Revisiting the Three Kingdoms, Issue 05

Revisiting the Three KingdomsRevisiting the Three Kingdoms
Contents
Looking Back Looking Forward 1
Cao Cao’s Ambition 3
Art of Propriety 13
Yu Jin, General of Tiger’s Awe 21
Zhou Yu, Artful General 25
Reference & Resources 37
In couple of weeks, 1
st
February 2003,
the Chinese New Year begins. Romancing
Cathay has looked back to what it has
accomplished and what it hopes to bring
forth in the new year.
Rode the Black Horse
2002
Romancing Cathay has been successful in
following projects:
Jadeclaw Role Playing Game is a
partnership project with Sanguine
Productions Ltd. Romancing Cathay
provided background information andAsian
flavor and Sanguine Productions with game
mechanic. The game took little over a year
to make. Lot of materials were cut when it is
finally released. But we plan to release these
through Bite/Claw Mark ezine.
Another successful launch is Revisiting
the Three Kingdoms ezine. Though, it is
released in November 2001, in 2002, it has
gone through some changes to our current
ideal format. It has threefold purposes: to
bring additional information about the Three
Kingdoms period, to promote awareness of
the Three Kingdoms period, and to support
our products.
Its sister ezine, Bite/Claw Mark was
introduced this past summer. The ezine has
threefold purposes: to bring forth additional
source materials to Claw Worlds, to expose
readers to wu-xia genre, and to provide
adventure for Claw Worlds. Originally, it
is called Bite Mark as an expression of
urgency, a demand for attention. From issue
03 and onward, it will be renamed Claw
Mark as a way to be consistent with other
Claw-production line.
However, Romancing Cathay also has her
share of misfire. In her five year business
plan, this first year focused on promoting
card games: standard RTK, collectible
version, and X/Q the family Card Game.
In this aspect, we have failed to bring
awareness to gamers at large.
Yet, all is not lost. In the end, the best
Looking Back
Looking Forward
by Chuan Lin
Volume II, Issue 5
Winter, 2003

2 Revisiting the Three Kingdoms
marketing move was to have d20 News Rack website hosting
our ezines, Revisiting the Three Kingdoms and Bite/Claw
Mark. Romancing Cathay has experienced increased traffic
since it first make available these ezines at the d20 News Rack
website. So, we are progressively making our present known.
Guide the Watery Goat 2003
What are Romancing Cathay’s objective in this coming year?
• Romance of the Three Kingdoms Role Playing Game
(RTK RPG) is scheduled to be released in the second
half of 2003, at Gen Con if not at Origins. The game
mechanic is based on d20 Modern System Resource
Document (SRD) mechanic and other Open Gaming
License. The background information are translated
from Chinese which have been featured in past articles.
A sneak preview is available on our website: http:
//www.romancingcathay.com
• Revisiting the Three Kingdoms ezine continues to
be a quarterly publication. Starts from next issue, it
will have a section devote to RTK RPG in a form of
adventure, questions & answers, and optional rules.
• Loot the Burning House, the first Jadeclaw RPG
supplement, is scheduled to release in the first half of
2003. One third of the book focuses on current events
happened throughout land of Zhongguo that players
can participate. One third of the book offers new player
materials. And one third of the book contains new Host
materials.
• Claw Mark ezine will be divided its attention among
Jadeclaw, Ironclaw, and the Known World. Similar to
other Claw products, one third contains source material,
one third is for player information, and one third is
for Host reference. However, it will be a Sanguine
Productions project than Romance Cathay’s as they will
take over the production.
Here is a product line that Romancing Cathay plans to phase
out this year.
• Dragon Dynasty’s Collectible Card Game (CCG)
Currently it is consisted of the Three Kingdoms Starter Set
and Water Margin Expansion Pack. It is discontinued not
just in the US but also in Hong Kong.
Earlier in 2002, Romance Cathay has mentioned about the
Revisiting the
Three Kingdoms
Volume II, Issue 5
Winter, 2002
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, legends, 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 play-
ing games, people would become more curious in
learning more about China.
Layout: Grace Wang, John Chang
Newsletter Editor: Chuan Lin, Ya-Liang Chang
Writers: Chuan Lin
Artworks: These artworks are copyrighted of Creator
Workshop, Koei Company, Asiapac Publication, and
GAKKEN.
Looking Back... Looking Forward
continue on page 28

Revisiting the Three Kingdoms 3
Yuan Shao, the Foremost
Enemy
From the time of the Second Year of the Initial
Peace (191 AD) during Han Emperor Xian’s
reign when he usurped Han Fu as the Inspector
of Yi Province till the present time (199 AD),
Yuan Shao was the warlord of China. He was
a childhood friend of Cao Cao and one of his
dangerous opponents.
After the break-up of Alliance (191 AD), Yuan
ShaoretreatedtoYiProvince.There,throughguile
and persuasion, he tricked Han Fu into giving up
his position and named him the Inspector of Yi
Province. With it as base of operation, he began
to expand his influence to You, Qing, and Bing
Provinces. His opponents were Gong-sun Zan,
the Inspector of You Province, and Tien Kai, the
Inspector of Qing Province.
Dove & Hawk Debates on
Southern Campaign
By Summer of the Fourth Year of the Rebuilding
Peace (199 AD), Yuan Shao had finally
eliminated both Gong-sun Zan and Tien Kai and
became the undisputed Lord of the North.
By then Cao Cao had defeated Lu Bu, Zhang Xiu
and Yuan Shu.
Sun Ce and Liu Biao expressed their neutrality.
For a long time, Yuan Shao became resentful of
Cao Cao’s success and believed that it was all
owed to him that Cao Cao became what he was.
Then when Cao Cao took the initiative away
Cao Cao’s Ambition
(5/9) Part A by Chuan Lin
Warlords in
199 AD
1) Cao Cao
2) Gonsun Du
3) Liu Bei
4) Liu Biao
5) Liu Zhang
6) Ma Teng
7) Sun Ce
8) Yuan Shao
9) Yuan Shu
10) Zhang Lu
11) Zhang Xiu
12) Zhang Yan
©2001 Koei Co. Ltd.
1
2
3
45
6
7
8
9
10 11
12

