Revisit the Three Kingdoms Issue 06

Revisiting the Three Kingdoms 1
Contents
Sorry for the Delay 1
Cao Cao’s Ambition 3
Zhang He, the Marquis of Strength 11
Zhou Yu, the Artful General 15
Adventure at Qian-tong 23
Web References 51
Catalog 52
Romance of the Three Kingdoms Manga Volume I Sneak Peak 64
Sorry for the Delay
Originally, this ezine is scheduled for re-
lease in the first week of April and now it is
almost the end of May. I have given myself
too many tasks and at that period, my day
job also interfered with it. And in between,
some developments have occurred that re-
quired my full attention. So by then, April
had passed and May is also ending soon.
Hopefully, this issue will worth the wait.
First, the bad news, we are postponing
Romance of the Three Kingdoms Role
Playing Game (RTK RPG) till next year.
Originally, I thought I have time to work
on it. But time and money are simply not
available. Therefore, I decided to postpone
RTK RPG until next summer. This allows
more time to work the game. Ironically,
this issue contains my first RTK RPG ad-
venture. It is possible to run it with existing
Dungeons & Dragons d20 Modern or D&D
Third Edition Player and GM guides. But
some works might require on the GM part.
The reason to keep RTK adventure in is to
give readers a feel of what RTK RPG will
be like.
Second, the further article, Art of Etiquette,
has postponed till next issue. This has to
due to time constrain reason that I was not
able to translate the text in time.
Now, here are for some good news. As
reader will see that last twelve pages are a
sneak preview for the upcoming Romance
of the Three Kingdoms Manga. This will be
a twenty-three volumes graphic novel in B6
sizes (125 mm x 126 mm, 5” x 7”) and has
about 200+ pages. The manga was writ-
ten by a Japanese author (Yu Terashima),
drawn by Chinese artist (Lee Chi Ching),
and will be translated by MangaZero (http:
//www.mangazero.com/). Romancing Ca-
thay has negotiated with Culturecom Limit-
ed of HK (http://www.culturecom.com.hk)
and Mediafactory, Inc. of Japan (http:
//www.mediafactory.co.jp/game/) to bring
this timeless classic of China to our West-
ern audience. We are still waiting for the
artwork on CD to be send to us. But I take
the liberty of scanning first ten pages and
continue on page 2
Revisit the Three Kingdoms
Volume II, Issue 6
Spring 2003

2 Revisiting the Three Kingdoms
translated them as a way to thank our readers for their patience.
First two issues of manga will be released in quarterly starting
with this fall, 2003. Remaining issues will be released bimonth-
ly.
For fans of Dynasty Warriors video games, Romancing Cathay
has contacted Cafe Reo of Japan (http://www.cafereo.co.jp/
index.htm) to bring Dynasty Warrior 4 Character Figures or
muso. The set contains ten figures: three from Wei Kingdom,
three from Shu Kingdom, three from Wu Kingdom, and one
mysterious figure. We hope that it will arrive sometime in June.
Please visit our website (http://www.romancingcathay.com) for
latest update. Price for the set is $49.95.
This issue’s Ambition of Cao Cao talks about the stunning vic-
tory and aftermath of Battle at Guan-du between Yuan Shao and
Cao Cao. Despite fighting at Cao Cao’s land, Yuan Shao’s had
lost control of his lands whereas Cao Cao was able to consoli-
date his even more. And Guan Yu demonstrated why he deserved
the title of Martial God by escorted his brother’s wives from
Cao’s camp to Yu’s camp in midst of conflict.
Form the Ambitions of Three Kingdoms, we introduce Zhang He
as a well deserved member of Cao Cao’s Five Tiger General. It
is said that he is the Master of Changes in Art of War that even
Zhuge Liang was afraid of him. We even include his optional
Character Card for Romance of the Three Kingdoms Tabletop
Card Game.
The first section of Chapter One of Zhou Yu, the Artful General,
deals with youthful Zhou Yu who travelled afar in search of a
teacher. The conversation between him and the doorkeeper is
very interesting. This section contains one of my favorite quote,
“A person’s enthusiasm is not easily sustainable. It is ten times
tougher than the resilience and the tenacity.”
Adventure at Qian-tong Prefecture is a RTK RPG adventure
inspired by young Sun Jian exploit when he travelled with his
father to Qian-tong. Players will not only have a chance to
befriend Sun Jian and help him with certain rite of passage, they
may also meet with Zhang Liang, brother of Zhang Jiao whose
the head of the Way of Heavenly Peace. The backdrop of Qian-
tong Prefecture is their famous natural wonder, the River Bore.
Legend has it that it was caused by the river dragon returns from
his audience with the sea dragon of the east...
A catalog page showcase what Romancing Cathay has to offer to
our readers.
And Romance of the Three Kingdoms Manga Volume I sneak
preview will hopefully wet the appetite of our readers for more.
Enjoy.
Sorry for the delay...
Revisiting the
Three Kingdoms
Volume II, Issue 6
Summer, 2003
Romancing Cathay
10050 Montgomery Road, #315
Cincinnati, OH 45242
USA
(513) 290-7419
Fax (949) 266-8395
www.romancingcathay.com
EMAIL: business@romancingcathay.com
Romancing Cathay is a group of people interested in
playing and introducing games about Ancient China.
There are many impressive and exciting tall tales, leg-
ends, myths, and historical events that we believe will
fascinate players world-wide. Our goal is to introduce
these captivating stories in various game formats. In
addition, we feel that through playing games, people
would become more curious in learning more about
China.
Layout: Chuan Lin
Newsletter Editor: Chuan Lin
Writers: Chuan Lin
Artworks: These artworks are copyrighted of Cafe
Reo, Creator Workshop, Culturecom Limited, Koei
Company, and Sierra Entertainment.

Cao Cao’s Ambition
(5/9) Part B by Chuan Lin
All-out Battle
Yan Liang, the fame general north of the Yellow
River, had been slain by a relatively unknown
Guan Yu. And the fact that he did it in front of
Yan Liang’s bodyguards had shaken the nation.
Especially those in Yuan Shao’s camp, they lost
an equivalent of super-star warrior to a nobody
who formally served under Liu Bei, a guest of
Yuan Shao. They were curious to see who was
this Guan Yu.
Originally, Yuan Shao wanted to kill Liu Bei to
sate his anger. But because of Liu Bei’s practi-
cally nil national renown, it would gain little to
execute him and much scorn from other lords.
Plus, Liu Bei argued that once Guan Yu knew the
whereabouts of Liu Bei, he would come immedi-
ately. One Guan Yu worthed more than Yan Liang
and Wen Chou combined. Yuan Shao’s advisory
staff also feared that killing Liu Bei would seri-
ously lower Yuan Shao’s reputation and persuaded
against it. These factors caused Yuan Shao to
restrain his desire.
Once calmed, Yuan Shao became curious about
this fierce general. Therefore, he agreed to Liu
Bei’s request of forgiving Guan Yu. Instead, he
held Liu Bei responsible for bringing Guan Yu
over. Between fifth and eight month of the Fifth
Year of the Rebuilding Peace (200 AD), there was
an eye of the storm centered around the Guan-
du Region. It was also the time when Guan Yu
became widely known. In the novel, Romance of
the Three Kingdoms, two and half chapters were
devoted to Guan Yu’s heroic deeds of passing five
checkpoints and slain six generals. But there was
no record to proof or disproof the fact.
However, once Guan Yu knew the whereabouts
of Liu Bei, he did immediately quit the position
Cao Cao had given him. He singularly escorted
Liu Bei’s family without a thought of his personal
safety. And he went straight to Yuan Shao’s main
camp. It was this act of loyalty that earned Guan
Yu the respects of generations to come.
Guan Yu’s Unfaltering Loyalty,
Cao Cao’s Generosity
Guan Yu came from the He-dong Region in the
Jie-Liang Area. His personal name was Chang-
sheng (longevity). He later changed to Yun-chang
(overcast) due to the fact that in his youth, he had
killed a villain in the name of righteousness in
his hometown and became a fugitive. When Liu
Bei raised militia at the Tun Commandery to fight
against Yellow Turbans, both Guan Yu and Zhang
Fei went to join him. Guan Yu was reputed to be
more than nine chi tall (190+ cm or 6’ 2¨+) and
had a righteous appearance. Together with Zhang
Fei, they were trusted by Liu Bei. According to the
Ambition of Three Kingdoms historical record,
“...the Former King (Liu Bei) and them
two spent their time together as if they
were close brothers. When he sat, they
stood behind him, ready to serve and to
protect. They followed the Former King ev-
erywhere and avoided not any hardship...”
On the Fourth Year of the Rebuilding Peace (199
AD), to escape from Cao Cao’s influence, Liu Bei
had ambushed and killed Che Wei, the Provincial
Inspector of the Xu Province. To anticipate Cao
Cao’s revenge, he moved his family and supplies
to Xia-pei City. Guan Yu, who being promoted to
the Grand Administrator, had put in charge of gar-
rison the city. Both Liu Bei and Zhang Fei would
garrison at the Pei Prefecture to prevent Cao Cao
from enter the Xu Province.
On the Fifth Year of the Rebuilding Peace (200
AD), Cao Cao personally led the eastern cam-
paign and defeated Liu Bei soundly at the Pei
Prefecture. Liu Bei fled to seek protection under

