, Cao Cao wrote another letter to Han Sui, with many sections appearing altered, as if Han Sui had made edits. This further increased Ma Chao's suspicions of Han Sui. Cao Cao then scheduled a decisive battle, initially employing light troops to probe the enemy before launching a cavalry attack, resulting in a significant victory, with Cheng Yi, Li Kan, and others being killed. Han Sui and Ma Chao fled to Liangzhou, while Yang Qiu fled to Anding, restoring peace to Guanzhong.
Some generals asked Cao Cao, "At the beginning, the enemy was stationed at Tongguan, and the route north of Wei was cut off. Why didn't you attack Fengyi from Hedong instead of guarding Tongguan and delaying the northern crossing?" Cao Cao said, "If I entered Hedong, the enemy would definitely send troops to guard all the crossings of the Xi River, making it impossible to cross. That's why I directed the army towards Tongguan. The enemy concentrated their forces to the south to defend, leaving the defenses along the Xi River weak, which allowed Generals Xu Huang and Zhu Ling to easily occupy it. Then I led the army to cross north. The enemy couldn't compete for the Xi River because of Generals Xu Huang and Zhu Ling's forces. Setting up barriers and building roads to the south was both to appear strong while also feigning weakness. Crossing the Wei River to build a strong fortress and not engaging the enemy when they approached was meant to provoke them. So when the enemy didn't build fortresses and requested land, I agreed to show compliance, allowing them to relax their guard while secretly gathering strength and suddenly attacking them. This is the so-called 'lightning fast' in military strategy, indicating that military strategy can take many forms." Whenever each enemy unit arrived, Cao Cao always looked pleased. After defeating the enemy, the generals asked him the reason. Cao Cao replied, "Given the vast land and sparse population of Guanzhong, if we were to individually conquer the enemy's strongholds, it would take more than a year or two to pacify them. Now that they are gathered together, even though they were numerous, they did not follow one another, and their armies had no commander. It is easy to eliminate them in one fell swoop and achieve significant victories, which is why I am happy."
In October during winter, Cao Cao's army set out from Chang'an, heading north to campaign against Yang Qiu and laid siege to Anding Commandery. Yang Qiu surrendered, and Cao Cao restored Yang Qiu's title, permitting him to remain and pacify the local populace. In December, Cao Cao returned from Anding Commandery, leaving Xiahou Yuan to defend Chang'an.
In January, Cao Cao returned to Ye City. The emperor decreed that Cao Cao did not have to bow when paying respects, did not have to run when attending court, and could wear a sword and shoes when entering the hall, the same treatment Xiao He had received in the past. The remnants of Ma Chao, including Liang Xing and others, were stationed in Lantian, and Cao Cao sent Xiahou Yuan to pacify them. Cao Cao also reassigned the counties of Dangyin, Chaoge, and Linlü in Henan, Weiguo, Dunqiu, Dong Wuyang, and Fagan in Dongjun, Yingtao, Quzhou, and Nanhe in Julu, Rencheng in Guangping, Xiangguo, Handan, and Yiyang in Zhaoguo to Weijun, to strengthen its power.
In October during winter, Cao Cao launched another campaign against Sun Quan.
In January, Cao Cao's army marched to Ruxukou, broke through Sun Quan's riverside camp, captured Sun Quan's commander, Gongsun Yang, and then withdrew. The court issued a decree reverting the country's division from fourteen provinces back to the original nine. In April, Cao Cao returned to Ye City.
On the Bingshen day in May, the emperor dispatched the Grand Master of Records, Xi Lu, carrying a scepter and decree, to confer the title of Duke of Wei upon Cao Cao. The original text of the decree is as follows:
"Because of my shortcomings in virtue, I encountered misfortune at a young age, exiled in the west, and moved to Tang and Wei. During that period, I was like a string of beads about to break, unable to conduct ancestral sacrifices, with no place for the state to rest; various rebellious factions were eager to tear apart the land of Huaxia, and the people across the country could not find peace. The legacy left by the founding emperor was on the verge of destruction because of me. I was filled with worry day and night, unable to find peace, always thinking: 'Ancestors, father, and those ministers who have assisted me, who can help me?' Thus, heaven showed mercy by granting me a prime minister like you, safeguarding my royal lineage and helping me navigate through difficulties. I truly depend on you! Now I want to confer upon you the title and ceremony of Duke of Wei; you must obey my orders seriously!"
