📜Story 38: The Demise of Yuan Shao's Remnants

1. Cao Cao Eliminates Yuan Shao's Remnants

 

While everyone was discussing, Xu You arrived from Xuchang. Upon seeing Cao Cao, he said, "Prime Minister, why are you staying here? Are you waiting for lightning to strike down Yuan Shao's two sons (Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang)?" Cao Cao smiled and said, "I already have a plan."

Cao Cao then ordered Cao Hong to advance and attack Ye City, while he himself led troops to attack Yin Kai. When the army arrived at Yin Kai's territory, Yin Kai led his troops to meet them. As Yin Kai rode out, Cao Cao asked, "Where is Xu Chu?" Xu Chu immediately responded, charging out to attack Yin Kai. Yin Kai had no time to react and was cut down by Xu Chu with a single stroke. The remaining soldiers all scattered and fled. Cao Cao incorporated these surrendered soldiers and then led his troops to attack Handan. Yuan Shao's general, Ju Hu, led his troops to meet them. Zhang Liao from Cao Cao's side engaged Ju Hu in battle, and in less than three rounds, Ju Hu was utterly defeated and fled. Zhang Liao pursued from behind. When the two horses were close, Zhang Liao quickly drew his bow and shot Ju Hu, who fell from his horse. Cao Cao then ordered his army to pursue and kill, and the enemy army scattered.

 

2. Tian Chou Offers a Unique Route

Cao Cao left his strategist Guo Jia in Yizhou to recuperate and sought a guide. Someone recommended Tian Chou, a former general of Yuan Shao, saying he was very familiar with the local terrain. Cao Cao summoned him and inquired. Tian Chou said, “This road is flooded in summer and autumn. When the water is shallow, chariots and horses cannot pass; when it is deep, boats cannot carry them. It is very difficult to travel. It would be better if we turned back and bypassed the treacherous Baitan Pass at Lulongkou, exiting from an undefended point and approaching Liucheng. This way, we can take them by surprise and capture them in one battle. Cao Cao accepted his advice, appointing Tian Chou as General Jingbei and making him the guide at the front. Zhang Liao was second in command. Cao Cao himself brought up the rear, and the army marched swiftly.

 

3. The Battle of White Wolf Mountain and the Escape of Yuan Shao's Remnants

Tian Chou led Zhang Liao to White Wolf Mountain, where they encountered the brothers Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang, who had joined forces with tens of thousands of cavalry from the Wuhuan (Modu) tribe. Zhang Liao quickly reported this to Cao Cao.

 

Cao Cao rode up to a high vantage point and observed that the enemy's ranks were disorganized and out of formation. Cao Cao said to Zhang Liao, "The enemy's ranks are not orderly; now is the time to attack them." He then handed the command flag to Zhang Liao.

 

Zhang Liao, along with generals Xu Chu, Yu Jin, and Xu Huang, divided into four groups and charged down the mountain, launching a fierce and rapid attack. The enemy army was thrown into chaos. Zhang Liao charged forward on horseback, beheading the Wuhuan leader, and the remaining soldiers all surrendered. The brothers Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang, with several thousand cavalry, fled to the Liaodong region.

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When Cao Cao led his troops on campaign, his fierce generals defeated the enemy leaders before launching a full-scale attack. This aligns with the concept of "capturing the king first." Xu Chu and Zhang Liao both possessed such individual combat abilities, capable of defeating their opponents.