Yuan Shao. Xia-pei City was surrounded by Cao’s troops. Guan
Yu initially wanted to die on the line of duty. But his obligation
to Liu Bei’s family plus Cao Cao’s agreement to his conditional
surrender forced him to capitulate to Cao Cao.
Though Guan Yu was not well known then, because of his
virtues and abilities, he earned Cao Cao’s high regards. Not only
had he accepted Guan Yu’s conditional surrender, he promoted
him to lieutenant general and also ennobled him. Every three
days, he was invited to a small feast
and every five days, a large banquet.
Guan Yu was very well treated.
Aside from exaggeration from the
Romance of the Three Kingdom novel,
even just based on the historical record,
the special relationship between Cao
Cao and Guan Yu was unique that there
was no other relationship between a
lord and his subject like it before and
after. However, Guan Yu was stubborn
to a fault. Despite the generosity and
the benevolence received from Cao
Cao, he still upheld his initial promise
to search for the location of Liu Bei.
He was indeed a dai-zhang-fu (great
elder man) who was not seduced by
wealth and nobility and yielded not to
awe and force.
Due to close friendship and long ties
between Guan Yu and Zhang Liao,
Cao Cao sent Zhang Liao to determine
Guan Yu’s decision of abandoning
Liu Bei and stayed with Cao’s Camp.
Zhang Liao ascertained Guan’s Yu’s
consideration as per Cao Cao’s request.
Though Guan Yu understood the intend
behind Cao Coa’s action, he regrettably
remarked,
“I understand perfectly the meaning behind the hospitality
Grand Cao had given me. However, General Liu and I have
known each other far longer and swore to share our lives
and death. Never would the wealth and the nobility would
allow to break that promise. I will not stay here for long.
But I will establish merits for Cao’s camp before leaving.”
Zhang Liao returned with Guan Yu’s answer. Cao Cao was not
anger but instead was moved by his loyalty. He publicly praised
Guan Yu’s Loyalty and Righteousness. When the news of Guan
Yu executed Yan Liang, Cao Cao knew that time had arrived.
Still, he greatly rewarded Guan Yu, but refused to meet him in
attempt to postpone the inevitable. After numerous attempts,
Guan Yu sealed Cao Cao’s gifts, wrote a letter to explain his de-
cision, and left to escort Liu Bei’s family for Yuan Shao’s camp
north of the Guan-du River.
Many generals in Cao’s camp viewed Guan Yu’s action as trea-
son and wanted to pursue. But Cao Cao prohibited by declared,
“Each serves one’s lord, no need to pursue.”
It was a daunting task to escort single-handedly Liu Bei’s family
between Cao’s and Yuan’s camps.
His act was very easy to construe as
an attempt to spy and was punish-
able by death. Not to mention the
fact that Guan Yu left on his voli-
tion, without a military pass. No
doubt this was the most taboo thing
to do in midst of a war.
In the RTK novel, Guan Yu’s act
had been immortalized in the story
of The Magnificent Beard Traveled
Thousand Li Alone, the Marquise
of Han’s Longevity Passed Five
Checkpoints Slew Six Generals.
That story explained how Zhang
Liang under Cao Cao’s directive
chased after Guan Yu, only to pres-
ent the military-pass to Guan Yu.
Through Zhang Liang, Cao Cao had
pardoned Guan Yu’s acts of trespass
checkpoints and killing generals.
Without a doubt that there are some
exaggeration in the telling of the
tale, but without Cao Cao’s bless-
ing, it would not be that easy for
Guan Yu to go through Cao’s troops
defensive line and into opposing
Yuan’s encampment.
Because of Guan Yu’s charisma and deeds, Yuan Shao also
forgave Guan Yu for killing Yan Liang and reassigned him to Liu
Bei’s force.
Though this was but a brief, moving interlude, Guan Yu’s unswayed
righteousness, steadfast loyalty, and fearless courage along with
Cao Cao’s admiration for talents and magnanimous forbearance had
became refined anecdote lasting thousands of year.
On the eighth month of the Fifth Year of the Rebuilding Peace
(200 AD), Yuan Shao began an all-out-attacks along the entire
border against Cao’s troops stationed at Guan-du. A series of
protracted and laborious see-saw battles had began. Both sides
... I will establish merits for
Cao’s camp before leaving...
Guan Yu
©2000 Creator Workshop

had built gargantuan earthwork for defensive purposes. The front
line stretched to in tens of li.
Ru-nan Rebelled Against Cao Cao,
Liu Bei Benefited
The first major battle occurred not at Guan-du, but at the Ru-nan
Commandery. Man Chong, the Grand Administrator of Runan
and appointed by Cao Cao, had put down many alumni of the
Yuan Household attempts during early days of the Yuan-Cao
Campaign. But in late summer, Liu Bi, a leader of Yellow Tur-
bans in Ru-nan, turned against Cao Cao and answered to Yuan
Shao’s call. This time, Yuan Shao was much more organized. He
quickly sent Liu Bei to assist Liu Bi. Their goal was to create
another front at the Yu Province to draw Cao troops away from
Guan-du.
Liu Bei and Liu Bi worked well together and caused a sense of
insecurity from north at Xu-du to south of the Yu Province. Cao
Cao sent Cao Ren with several thousands cavalry to attack. Liu
Bei and Liu Bi fled southwest of the Yu Province. They joined
up the remaining Yellow Turban faction led by Gong Du. Cao
Cao sent Tsai Yang with several thousand cavalry to pursuit. But
he was killed by Liu Bei’s force. Cao Cao was unable to regain
control of the Southern Yu Province throughout the Yuan-Cao
Campaign. And Liu Bei’s force conveniently extracted itself
away from the deadly battlefield of Guan-du.
Ju Shou, after observed the situation in the frontline, offered his
suggestion to Yuan Shao.
“Our troops are numerous but not as vicious as the
southern troops. They have the disadvantage of supplies
and maintain supply lines. Therefore, the southern troops
profit from a speedy battle, and the northern troops gain
from prolong attrition. Hence, it is recommended, that we
should protract our battle to wear away enemy supplies.
Then, we can achieve victory.”
By end of the eighth month, Yuan Shao personally visited the
front line. Cao Cao also maintained his presence at the base
camp at Guan-du. In early days of the ninth month, both sides
fought a vicious battle. Cao’s troops being smaller of the two,
and began to feel the strain of situation. Cao Cao ordered to
withdraw back to camps and defended from there. Yuan Shao
had ordered numerous sieges. But Cao Cao had fortified his
camps well that they could not be taken by siege alone.
Yuan Shao then built a high rising tower to overlook Cao Cao’s
encampment. It was quickly burned down by flaming arrows.
Yuan Shao ordered to build up a small hill and to have troops
rained down arrows from there. Cao’s troops were forced to
travel between camps with raise shield. They were stuck with the
beating and unable to strike back.
In one military meeting, Yue Jin offered to counter Yuan Shao’s
hill by building a hill of their own. Another suggestion is to build
a siege engine that was capable to throwing big rock. Through
combination of building hill and building rock throwing siege
engine, Cao’s force was able to destroy Yuan Shao’s hill. Cao’s
camp resumed normalcy. This rock throwing engine was later used
in numerous battlefield and was called the Thunderbolt Chariot.
A
BC
D
E
F
Map Legends
A - Retake Xu Province from
Liu Bei
B - Liu Bei fled to Yuan Shao
C - Liu Bei’s Guerella Force
D - Liu Bei met up with Liu Bi
E - They fought against Cao Ren
F - Liu Bei fled from Cao Cao
after Battle of Guan-du
a - Yuan Shao’s force during
Battle of Guan-du
b - Cao Cao’s force during
Battle of Guan-du
c - Cao Ren’s force moved
against Liu Bei & Liu Bi.
d - Cao Cao moved against Liu
Bei after Battle of Guan-du
i - Xia-pei City
ii - Guan-du Ferry Point
iii - Xu Capital
iv - Runan Area
a
b
c
d
i
ii
iii
iv

Yuan Shao’s Stratagems - Nullified
Yuan Troops conducted numerous attempts. However, Cao’s
camps were well fortified and adroitly defended. Frontal assault
seemed ineffective. Yuan Shao ordered mining attempts to at-
tack Cao’s Force from below. Nonetheless, Cao’s sentry quickly
detected the digging noise. Initially, Cao Cao ordered to dig
toward anticipated tunnel. Both sides fought numerous time un-
derground. But Cao Cao feared that he might have missed some.
Therefore, he order a long ditch to dig across the camp. Yuan
Shao had to abandon that tactic.
Both sides stalemated for over hundred days. Xu and Yu
Provinces were originally poor despite improvement made by
the Garrison Farm. They had problem maintained supply lines.
Many commanderies were unable to bear such cost, they began
to rebel against Cao Cao. Especially those at the Ru-nan Area
and southwest of the Yu Province under Liu Bei and Liu Bi’s
agitation, they deeply vexed Cao Cao to no end.
Therefore, Cao Cao ordered the Si-li District Commander, Cao
Ren, to lead troops to pacification. And from his own camp, a
fierce general, Xu Huang, was ordered to assist. Apparently, Cao
Cao did not take lightly of Liu Bei’s military force. Cao Ren was
successful at his given tasks, he twice defeated Liu Bei and Liu
Bi’s combined troops and forced Liu Bei to flee toward south-
west Yu Province as stated early.
Yuan Shao’s scout quickly detected Cao Ren’s force moved
south and left Cao’s western wing empty. He quickly sent Han
Xun to lead troops to exploit this opening. Han Xun’s mission
was to cut off the link between Guan-du and Guan-zhong (which
included Luo-yang and westward) area. This also allowed Yuan
Shao to strike from the west of Guan-du. Unexpectedly, Cao
Ren’s force was quick to defeat Liu Bei and even quicker on
its way back to the front line. Han Xun’s force was surprised to
meet the northbound Cao Ren’s force at 150 li (75 km or 46.6
miles) west of Guan-du by the Ji-luo Mountain. Both quickly
adopted battle formation and fought immediately.
Han Xun’s generalship was no match against Cao Ren. Despite
his larger force, he suffered a decisive defeat. Cao’s west wing
promptly reformed. Yuan Shao suffered, yet, another lost in tactic.
Battle of Supplies
As time went on, Cao force experienced daily the difficulty of
maintain steady flow of supplies. Though there was no complain
on the home front from Xun Yu who was in charge of sending
supplies, and at the front line from Jia Shou who was in charge
of receiving them, Cao Cao, from viewing the requisition of
more troops and increased frequency of supply trains, must have
felt a sense of desperation.
More serious, he worried the ebbing troops morale due to
increased rotation because of their smaller number of force. His
troops fatigued quicker than his opposition.
Cao Cao daily paid a visit to each camp to rally them,
“Just another ten days, we will rout Yuan Shao’s force.
Your efforts will not be forgotten.”
Despite its obvious lies, but from the mouth of their Command-
er-in-Chief, it did motivate the troops to be more forbearing.
Cao Cao had always being a man of action and this battle of at-
trition was very frustrating. Despite his repeated attempt to pace
himself, his emotional insecurity, sometime, had gotten better of
him. Therefore, he often wrote to Xun Yu at Xu-du to express his
doubts and possible plan of to retreat and to retrench at Xu-du.
He reasoned that this could further draw Yuan’s troops deeper
and stretched out Yuan Shao front line even more.
But Xun Yu disagreed. He knew about Cao Cao’s anxiousness
and wrote back to rally Cao Cao’s resolve.
“Now we experienced arduousness in maintaining mili-
tary supplies, yet it nothing like Liu Bang (the Founder of
Han Dynasty) troops had experienced at Ying-yang. If we
are in dire situation, think of our enemy, it was not easy
on them either. Back then, neither Liu Bang and Xiang Yu
want to admit defeat by retreating. They were in the final
stage of conflict. Any retreat would lose his troops Awe-
someness. And it would put one in a jeopardizing position.
Currently, our side equates only a tenth of Yuan Shao’s
troops at the Guan-du battlefield. Yet, our support and de-
fense effort were better. We are choking Yuan Shao’s neck.
They could not move forward nor retreat for six months.
Their supply situation is no doubt worse than ours. Their

