⚔️ Story 36: Liu Bei's Sneak Attack on Cao Cao!

1. Liu Bei Launches an Attack While the Opportunity Awaits

 

Cao Cao's strategist Xun Yu delivered an urgent letter reporting: "Liu Bei has already incorporated tens of thousands of troops under Liu Pi and Gong Du in the Runan region. Hearing that you, Prime Minister (Cao Cao), have led troops to attack Hebei (referring to Yuan Shao), he has ordered Liu Pi to garrison Runan while Liu Bei personally leads his troops to attack Xuchang while it is undefended. Prime Minister, you should immediately return to defend against him!" Cao Cao was greatly alarmed. He immediately left Cao Hong to garrison on the banks of the Yellow River, feigning a large army (a bluff). Cao Cao himself led the main force to Runan to meet Liu Bei in battle.

 

2. Liu Bei Sets Up Camp at Rangshan

 

Meanwhile, Liu Bei (courtesy name: Xuande), along with his sworn brothers Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, and General Zhao Yun, were leading their troops to prepare for a surprise attack on Xuchang. When they reached the vicinity of Rangshan, they encountered Cao Cao's army. Liu Bei then set up camp at the foot of Rangshan, dividing his army into three groups: Guan Yu was stationed in the southeast corner. Zhang Fei was stationed in the southwest corner. Liu Bei and Zhao Yun set up their main camp due south.

 

3. A Fierce Verbal Exchange Before Battle

After Cao Cao's army arrived, Liu Bei immediately beat the drums and went into battle. Cao Cao had already formed his battle formation and summoned Liu Bei to speak. Liu Bei rode to the center between the two armies' banners.

 

Cao Cao pointed his whip at Liu Bei and shouted, "I treated you as my most important guest, why have you betrayed me and forgotten my kindness?"

Liu Bei replied, "You falsely claim to be the Chancellor of the Han Dynasty, but you are actually a traitor to the country! I am a member of the Han imperial family (a relative of the Han emperor), and I have come to punish you, this traitor, on the emperor's secret edict!" After saying this, Liu Bei loudly read aloud the emperor's secret edict (the edict in the emperor's belt) from his horse.

 

4. Zhao Yun vs. Xu Chu, Two Armies Attack from Both Sides

Cao Cao was furious and ordered his general Xu Chu to fight. Zhao Yun, behind Liu Bei, charged out with his spear to meet him. The two generals fought for thirty rounds, but neither could gain the upper hand. Just then, a sudden shout of battle erupted: Guan Yu charged out from the southeast corner! Zhang Fei also led his troops out from the southwest corner! Liu Bei's three armies attacked Cao Cao's army simultaneously from three directions. Cao Cao's army, exhausted from their long journey, was utterly unable to resist and suffered a crushing defeat, fleeing in disarray. Liu Bei achieved victory and returned to his camp to rest.

036 

Liu Bei first arranged his troops in formation, then recited the "Imperial Edict in the Belt." Military preparation and psychological warfare were both necessary.