Speaking of the chaos instigated by Dong Zhuo in those years, many princes abdicated to preserve the royal family. Cao Cao, you stood up, led your soldiers to fight, demonstrating your unwavering loyalty to the court! Later, when the Yellow Turbans rebelled, disrupting the natural order, invading our three provinces and harming the common people, you quelled them, restoring stability to the Dongxia region, which is yet another of your accomplishments! Han Xian, Yang Feng, and their arrogant antics, you led your troops to subdue and defeat them, which allowed you to move the capital to Xuchang, establish a new capital, set up official positions, worship ancestors, retain the previous system, bringing peace to the heavens, the earth, and the spirits, which is again your merit! Yuan Shu, the usurper, proclaimed himself king in Huainan, in fear of your reputation. In the Battle of Qiyang, you defeated Qiao Rui; your army marched south, leading to Yuan Shu's ultimate defeat, which is yet another testament to your merit!"
You have once again led the troops eastward, killing Lu Bu and resolving Zhang Yang along the way. Su Gu also surrendered, and Zhang Xiu submitted; this is yet another of your accomplishments! Yuan Shao, that traitor, violated the natural law, wanting to harm the country, relying on his large number of troops to attack the court. At that time, the court's army was weak, the people were in a state of panic and lacked fighting spirit, but you stood firm for justice, shining like the sun, bravely killing the enemy, strategizing, and in the Battle of Guandu, you defeated Yuan Shao, saving the country from peril; this is yet another of your accomplishments!
You led the army across the Yellow River, pacifying the four provinces. Yuan Tan and Gao Gan were all killed by you, pirates fled everywhere, and the Black Mountain bandits also surrendered; this is yet another of your accomplishments! The Wuhuan tribe rebelled for decades, and Yuan Shang relied on them, occupying the northern border. You led the troops to defeat them decisively; this is yet another of your accomplishments! Liu Biao, that disobedient fellow, did not listen and did not pay tribute to the court. You led the troops over with great authority, and more than a hundred cities and eight counties all surrendered obediently; this is yet another testament to your prowess!
Ma Chao and Han Sui colluded together, occupying the Hexi and Tongguan regions, wanting to show strength. You defeated them in Weinan, slaying tens of thousands of enemy soldiers, pacifying the border and calming the various tribes in the Western Regions; this is yet another of your accomplishments! The Xianbei and Dingling sent envoys to pay tribute, and Khan Pi Yu and Bai Wu both requested positions; this is yet another of your accomplishments! You pacified the world, governed with virtue, reorganized the country, spread good customs, were diligent in political affairs, and careful in handling criminal cases. Officials did not oppress, and the people had no complaints; you respected the imperial family, continued the severed royal bloodline, and your past merits and virtues have been well preserved. Even when compared to Yi Yin's assistance to Shang Tang or Zhou Gong's support of King Cheng of Zhou, your achievements far surpass theirs!
I heard that the previous kings all established illustrious merits, rewarding them with land and subjects, giving them high honors and generous gifts, in order to consolidate the royal family and maintain their position for generations. For example, during the reign of King Cheng of Zhou, Guan Shu and Cai Shu were restless, forgetting their past merits and thinking of rebellion. King Cheng of Zhou let Shao Kang Gong seal Taigong of Qi in a large area from east to the seaside, west to the Yellow River, south to Muling, and north to Wudi, allowing the five marquises and nine earls to heed his commands, serving as Grand Mentor for generations to honor his merits. During the reign of King Xiang, the people of Chu did not obey the royal orders, so King Xiang appointed Duke Wen of Jin as the leader of the vassals, rewarding him with two chariots, a tiger guard, axes, bows and arrows, allowing him to govern the Nanyang area and serve as the leader for generations. Therefore, the Zhou Dynasty could prosper for a long time, all thanks to the efforts of these two countries.