from him with the Upholding the Emperor Stratagem, he
became especially angry. Now, in midst of his military camp,
he called forth a meeting on how best to defeat Cao Cao.
The meeting splintered into two groups: the Dove Faction
who proposed long term attrition and the Hawk Faction who
proposed immediate confrontation.
The Dove Faction was led by Chief Adviser Ju Shou. They
proposed to set up posts along the border to slowly erode
away Cao Cao’s strength. Dove Faction listed their reasons
as followed:
1. Due to extended conflict with Gong-
sun Zan and Tien Kai, people in Yi
Province are exhausted. Warehouses
are empty. Therefore, times are
needed for people to recover and to
stock up supplies.
2. Send an emissary to emperor to
proclaim loyalty to the throne. If
Cao Cao interfered, it showed that
Cao Cao harbored the intention of
controlling the court. Thus, Yuan
Shao will receive popular supports
and has just cause.
3. Start garrison east and west fords
of Yellow River at Meng Ferry
and Li-yang Ferry (or commonly
referred to as White Horse Ferry).
Troops can start build up boats for
eventual bridgeheads
4. Set up patrols along the border
between Yuan Shao and Cao Cao.
Periodic and random raids will
deplete Cao Cao’s strength.
But the Hawk Faction headed by Guo Tu
and Shen Pei believed that time to strike at Cao Cao is now.
They explained,
“With Enlightened Lord’s ability to lead the Host
of the North, it is very easy to defeat Cao Cao.
Why bother with caution when we can strike it
now once and for all.”
In this meeting, Yuan Shao showed inclination toward the
Hawk Faction.
But Ju Shou believed that the opportunity had yet to arrive. He
based his argument on reasoning. He said,
“Cao Cao has utilized the Uphold the Emperor to
Control the Rest Stratagem. If we are to move
south, we will be accused of opposing the Son of
Heaven. We will be on the unjust cause. In order
to win the battle, it is not just based solely on
strength but also based on other calculation. Cao
Cao now lorded over Yan and Xu Province, his
troops are well disciplined and trained. He is not
Gong-sun Zan who was hidden and waited to be
defeated. If we are to abandon the Stratagem of
Recoup Populace and to initiate an unjust war,
this is against everything that the
Art of War has taught. I am very
worry for my lord.”
Shen Pei defended the Hawk position.
“No one accused of Duke Wu [of
Zhou Tribe] from attacking King
Zhou[ofShangDynastyatthestart
of Zhou Dynasty] of being unjust.
How can defeating Cao Cao being
without merit? Especially now,
the Awesomeness of our army is
at its peak, our Morale is high,
and both officers and troops are
willing to sacrifice their lives. This
is the time to set up our enterprise.
If we do nothing, we will lose this
propitious opportunity. This was
how during the late Spring &
Autumn period when Kou Chien,
King of Yueh, achieved Hegemony
whereas Fu Chai, King of Wu (and
his arch rival), lost his kingdom.
Army Inspector (Ju Shou’s title)
view is valid but is unfamiliar
with intricacies of opportunity.”
Yuan Shao was pleased with Shen Pei’s arguement and decided
to follow the Hawk Faction’s policy. He ordered immediate
preparation to invade the South.
Guo Tu pressed their advantage by requested,
“Ju Shou is Army Inspector who has strong
influences over the Readiness of Three Army. Now
that he opposed to our proposal, is it wise for him
to remain in that position?”
Yuan Shao removed Ju Shou of duties from being the Chief
Adviser and the Army Inspector. His former position was
Cao Cao's Ambition 5/9
Ju Shou,
“if we are to move south, we
will be accused of opposing
the Son of Heaven... this is
against everything that the
Art of War has taught...”

given to another Dove Faction, Tien Feng. His later position
was divided among himself the Front Army, Guo Tu the
Central Army and Chun-yu Qiong the Rear Army.
Cao Cao Took Initiative And Grab Hold of
Key Fords.
Once the news of Yuan Shao’s decision to invade South had
been verified, a military meeting had been called at Xu-du
[capital]. Participated staffs and officials were very worry
and stressed about the latest news, only Cao Cao and Chief
Advisor Xun Yu seemed relaxed. With much confidence, to
everyone Cao Cao announced,
“Yuan Shao and I went way back, his
personality was very familiar to me.
Yuan Shao is ambitious but lack in
wits, menacing but lack substance.
He is afraid of resolves and lack
awe. Though it is true that he has
great number of officers and troops,
the lack of clear chain of command
hinders their effectiveness. His
officers are courageous but proud,
seldom do they listen to staff advices.
Despite massive land and rich
supply, Yuan Shao is offering his fief
to us.”
Chancellor of Bei-Hai Prefecture, Kong
Rong, privately indicated his worry to Xun
Yu. He stated,
“Yuan Shao has great mass of land
and strong troops. Tien Feng and
Ju Shou are well known strategists.
Shen Pei and Feng Ji are loyal
generals. Yan Liang and Wen Chou
have courage of mighty warriors. Do
we really have a chance of winning
this battle?”
Xun Yu undauntedly rebutted,
“Though Yuan Shao armies are massive, they are
undisciplined. Tien Feng is unyielded and has
insultedhislord.JuShouisgreedyandunregulated.
Shen Pei is one trick pony and tactless. Feng Ji is
selfish. These people do not compromise to other.
Something will go disarray. Yan Liang and Wen
Chou are courageous warriors. They are easily fall
to prey to simple stratagem. There is nothing to
worry about.”
In reality, Cao Cao and Xun Yu were alleviated others' fear
by pretended to be confidence. Yet, in their hearts, it is no
laughing matter.
In July of the Fourth Year of the Rebuilding Peace (199 AD),
Cao Cao personally led troops to cross Yellow River with Cao
Ren. They sieged She-quan City where Sui Gu had garrisoned.
Sui Gu died in line of duty. Cao Cao named Wei Zhong, known
for his loyalty, courageous and accountability, to be the Grand
Administrator of He-nei Prefecture and in charge of He-bei
military affair. The entire objective was to gain control of one
of key fords to cross Yellow River.
In August, Cao Cao stationed at Li-
yang [City]. His purpose was to secure
the nearby White Horse Ferry. During
that time, Cao Cao mobilized Zhang
Ba to lead his bandit force into Qing
Province to shore up Cao Cao’s eastern
defense. And in that same month, he
commanded Yu Jin, renowned for his
stratagems, to garrison his force near
Yellow River to keep tab on Yuan
Shao’s troop movement and to oversee
building of the defense.
In September, Cao Cao moved to
garrison his force at Guan-du at
the border of Si-li District and Yan
Province. There, he built up fortress
and defensive earthworks. Guan du
is at a considerable distance from
major fords. Apparently, Cao Cao had
already decided the extend of Yuan
Shao’s troop reach.
Not following Ju Shou’s advise, Yuan
Shao let Cao’s force took initiative and
gained control of key passageways.
Strengthening Frontline, Pulling Alliance
While both sides were reinforced their frontline, naturally,
they were also concentrated on alliance. Yuan Shao’s primary
candidate was Zhang Xiu who was still technically at war with
Cao Cao.
Zhang Xiu’s first instinct was to agree to Yuan Shao’s proposal
upon received his letter. But his advisor, Jia Yu, adamantly
opposed it.
Shen Pei,
“the Awesomeness of our
army is at its peak, our Morale
is high, and both officers and
troops are willing to sacrifice
their lives... [Ju Shou] view is
valid but is unfamiliar with intri-
cacies of opportunity.”

