⚔️Story 34: Battle of Guandu - Yuan Shao and Cao Cao's Enemy

1. Yuan Shao's Mighty Army Presses In

Yuan Shao dispatched his troops, heading towards Guandu. Xiahou Dun sent an urgent letter requesting reinforcements. Cao Cao then led 70,000 troops to meet Yuan Shao, leaving Xun Yu to guard his base in Xuchang. Just as Yuan Shao's army was about to depart, his strategist Tian Feng wrote from prison, advising: "Now we should remain quiet and wait for a better opportunity. We shouldn't launch a large-scale war rashly, lest it have bad consequences." Yuan Shao was further enraged and wanted to execute Tian Feng, but fortunately, other officials pleaded for his life. Yuan Shao then urged his army to advance. His army's banners filled the plains, and his swords were as numerous as a forest (describing the army's imposing presence). They reached Yangwu and set up camp. Yuan Shao's 700,000-strong army surrounded and encamped from all sides, the camp stretching over ninety li (approximately 45 kilometers).

 

2. Cao Cao's Army Fears, Xun You Offers a Plan

Cao Cao's spies learned of Yuan Shao's army's situation and returned to report to Cao Cao's army at Guandu. Cao Cao's army had just arrived and was terrified upon hearing the news. Cao Cao consulted with his advisors on countermeasures. Xun You said, "Although Yuan Shao's army is numerous, we need not fear. Our soldiers are all elite, each capable of fighting ten men. But what is in our favor now is to engage in battle quickly. If we continue to delay, we will run out of food and fodder for our horses, and that would be a cause for concern." Cao Cao said, "What you say aligns with my thoughts." He then ordered his army to beat drums and advance with loud shouts.

 

3. The Two Armies Face Off and the Archers' Ambush

Yuan Shao's army advanced to meet them, forming their battle lines. Yuan Shao's advisor, Shen Pei, arranged for ten thousand crossbowmen to ambush on both sides of the army; he also arranged for five thousand archers to hide behind large banners, agreeing to fire together upon hearing the signal.

 

4. Cao Cao and Yuan Shao's Battle Cry

After the war drums sounded three times, Yuan Shao, wearing a golden helmet and armor, an embroidered robe, and a jade belt, rode to the front of the battle line. Flanking him were generals Zhang He, Gao Lan, Han Meng, and Chunyu Qiong. Their banners and ceremonial guards were impeccably orderly and imposing. Cao Cao's banners unfurled, and Cao Cao rode out. Generals Xu Chu, Zhang Liao, Xu Huang, and Li Dian, each armed, surrounded Cao Cao. Cao Cao pointed his whip at Yuan Shao and shouted, "I recommended you to be Grand General before the Emperor; why are you now plotting rebellion?" Yuan Shao angrily replied, "You falsely claim to be the Chancellor of the Han Dynasty, but you are actually a traitor to the Han! Your crimes are heinous, even more serious than those of Wang Mang and Dong Zhuo, yet you dare to falsely accuse others of treason?" Cao Cao said, "I am here today to punish you on the Emperor's orders!" Yuan Shao said, "I am here to punish you, you traitor, on the Emperor's secret 'edict in the belt'!"

 

5. The two armies clashed, and Cao Cao suffered a crushing defeat.

Cao Cao was furious and sent Zhang Liao into battle. Zhang He, from Yuan Shao's side, rode to meet him. The two generals fought for forty or fifty rounds, still unable to determine a victor. Cao Cao, seeing this, silently praised Zhang He's martial prowess. At this moment, Xu Chu, wielding a broadsword, rode forward to help. Gao Lan from Yuan Shao's side also came out with a spear to block their advance. Thus, the four generals split into two groups and fought each other. Cao Cao ordered Xiahou Dun and Cao Hong to each lead three thousand soldiers to charge towards Yuan Shao's position. Seeing Cao's army charging, Shen Pei immediately ordered the signal cannons to be fired. Ten thousand crossbows hidden on both sides fired simultaneously, and archers concealed behind banners also rushed out to fire wildly. Cao's army could not withstand the attack and hastily fled south. Yuan Shao's army pursued them fiercely, inflicting a crushing defeat on Cao's army, which retreated entirely back to Guandu. Yuan Shao then moved his army to camp near Guandu.