Now, your merits are outstanding, preserving my country and people, following the will of heaven, promoting great merits, bringing peace to the people, and no one disobeys you. Your merits are greater than Yi Yin and Duke Zhou, but the rewards are lower than those of Qi and Jin. I feel quite troubled! I, an insignificant person, bear the heavy responsibility for the welfare of the people, always thinking about the difficulties involved, like treading on thin ice. If it weren't for your assistance, I really don't know what to do. Now I grant you ten counties in Jizhou: Hedong, Henei, Weijun, Zhao, Zhongshan, Changshan, Julu, Anping, Ganling, and Pingyuan. You are hereby appointed as the Duke of Wei!
I grant you fertile black soil for sacrifices using white grass; engrave turtle shells to construct ancestral shrines and altars. During the Zhou dynasty, Bi Gong and Mao Gong held ministerial positions in the court, while Zhou Gong and Shao Gong served as feudal lords in the provinces. Both internal and external affairs require management, and you are fully qualified, so continue in your role as Prime Minister and Governor of Jizhou! I also reward you with nine precious items, so please obey my orders. You can establish rituals and laws, regulate the behavior of the people, make them live in peace and prosperity, and no one will change their minds. Therefore, I grant you two large chariots: one black chariot with matching harnesses and two teams of black horses. You can advise the people to farm diligently, and with the hard work of farmers, food and textiles will pile up like mountains, and the great cause of the country will prosper. Therefore, I reward you with ceremonial garments and red shoes. You can promote humility, make the people respect each other, maintain order among the old and young, and ensure harmony between superiors and subordinates. Therefore, I reward you with musical instruments from Xuan County and performances of the Liuyi dance. You can promote education, attract people from all directions, change the minds of distant people, and make the land of China more prosperous. Therefore, I reward you with a vermilion-colored gate. You can be observant, considerate, employ talents, and promote those with abilities. Therefore, I reward you with the privilege to ascend the palace steps. You can wield the power of the country, be fair and impartial, and even the slightest mistakes will be corrected. Therefore, I reward you with three hundred elite Tiger Guards. You can enforce the law strictly, punish criminals, and no one who violates the law will escape punishment. Therefore, I reward you with a ceremonial axe and a hatchet. You can awe the four directions, patrol the world, suppress rebels, and defend the country. Therefore, I reward you with a red bow, one hundred red arrows, a finely crafted bow, and one thousand finely crafted arrows. Your warmth, filial piety, honesty, and reliability have greatly touched me. Therefore, I reward you with a jug of ritual wine and jade wine vessels. The officials of Wei Kingdom below the Prime Minister are all appointed following the system established for princes during the Han Dynasty.
Listen up! I command you to obey! Have compassion for the people, so that everyone can work to their utmost, ultimately showcasing your achievements and honoring my imperial ancestor's grace! The following phrase, "简恤尔众，时亮庶功，用终尔显德，对扬我高祖之休命!" expresses care for the people and expectations for achievements, as well as reverence for ancestors. The entire sentence means the emperor is admonishing his subjects to do their best, work for the welfare of the people, and ultimately bring glory to their ancestors.
In the autumn of the seventh month (July), the Wei Kingdom began building the ancestral temple. The emperor appointed three daughters of the Duke of Wei as noblewomen, with the youngest still at home, waiting to enter the palace when she came of age. In September, the Golden Tiger Terrace was built, and a channel was dug to redirect the Zhang River into Baigou for easier irrigation. By October, during the winter, Wei Jun was divided into eastern and western sections, each with a governor. In November, new official positions such as Shangshu, Shizhong, and the Six Ministers were created.
Meanwhile, Ma Chao was stirring up trouble in Hanyang, aligning with the Qiang and Di tribes, and the Di King also rebelled, setting up camp with Ma Chao in Xingguo. The Wei Kingdom dispatched Xiahou Yuan to quell them.