Jia Yu warned,
“If Yuan could not even tolerate his own brother,
how could he tolerate another for Heaven Below?”
Zhang Xiu was deeply disturbed by it and asked,
“Then what should we do?”
Jia Yu suggested,
“It’s better to join Cao Cao.”
“It is obvious that Yuan Shao’s force is the stronger
of the two. Not to mention the fact that we still have
enmity with Cao Cao. Why are we joining him?”
“This is even more reason to join Cao Cao. First,
Cao Cao currently serves the Son of Heaven and
rules in his name. To fight him is unrighteous.
Secondly Yuan Shao’s force is mighty. Compare
to him, our army is pittance and will not be
appreciated. Cao’s force is small and needs every
help he can get. By joining him, we will be prized.
Thirdly, those who set up to be hegemon are often
set their sights above personal vengeance. Cao
Cao will not begrudge us of our past grievance.
General needs not to worry.”
In the eleventh month of that year, Zhang Xiu initiated alliance
proposal to Cao Cao. Cao Cao was very pleased. He had his
son to wed Zhang Xiu’s daughter and promoted Zhang Xiu
to General of Acclaimed Martial. Jia Yu was also rewarded
for his effort. He elevated to the position of Bearer of Gilded
Mace and ennobled as a marquis.
Military leaders from Guan-zhong area (encompassed of
Northwest of Luo-yang) were also interested in the developed
conflicts between Yuan Shao and Cao Cao. The Liang
Provincial Inspector Han Duan sent his Secretary Yang Fu to
Xu-du to investigate Cao’s Troop situation. After his return,
these leaders came to him for debriefing.
Yang Fu expressed,
“Grand Yuan is lenient but can’t let go; he loves
to scheme but afraid to decide. It will be hard for
him to establish awe and might with his constant
hesitation. His indetermination will squander
away his military advantages. Though he is
strong now, I’m afraid that he can not establish
great enterprise. Grand Cao is brave, talented
and foresighted. He can take hold of situation and
turn into his advantages. His rules are clear and
organized. His troops are sharp and well trained.
He used men based on their talents and not
according to his preference. And inspired them to
give their best. He will achieve success in the end.”
Cao Cao also sent his envoy, Secretary of State Wei Ji, to tour
Guan-zhong area. There, he attempted to fulfill other leaders
requirement in order to gain their support.
Based on reaction from other leaders, though Cao Cao was
weak in military, he made up with preparation, foreign affair,
and intelligence gather. He was in better position.
Battle for Advantageous Terrains and
Troop Deployment
By the first month of the Fifth Year of the Rebuilding Peace
(200 AD), Yuan Shao had finally completed the initial stage
of troop preparation and was ready to advance. It took him
eight months from that military meeting to actual execution
of plan.
All Out Attack or Attrition
The structure of Yuan Shao’s southern invasion force is listed
in the chart on the following page.
Early during Yuan Shao’s preparation, Cao Cao had confronted
Liu Bei at Xu Province. Tien Feng advised Yuan Shao to assist
Liu Bei. But Yuan Shao declined under pretext of his son’s
illness. This caused Liu Bei to lose Xu Province. Liu Bei fled
to Qing Province. Through introduction from Yuan Tan, Liu
Bei went to serve under Yuan Shao. Yuan Shao treated him
as a visiting nobility and have him stationed nearby to act as
consultant on Cao’s military force.
Liu Bei had provided many details on Cao troop condition and
situation, these hastened Yuan Shao’s desire to invade the South.
But Chief of Staffs and other advisers were strongly against it.
Tien Feng expressed,
“When Cao Cao attacked Liu Bei, Xu-dou was
empty and we didn’t take advantage of it. Now,
Xu Province has fallen. Cao’s troops are in peak
of their morale. It is not a good time to attack
them. Especially, Cao Cao is very good at warfare.
Though he has smaller troops, it is unwise to
underestimate them. It is better off for us to
prepare for a long term stratagem.
Why don’t we take advantage of our nature terrain

of Yi Province’s mountain and river. They are
easy to defend and hard to invade. Then with
the wealth of our four provinces to form good
will among other lords externally, increased
production and training of troops internally. We
have to create an elite force that can strike deep
into enemy territory to disrupt their livelihood.
When they send reinforcement to the east, we
strike west. When they send reinforcement to
the west, we will strike east. This will exhaust
Cao’s troops and disrupt their people livelihood.
And our forces are well rested and ready for
attack. But if we are to abandon this stratagem
and choose to give it all for one battle, what if it
didn’t go as well as plan. It would be too late for
regret.”
Yuan Shao became perplexed. But it was hard for him to
abandon current operation to adopt a long range plan. Therefore,
he went to various commanders to seek out their opinion.
Naturally, the Hawk Faction generals and offices were all in
favor of speedy battle. Tian Feng stubbornly opposed. Yuan
Shao became angry and accused Tian Feng of, manipulate the
civil to insult the martial, he has lost sight of being a minister!
Tian Feng, in great stressed, shouted out,
“Please listen to the advise of your loyal servant,
otherwise, it will be a great misfortune to mobilize
the Army.”
Yuan Shao burst in rage. He immediately removed Tian
Feng’s position on the spot and had him incarcerated in jail.
Since rest of staffs were of same mind with Tian Feng and
Ju Shou, none was promoted. The Chief Adviser position
remained vacant.
In second month, Yuan Shao gave orders to all commanders
to marshal their force and to meet at Li-yang [City]. There,
they would reevaluate the situation at frontline.
Ju Shou saw Tian Feng lost his position and put in jail.
Before his departure, he summoned his clan and kinsfolk to
bid them final farewell. Ju Shou said,
“Even if we win in this Southern Expedition, it will
not benefit me. If we lost, my life will be forfeited.”
Ju Shou’s brother, Ju Zhong, tried to cheer him up by said,
“Cao Cao’s troops are far less than ours, there is
nothing to worry about.”
Ju Shou sighted,
Yuan Shao Army Structure

“Cao Cao is skilled in stratagems, and is back by
the Son of Heaven. And looked at us, we barely
defeated Gong-sun Zan. Our troops tired; supplies
lacked. General Yuan and other commanders are
proud, slow and underestimated their foe. I think
these are the causes for breaking down of our
army’s Awesomeness.”
Chen Lin’s Article on Cases Against
Cao Cao
Prior departure, Yuan Shao
commissioned famous writ author,
Chen Lin, to compose an article to
declare the justification against Cao
Cao. Below is the gist of that long
declaration...
“It is said that when an
emperor tries to reestablish his reign, there is
always a danger. Loyal ministers are unable to
maintain their positions for there are knaves who
caused scandals. These scandals grew to become
crisis that threaten the wellbeing of a country. An
ordinary man can not understand the depth of
these knaves.
Cao Teng, grandfather of the Minster of Work
Cao Cao, together with Zhou Guan and Xu Biao
were abusing their power and infamous for their
corruption. They dominated the Imperial Court,
prevented the learning and educating of general
public and oppressed Hundred Surnames.
Cao Ang, Cao Cao’s father, did not even know the
meaning of self respect and honesty. He debased
himself by calling Cao Teng his father. With money,
he gained a ministerial title through bribery. Not
cared for the proper official way, he caused chaos
on regular channel of operation; he stole high
positions of the court to give to his cronies; and
he degraded the seriousness of court function.
Cao Cao is the scion of these wickedness. Never
did he has a bone of conscious. Therefore, he was
known to be treacherous and scheme. Nothing
please him more than chaos and misfortune.
General-in-Chief Yuan Shao, in early time, has
led elite troops to get rid of venal eunuchs. Later
when Dong Zhou usurped power, persecuted
officers and oppressed people, he took up the
sword of righteousness.
During that time, Cao Cao served under General
Yuan for his skills with troops could be of an
assistance. Unexpectedly, Cao Cao revealed his
lack of warfare and flickering nature. Therefore,
he suffered defeats numerous times and lost lives
of precious officers and soldiers.
Still, General Yuan had supplied Cao Cao with
troops and recommended him to become the
Grand Administrator of Eastern Region. General
Yuan had hoped that his faith in Cao Cao would
inspire the later to return to the path of righteous
and worked toward rebuilding our nation.
Surprisingly, Cao Cao took advantage of situation
to abuse his position, to do as his please, and to
harm upright and worthy men.
When Cao Cao suffered ignominious defeat
during his covet attempt to take over Xu Province
defended by mere farmers, he had even lost his
base of operation to Lu Bu. He wandered left and
right in battlefields with no one wanted to accept
him. General-in-Chief Yuan, in his nature of
standing up for the weak and oppressed, felt pity
by Cao Cao’s sorry behavior. Against his better
judgment, he offered his aid. One may accuse
General Yuan have no sympathy for people of Yan
Province. But to Cao Cao, he has done more than
fulfill his obligation as a friend and comrade.
Soon after, the Son of Heaven fell from grace.
General-in-Chief Yuan was unable to divert
attention from his duty. Yet, he send emissary,
Central-Gentleman Xu Yuan, to assist Cao Cao
to rebuilt ancestral temple and to safeguard
young Son of Heaven. To his disappointment,
Cao Cao, yet again, took advantage of situation
by controlled the imperial court and threatened
emperor, noble, and officials. He insulted the
Imperial Family, and perverted laws and order.
Those he favored, received wealth and prosperity
for five generations. Those he annoyed, received
death of three generations. Those who were
outspoken were publically executed. Those who
criticized in private were quietly murdered.
Previous Grand Commandant Yang Biao was known
for his virtue and respect. Due to a small conflict

