🏯 Story 39: Cao Cao's Entry into Ji Province

1. A Word of Trouble: Xu You's Arrogance

 

Cao Cao led his generals into Jizhou City. Just as they were about to enter the city gate, his advisor Xu You suddenly rode up to Cao Cao, pointed at the gate with his whip, and called Cao Cao by his childhood name, saying, "Aman (Cao Cao's childhood name), without me, how could you have entered this gate?" Cao Cao simply laughed and did not refute. However, the generals present felt extremely indignant upon hearing Xu You address their lord so impolitely.

 

2. The Price of Impulsiveness: Xu Chu's Anger and Killing of Xu You

 

On another day, the fierce general Xu Chu rode into the city through the east gate and happened to encounter Xu You. Xu You, using the same trick again, said to Xu Chu, "Without me, how could you people freely enter and leave this city gate like this?" Xu Chu was furious and retorted, "We risked our lives, fought bloody battles, and defeated countless enemies to capture this city. How dare you claim all the credit for yourself?" Xu You not only didn't back down but also cursed, "You people are nothing but uneducated fools, mere scoundrels! What's so great about you!" Enraged, Xu Chu drew his sword and killed Xu You on the spot, taking his head to Cao Cao to report Xu You's disrespect. Cao Cao, after hearing the report, sighed, "Ziyuan (Xu You's courtesy name) was my old friend. He was just joking with me. Why did you kill him?" Although Cao Cao severely reprimanded Xu Chu, he ultimately ordered Xu You to be given a grand funeral.

 

3. Heroes Cherish Heroes: A Tribute at Yuan Shao's Tomb

 

After pacifying Ji Province, Cao Cao personally went to pay respects at the tomb of his old rival, Yuan Shao. Cao Cao bowed repeatedly, weeping bitterly. Turning to his generals, he said, "When I and Yuan Shao (Yuan Shao's courtesy name) raised our army together, he asked me, 'If our great cause fails, where can we establish a base?' I asked him what he planned to do. He said, 'I intend to defend Hebei in the north, utilizing its geographical advantages, and unite with the northern tribes to march south and contend for the world.'

 

I replied at the time, 'I will appoint talented and wise people throughout the land, guiding them with sound principles. With talent and a sound system, where in the world can't we go?' This conversation feels like it happened yesterday. Now that Yuan Shao has passed away, I can't help but shed tears for him!" The generals present were deeply moved.

 

4. Stabilizing the People's Hearts: A Benevolent Rule

 

After the memorial service, Cao Cao demonstrated his magnanimity as a leader:

l  Caring for Families: He bestowed upon Yuan Shao's wife, Lady Liu, a large amount of gold, silver, and grain.

l  Tax Reduction: Considering the long suffering of the people of Hebei from war, he ordered the exemption of all taxes for the year.

l  Official appointment reporting: On the one hand, he wrote memorials to the court to report on the war situation, and on the other hand, Cao Cao himself concurrently served as the governor of Ji Province.