In the first month of the second year of spring, the Wei Kingdom conducted a farming ceremony in Jitian. Zhao Qu and others from Nan'an and Hanyang attacked Ma Chao together, which forced Ma Chao to flee to Hanzhong. Han Sui went to Jincheng and allied with the Di King, and then defeated Xiahou Yuan with a cavalry force of tens of thousands of Qiang and Di, which caused Xiahou Yuan to retreat to Xiping. Later, Xiahou Yuan and other generals launched an attack on Xingguo, resulting in a massacre of the city. As a result, Andong and Yongyang counties were also disbanded.
Anding's Prefect, Guanqiu Xing, was preparing to take office. The Duke of Wei specifically instructed him: "If the Qiang and Hu people want to interact with us Chinese, they must send their own people over. You must not proactively send anyone. Finding good people is difficult; they will likely come up with unreasonable demands for their own benefit. If you refuse, you'll offend them; if you agree, you won't gain anything." Once Guanqiu Xing arrived, he sent a captain named Fan Ling to the Qiang tribe, and Fan Ling indeed incited the Qiang people to request to be appointed as a vassal commander. After hearing this, the Duke of Wei said: "I expected this would happen; I am not a saint, just experienced." In the third month, the Emperor raised the Duke of Wei above the feudal kings and granted him a golden seal, a red silk ribbon, and a distant travel cap. In the seventh month of autumn, the Duke of Wei went to campaign against Sun Quan again. It is said that some years ago, Song Jian of Longxi proclaimed himself the King of Han at the River's Source, gathered troops and horses at Fuhan, changed the era name, established various official positions, and caused trouble for more than thirty years. The Kingdom of Wei sent Xiahou Yuan from Xingguo to attack him. In the tenth month of winter, Fuhan City was breached, Song Jian was killed, and Liangzhou was finally pacified. The Duke of Wei returned from Hefei. In the eleventh month, the Han Dynasty Empress was punished after letters between her and her father (the former Commandant of the Garrison Cavalry) were discovered. The letters stated that the Emperor resented the Duke of Wei for the killing of Dong Cheng, and the language was quite offensive. After the truth was revealed, the Empress was deposed and executed, and her brothers were also punished.
In December, Cao Cao arrived at Mengjin. The emperor ordered Cao Cao to set up banners with insignias, and an ancient musical instrument known as zhongju was placed in the palace. On the Yiwei day, Cao Cao ordered, "People of noble character may not necessarily achieve great things, and those who achieve great things may not necessarily have noble character. Was Chen Ping really of upright character? Was Su Qin really trustworthy? However, Chen Ping pacified the Han Dynasty, and Su Qin helped the weak state of Yan. From this, we can see that everyone has flaws. Should we really disregard them for this reason? Officials must carefully consider this principle to avoid wasting talent and hindering national affairs." He also said, "Punishment is a matter of life and death for the common people, but sometimes the prison officials in the military camp are not suitable candidates to be responsible for the lives of the soldiers. This concerns me greatly. Those who are knowledgeable in law should be selected to serve as prison officials." Thus, the Department of Legal Affairs was established.
In the first month of spring in the twentieth year, the emperor appointed Cao Cao's daughter as the empress. The counties of Yunzhong, Dingxiang, Wuyuan, and Shuofang were merged, leaving only one county in each jurisdiction to manage the populace. After the merger, it was called Xinxing County.