with Cao Cao, he was accused and found guilty of
heinous crime. He died from vicious tortures.
Advisory-Gentleman Zhao Yan was loyal and
outspoken. He was trusted by the Venerable One
(another title for emperor). Cao Cao wanted to
stop these audience with the Venerable One, he
captured and executed Zhao Yan.
Mausoleums of Liang Family estate whose
mother and siblings of past emperor have been
designated as national ancestral worship site.
Yet, in his greed, Cao Cao ordered troops to dig
up graves, broke coffins and exposed bones for
burial treasures.
Not satisfied with these, Cao Cao became
more voracity and created a task force whose
purpose was to dig up graves. He even created
a ministry to be in charge of this despicable
operation. Wherever they moved, no corpses left
undisturbed. Of all historical records of scorned,
greedy, inept and vicious ministers, Cao Cao is
par none.
General-in-Chief Yuan was unable to involve in
internal matter as he devoted his attention to
pacify northern rebellion. He always give Cao Cao
benefit of doubt in hope that the later would know
humility and change his errant behavior.
But Cao Cao has a heart that is worse than jackal
and hyena. He harbored treacherous ambitions of
to attempt to pull down pillars of nation, to isolate
the Imperial Family and the Imperial Court, to rid
of loyal and righteous subjects, and to control
Chao-ting (imperial court) as ambitious and
unscrupulous villain.
Nowadays, Cao Cao stocked up granaries and
fortified along river banks. This is like the mantis
who sought to stop a passing chariot.
General-in-Chief Yuan Shao personified the
Awesomeness of the Han Court. He leads a grand
army south through Yellow River and straight to
Cao Cao encampment.
Allies in Jing Province have uphold the
righteousness of imperial household and will
strike from behind. With Cao Cao ineptitude, it
will be destroyed within days.
Presently, the
Han Household
reacted sluggish;
society order and
regulation became
lax; the Imperial
Court has no able
minister, and the
Emperor has no
champion to fight
against Cao Cao
to the bitter end.
And Cao Cao led
a group of elite
imperial troops
to surround the
imperial palace
complex. In name,
they were called
guards; in reality,
they were bandits
holding emperor
as hostage. This
is a conspicuous attempt to usurp the Imperial
Throne.
Now, Cao Cao forged emperor’s decree to mobilize
armies throughout nation. Therefore, General-in-
Chief Yuan became worry.
For peripheral army group, not knowing about
Cao Cao’s true nature, would become unwitted
pawn of Cao Cao’s scheme. Their reputation
would tarnish and be disgusted by people of the
Heaven Below. Therefore, this write is created to
alert the entire country.
In few days, General-in-Chief will unite armies
from Yu, Bing, Qing,and Yi Provinces. And
from our treaty with Ying Province’s General of
Established Loyalty Liu Biao, we will create the
Awesomeness that is unseen in recent time to
crush the Great Betrayer. All other army groups
are invited to organize righteous force to assist in
this campaign in order to establish merits for the
Imperial Court.
Whoever brings forth Cao Cao’s head will ennoble
to be marquis of five thousand households and
be awarded of fifty million coins. To all followers
Finally, someone public
accused Cao Cao of what
everyone had thought but
afraid to voice out.
©2000 Creator Workshop

of Cao Cao, a general amnesty is offered to those
who have surrender.
The purpose of this article is to announce the
benevolence and the forgiveness of General-in-
Chief Yuan. Hopefully, those of loyal subjects
would unite to steadfast during the national
tragedy. And follow proper plan of action as
prescribed by the proper government.”
Chen Lin’s writ consisted of 2 part truth, 3 part exaggeration
and 5 part explaination. Each accusation had some small
amount of truth in it. Yuan Shao was very pleased when he
read it. He had nothing but praises for it. He ordered to have it
posted at every city gate and checkpoint passes.
It was said that Cao Cao was having a serious migraine after
caught it from the cold. But when he read the writ, he was so
shaken by it and produced cold sweats that his symptoms went
away. He quickly asked intelligence officials of the author's
name. Once he knew that Chen Lin was the author, he calmed
down. He explained to his nearby followers,
“Those who have written these kind of writs, have
to have the might to back it up. Though Chen Lin
was an excellent author, unfortunately, Yuan
Shao’s might would not be able to enforce it.”
Yet, this letter, more than anything else Yuan Shao had done,
was his most damaging weapon against Cao Cao. For Cao
Cao’s reputation was irreversibly ruined. Since then, every
literati would accuse Cao Cao of being the Tyrant.
In his writ, Chen Lin had accused of Cao Cao being the
nation’s highest ranking officer, yet committed the most
despicable act of grave robbing. Though there was a grain of
truth in it, other warlords like Yuan Shao, Yuan Shu and Dong
Zhuo have also done their share of grave robbing. Many rich
and wealthy people buried with lots of treasures and jewels.
These unearthed wealths were spend on troops upkeep.
Especially during early days of Cao Cao, he lacked funding
from being the Provincial Inspector and forced to perform
such act. Henceforth, burial tombs of ancestral Han emperors
were desecrated.
At end of the Battle of Guan-du, Cao Cao’s force captured
Chen Lin. Cao Cao appreciated his talent and did not punish
him. One day, Cao Cao suddenly asked Chen Lin,
“You writ was well written; to Yuan Shao, it was
an effective propaganda weapon. You can accuse
me of anything you want, but why drag my father
and ancestral into it.”
Chen Lin quickly replied,
“When an arrow has been nocked, there is only
one thing to do.”
When planning for the growth of his enterprise, Cao Cao had
often demonstrated his forgiving nature. He knew Chen Lin’s
writ was part of his job and that, Chen Lin had demonstrated
his skill remarkably well. Therefore, he chose not to kill a
talented person.
Chen Lin later became one of the Seven Talents of the
Rebuilding Peace Era. He contributed many scholarly
works. Unfortunately, during the Twenty-Second Year of the
Rebuilding Peace (217 A.D.), Chen Lin had been a casualty of
flu epidemic in that winter at Luo-yang.
Proactive Hit and Run
To handle Yuan Shao’s military threat, Cao Cao adopted the
best defense is a strong offense policy. He did not merely
wait behind his defense, but to proactively mobilize his force
to take advantage of enemy’s lax moment. He used guerrilla
tactic of hit and run to disrupt Yuan Shao’s Vanguard and the
Front Army.
Cao Cao's Army Structure is listed on the following page.
To counter the left and the right wing of Yuan’s Shao force,
Cao Cao organized through his allies to prevent them
breached. These army groups operated independently from
Cao Cao’s control.
The Qing Provincial Army Group was led by Commander
Zhang Ba. He led Black Mountain Army Group (formally
known as Black Mountain Bandits) to fight autonomously
from Cao Cao. His goal was to prevent the right wing or
Eastern Front of Yuan’s force which led by Yuan Tan from
breaking through. Zhang Ba had successfully blocked Yuan
Tan’s effort that there was no pressure on Cao Cao’s Eastern
Front. Cao Cao was able to deploy more troops to help
garrison Guan-du.
The He-nei area GarrisonArmy Group was led by Commander
Wei Zhong. Like Zhang Ba, Wei Zhong was expected to hold
the Western front to prevent the Left Wing of Yuan’s force
which led by Gao Gan. Gao Gan was one of few exceptional
generals under Yuan Shao. Therefore Wei Zhong, who was
known for his sense of duty and specialized in defense, was
put in charge.
The Si-li District Army Group was led by Commander Cao