morale must be weaken. At this crucial situation, it is ripe
for great change. Now is a perfect time to use cunning
troops to achieve victory. Please don’t give up.”
This letter no doubt had calmed down Cao Cao. If Xun Yu at the
home front in charge supplies was dauntless in performing his
duty, then Cao Cao at the front line should not admit defeat either.
During that time, his Chief Adviser Xun You also proposed to
Cao Cao plan to raid Yuan Shao’s supply line. Yuan troops had
been stretched from north of the Yellow River to Guan-du. There
was no progress on the eastern front at the Qing Province. Zhen-
city at the southern side of the Yellow River was still defended
by Cheng Yu. The Yan Jin area still contained guerrilla forces of
Yu Jin and Yue Jin. These factors contributed to the difficulties
of transport supplies to the front line from the east (and shorter
distance) side. Therefore, the responsibility fell on Han Guo to
deliver supplies from the west.
Xun You recommended Cao Cao,
“The harvest season has recently ended in the north-
west area. Yuan Shao’s supply train would be readied for
their delivery. Han Guo, who was in charge of transport
supplies, is always proud of his fighting ability. He acted
often without planning. And most likely his defense would
be at minimal due to his faith at superior skill in leading
troops. We could send out a rapidly striking force to do a
search and destroy mission.”
Cao Cao asked,
“Who should be in charge of this mission?”
Xun You answered,
“Xu Huang originally served under Yang Fong. Yang
Fong, had garrison at Si-li for sometimes. Xu Huang is
familiar with the western route. In addition, Xu Huang
was a skilled fighter and is very responsible with his
work. He will quickly find and destroy Han Guo’s force.”
As Xun You predicted, Xu Huang’s rapid strike force quickly
found the supply trains defended by Han Guo. With assistance
from Cao Ren’s force, they successfully attacked Han Guo’s
force and burned down the supply train.
In the wintry tenth month, Yuan Shao ordered the Yi Province
to send more supplies. It was to be escorted by the Rear Army
under Chun-yu Qiong’s command. It was as Xun Yu predicted,
supplies also became Yuan’s troops most difficult task.
Xu You Switches Side
Soon, the battle became stalemate again. Yuan Shao requested
support staff to come up with new battle plan.
Assistant Vice Support Adviser Xu You expressed,
“Cao Cao has few troops, but he pitted his entire army
against us at Guan-du. Therefore, fewer troops are de-
fending Xu-du. If we could send an army to bypass Guan-
du and head straight toward Xu-du, it would surely fall.
Once Xu-du fall, we can rescue the Son of Heaven and in
his name, to renew our attack against Cao Cao who would
be captured in one stroke. Even if we can not defeat Cao
Cao, it would force him to exhaust his troops from running
around and weaken his strength at Guan-du.”
Side Note:
Cao Cao’s Borrowing of Head Supplier
A popular story about Cao Cao’s manipulative abil-
ity originated at this time. One day, a supply clerk
approached Cao Cao and warned that their supplies
were getting low and may not last till the arrival of
next supply train. After in thought for few minutes,
Cao Cao advised the supply clerk to use the smaller
scale when portion out the supplies. But supply clerk
cautioned against such tact because it would serious-
ly demoralize the troops. Cao Cao confidently stated
that he would borrow something from the supply
clerk when it happen.
Before long, rumor spread among the camps that
troops were cheated out of their allotted rations.
Resentment began to direct toward Cao Cao. One
day, Cao Cao summoned the supply clerk. To him,
Cao Cao stated, “Remember when you cautioned
me about using smaller scale and I’ve told you that I
would need to borrow something from you. I promise
to look after your family after I borrow your head.”
With that, he signaled the executioner to take the
supply clerk and beheaded him. Cao Cao then an-
nounced to the camp that he had found and executed
the culprit behind the recent theft of supplies. From
then on, troops would resume receiving their proper
allot slot of rations. This mollified his troops im-
mensely. Before long, the next batch of supply train
arrived and brought along more food supplies.

But Yuan Shao angrily rebuked,
“But isn’t this buying time for Cao Cao? I want to cap-
ture Cao Cao now!”
It so happened at this time, a member of Xu You’s household
had committed a crime and being imprisoned by Shen Pei. And
the situation was getting worse that it may have an effect on Xu
You’s position. Under that circumstance, Xu You fled toward
Cao Cao’s side.
Xu You and Cao Cao were friend in their early days. Back
then, the Yi Provincial Inspector Wang Fen plan to rebel. Xu
You suggested to bring Cao Cao to the fold.
But because of Cao Cao harsh criticism and
refusal, they had stopped communicated with
each other.
When Cao Cao heard of Xu You’s defection,
he was so excited that he did not have time to
put on shoes and rushed out barefoot from his
bedroom. Affectionately holding Xu You’s
hand, he laughed,
“When Zi-Liang (Xu You’s personal
name) traveled from afar, Great Enter-
prise is near its completion!”
After both sat down, to Cao Cao Xu You asked,
“Yuan’s troops’Awesomeness has the
overwhelming effect, how do you plan to
defeat them? How much supply do your
troops has in remain?”
Cao Cao solemnly replied,
“I have prepared with at least a year’s
worth of supply.”
“Inconceivable, please tell me the true amount.”
“Well... we could hold out for half-a-year.”
“Does Zu-xia (you in term of respect) not wanting to
defeat Yuan Shao? Why hold the truth away from me?”
Cao Cao finally gave in and honestly stated,
“Those were made to deceive you. It was obvious to you
anyway. Our force has at most, a month of supply left, I
don’t know what to do next.”
Xu You, saw that Cao Cao had told him the most important
military information, was moved. He earnestly revealed,
“Grand Cao defended Guan-du with lone force with no
external allies and internally lack supply. It is definitely
not an easy burden to bear! Now to provide you a crucial
sure-win military information! Currently, Yuan Shao
had tens of thousand supply wagons stationed at Wu-
chao City. It is defended by Chun-yu Qiong’s army. But
Chun-yu Qiong needed to defend a long line of supply
and spread out his force. Therefore, Wu-chao City would
not be heavily defend. A light cavalry force can sneak in
unexpectedly and burn those supplies. Within three days,
the House Yuan would collapse!”
Xun Yu loved to exaggerate, still, Cao Cao believed the infor-
mation he had provided.
Cao Force Nightly Ambush
Wu-chao.
During an emergency military meeting, most
officials were skeptic of Xu You’s intention.
They believed this secretive military informa-
tion may be false. What if there was a prob-
lem and brought new crisis to Cao’s force.
But the Chief Support Staff Adviser Xun
You and the Battlefield Operation Officer
Jia Yu had not doubt of Xu You’s intention.
Therefore, this military information should be
exploited to their advantage.
Cao Cao also decided to risk this battle. He
mobilized his entire officers saved Xun You
and Cao Hong to defend the encampments.
Of his five thousand elite cavalry and infan-
try, he divided into mix troops formation to
be led by him and other officers. Uniforms
and banners were switched to Yuan troops;
each soldier held chopsticks in his mouth;
each horse was muzzled; this allowed them to travel quietly but
rapidly at night. To avoid suspicion, each formation traveled dif-
ferent routes and to meet at Wu-chao.
The distance from Guan-du to Wu-chao was about forty li (20
km or 12.42 miles). And due to traveling at various routes, that
distance was longer. On a normal march, a troop can travel thir-
ty li per day (15 km or 9.32 miles). This attack would require
a day and a half of travel. But Cao Cao gave order to move out
once the troops have eaten their full at night. And they had to
arrive at their rendezvous before day break. This required them
to travel three times as fast.
To get pass checkpoints, these striking force had each troops
carry handful of dry woods. When challenged, they answered,
“General Yuan worries about Cao Troop’s ambush and
send us to reinforce.”
... Within three days,
the House of Yuan
would collapse!
Xu You

And since the leading officers were all veterans, they were able
to act normally without raising doubt from checkpoint guards.
Before day break, most of Cao’s force met at the prearranged
place. Cao Cao ordered to surround the depot site under the
cover of morning fog.
The Wu-chao Depot happened to be the headquarter of the Rear
Army. Here, Chun-yu Qiong held court. He was a seasoned
officer who served with Cao Cao in early days at Capital Impe-
rial Army. He took over Han Guo who had failed at secure the
supply line. Like Han Guo, he was a proud and self confident
old guard. He purposely lessen the troops at the headquarter to
show-off his audacity and skills.
Because Cao’s troops moved in various groups, Chun-yu Qiong
assumed that this was only guerrilla and did not bother to alert
other army. He led existing force to defend. But gradually, more
and more Cao troops had arrived, and they were coordinated by
Cao Cao. The attacks became fast and furious. Chun-yu Qiong
found the situation worsen. He quickly send messenger to alert
Yuan Shao and retreated back to the depot. By then, Cao’s troops
had the repository surrounded.
Yuan Shao, at the Guan-du main encampment, called for an
emergency meeting as soon as he received the message from the
scout. His eldest son, Yuan Tan who had just arrived from the Qin
Province to discuss new strategy, had suggested to use the strata-
gem, Surrounded Wei To Rescue Zhao, by attacking Cao Cao’s base
in order to draw off the attack. Zhang He, a fierce general, under
Yuan’s main battle group, disagreed. He explained,
“General Chun-yu Qiong safeguarded the Southern
Expedition Supply Depot. But if Cao Cao has success-
fully taken over it, our entire army would disintegrate. It
should be our top priority.”
The Central Army Commander Guo Tuo thought Chun-yu Qiong
could defend the depository. This was a grand opportunity to
break through Cao Cao’s defense at Guan-du. Therefore, he also
agreed with Yuan Tan.
Zhang He countered,
“If Cao Cao dares to make such an expedition, he must
have prepared his base against our attack. What if we fail
to take their camp but Chun-yu Qiong collapses under Cao
Cao’s attacks, then we are all become his prisoners.”
Still, Yuan Shao decided to have Zhang He and Guo Lan to at-
tack the Cao’s main camp and sent only a light calvary units to
assist Chun-yu Qiong.
The battle at Wu-chao had became a deadly entanglement when
Yuan Shao’s light cavalry arrived to the scene. Cao’s outer pe-
rimeter troops send messenger to request Cao Cao to divert some
of his forces to defend against the new threat. Thereby, to avoid
being pincer by Yuan’s forces.
Cao Cao rejected the petition. He personally attended to the front
line and yelled,
“Rogue troops have arrived behind our back, let’s give it
once and for all!”
He was the first to charge into Chun-yu Qiong camp. His troops
Nightly Ambush of Wu-chao
Map Legends
A - Cao’s force
B - Yuan Shao’s force
C - key cities and of province
D -Yang-wu City whereYuan Shao stationed his forces.
E - Guan-du Ferry Point where Cao Cao stationed
his force.
F - Wu-chao City where Yuan Shao’s supplies stored.
G - White Horse City where Guan Yu slew Yan Liang
A
B
C
E
D
F
G