In March, Cao Cao marched west against Zhang Lu, arriving at Chencang. He intended to enter the Di territory via Wudu; the Di people obstructed the road, so Cao Cao first dispatched Zhang He, Zhu Ling, and others to break their defenses. In April, Cao Cao departed from Chencang, passed through Sangguan, and arrived at Hechi. The Di leader Dou Mao led over ten thousand people and refused to surrender due to the rugged terrain. In May, Cao Cao defeated and massacred them. Generals Qu Yan and Jiang Shi from Xiping and Jincheng respectively beheaded Han Sui and brought his head to Cao Cao. In July, Cao Cao reached Yangping. Zhang Lu sent his brother Zhang Wei and General Yang Ang to defend Yangping Pass, where they constructed a wall over ten miles long on Hengshan. Cao Cao was unable to capture it and chose to withdraw. Seeing Cao Cao's army retreat, the enemy let down their guard. Cao Cao secretly dispatched Xie Gan, Gao Zuo, and others to carry out a night raid, defeating the enemy, killing Yang Ren, and attacking Zhang Wei. Zhang Wei and others fled at night, and Zhang Lu fled to Bazing. Cao Cao's army entered Nanzheng, seizing all the treasures from Zhang Lu's treasury. Bajun and Hanzhong surrendered. Han Ningjun was reestablished as Hanzhongjun; Anyang and Xicheng were separated to establish Xichengjun with an appointed governor; Xijun and Shangyongjun were separated to appoint Commanders. In August, Sun Quan besieged Hefei, but Zhang Liao and Li Dian successfully repelled him. In September, the seven Di kings of Bajun, including Pohu and the Marquis of Congyi, Du Huo, led the Di and Cong people to surrender. Cao Cao divided Bajun, appointing Pohu as Governor of Badong and Du Huo as Governor of Baxi, both granted the title of Marquis. The Emperor authorized Cao Cao to appoint princes and local officials. In October 210 AD, Cao Cao began instituting noble titles, ranging from Marquis to Wudafu, in addition to the existing Marquises and Marquises within the borders, totaling six ranks to honor military achievements.
In November, Lu Su led the remaining army to surrender in Bazhong. Cao Cao granted titles to Lu Su and his five sons as marquises. Liu Bei seized the opportunity to attack Liu Zhang, captured Yizhou, and occupied Bazhong; Cao Cao dispatched Zhang He to confront him. In December, Cao Cao returned to Ye City after his campaign in Nanzheng, leaving Xiahou Yuan to guard Hanzhong.
In February 211 AD, Cao Cao returned to Ye City. On the Renyin day in March, Cao Cao personally plowed the fields and symbolically conducted the land registration ceremony. In May, Emperor Xian of Han bestowed upon Cao Cao the title of King of Wei. The Wuhuan Chanyu Pulu and his vassal kings of Daijun came to pay their respects. Emperor Xian of Han married his daughter to Cao Cao, making her a princess, and granted him Tangmu Prefecture, a tax-exempt territory. In July, the Southern Xiongnu Chanyu Huchuquan also arrived with his vassal kings to pay their respects; Cao Cao welcomed them as honored guests, let them stay in Wei, and sent the Prince of Ruyi to monitor the internal situation of the Xiongnu. In August, Cao Cao appointed Zhong Yao as the Chancellor.
In October, Cao Cao reorganized his forces in preparation for a campaign against Sun Quan, arriving in Qiao County in November. In January 212 AD, Cao Cao's army was stationed at Juchao, and in February, they marched towards Haoxi in Jiangxi. Sun Quan constructed fortifications at Ruxukou to withstand the attack; Cao Cao launched a fierce assault, and Sun Quan was forced to retreat. In March, Cao Cao withdrew his forces, leaving generals Xiahou Dun, Cao Ren, Zhang Liao, and others to defend Juchao.
In April, Emperor Xian of Han granted Cao Cao permission to use the emperor's banners and standards, and to travel with the imperial carriages. In May, Cao Cao constructed the Panyu Palace, an ancient institution of learning. In June, Cao Cao appointed military advisor Hua Xin as the Grand Master of Ceremonies. In October, Emperor Xian of Han granted Cao Cao the privilege to wear the twelve-ribbon crown, ride the golden-rooted carriage, drive six horses, and be accompanied by the Five Times Auxiliary Carriage, and he appointed Cao Pi as the Crown Prince of Wei.
Liu Bei dispatched generals Zhang Fei, Ma Chao, Wu Lan, and others to garrison at Xiabian; Cao Cao sent Cao Hong to resist.
In January of the year 213 AD, Han Dynasty's Imperial Physician Jing Ben, along with Minister of Finance Geng Ji and Inspector Wei Huang, rebelled and attacked Xuchang, burning down the camp of Wang Bi, the Chief Clerk to the Prime Minister. Wang Bi and Yingchuan's Leader of Agriculture Yan Kuang retaliated and killed the rebels.