Ren. This was more as a reserve unit to help reinforce any
weaken area. And if the final battlefield is at Guan-du, then
this army group could join up with Cao Hong’s Army to form
a mobile strike force.
At the home front, Capital District Defense Commander was
Li Tong. He was also responsible for watching over southwest
Jing Province and its defense. To anticipate any movement
from Liu Biao.
Ru-nan District Defense: Grand Administrator Man Chong to
handle the hometown of Yuan Shao which may answer to the
calling of its Favorite Son.
Yuan Shao: Attack From the Wing, then to
Break Through the Center
During East Han Dynasty, Yellow River flew in more northern
direction than current time. It was border of Yi Province and
Yan Province. Henceforth, Yuan troops, since the beginning of
their campaign, have to cross Yellow River in order to attack.
As attackers, Yuan troops have several options: Li-yang [City]
at North of Yellow River, Wan [City] at South of Yellow River,
White Horse Ferry, and Meng Ferry.
The final target of Yuan Shao’s Southern Campaign is
naturally Xu-duo [Capital]. From his home base, Ye Cheng
[City], to frontline at Li-yang [City] could be considered as
his starting point. And the direct and most effective route was
planned as follow:
1. cross Yellow River from White Horse Ferry or Meng
Ferry
2. travel to Suan-zao [City]
3. ferry across Yin-guo River and Bei-ji River
4. travel to Yang-wu [City]
5. ferry across Guan-du River and Qu River
6. travel to Xu-duo
Staffs at Yuan Shao’s camp also aware that this route would be
most heavily defended by Cao’s troops. He-nei Commandery
in Si-li District and Qing Province would be the left and the
right wings of this military operation.
From Ye Cheng [City] to Xu-duo [Capital] was about five
hundred li (250 km or 155 miles). An army traveled about 30
li (15 km or 9 miles) per day under optimal situation with no
interference. It would still take about seventeen days. Then
there were problems of ferryacross many rivers. Not only did
they disrupt troop movement, but also opened themselves
to attack. The only course of action was to eliminate all
Cao Cao Army Structure

opposition along the way to ensure no disruption at any time.
But to do this would require large number of troops to leave
behind to effectively prevent enemy guerrilla tactic. Therefore,
the formation of land was a major issue for Yuan troops on
movement and on defense.
Yuan Shao obviously knew about these difficulties. Therefore,
he mobilized a very large army. After the battle when Cao
Cao made report to Han Emperor Xian, he noted that Yuan
Shao had a ten-to-one numeric advantage. But Cao Cao still
defeated them. It was no doubt contained exaggeration and to
make him look good. But there was underlying truth that Yuan
Shao had an overwhelming troop strength.
To maintain safety of extended supply route, Yuan’s troops best
bet was to attack enemy’s wing as oppose to its central. Yuan
Shao thought that Zhang Ba’s Qing Provincial Army would be
the weakest of all Cao troops due to its lax discipline. Therefore,
initial plan called forth to have Yuan Tan attacked and broke
through right wing of Cao’s troops. He then followed through
by moving down the center and also eliminated anything on
left wing of Cao’s troops. This would reduce risks of traveled
across enemy territory for extended distance.
When Tian Feng persuaded Yuan Shao to help support Liu Bei
at Xu Province, his goal was to extend and strength Yuan’s
eastern advantage. Unfortunately, Yuan Shao did not take
advantage of it.
After Liu Bei’s defeated at Xu Province and Cao Cao had
strengthened the eastern front, Yuan Shao initiated several
plans of attack.
1. In early phase of battle, his goal was to attack Yu Jin’s
force who patrolled Yan-jin area. Once Yu Jin withdrew
or destroyed, Cheng Yu at Zhen Cheng [City] would
be isolated and could not maintain communication
between Cao’s force in the center and Zhang Ba of
Qing Provincial Force on the East. Yuan Tan’s troop
would have complete advantage in Qing Province.
2. He sent agitators to his hometown, Ru-nan
Commandery, to stir civil unrest. And sent agents to
bribe officials along Yu Province to rebel against Cao
Cao. His goal was to force Cao Cao to divert some of
his force to pacify these people, and to lower Cao’s
troop morale.
continue on page 29
Yuan Shao
Original
Plan
1) Gain control of
Li-yang
A) Wait till Yuan
Tan cleared out
the East.
B) Wait till Gao
Gan cleared out
the West
2) Approached
the Guan-du in
the center.
3) Headed to-
ward Xu-du, the
capital.
Map originated from
www.threekingdoms.com