quickly followed suit and everyone rushed forward. Chun-yu
Qiong was unable to hold back the tide and Cao troops charged
into the camp.
Immediately, Cao Cao ordered to have the place burn. Unhesitat-
ingly, the fire reached toward the sky that even the relief calvary
was stunned by such antic. Chun-yu Qiong had lost control of
his troops who trampled each other while trying to escape. Num-
ber of death and dying from the chaos was far higher than the ac-
tual combat casualty. Chun-yu Qiong and his fellow officers, Gui
Yuan-jin and Zhao Rui, died there. Soon, the Wu-chao Depot
was no more. All captive Yuan troops shed tears at such sight.
To Dissipate Enemy Morale
Through Terror
Cao Cao’s encampment at Guan-du was defended by Xun You
and Cao Hong. That and the fact that defense-work was well
built, Zhang He had made no progress.
Once certain that his base was still secured, Cao Cao, at Wu-chao,
had an inspiration. He ordered troops to chop off noses from dead
Yuan troops and tongues from dead animals. These were delivered
to the Yuan camp. Such cruelty, not only shocked officers and
troops at the Yuan camp but also further confirmed the fact that
the Wu-chao Depot was no more. Cao Cao’s act of terrorism had
effectively disintegrated all Yuan troops Awesomeness.
The Central Army Commander Guo Tuo wanted to exonerate
himself to Yuan Shao by explained,
“Zhang He is bitter at us for not accepting his suggestion
and hold back on his attack. His act had squandered away
our military advantage. He is the main culprit.”
Yuan Shao hesitated and could not make up his mind. Officers
around him, who were friends of Zhang He, had sent an urgent
message to report such news. Already frustrated by the dead and
the wounds of their troops, Zhang He enraged at the news. After
discussed with Guo Lan, they decided to surrender to Cao Hong.
This had surprised Cao Hong who could not be sure whether it
was for real or a trick. He dared not open the gate to accept their
surrender. Fortunately, Xun You was the calmer of the two and
from his agents, he knew about the feud between Guo Tuo and
Zhang He. Xun You deducted that Zhang He had no way to go.
He ordered the gate to be opened to accept their surrender.
The gamble at Wu-chao was indeed, a grand slam. After eight months
of stalemate, Yuan Shao who had the upper hand had lost completely.
continue on page 19
Map Legend
(orange number)
1 - Yuan Shao’s force gathered at Li-yang
2 - Yan Liang sieged White Horse City
3 - At Yan-ling Ferry, Cao Cao defeated
Wen Chou
4 - Yuan Shao led his entire army across
the river.
5 - Yuan Shao built his fort at Yang-wu
6 - Cao Cao retreated to his fort at Guan-du.
7 - Cao Cao nightly raid on Wu-chao
Overall Troops Movements and Attacks at the Battle of Guan-du

Serving Yuan Shao
Zhang He whose personal name was Jun-yi (literal
translation: man of superior talents and virtues),
was from the Mo Prefecture of the He-jian Com-
mandery, (in modern day, thirty-five miles north of
the Ren-qiu Prefecture of the He-bei Province).
Toward the end of the East Han Dynasty, he
answered the call to fight against Yellow Turbans
and served as a platoon major (si-ma) under Han
Fu. After Han Fu’s lost his province to Yuan Shao,
Zhang He took his force to serve under the new
Provincial Inspector as a colonel (xiao-wei) and
was commanded to lead troops against Gong-sun
Zang. For Gong-sun Zhang’s defeat, Zhang He
received numerous recognitions and promoted to
the General of the Gentleman of Pacific Nation
(ning-guo zhong-lang-jiang).
When Cao Cao and Yuan Shao faced-off at
Guan-du, Yuan Shao sent forth Chun-yu Qiong to
garrison supply depots at Wu-chao [City]. Cao Cao
personally led troops to attack Yuan troop supply
center. Upon hearing the news, Yuan Shao called
an emergency meeting, there Zhang He advised,
“Cao Cao’s troops are very elite and will
win in a fight with Chun-yu Qiong. Once
Chun-yu Qiong has been defeated, General’s
Awesomeness will be no more. Now is the
time to send reinforcement to assist them.”
Guo Tuo objected,
“Zhang He’s stratagem is incorrect. It’s far
better to strike at Cao Cao’s main encamp-
ment. Cao Cao would then force to return
to relieve it. Therefore, it is not necessary to
directly sent troops to assist Chun-yu Qiong
and still solve their dilemma.”
Yuan Shao agreed with Guo Tuo’s assertion and
sent a light cavalry force to relief Chun-yu Qiong
while ordered his main force to attack Cao Cao’s
base. But the enemy base could not be taken. Cao
Cao did defeat Chun-yu Qiong; Yuan Shao’s army
dispersed. Guo Tuo was, at first, ashamed, but later
directed his anger at Zhang He. Guo Tuo slandered,
“Zhang He saw our defeated troops, he was
pleased at himself for being right. And he
told everyone so.”
Serving Cao Cao
Zhang He frightened at the prospect of Yuan Shao
believing Guo Tuo that he capitulated to Cao Cao.
When Cao Cao received Zhang He, he was very
pleased and claimed,
“In antiquity, Wu Tze-hsu did not realize his
predicament until he was in danger. No way
was he on par with you, Sir, or Wei Tze-ji
who left King Zhou [of Shang Dynasty] or
Han Xin who served Han Dynasty.”
Zhang He, the Marquis of Strength
by Chuan Lin
Zhang He’s Birthplace

Cao Cao then promoted Zang He to a lieutenant general (pian-
jiang-jun) and ennobled as the Marquis of Capital Pavilion (du-
ting hou). He was given troops and asked to accompany to attack
Ye [City]. Result, the city was taken. He then followed Cao Cao
to the Bo-hai (located in modern day He-bei Province He-jian
Prefecture east to Cang Prefecture area) area to attack Yuan Tan.
He also led army to siege, Yong-nu [City] (located in modern
day, east of He-nan Province, Wu-qing Prefecture) and won a
grand victory there. Later, he followed Cao Cao to siege Liu City
(located in modern day, southwest of Liao-ning Provincial City
at Xin Prefecture).
Together with Zhang Liao, they were the vanguards and established
the Laborious Merits that Even Horses Are
Tired From. Zhang He was promoted to the
General who Pacified Di [barbarians] (ping-di
jiang-jun). In addition, he marched Dong-lai
(located at modern day, Shan-dong Province,
Yeah Prefecture) to capture Guan Cheng. With
Zhang Lang, they fought and won decisively
against Chen Lan and Mei Cheng.
Followed Cao Cao at Wei-nan (South of
Wei River), he helped beaten back Ma Chao
and Han Sui. Zhang He surrounded An-ting
(at modern day, Gan-xiao Province, eastern
section of Ping-liang Prefecture) in order to
bear down Yang Qiu. With Xia-hou Dun,
they fought Liang Xing and his army of
bandits at the Fu Commandery (at modern
day, southeast of Shan-xi Province, Lo-zhou
Prefecture). At Wu Capital (at modern day,
Gan-xiao Province, west of Cheng Prefec-
ture), they beaten back [west] Di barbarian
tribe (different from the other Di barbarians
whom Zhang He also defeated at early on). And finally, they
routed Ma Chao one last time and pacified Song-jian.
When Cao Cao began his campaign against Zhang Lu, he or-
dered Zhang He to lead an army against Wang Dou-mao, leader
of [west] Di barbarian tribe at the Xing-he Prefecture (at modern
day, Cha-ha-er Province Zhang-bei Prefecture). Cao Cao came
through San-guan (at modern day, southeast ridge from Shan-xi
Province, Bao-ji Prefecture) and into Han-zhong (at modern day,
east of Shan-xi Province Nan-zheng Prefecture). Zhang He was
instructed to advance ahead to prevent Liu Bei’s entry. Once
arrived at Yang-ping (at modern day, east of He-bei Province,
Dai-ming Prefecture), Zhang Lu surrendered. Cao Cao victori-
ously returned home.
Zhang He and Xia-hou Dun garrisoned Han-zhong and to defend
against Liu Bei. Zhang He, on separate occasions, took troops
to subdue Ba-xi (at modern day, Si-chuan Province prefectures:
Yuan-yang, wu-shan, and Feng-jie) and Ba-dong (at modern day,
Si-chuan Province Liang-zhong Prefecture) Commanderies. He
relocated people from those two commanderies back to Han-
zhong [Commandery]. Then he directed his attention to Shi-qu
(at modern day, east of Si-chuan Province Zhuang Prefecture)
[Commandery] where he met Liu Bei’s famed general, Zhang
Fei, who manned the defense. Unable to take it, he withdrew
back to Nan-zheng (modern day, southeast of Shan-xi Province
Bao City). Imperial Court (Chao-ting) awarded him as the Gen-
eral of Eradicating Bandits (dang-kou jiang-jun).
When Liu Bei was presented at Yang-ping, Zhang He garri-
soned at Guang-shi. Liu Bei sent ten thousand elite troops which
divided into ten divisions to attack Zhang
He under cover of the night. Zhang He
personally led troops to fight off and
to deny Liu Bei’s victory. Later, Liu
Bei started fire that burned outskirts of
capital’s suburbia from Zou-ma Valley.
Xia-hou Dun rushed to put out the fire.
Along the way, he met up Liu Bei’s main
force. Both armies clashed and involved
in heavy melee. Xia-hou Dun died during
this battle.
Zhang He returned to Yang-ping. By
then, because of their commander-in-
chief had died in battles, officers and
soldiers were afraid of Liu Bei’s am-
bush and panicked. Deng Huai, a major
(platoon si-ma) under Xia-hou Dun,
announced to the public.
“General Zheng is our nation’s
famed general. Even Liu Bei was
afraid of him. Now, due to military situation has reached
crisis stage, General Zheng must lead in order to diffuse
current crisis.”
Therefore, others also nominated Zhange He to be their com-
mander-in-chief. After Zhange He accepted the position, he re-
structured the army and reorganized troop formations. All other
officials followed his commands, troop morale began to steadily
increase. Cao Cao stationed at Chang-an [City] and sent mes-
senger to deliver the Commander-in-Chief Tally to Zhang He.
When Cao Cao led troops to Han-zhong, Liu Bei had retreated
and garrisoned at Mount Gao (at modern day, southeast of Shan-
xi Province, Zuo-yuen Prefecture.). He was afraid to come out.
By the time Cao Cao pulled out of Han-zhong, he ordered Zheng
He to stationed at Chen-cang (at modern day, east of Shan Xi
Province, Bao-ji Prefecture).
Achieved the Laborious
Merits that Even Horses
are Tired From.
Zhang He from RTK IX
©2003 Koei