Cao Hong defeated Wu Lan and killed his generals, including Ren Kui. In March, Zhang Fei and Ma Chao fled back to Hanzhong. Qiang Duan, the leader of the Yinpings Di tribe, killed Wu Lan and sent his head as a trophy.
In April, the Wuhuan and Wuchen Di tribes in Daijun and Shanggu revolted. Cao Cao sent Marquis of Yanling Xiahou Zhang to suppress them.
In June, Cao Cao ordered, "Ancient burials must be in barren places. My mausoleum will be on the hill west of Ximen Bao Ci, utilizing the natural elevation of the terrain as a base, no mounds, no trees. According to the Zhou Rituals, the gravekeeper oversees the land designated for public graves; nobles' graves are on the left and right of the monarch's grave, and officials' graves are behind. The Han Dynasty follows this system, called accompanying mausoleum. Officials and generals who have distinguished themselves in service should be interred beside my mausoleum, with a large enough area for everyone to fit."
In July, Cao Cao reorganized his forces and then marched west to confront Liu Bei, arriving in Chang'an in September. In October, the defenders of Wancheng, led by Hou Yin, rebelled, captured the Administrator of Nanyang, looted the people, and held Wancheng. Earlier, Cao Ren had been dispatched to confront Guan Yu and was stationed at Fancheng. This month, Cao Cao sent Cao Ren to besiege Wancheng.
In the first month, Cao Ren captured Wan Cheng and killed Hou Yin. Xiahou Yuan clashed with Liu Bei at Yangping, where he was killed. In the third month, Cao Cao departed from Chang'an, traveled through Xiegu, secured strategic positions in preparation for an attack on Hanzhong before arriving at Yangping. Liu Bei took advantage of the terrain to defend. In May, Cao Cao withdrew his troops to Chang'an. In July, Cao Cao named Bian as his queen. Cao Cao dispatched Yu Jin to assist Cao Ren in his attack on Guan Yu. In August, the Han River swelled, drowning Yu Jin's army, which was completely annihilated, and Guan Yu captured Yu Jin and then laid siege to Cao Ren. Cao Cao sent Xu Huang to the rescue. In September, Prime Minister Zhong Yao was dismissed following the rebellion of Wei Fang, the Western Cao clerk. In October, Cao Cao's forces returned to Luoyang. Sun Quan sent envoys to offer his assistance to Cao Cao in the campaign against Guan Yu. Cao Cao marched south from Luoyang to confront Guan Yu. Before he arrived, Xu Huang had already defeated Guan Yu's army, forcing Guan Yu to flee and lifting the siege on Cao Ren. Cao Cao's forces encamped at Mobei. In the first month of the following year, Cao Cao arrived in Luoyang. Sun Quan defeated Guan Yu and sent his severed head. On the Gengzi day, Cao Cao passed away in Luoyang at the age of sixty-six. Cao Cao's last words were: "The world is still unstable, so we cannot conduct funeral rites according to ancient customs. After the funeral, all should discard their mourning attire. The stationed soldiers must not leave their camps. All officials must carry out their responsibilities. Use plain clothing for burial and do not entomb treasures." He was posthumously honored with the title of Martial King. On the Dingmao day in the second month, Cao Cao was buried in Gaoling. Legend has it that towards the end of the Han Dynasty, chaos reigned, heroes emerged, and Yuan Shao seized control of four provinces, wielding power unmatched by anyone.
However, our Cao Cao is indeed a formidable figure, mastering strategies behind the scenes, determining victory from miles away, wielding military tactics like a god, sweeping the land. He studied the tactics of Shen Shang, employed the brilliant strategies of Han Bai (Han Xin and Bai Qi), selected individuals based on their abilities, allowed each person to contribute their best, rewarded and punished with clarity, and never harbored grudges from the past. Ultimately, he seized control of the nation's power, accomplishing remarkable feats. This is largely due to his exceptional vision and strategic brilliance! He truly is an extraordinary individual, a genius of his time!