What is propriety? Or to be more precise,
what is Chinese/Confucian definition of
behave properly? Most Asian readers
have some ideas on how to be civil. But
this word, propriety, does not adequately
explain the meaning, the attitude, and the
rituals to Western readers. Paper and pencil
role-playing gamers, who enjoyed such
oriental theme games as Legends of Five
Rings or Sengoku, will have a better grasp
of decorum based on Japanese etiquette
which were derived from China. Needless
to say, Japanese ettiquette is different from
Chinese that knowing one do not necessary
mean fluent in other. Hopefully, this article
will give our readers a better concept of
Chinese mannerism.
Due to extensive explanation, it is divided
into two parts. Part I talks about the proper
or ceremonial etiquettes. Part II in next
issue will talk about commonly social
practice etiquettes.
Origins
Propriety began as rituals of behavior
evolved from antiquity as means to appease
spirits and demons. Tribal leaders or
shamans wanted to ensure their hunts were
successful, to prevent calamities from fallen
onto them, or to ensure survivability of their
tribes. They began to place offerings and
sacrifices to immaterial beings and later,
included deceased ancestors.
In early dynastic periods of the Three Sage
Kings, the Hsia Dynasty and the Shang
Dynasty, propriety expanded to include set
behaviors among nobility and leaders. In
an unspoken way, propriety elevated these
people above the rest of non-privileged and
nearly into realms of spirits and demons.
They were to receive same honor or
homage from the rest.
From the time of the Western Zhou,
Dynasty the Spring & Autumn and the
Warring States, propriety entered another
stage, the governed behaviors of states.
During Western Zhou Dynasty when the
ruling family was strong, all other states
have to pay homage to Zhou King. A
series of steps were detailed on how to
show proper respect to the Son of Heaven.
Even among themselves, nobility were not
equal to one another. The weaker lords
have to pay their respects to the powerful
aristocrats, or their lands would be annexed
for being disrespectful.
Up to then, it was commonly known that
Propriety does not extend below gentry;
Punishment does not approach upper
nobility. Ordinary people were overlooked
for their lack of courtesy because they knew
no better. Nor did they have the mean and
the resource to behave propery. Therefore,
punishment was the only method to
chastise them to respect the laws and their
superiors.
The biggest influence in the Spring &
Autumn period was Confucius. For he
had brought the practice of propriety to
commoners. No longer was it reserved
ritual behavior between gentry, but between
merchants, farmer and craftsman, and
hunter and laborer. Not to mention the
fact that several of his works have further
expanded the art from lord and his ministers,
to include father and his child, husband and
wife, elder sibling and younger sibling, and
between friends. The idea behind them all
was that everything under heaven has a
correct order. When everything behaved
properly, all was peaceful and harmony.
Art of Propriety
by Chuan Lin
Confucius was credited
for organized every pro-
periety into Book of Rites

When things began to behave
out of order, chaos reigned.
Five Rites
By the time of Western
Zhou, art of rituals have been
perfected and being recorded
in the book, Book of Rites
(Zhou Li). The book not only
meticulously detailed rigid
behaviors during a specific rite,
it also became the foundation
for all future ceremonial
observances. Book of Rites
dealt with five important
forms: Auspicious Ceremony,
Ceremony of Remembrance, Military Ceremony, Ceremony
of Hospitality, and Congratulate Ceremony.
Rites of Auspicious
Rites of Auspicious involved worships of deity (earth
grain), spirits (Heaven Earth), and ancestors (Ancestral
Temples). Antiquity believed that the success or the failure
of appeasement to supernatural would
have an effect on wellbeing of a nation.
Thus, they placed this ceremony to be
first of all rituals.
Worships of Ancestors
Ancestral Temple is made of two
Chinese characters, zong miaos. Zong
made of two symbols: building and worship, Miaos composed
of two symbols:shelter and court. It was required from the Son
of Heaven, nobility, and to high ranking ministers to establish
their ancestral temples. Their social rank
dictated how many temples could be
build. The Son of Heaven could built up
to nine, three was maximum for nobility,
and high ranking ministers could have all
but one. Everyone else set up a room or
a table within his home to dedicate their
ancestors.
Highest ranking nobility’s primary
ancestral temple symbolized the state of
a nation. If it was well kept and received
many ceremonies, then a nation was
vibrant and strong. If it was in disrepair and received little
attention, then a nation is decayed and weaken. Every time a
major agricultural event, royal lineage event, and state event
occurred, ruler had to hold court at the primary ancestral
temple to officially announce the news to both supernatural
and mundane.
Worships of Deities
Earth Grain is abbreviated from two Chinese words: earthly
god and grain god. Antiquity considered that the proper
worship had direct correlation to welfare of a state. This was
due more to the fact that in early time, people were more
depend on successful harvest; a bad harvest could severely
deplete a nation’s manpower and wealth. Therefore, proper
worships to Earth Grain would ensure year round gathering
of crops.
A special temple was set up to perform Earth Grain ceremony.
To signify its important, it usually built to the right of ruler’s
main ancestral temple. A special open air stoup about a story
height would be cleaned and refurbished prior any ceremony.
On the center of stoup is a square altar with five indentions
corresponded to five directional elements: north, south,
east, west and center. A specific colored earth (green-blue,
red, white, black, and yellow) is placed in a bowl in those
indentions. Based on season, ruler would face certain direction
to perform the ritual.
Worships of Heaven & Earth
Heaven Earth or more formally called, feng chan, meant to give
respect to heavenly authority and to heed earthly omen. This
indicated fear and awe of antiquity toward nature. It was no
less important than previous two. Heaven Earth was actually
comprised of two separate ceremonies which required the Son
of Heaven to make pilgrimage away from civilization.
For Feng, the Son of Heaven led his entourage of noble and
Art of Propriety
Mai Tai
the Prime
of the Five
Sacred
Mountains
http://
www.chinavista.com/
travel/taishan/ts01.html

ministers to highest point in the country, the Apex of Mount
Tai. Mount Tai located in Eastern China was considered to
be first among the Five Sacred Mountains : the Eastern Peak
of Mount Tai in Shan-dong Province, the Southern Peak of
Mount Heng in Hu-nan Province, the Western Peak of Mount
Hua in Sha-anxi Province, the Northern Peak of Mount Heng
in He-bei Province, and the Central Peak of Mount Song in
He-nan Province. At the top of Mount Tai, the Son of Heaven
made offerings to pray for peace and prosperity along with
pleasant wind and plentiful rains.
For Chan, the Son of Heaven performed salient rites to honor
earthly deities at the foothill of Mount Tai. There, he repeated
his petition of asking for peace and prosperity along with
pleasant wind and plentiful rains.
Ritual Preparation
To prepare for these auspicious ceremony,
there were steps of preparations for the main
participant. It started off with the Pious Abstain
(zhai-jie) that lasted ten days. For first seven
days, the main participant had to live away from
his luxury home and stayed at a spartan location.
On last three days, he is allowed to return to his
principle home.
During this period, he is on strict vegetarian diet, allowed
no entertainments, barred from attending ceremony of
remembrance, and to get rid of excess baggages within his
heart. Ten days of strict vegetarian diet removed any foul
breath from main participant’s mouth. Thus, no spirits would
be offended by it.
In order to make one’s heart pure for the ceremony, he has to
perform the Five Contemplation (wu-si). He thought about
his situation, his statements, his being, his senses, and his
habits. All these would help him achieve sincerity of heart
(xin-cheng).
On the day of ceremony, all participants have to get up
in the hour of tiger (4 AM) to prepare: took a bath and
wore auspicious ceremonial attires. By the hour of rabbit
(6 AM), they gathered to enter ceremonial temple. Those
still involved in ceremony of remembrance were banned
from participate. Their sadness and gloominess would
offend spirits.
During the ceremony, there would be sacrificial animals.
Again, status of main participant dictated number and
type of sacrifices. The Son of Heaven offered bull, goat,
and boar or the Grand Sacrifice. Nobility offered goat
and boar or the Lesser Sacrifice. And everyone else offered
boar. Beside animal, there would be offering of treasures with
jade being preferred choice, and silk cloth. Throughout this
event, main participant’s orchestra would perform music,
song, and dance.
The entire ceremony lasted till the hour of snake (10 PM).
Rites of Remembrance
Rites of Remembrance related all things that livings performed
as a way to remember the dead. It is composed of five steps.
To verify whether a person had passed on, a newly made thin
cotton-silk was placed over that person’s nose and mouth.
Once, it was certain, first of ceremonial rite, the Recall (fu),
would be performed. A living relative had to climb on top of
roof top. The person faced the north and began
to call out the deceased name in an attempt to
call back the spirit. If it was not successful,
then other steps would be taken.
TheArrange (lian) occurred after the deceased
has been given the last bath. This ceremony is
further divided into the Minor Arrange and the
Major Arrange. The former was a ritual of
placing the dead into a new outfit. The Major
Arrange was the ritual of putting the body into the coffin. And
if the dead was a member of nobility or a powerful minister,
his coffin was then placed into another coffin with his personal
items. The greater status and wealth the family was, the more
exquisite and elaborate these coffins and burial treasures
became.
The Honor (bin) symbolized that the livings have not ready
Art of Propriety
Terracotta Guardians of the First Emperor of China
http://www.alongvacation.atfreeweb.com/Xian.htm