Serving Kingdom of Wei
When Cao Pi became the King of Wei, he elevated Zhange He to
become the General of the Left (zuo jiang-jun) and awarded him
with nobility of a town of his choice. When Cao Pi became the
Emperor of Wei, he increased number of household that served
Zhang He’s household. Furthermore, Zhang He also received the
title, the Marquis of Mo (Mo-hou). Zhang He and Cao Ren were
charged to pacify Hu barbarians and east Qiang barbarians at
An-ting and Lu-shuai (modern day, south-west Yi River). They
gained special privileges of meeting the Emperor Wen at the
inner palace. At another occasion, Zhang He was sent southward
to join up with Xia-hou Sang to attack Jiang-ling (at modern day,
west of Hou-bei Province, Qian-jiang Prefecture) which belong
to Sun Quan. On his own initiative, Zhange He and another of-
ficer took their armies crossed the river and siege the fortification
at the north of Sha-zhou.
After ascension of the Emperor Ming, Zhang He was sent to the
south to garrison Bing Province. Together with fellow officer,
Si-ma Xuan-wang, they swore to bring down Sun Quan’s Major
General (fu jiang-jun) Liu A. They marched toward Na Ferry Point
and met with Liu A’s force. It was a decisive win for Zhang He.
When Zhu-ge Liang set out of Mount Qi, the Imperial Court
(Chao-ting) increased Zhange He nobility status and ordered him
to lead troops to defend against Zhu-ge Liang’s general, Ma Su,
at Jie-ting (at modern day, west of Shan-xi Province, Gu-cheng
Prefecture). Ma Su depended on the southern mountain diffi-
culty terrain, thus, he did not want to garrison the city. Zhang He
countered by cutting off Ma Su’s water supply. Then he ordered
an attack that routed Ma Su’s army. Other commanderies such
as An-nan (at modern day, Gan-xiao Province, north west of
Long-shi Prefecture ), Tian-shuai (at modern day, south-west
of Gan-xian Province, Tian-shuai Prefecture), and An-ting (at
modern day, Gan-xian Province, Eastern Ping-liang Prefecture)
have conspired with Zhu-ge Liang to rebel. They were pacified
by Zhang He. The Imperial Court (Chao-ting) decreed,
“Rebel Zhu-ge Liang have multitudes from Shu. Facing
these tiger-like ferocious army, General can still wear ar-
mor, wield twin halberds, and overcome strong opponents
everywhere he goes. The Unparalleled One (another
title for Emperor) is much admired. In terms of reward
for such meritorious effort, an increase of thousand
households to your statue. This combined with previous
households to a total of four thousand three hundred
households in services to your clan.”
Si-ma Xuan-wang had been training naval troops at the Bing
Province in preparation to cross the Mian River (at modern day,
Shan-xi Province Mian Prefecture) and into the Yangtze River to
attack the Eastern Wu [Kingdom]. The Imperial Court (Chao-
ting) ordered Zhang He to lead an army to be readied for deploy-
ment. By the time Zhang He had arrived at the Bing Province, it
was winter and the water level was low. This prevent large boats
to travel. Instead, he garrisoned Fang City (at modern day, south
of He-bei Province, Gu-an Prefecture).
Later, when Zhu-ge Liang was readied for another campaign
by rapidly advancing toward Chen-cang. The Emperor Ming
Zhu-ge Liang’s
First Foray
Map Legends
A - Wei Yen’s pro-
posal of fast but risky
sneak attack straight to
Chang-an.
B - Zhu-ge Liang
chose slow but safe
plan of attack
C - Ma Su hold Jie-ting
in advance of Zhu-ge
Liang’s main force.
D - Zhao Yun acted as
diversion to distract
Cao’s force.
1 - Zhang He to take
back Jie-ting
2 - Cao Zhen’s main
force attempted to
intercept Zhao Yun’s
force.
3. Cao Zhen’s auxiliary
force came to assist.
A
B
C
D
1
23

summoned Zhange He back to the capital and personally re-
ceived him at He-nan City (at modern day, north-east of He-nan
Province, Luo-yang Prefecture). There, he prepared the farewell
feast, assigned thirty thousand troops to Zhang He’s command,
and allotted the Imperial Martial Guards and the Tiger Guards
(hu-bi) to protect Zhang He. At the feast, he asked Zhang He,
“By the time General has arrived Chen-cang, would Zhu-
ge Liang already taken it?”
Zhang He knew the lack of supply would be Zhu-ge Liang’s main
weakness and could not afford to fight a protracted war. He replied,
“Before your minister arrive at Chen-cang, Zhu-ge Liang
will have to withdraw. According to my calculation, Zhu-ge
Liang does not have enough supply to last for ten days.”
By the time Zhang He forced march to Nan-zheng, Zhu-ge Liang
already had withdrawn. The Imperial Court (Chao-ting) then
summoned Zhang He back to the capital and promoted him to
the Westward Conquering Chariot & Cavalry General (zheng-xi
che-qi jiang-jun).
* * *
Zhang He understood the change of seasons, skilled at deploy-
ment of troops, excelled at calculated battle variables and terrain
effects. These were all parts of his planning. Therefore, Zhu-ge
Liang and others were afraid of him.
Though Zhang He was a warrior, he also enjoyed in the company
of scholars. He had nominated a fellow, Bei She, from his village
to be a minister. The Imperial Court (Chao-ting) decreed,
“Back when the Honorable (Zhang He) became command-
ing officer, he has petitioned the Imperial Court to set up po-
sitions for the Master of Five Classics. In his military court,
he spent time with academic to discuss musics and tossing
arrows. Now, the General (Zhang He) marshals troops
against external threat, yet, he thinks of internal buildup.
The Unparalleled One is very approved of the General’s
thoughtfulness and promote Bei Shi to be a Professor.”
* * *
Zhu-ge Liang later had reorganized his forces and marched out
of Mount Mian. The Imperial Court (Chao-ting) called forth
Zhang He to lead troops westward to Lue-yang (at modern day,
southwest of Gang-xian Province, Tian-shua Prefecture). Zhu-ge
Liang retreated back to Mount Mian. Zhang He pursuit to Mu-
men ( at modern day, southwest of Gang-xian Province, Tian-
shua Prefecture ) to do battle with Zhu-ge Liang. Unfortunately,
he was hit by a stray arrow on his left knee and die. The Imperial
Court (Chao-ting) post-mortem promoted him, the Marquis of
Strength. His son, Zhang Xiong, inherited his position. Since
Zhang He had established numerous merits, Wei Emperor Ming
divided his inheritance among his four sons and promoted them
to be listed as marquis. The youngest son received the title of
Marquis of Inner Pass.
Commentary
Historian, Chen Shou succinctly commented on Zhang He as,
“Zhang He is the master of the Dao of Changes.”
Romancing Cathay’s Commentary
Zhang He was the only five tiger generals to die in line of duty.
Other Cao Cao’s tiger generals died outside of battlefield: two
died of disease, and other two died of old age. Like Yu Jin,
Zhang He was not famous for defeating any individual generals
like Liu Bei’s five tiger generals. Rather, he was well suited for
the role of generalship and defeated numerous armies including
those of Liu Bei and Zhu-ge Liang.
San Guo Zhi specifically pointed out that Zhang He enjoyed
being in a company of academics. He seemed to be equally com-
fortable discussed philosophy with fellow scholars or formulated
battle plans to his subordinates. He was like Zhu Yu and Lu
Xun who were examples of being both a scholar and a warrior,
the ideal man under Confucian. Guan Yu came closest of being
a scholar/warrior for the Liu Bei’s five tigers generals. But he
seemed to be too haughty. And his dislike of Zhu-ge Liang pre-
cluded him from being the scholar/warrior.
Below is a Zhang He card for the Romance of the Three King-
doms card game. Reader can cut out this card, inserts it with
another card, and places into the card protector.

Chapter 1:
The Boy Wonder
A
Yan Heng straightened himself in a bumpy
and stuffy carriage. He pushed aside the
thick carriage curtain and stared at the
distant shape of city wall. Biting cold
north wind brushed pass splendid northern
plains. Part of it blocked by mountain and
rebounded back to the Huai-nan area. The
inside of carriage has been rinsed with
clear cold air, he felt much refresh.
The Huai-jiang Exquisite Boarding School
is considered to be the venerable place
within the hearts of scholars under the
Heaven Below. It is created by Yan Heng
and Lu Zhi and received much acclama-
tion and supports from other famous
scholastic gentry such as Guo Xuan, Qiao
Xuan, He Yong and Xu Shao. In its twenty
years, there were more than three thousand
graduates who became pillars of society.
And hundreds had received fame and suc-
cess in the Heaven Below. Ten years ago,
Lu Zhi had been summoned to the Imperial
Court, he became the leader of the Pure
Flow Faction. He also gained recognition
in his success over Yellow Turbans bandits.
Yang Heng stayed behind to take charge of
the Huai-jiang Exquisite Boarding School.
Yan Heng came from the He-fei area. He
studied under the Grand Tutor Ma Rong. In
his thirty’s, he imitated Confucius and trav-
eled throughout four corners. Yan Heng’s
knowledge is vast, his observation is deep,
even Han Emperor Ling had heard of his
talent and knowledge and wanted to sum-
mon him to the Imperial Court. Yet,
he has no aspiring ambition other to
set up a private school. His goal is to
educate virtues of kindness, righ-
teousness, propriety, prudence, and
faith to everyone. Let the Hundred
Surnames of the Heaven Below to
be kind, generous, and courteous to
one another. The Emperor encour-
aged education of man and gave
Yan Heng a position, the Inspector
Secretary, and drew salary from the
imperial coffer in order to allow him
to focus on teaching and to reward
his efforts to teach public.
“Zi-yi, it is almost to the Shu
Prefecture, do you know how to
get to Gong-qing’s home?”
The carriage driver, turned around
and bowed before replied,
“Report to Fucius, the Zhou
Clan is famous at the Shu
Prefecture. One only has to ask
but once to know its location,
besides, I have been there.”
Zi-yi’s family name is Jiang and
his public name is Gan. He came
from the Jiu-jiang Commandery.
He is a pupil of Yan Heng and Zhou
Yu’s closest friend at the Exquisite
Boarding School. During school
break, he had been invited to Zhou
Yu’s home twice. They shared a
table for study, they shared a room
to sleep.
“After enter the city, first find an inn
to stay. Then we will present our-
selves to the Zhou Clan tomorrow
morning,” Yan Heng’s white hairs
Translated by Chuan Lin
Zhou Yu, the Artful General