to relinquish the dead. They treated the dead as a guest by
placing the coffin in the decease’s favorite room or location.
Deceased immediate descendant spent time next to coffin as
both guardian and to remember. This may last as short as seven
days and as long as up to three years.
The Funeral (zang-li) finally took
place after the Honor Period. This was
the actual act of placing the dead into
earth. All participants have to dress in
white. The two closest members of
deceased have the honor of holding
the Guiding Ropes (fu) that tied to
the wagon. When the coffin removed
from the house and placed onto the wagon, the Holders of the
Guiding Ropes would then lead the wagon to the burial site.
Depend on the status of nobility, number of escorts increased in
multiple of eight. There were three stages during transportation.
And at each stage, number of guards were also increased.
For example, Son of Heaven required 32 people to escort the
coffin out of palace. It was then increased to 80 people to escort
the coffin out of the city. And finally, 128 people to escort it
toward the burial site. And this did not includes family, guests,
priests, shamans, and musicians.
At the above ground of burial site, another elaborate ceremony
performed as the Last Goodbye. At the final stage, coffin is
placed in underground mausoleum (for rich and nobility) or
underground palace (for kings and emperors). Wealth and
prestige dictated how big and refinement was the burial site.
It used to be the the deceased favorite concubines, servants,
advisers, and animals were sacrificed and buried along with
the dead to keep him company. This had changed to terracotta
statues of concubines, advisers, servants, guards, and animals
by the Warring States Period (447 - 221 BC). Other treasures
were also entombed.
Lastly, families of slaves and/or soldiers were set to guard the
tombs for eternity.
The last stage of of Ceremony of Remembrance is the
Remembrance (fu-sang). For as long as three years to as
short as three months, decease’s eldest child had to perform the
Remembrance. During this period of time, he have to dress in
white. Travel was not permit. No entertainments were allowed.
Any major decision have to delegate to others. Participant was
in effect in retreat during the Remembrance.
Rites of Military
Rites of Military dealt with troops inspection, troops
mobilization, and field hunting.
Honoring
One of military ceremonies was the homage to military
standards prior army mobilization. Standard not only
represented the army but also served as key mass
communication device. On the march, standards indicated
where everyone was as the front army used Red Bird Banners,
the rear army the Black Turtle-Snake Banners, the right army
the Blue Dragon Banners, the left army the White Tiger
Banners, and the commander-in-chief the Northern Star
(brightest star in the Little Dipper constellation) Banners.
The Blue Bird Standard indicated river or lake ahead. The
Vulture Standard warned the coming wind storm. The Roc
Standard alerted of enemy chariot/cavalry units. The Tiger-
skin Standard indicated meeting of enemy army. The Pi-xiu
(ancient black and white cat-footed bear or mythical giant
panda) Standard prepared army for the upcoming battle.
Not only the symbol on the standards, but also the way
standards were hosted also told a lot of troops preparation
and disciplines. Skill advisers and strategists were able to tell
opposing army strength and weakness by the way their enemy
treated their standards. Standards were used as primary mean
to mass communicate entire army and represented the state of
army, therefore, standards were honored in ceremony.
Drums and metallic instruments also played parts in military
ceremony. Like their visual sibling, drum and metallic
instruments were audio communication devices. During
military training, troops moved in unison in accord with
drum beats and metallic instruments signaled maneuvers. On
marches, they inspired troops to establish their Awesomeness.
In battle, drums ordered attacks, metallic instruments called
forth withdraws.
If the army was ordered to conquer, an ancestral tablet from
ruler’s ancestral temple would be placed in a special cart.
Naturally, only the most martial ruler’s tablet was selected.
That ancestral was in effect being elevated to become army’s
guardian spirit. It traveled with the army and received
worships every night. Most precious of military treasures were
also placed in that cart.
Upon return of a successful campaign, the deeds of these
military actions were reported to spirits at the ruler’s ancestral
temple. This ceremony called the Great Offering of King’s
Troops. A special music called the Joyous Return (kai-yue) was
Art of Propriety

played. After the performance, royal scribes wrote the event on
banners. These banners would be carried on heralds back who
rode to four corners of the kingdom to announce to public.
When an army traveled passed one of the Five Sacred
Mountains and the Four Great Rivers: the Black Dragon
River in far north, the Yellow River in central, the Yangtze
in south, and the Pearl River in far south, they have to stop to
pay homage to local deity. Troops stood rank and file; military
marches being played; officers offered arrows and live stock;
and an augury casted.
Seasonal Rituals
Hunting Rituals occurred during the time of
peace as a mean to train and to inspect troops
battle readiness. During each season, army is
mobilized and taken to the field. Depended
on the season, troops trained for a specific
function.
In spring, troops learned to obey audio and visual signals. They
learned to be readied or stand down, moved forward and retreat,
advanced rapidly and probing cautiously, and to spread out and
regrouped.
In summer, troops learned basic necessity of camping
outdoors, performed nightly guard duty, and other base
security methods.
In fall, troops learned military maneuvers and formations.
In dead of winter, troops practiced actual hand-to-hand combat
and participated mock battles.
One last military ceremony was performed during solar eclipse.
It was called the Solar Rescue as elite army unit gathered in
palace courtyard. Their uniforms and weapons were tied with
red ribbons. With drum beats and gong clangs, the
troops shouted and performed ritualistic battle as if
they were along side with their celestial counterparts
to drive away a dragon that attempted to swallow the
entire sun.
Rites of Visiting
Rites of Visiting taught proper behavior to minor nobles and
foreign dignitaries on how to pay respect to the Son of Heaven.
It was commonly used foreign policy of Using Visiting
Art of Propriety
Description of the Alliance Ceremony
An auspicious date would be selected for this occasion. The host country set up a special
encampment for the sole purpose of this gathering. At the center is an elevated altar. Within
days of the event, participated rulers arrived at the encampment. They presented gifts from
their locality in order to thank the host country for it’s trouble for setting up the event.
The formation of alliance performed in front of the spiritual and the mundane. A sacrificial ani-
mal, usually a bull, was coffered to celestial deities. Left ear of the sacrificial animal had been
cut off and set aside. After it had been cured, it would be presented to the Allied Host as the
symbol of this alliance. Blood of sacrificial animal was drained and gathered in two contain-
ers: jewel bowl and jade cup.
Blood contained in jewel bowl was used as ink to record down the date, the purpose and the
participated states onto jade plate, bamboo scrolls, and silk scrolls. Jade plate would be bur-
ied along side with sacrificial animal as record for spiritual world. Each ruler received his copy
of bamboo scroll, and his key ministers received a copy of silk scroll.
While the writing is performed, the jade cup would be passed around for participated rulers to
drink in order to seal the alliance. The first one to drink from the cup would be the Allied Host.
Others may drink or dipped their finger into the cup and anointed their lips with blood. When
the last ruler drank or anointed his lip with blood, the alliance was sealed.
The host ruler gave gifts to departing rulers to thank them for their participation. In few days
after the ceremony, each ruler returned to his state with gifts and copies of the alliance.