around his temple shuddered against the cold wind, the wrinkles
nears his eyes creased and lengthened, “a gentleman should first
be disciplined of oneself on the art of propriety.”
“Student listens the teaching and commits it to heart.”
Yan Heng let go of carriage curtain which resumed its function
of blocking chilling wind. Sunlight, filtered through carriage
window, drowned him like muddy Yellow River. He felt cramp
within his chest and discomfort all over his body, as if some
signs of approaching misfortunes.
“Hopefully, there is nothing going wrong for this child,
Gong-qing.”
Yan Heng has lived pass half a century, and felt that his body
and mind were not what they used to be. He is ready for retire-
ment. Looking back, he is satisfied with his accomplishment. And
his hope for next hundred years is for the Haui-jiang Exquisite
Boarding School to continue its purpose from one hand to another.
Half-a-year ago, he had completed his four year search for the
successor; he decided to let Zhou Yu to inherit his mantle.
“Is Gong-ging suffered serious illness?”, Yang Heng has been
wondering during the journey, “he has been back home for more
than two months and there is not a news of him. Even if it is a
sickness, his family would have reported! He has been born with
small frame, but he has developed in past two years. Nearly
everyday, he practiced swordsmanship at the first crow of rooster.
Never had I heard of him being sick during that time.”
* * *
Two years ago on one crispy fresh morning, spring rain had
just washed through stone walls of the Haui-jiang Exquisite
Boarding School, Zhou Yu arrived on his own. His first visit had
been the talk of literati within hundred li (25+ miles, 41.5+ km)
radius.
That servant at the door saw small Zhou Yu, surprisingly ex-
claimed,
“Whose child is this, go play somewhere else!”
“I am here to see Fucius Yan,”
Zhou Yu raised his head, straightened his chest up, his expres-
sion was mild, yet, carried a dignity that could not be ignored.
“Those who wish to study here must have with them a
recommendation, do you have one?”
“No.”
“Those teenagers are sent here by their elders, where are
your elders?”
“I come here by myself.”
“Does Fucius know about your arrival?”
“Not yet.”
“Do you know where you are?”
With clear vast voice, Zhou Yu recited his reply,
“The Hua-jiang Exquisite Boarding School was estab-
lished in the Seventh Year of the Extended Joy (164 AD),
and is currently in its twenty-second years of operation.
The Exquisite Board School took up thirteen acres and
has twenty-four acres of farm set aside to support school’s
expanses. There have been over three thousands gradu-
ates from the Hua-jiang Exquisite Boarding School, and
of them, nearly hundred have reached fame and recog-
nition throughout the Heaven Below. Back then, there
were the Yu Provincial Inspector Jiang Hua, the Lu-jiang
Grand Administrator Ji Shou, the Director of Great Gra-
nary Tang Ren, the Heir Apparent’s Grand Protectorate
Wei Yuan, the Grand Herald Wei Ji, and the Assistant to
the Ministry of Works Jia Yi were students of the Hua-ji-
ang Exquisite Boarding School. There were thirty alumni
who had became pillars of our nation. Presently, there are
the Heir Apparent’s Grand Tutor Jiang Chi, the Superin-
tendant of the Imperial Household Zhang Xian, the You
Province Provincial Inspector Yeah Lung, the Lu-jiang
Commandery Chief Secretary Huang Dai, the Jing Pro-
vincial Scribe Wen He and twenty some other people have
shown their keenest and handled heavily responsibilities.
There are even more alumni of the Hua-jiang Exquisite
Boarding School who have no interested in politic. They
traveled throughout the Heaven Below and taught their
knowledge. They have became prominent gentlemen of
high righteousness and serious voices of localities. Most
eminent people are the Talents South of Yangze: Shi Feng
and Chien Ying. Even the Emperor himself has personally
wrote the declaration, Virtuous Wind of Gentleman, for
the Exquisite School. And...”

That servant at the door became more amaze the more he had
heard. How could a kid like him has such broad knowledge and
memory. He asked,
“How old are you?”
“Twelve.”
“Even youngest students here are your senior by four.”
“Ambition does not depend on age. Ambitionless can also
live to a hundred. Turtle lives past hundred, yet he only
knows to crawl slowly. Panda is strong and robust, yet,
he only sleeps when sated. Gan Luo left the Kingdom of
Zhou (during the Warring States period) when he was
only twelve. He expanded land and extended boundary
without a lost of soldier for the Kingdom of Qin. Officials
came to promote him to the upper ministry.”
That servant at the door was at awed, he wanted to introduce this
unique youngster to Fucius. He questioned,
“There are too many people to see Fucius. Fucius have
to teach and write books, very busy. Would he want to see
you?”
“Mount Tai does not discard tiny soil, therefore, it
reaches greatness. Oceans does not prevent tiny streams,
therefore, it gains depth. King does not ban common-
ers, therefore, he becomes wise and virtuous. Teachers
does not think lightly of youngster, therefore, he becomes
polish. The younger the asker of knowledge, the more
responsibility is to nurture him.”
Zhou Yu spoke with much sense and much confidence. He continued,
“Fucius Yan is renown in the Heaven Below, he knows the
meaning behind such reasoning. Please tell him what I
have just told you, he will see me.”
That servant at the door patted Zhou Yu’s shoulder and kindly said,
“Little Brother, you wait, I will speak for you.”
In few minutes, he ran back with a smile on his face and exclaimed,
“Fucius agrees to see you! This is the first!”
“Fucius will not only see me, he will also keep me.”
Again, Zhou Yu expressed confidently.
The Hua-jiang Exquisite Boarding School at its prime, has
nearly a thousand students. Eldest is thirty-six and youngest is
sixteen. Each demonstrates scholarly aptitude and exceptional
traits. They are sons or scions of nobility or rich merchant fam-
ily. Few are from more of humble origins and got accepted for
their effort and smarts. For all, to be here, it is like fish in the
water. From their first step into the Exquisite Boarding School, a
door of fortunes and window of fame have being kicked open.
When students first entered the Hua-jiang Exquisite Boarding
School, they are basked in the holy lights of knowledge and
intellect. They are cautious as if they are in the holy temple
and afraid that even their breathing would disturb teachers and
elder students. Except for Zhou Yu, who stepped through the
Hua-jiang Exquisite Boarding School as nature as if he returned
home. His natural carefree strides instantly attracted surprised
attentions, and his composed self-confident expression drew
astounded observation.
“Who is this milk-stink kid who does not know the height
of heaven nor the depth of the earth. He walks not with
humility; he does not keep his head low; and his expres-
sion is not humble enough. These signs show no respects
to the elders. Fucius hates these kind of people, he will
not be accepted.”
“What so special about his talent? Everyone in the Hua-
jiang Exquisite Boarding School has it too. You’ll see, in
few words or less, Fucius will kick him out.”
“Those, who has been rejected by the Hua-jiang Exquisite
Boarding School, have their future ruined.”
Few people loitered around outside of Yan Heng’s quarter, the
Garden of Literary Lake, waited to see the humiliation of Zhou
Yu being kick out.
In a moment or two, Zhu Yu did come out. But, his head was
still high, his steps were just as light and rapid as before. Fucius
Yan’s book boy took him to the mass hall for breakfast.
After breakfast, Yan Heng with joyous expression announced to
the crowd, he has received Zhou Yu as an official student of the
Hua-jiang Exquisite Boarding School.
Students were shocked and awed. They gossiped among them-
selves to know more about this stranger.
Though the Hua-jiang Exquisite Boarding School is a private
school, it is more famous than government sponsored public
school. Since the time of the Han Martial Emperor, Liu Che, the
public school system had been in placed. It is divided into five
educational levels: the Grand School, the Ministerial School,
the Provincial School, the Prefectural School, and the Village
School. These are dispersed throughout the country. Private
school is only an extension of the public school system and can
not compare to it. However, Yan Heng was able to manage the
Hua-jiang Exquisite Boarding School to be prosperous that even
nobility are proud to have their sons being accepted. It is indeed
a rare thing.
To Yan Heng, none are more sacred than to show the path, to
confer the knowledge, and to enlight the curious. This is the

most respect profession, none could desecrate. He is particular
demanding of students in all aspect.
His best friend, Qiao Xuan, was talented and well educated. He
was confident of his decision and clear in his observation. He
was honest, clean and upheld government. Qiao Xuan had been
the Grand Commander-in-Chief and still an important minister.
He was a supporter of the Hua-jiang Exquisite Boarding School
and had came here many time to lecture. Fourteen years ago,
Qiao Xuan was invited by Yan Heng to lecture here. He had
brought with him, a teenager whose family name is Cao, called
Cao, and his personal name, Meng-de. He was the son of the
Grand Minister of Agriculture Cao Song. His grandfather was
a famous eunuch minister, Cao Teng, of the East Han Dynasty
who supported Han Ling Emperor and held the court for nearly
thirty years. Cao Song was adopted son of Cao Teng. Cao Cao
was smart and quick wit. During his youth, he was wild and
unrestrained; yet, he upheld righteousness. Qiao Xuan like Cao
Cao and felt that the boy could handle the burden of maintained
the nation. He want to sent Cao Cao to the Hua-jiang Exquisite
Boarding School.
When Yan Heng saw Cao Cao, he agreed with Qiao Xuan’s as-
sessment of the boy being smart and quick witted. Yet, the boy
was wild and undisciplined, he lacked honesty, his word and
action lacked propriety. No matter how Qiao Xuan pleaded, Yan
Heng did not accept Cao Cao. Qiao Xuan lost face that time.
Since then, Qiao Xuan had not step into the Hua-jiang Exquisite
Boarding School.
What did twelve year old Zhou Yu has? He had no prominent
gentry to nominate him. He did not introduce by his family.
What was the answer? Students were all distracted.
To sate students curiosity, Yan Heng told a story that occurred
three years ago.
That morning, the air was refreshing and clean. Yan Heng took a
walk in the bamboo woods located at the south of the Hua-jiang
Exquisite Boarding School. He saw an unkempt and childish
boy ran toward him. The boy stumbled over a rock just before
reaching him.
Yan Heng helped the boy up and heard his youthful voice,
“Are you Fucius Yan?”
“How do you know me?”
Replied Yan Heng with friendliness. He only acted solemn in
front of students.
“My name is Zhou, called Yu, and from the Lu-jiang
Commandery in the Shu Prefecture. Fucius Yan is known to
be the most educated and most knowledgeable, and is seri-
ous in his teaching. I have come to ask to be your student.”
Yan Heng had never heard of such a boy who spoke with el-
egance and proper.
“How old are you?”
“To answer Fucius, I’m only nine.”
“That young, where is your family elders?”
“I have snuck out alone.”
Yan Heng was shocked. From the Shu Prefecture to the He-fei
region was more than hundred li (25+ miles, 41.5+ km) of road.
Hard to image a nine year boy was able to travel here alone.
“I have been waited outside of the Hua-jiang Exquisite
Boarding School for five days now. Door servants would
not let me in. Heard of Fucius walked here sometime, so I
came to wait here.”
Yan Heng held the boy up, he has never been deeply move like
this. With dear in his heart, he said,
“Child, how did you survive in these past five days? What
if you didn’t see me?”
“Fucius, half a year ago, I had came alone to seek you,
but I got lost along the way. Thankfully, some good
hearted people had took me home. This time, I asked a
family friend merchant to take me. Currently, I’m staying
at his friend’s home.”
This child was only nine years old, already, he was steady in
his pursuit of knowledge; he didn’t give up. Looked at him, his
forehead is full, his eyes are clear, his eyebrows are long, and his
noise is very prominent. These are signs of a wise, intelligent,
and strong willed person. Except, in the Hua-jiang Exquisite
Boarding School, there are rules and regulations that disallow
politic, even sympathy
Yan Heng took little Zhou Yu back to the Hua-jiang Exquisite
Boarding School. He set the boy cleaned up and prepared to
have someone take him home. Next day, Zhou Clan’s major-
domo, Zhou Sheng, with two household servants came to look
for their young master.
From talking with him, Yan Heng knew more about Zhou Yu’s
background. The House Zhou is a large and old clan in the Lu-
jiang Commandery. His father had once been the Prefect of Luo-
yang and now, the chief military adviser of the Lu-jiang Com-
mandery Grand Administrator, Lu Kang. His great-grandfather,
Zhou Jing, and his son, Zhou Zhong, had once held the post of
the Grand Commandant. His uncle, Zhou Shang, is now the Dan-
yang Commandery Grand Administrator who controlled troops.
When Zhou Yu saw Zhou Sheng, he insisted not to return. Yan

Heng was forced to put on the teacher persona, with attitude that
forbid discussion and said,
“I can only accept you after three year. To be a student of
the Hua-jiang Exquisite Boarding School, the first thing is
to listen to the teacher’s words.”
Zhou Yu did not mutter a sound though he lowered his head.
“Okay, Fucius, I will return after three years, you must not
get rid of me then.”
“This three years, you must study hard, else even after
ten years, you will still not be accepted to the Hua-jiang
Exquisite Boarding School.”
Zhou Yu kept nodding his head, and left in tears.
Times flew by, Yan Heng gradually forget about this incident due
to his busy schedule. His promise of three years was no more
than casual words. A person’s enthusiasm is not easily sustain-
able. It is ten times tougher than the resilience and the tenacity.
Once an enthusiasm of a nine year old boy had passed, he would
forget about this promise.
Unexpectedly, three years later to the day, twelve year old Zhou
Yu had came again. He demonstrated with his deeds that past
thousand days and nights, he had not forgotten Yan Heng’s in-
struction. He was able to quote the entire Ru (Confucius) classics,
that Yan Heng had given him as the departing gift.
To Decide the Might Under Heaven
On the eleven month of the Fifth Year of the Rebuilding Peace
(200 AD), the Battle that decided the outcome of the Might
Under Heaven in Guan-du dramatically ended after eight, nine
months of stalemate. In midst of chaos, more than seventy
thousands Yuan troops were executed. The battlefield was full of
unburied corpses and their blood flowed like river.
Yuan Shao Northern Troops Disperse Like
Wild Game
The surprise lost of the Wu-chao Depots had panic hundred of
thousands Yuan troops. The news of Zhang He and Guo Lan sur-
render to Cao’s camp at the front had shocked the campsite that
not even the hawkish leader, Guo Tuo, wanted to continue the
fight. Therefore, Yuan Shao ordered a retreat.
Cheng Yu at Zhen City and Yu Jin at the Yan Jin Region began
to harass Li-yang City, Yuan Shao’s northern base. Cao Ren and
Xu Huang attacked Suan-ce. Their objectives seemed to cut off
Yuan’s Southern Expedition Force escape route. Such rumors
spread like wildfire throughout Yuan’s camps and frightened the
entire army. Yuan Shao and Guo Tao had lost the control of the
army and let each camp decided independently of their pull out.
Once Cao Cao received reports about Yuan troop movement at
Guan-du, he immediately ordered Cao Hong, Zhang Liao and
Zhang Xiu to promptly attack Yuan’s encampment at Guan-du.
Yuan’s defenders had lost their will to fight and deserted before
the approaching army. Yuan Shao, upon hearing the arrival of
Cao troops and his fleeing defenders, did not have time to put on
his armor. He quickly hopped onto his horse and fled. His eldest
son, Yuan Tan, and their personal guards followed. In panic,
Yuan Shao crossed the Nan-ji River. Secret military document,
supply trains, and treasury were abandoned. With him were eight
hundred light cavalry.
During this anarchy, more than seventy thousands Yuan troops
were executed after being captured. The Nan-ji River and the
Guan-du River turned red. Corpses dammed the river flow. With
one breath, Yuan Shao traveled (not unlike his brother, Yuan
Shu, in couple years ago, see RTKQ Issue 02) from Guan-du to
Yan-jin area to Li-yang City. Cao troops could not catch up. Cao
Cao ordered regrouped.
Ju Shou, in wooden shackle, was in captivity, thus, he was un-
able to escape. He was captured by Cao troops. Cao Cao and Ju
Shou had known each other in early days, he came to inquire.
When Ju Shou saw Cao Cao, he cried,
“Ju Shou will not surrender!”
Cao Cao laughed and persuaded,
“Yuan is tactless and did not accept your plan, why are
you still holding out for him. If Cao Cao had received Zu-
xia (you in term of respect) assistance, then the Heaven
Below would not be a problem.”
He ordered Ju Shou to be released and maintained minimal
continue from 10
Cao Cao’s Ambition

security over him.
Ju Shou attempted to flee during the night and was captured by
the guards. Cao Cao ordered execution. Ju Shou died at peace.
Cao Cao regretted for his death and ordered him to be buried
with proper ceremony and etiquette. The burial site was near the
Yellow River Ferry Point. Cao Cao personally scribed Ju Shou’s
tombstone, The Grave of Fiercely Loyal Gentleman Shou.
Striking Display of
Exoneration
Despite Cao Cao’s victory at the
Battle of Guan-du, his force had
been depleted. Though Yuan Shao
lost, his holdings had not suffered
any ill effect as entire campaign
took place in Cao Cao’s territory.
Thus, Yuan Shao still have potential
for a comeback.
Owe to the fortuitous win, Cao
Cao did not feel proud because the
following tasks were more difficult
and important. He had to wrestle
away four provinces under Yuan’s
controlled and becomes the new
Hegemony of the North. Cao Cao
was quite practical in his approach
toward that goal.
As Yuan Shao hurriedly retreated
from Guan-du, many secret docu-
ments and information were left
undestroyed. Many ministers and
nobility in Xu-du, especially the
pro-Dong Cheng, and various
administrators throughout Xu and Yu commanderies, had secret
communication with Yuan Shao. These information and plans for
alliances were brought forth to Cao Cao by his support staff.
Many believed there would be a time of cleansing and reorga-
nization. Unexpectedly, Cao Cao did not even bother to flip a
page; he casually ordered the entirety to be burned immediately.
Support staffs were astounded by it, they didn’t know whether to
stop or to applaud it. Cao Cao solemnly explained,
“Even I, in situation where enemy is strong and we’re
weak, would consider something like this.”
In reality, Cao Cao knew perfectly well that to use a person,
first acquired his heart. This was a logical conclusion and quite
completely opposite of his normally anxious, skeptical, and lack
of security nature. Yet, it was consistent with Cao Cao’s behavior
of treating Guan Yu with embellished kindness. He was able to
suppress personal feeling to behave like an ideal ruler. Through-
out Chinese history, besides Cao Cao, not many were able to
accomplish that magnanimity.
This benevolent display of amnesty had been very effective. The
anti-Cao faction in Chao-ting (imperial court) had been subsided
temporary. His most rebellious province, Yu, became pacified
without the use of a single troop. Newly acquired Xu Province
became even more steadfast. And the
most surprising, Yuan Shao faction col-
lapsed shortly.
Tien Feng Predicted His
Demise
Saw how Yuan Shao was defeated at
Guan-du, many commanderies and
prefectures north of Yellow River swayed
to Cao’s camp. Therefore, Yuan Shao
traveled non-stop back to the main camp
at Li-yang City at the Yi Province. The
Forward Commander Jiang Yi-qu person-
ally went out to welcome his lord. After
he got off the horse, Yuan Shao took hold
of Jiang Yi-qu’s hand and expressed,
“I place my fate onto General’s hand.”
Jiang Yi-qu quickly gave up his command
and let Yuan Shao personally lead the army.
Other retreating officers and troops heard
of Yuan Shao at Li-yang. They went there
to report in. Yuan Shao had recovered
somewhat of his troops. He decided to
return to Yi City to further strategize.
Tien Feng was still in incarceration in Yi City prison. His guards
had been respectfully of him. Upon hearing the Guan-du defeat,
they quickly reported to Tien Feng.
“General Yuan had not adhere to xian-sheng (mister or
gentleman) advice and suffered such defeat. From now
on, xian-sheng will be reinstated.”
Tien Feng sighted,
“No, I will be for certain to put to death.”
“Why?”
Tien Feng explained,
“General Yuan appeared to be forgiven but distrustful.
I did not listen to Tien Feng’s words,
thus mocked by him
© 1998 Creator Workshop

Loyalty placed no value to him. His ear root is soft, thus,
prone to believe in accusation. If the battle was won, then
in his joy, he may forgive my outburst. Now, after a great
defeat, he must feel shameful and did not want to face me.
Therefore, he will seek a way to have me eliminated. I
have no hope of living.”
Indeed, as Yuan Shao’s troops marched home, many soldiers met
with their families and told tales of their horrid experience. Most
grieved that if Tien Feng was there, they would not have suffered
such slaughter.
When Yuan Shao heard it, he felt penitence. By the time he ap-
proached Ye City, Feng Ji came to welcome him. Yuan Shao said
to him.
“All civil and martial officials of Yi Province must be
worried about my safety upon hearing our troops suffered
disaster. Only Tien Bie-jia (Bie-jia is Tien Feng’s personal
name) has the foresight to object my decision, he was
unique. Now upon returning, I have no face to meet him.”
Feng Ji afraid that Tien Feng would be reinstated with greater
responsibility than before and spoke out,
“When Tien Feng heard about the General-in-Command’s
defeat, he congratulated himself, ‘it is all as I predicted!’
This kind of people is best to be weary of.”
Yuan Shao rued,
“I did not listen to Tien Feng’s words, thus mocked by him.”
He ordered the Bestowment of Death for Tien Feng.
Prior the battle, when Cao Cao received intelligence about Yuan
Shao’s Chief Advisor Tien Feng being relieved of his position
and to be incarcerated at Ye-City, he happily declared,
“For sure, Yuan Shao would lose.”
After the victory at Guan-du, Cao Cao reflectively stated,
“If only Yuan Shao had listened to Tien Bie-jia’s sugges-
tion, it would still be hard to tell who would win or lose.”
Seed of Disunion Within Yuan’s Troops
Two sons of the Ye-City Commander Shen Pei had followed
Yuan Shao southward. They were captured by Cao troops. A
Yuan Shao officer Meng Dai privately spoke to Yuan Shao.
“Shen Pei has been both respectful and powerful in Ye
City where it is the most population. And now, he is its
commander of local army. Currently, his sons are being
captured by Cao camp. If Cao Cao blackmail Shen Pei,
we are all in danger.”
Yuan Shao asked Guo Tuo and Xin Ping who also agreed with
Meng Dai. Therefore, Yuan Shao relieved Shen Pei as the Ye
City Army Commander and reassigned to Meng Dai.
When the Yi Provincial Army Commander Feng Ji heard about
this command, he became curious and went to ask Yuan Shao
of what Shen Pei had done to displease him. Since Shen Pei and
Feng Ji were not on best of turn, Yuan Shao explained Meng Dai
and Guo Tuo’s concerns.
But Feng Ji disagreed,
“Shen Pei’s personality is loyal and stubborn. His goal
is to achieve the virtues lay down by antiquity. He would
never, because of his sons in enemy’s hand, to act disloy-
alty and unrighteous. Grand Lord should not be suspi-
cious of him.”
Yuan Shao listened to Feng Ji’s reasoning and rescinded his or-
der. Shen Pei knew that Feng Ji had protected him and improved
the relationship between them. But from this incident, important
elder and officers became weary of each other. This and the fact
that Yuan Shao had shown flip-flop his decision had plant the
seeds of disunion.
Cao Cao Ventured Northward;
Yuan Shao Coughed Blood
In the spring, third month of the Sixth Year of the Rebuilding
Peace (201 AD), Cao Cao concluded that Yuan Shao would still
licking his wound and not attempt any new enterprise. Therefore,
it was an opportunity to attack Liu Biao of Jin Province.
During a military meeting, Xun Yu strongly opposed it. He believed,
“Yuan Shao had suffered a recent defeat. Four northern
provinces, commanderies and prefectures began to think
of rebelling him. This is an opportunity to give them en-
couragement by applying more pressure to Yuan Shao. If
our focus turn southward to Liu Biao of Jin Province, this
would give time for Yuan Shao to regroup and to rees-
tablish his reign. He would then attack us from the back.
Grand Lord’s enterprise would be in jeopardy.”
After careful consideration, Cao Cao also agreed that the north
possessed more urgency. He regrouped his forces, switched from
the defensive maneuver to the offensive operation, and prepared
to cross rivers into Yuan Shao’s Yi Province.
His Northern Expedition organization was radically different. All
support staff remained at the Xu Capital. His force was divided
into three army groups.

Army Group Central
• Commander in Chief, Prime Minister Cao Cao
• Chief of Staff, Long Beard General Cheng Yu
Army Group Right
1. Xia-hou Dun
2. Zhang Liao
3. Li Dian
4. Yue Jin
5. Xia-hou Yuan
Army Group Left
1. Cao Hong
2. Zhang He
3. Xu Huang
4. Yu Jin
5. Gao Lan
The Yu Provincial Garrison Command
• Cao Ren
With no staff and advisors on all army groups saved Cheng
Yu indicated that Cao Cao did not expect to vanquish Yuan
Shao once and for all. This organization demonstrated that the
objective of this military operation was very simple, no need
for holistic planning, but focus on rapid deployment. The goal
was to show off his military awesomeness within the confines of
Yuan Shao’s hold. This would quicken any rebellious intention
throughout northern commanderies and prefectures. By placing
entire staff support at the capital, their objective was to analyze
the result and the reactions. They then could come up with next
stratagem to break Yuan Shao apart.
Due to highly mobilizing nature of Cao troops, Yuan Shao
needed to increase the number of garrison at every ferry point.
He paid special attention to the Li-yang Ferry Point near Ye City.
An entire army group had been station there to ward off any pos-
sible crossing.
To anticipate this attack, Yuan Shao had mustered the entire Yi
Provincial forces and called forth reinforcement from Qing, You,
and Bing Provinces led by their Provincial Inspectors: Yuan Tan,
Yuan Xi and Gao Gan.
The fourth month of the Sixth Year of the Rebuilding Peace (201
AD) was about six months after the Battle of Guan-du. Cao Cao
initiated the assault. Surprisingly, Cao Cao selected the ferry
point furthest away from Ye City, the Cang-ting-jin Ferry Point.
Yuan Shao quickly redeployed and reinforced. But assemblies
from various province were slowed to react. This allowed Cao
Cao to concentrate his attack at Cang-ting-jing. Defending force
was unable to coordinate an effective defense. Despite Yuan
Shao’s presence, they were forced out of Cang-ting-jin; Yuan
army suffered heavy losses; Yuan Shao coughed blood and
fainted in midst of battle.
The Battle of Cang-ting-jin seen both sides deployed large num-
ber of troops. The battle was harsh and fierce. But it was over
very quickly. It was a stark contrast to previous, the Battle of
Guan-du which lasted over eight to nine months.
To Chase off Liu Bei
Victorious Cao troops did not press ahead with their victory, in-
stead, they were quickly ferried back to their side in the southern
side of Yellow River. Cheng Yu, Yu Jin and Liu Yan were placed
in charge of defending against possible Yuan Shao incursion.
All other offices were to accompany him back to the capital for
reorganization and deployment.
It soon appeared that Cao Cao had forgotten about the situation
in the North. His focus now directed to the south-west area. It
was as if that the reason for attacking Cang-tang-jin was to ap-
pease Xun Yu. And neither was there any expression from Xun
Yu. Maybe his concern was resolved after the Battle of Cang-
tang-jin.
Still, Cao Cao adopted Xun Yu’s recommendation and temporary
leave Liu Biao and Jin Province alone. He focused on getting
rid of remnants of Yuan Shao force, the lone Liu Bei. Initially,
Cao Cao sent Xia-hou Yuan and Xia-hou Dun to attack. But Liu
Bei had already establish numerous guerrilla bases; Guan Yu,
Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun led those defending force; and Liu Bei
received popular support. These factors contributed to Xia-hou
brothers defeat.
Xia-hou brothers went to Cao Cao to ask for punishment for

failure to defeat Liu Bei. Cao Cao laughed,
“Underestimate Liu Bei’s fighting potential is my mistake. You
have exhausted yourself. I should apology to you, instead!”
On the ninth month, Cao Cao led an army with Xia-hou broth-
ers acting as advance guards to attack Liu Bei at Ru-nan. Liu
Bei knew he was no match against Cao Cao. To prevent any lost
of his force, he retreated to Jin Province and sought protection
under Liu Biao.
Cao Cao did not pursue. He took his army back to Xu Capital.
After the end of winter, he disbursed the army to return to vari-
ous commanderies and prefectures. On the first month of new
year, Cao Cao along with his personal guards return to home-
town, Qiao Prefecture at Yu Province. Besides visited village
elders, friends and relatives, Cao Cao sought some rest and recu-
peration from long period of intense conflicts. This was also in a
way, a retreat for him to calm down in order to think and plan. It
allowed him to regain his spirit.
During his vacation, he took time to reinvigorate the recovery
process of resources and manpower. First, he established a
government program to take care of families of soldiers who
have died. Lands, farm animals, farm equipment and education
were provided to soldiers families. He sent army to the Jun-yi
Commandery and to have army build irrigation for farm at the
Sui-yang Prefecture. This would improve farming efficiency
and increased productivity of supply. And on summer, Cao Cao
gathered his troops at Guan-du to conduct training and organiza-
tion. It was obvious that he was preparing for the next campaign
against Yuan Shao.
On the fifth month of the Seventh Year of the Rebuilding Peace
(202 AD), Yuan Shao died from blood coughing sickness. The
situation in the North of Yellow River became critically unstable.
However, Cao Cao did not take this opportunity to attack. To
attack during enemy’s mourning period would further strength-
ened the bond between all Yuan factions. Therefore, he waited
at Guan-du for the golden opportunity. It came four months later
when Yuan Shao’s eldest son, Yuan Tan, and Yuan Shao’s young-
est son, Yuan Shang, openly fought for the succession. Cao Cao
began his northern campaign.
Adventure at Qian-tong
A Romance of the Three Kingdoms Role Playing Game Adventure
By Chuan Lin
OPEN GAME LICENSE Version 1.0a
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END OF LICENSE

This adventure is designed for Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Role Playing Game (RTK RPG) which is currently in the Alpha
play-test stage. Alternatively, this adventure can be run with the
d20 Modern use in conjunction with the D&D 3rd Edition or
Oriental Adventure. However, some modification are required
on the GM’s part. It is possible to run this adventure with just
the D&D 3rd Edition or Oriental Adventure, but this will require
moderate modification on the GM’s parts.
GM information are in 10 pt serif font.
Player information are in 12 pt. San-serif font
in a grey box to be described by GM.
What has gone on before:
Game Host only information
This adventure involved players with early days of Sun Jian (see
RtTK ezine #02) on a boat ride up Qian-tong River. Along the
way, players will meet river pirates, petty officials and daoist
sect, the Way of Heavenly Peace or Tai-ping Dao (which eventu-
ally known as the Yellow Turbans).
The time period of this adventure takes place on the eighth
month of the Second Year of the Luminous Peace (173 A.D.).
The recommend starting character level is between 1st and 3rd.
The ideal number of players character is 4th to 6th.
Key Non-Player Characters (NPCs)
• Sun Jian (age 17) and his father, Sun Fu, traveled from Fu-
chun Prefecture to Qian-tang Prefecture. They are visiting
Wu Chun-shan, father of Wu Juan-xiu, as part of the Request
Name Ritual in the Wedding Ceremony (see RtTK ezine #05).
• Hu Yu is the leader of twenty-some river pirates. He was
known to be vicious and cruel that people along Qian-tang
River mentioned his name to silence misbehaving children.
Hu Yu has a brother, Hu Ping, who acted as his adviser and
is able to tap into the pulse of Qian-tang River by disguised
as Tang Bia-qiao, the merchant. Hi Ping is about to provide
his brother about news and gossips. Hu Ping is a recently
converted member of the Way of Heavenly Peace. He began
to think of using religion as alternative covers for the river
pirates to rob and to steal.
• Yang Nien-dzu is the Prefect of Qian-tang Prefecture. For
years, he has troubled apprehended Hu Yu and his gang of
river pirates that many rumors began to circulate that he is in
cohort with the pirates. The truth is simply that many of his
marshals were killed during numerous attempts to capture
Hu Yu that his officers have became reluctant to face Hu Yu’s
river pirates.
• Zhang Liang is the head of the Way of Heavenly Peace in Wu
Commandery. He has arrived to Qian-tang Prefecture three
months ago to establish a religious base. As of this time (173
AD), the Way of Heavenly Peace has no plan of any rebel-
lious attempts and is genuine interested in bringing comfort
and assist people in need. Zhang Liang knows Hu Ping who
goes by the name of Tang Bia-qiao as a rich river merchant
who has recently joined his religion.
How to get your Players involved
Player character’s Occupation provides good hooks to get them
involved. The following are some suggestions. Certain occupa-
tions provide multiple possibilities.
• For Academic, Adventurer, Military, Nobility, Rural Officials,
Religious and Student, they would pass Qian-tang Prefecture
on their way to Wu City, capital of Wu Commandery.
• For Celebrity, Creative, Doctor, Merchant, Nobility, Rural,
Religious and Student, they would come to see the Qian-tang
River Bores for experience and inspiration.
• For Craftsman, Doctor, Laborer, Merchant, and Rural, they
go to Qian-tang Prefecture in hope of find new project, job,
or patron.
• For Criminal, they arrived Qian-tang Prefecture in search of
Hu Yu as to serve him or to replace him.
• For Law Enforcement, Military, and Officials they are sum-
moned by Prefect Yang of Qian-tang Prefecture to help
apprehend Hu Yu.
• For Religious, they are here to either assist Zhang Liang, the
local leader of the Way of Heavenly Peace, with his sect or to
stop the spread of his sect’s influence.
Act 1: the Boat
The best way to go to Qian-tang Prefecture is by boat. Player
characters would want to take the boat ride (Wealth DC 4) as it is
the fastest and most economic way to travel. Depend on the dis-
tance, the boat ride may take a day to several days to complete
its journal. Along the way, the boat will make periodical stop to
drop off/add new passengers. The boat also would dock at night.
Passengers are expected to purchase meals for a full day (Wealth
DC 3) or two (Wealth DC 5) from the tavern they have stayed.
Or on certain occasion, there are other river junks that will travel

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