Ceremony to Bond Kingdoms. Some of these rites gradually
filtered down to ascribed social behavior between host and
visitors. Most popular and commonly occurrence types of
Rites of Visiting would be described briefly below.
The Rite of Facing the Sun (chao) dictated when and how
other lesser nobility was to pay respect to the Son of Heaven.
Those within 466 miles (750 km or 1,500 li) have to pay
respect once a year. For every 155 miles (250 km or 500 li)
increment, a year was add to the interval between each visit.
Failure to do so was considered a Great Disrespect and was
sufficient reason for the Son of Heaven to order others to
attack the offending kingdom.
The Rite of Facing the Sun also requested tributes from
visiting nobility to bring their local precious resources as
gifts. In return, the Son of Heaven would reciprocate with his
presents as well.
The ranking of nobility dictated how they behaved themselves
in front of the Son of Heaven. Whereas, the Zhou King sat
on the throne facing south, dukes were on his left (east side),
marquis were on his right (west side), and lesser nobles sat
behind marquis. This rite also applied to foreign kings who
personally paid respect to the Son of Heaven.
The Rite of Gifts Bearer (pin-li) occurred when ministers of
one kingdom visit another or when minister from the Son of
Heaven visited a kingdom.
There were several reasons to use the Rite of Gifts Bearer as
opposed to the Rite of Facing the Sun. First, it was used to
congratulate a new ruler’s ascension. Second, it was for to
request aids or alliance. Third, it expressed friendly overture
to neighboring powerful state. Fourth, it resolved issues and
conflicts between two states.
As its namesake, guests were expected to bring along gifts from
their native state and host was also expected to reciprocate.
To travel aboard, ministers carried diploma (zhao), letter of
introduction (yin), official document (de), symbol of office
(fu), and ceremonial rod (jie).
The later being the most important and the treasured piece as
it was personally given by the Son of Heaven or ruler. Thus,
it represented ruler and state. By holding the ceremonial rod,
minister spoke with the authority of his ruler. Later on, people
used jie to express one’s integrity, principle, and virtue. And
Lost Jie described losing one’s principles or fallen virtue. This
rite applied to foreign dignitary who paid respect to the Son
of Heaven.
The Rite of Alliance (meng) bonded two or more states to a
common goal. Often, when a kingdom expressed an interest
to join with another. It sent a minister via the Rite of Gifts
Bearer to that state, or sometime to an intermediary state.
Once when all participated parties agreed to it, the Alliance
Ceremony was called forth. All involved rulers gathered at
the Allied Host (meng-zhu)’s state. The title of Allied Host
was a coveted position as it bestowed not only prestige and
recognitions but also the right to mobilize allied states. And
though unmentioned, the Allied Host was a direct path to
become hegemony for the host state.
The Pledge (shi) was a verbal promise made by nobility. It
was less formal and ritualistic than previously mentioned. It
could be done as part of other rituals or it could be made on
it own merit. Heaven was often evoked to bear witness to the
pledge. It filtered down and branched out. One form of the
pledge was the warrior’s oath.
The Meet (hui) and the Gathering (tung) were two popular
rites that eventually evolved into one. Though they both
basically meant the same thing, the Meet was officially
denoted as a term for meeting between two unequal status like
ruler and his subjects. The Gathering was more for those of
equal status like ministers.
The Bestowment (si) was a special term when a ruler initiated
the gift giving. Gift may be a nobility, a specially made
clothing, chariot or staff (jie, see above, the Rite of Gifts
Bearer). There were time during party when ruler personally
served wine to his subjects, it was called the Bestowment of
Wine. And in most dire situation, ruler gave permission for a
minister to commit suicide or the Bestowment of Death.
The Rite of Chance Meet (yu) dealt with situations where
men of status unexpectedly crossed path. This was the least
complex of Rites of Visiting since neither party expected to
meet each other in such informal occasion. Person, whose
abode was closest, took on the position of host and other,
guest. Guest greeted host first. Then social rank came in play
as the lower rank had to give
way, yield, or stand aside to let
his superior pass. If the proper
protocol was not observe, the
offender would be punished.
Rites of Congratulate
Of all proper rites, Rites of
Congratulate have the most variety and the most numerous.
They were further broke down into celebration of major life
milestones, inheritance of title or position, types of banquets,
Art of Propriety

and etc. This article examines the more popular rites: capping,
wedding, and archery.
Rite of Capping
The Rite of Capping celebrated a boy’s entry to adulthood.
Prior then, a boy kept his hair long and maybe with simple
braid but always keep their hair down. And he was addressed
by his childhood name.
After picking an auspicious date, the rite of capping took place
at the ancestral temple if not in front of the ancestral room.
Child’s father presided over this rite. Guests and relatives were
invited to witness this particular event. The child knelt at the
eastern portion of ancestral temple and faced north. Under
his father’s introduction, each guest came forward, offered
his gift, and part took a step of the ceremony: combing hair,
forming a small crown, using hairpin to held the hair in place,
and tying the hair with a black silk thread.
The child received, at minimum, three caps. The Black cloth
cap (the casual wear) symbolized the right to govern one’s
home or people under his command. The White leather oblong
shape cap (the official wear) symbolized his obligation to serve
government whether through ministerial position or military
service. The Noble cap (the ceremonial wear) symbolized his
right to participate in rituals. If a family came from a military
background or a son was expected to become a warrior, he also
received a coronet (the war wear) to symbolize his might and
rank in battle.
After receiving his caps, he was no longer a boy but a man.
His guests toasted him as to congratulate him. The man then
went to western portion of ancestral temple to greet his mother
and to thank her for his upbringing. When he returned,
his father publically pronounced the man’s adult name
and guests toasted him once more. As an adult, he
greeted his siblings. As a host, he thanked his guests by
returning their toasts and gave them gifts as expressions
of his thanks.
While rite of capping ceremony had spread among more
wealthy commoners, family status denoted number of
caps a child would receive.
Rite of Wedding
Ancient marriage rarely occurred from love between
two couples but more on compatibility or alliances of
two families. As such, it was a solemn affair. There were
six steps devoted to conduct proper wedding.
The ProposeWedding or na-bian (literary to receive and
to determine) was the first step. The groom’s family invited a
matchmaker to the house to discuss available candidates. Then
matchmaker paid a visit to the most potential family. As a gift,
she would bring a wild goose. Since wild geese traveled north-
south during change of season, it represented as the mediator
of yin-yang. The size and appearance of wild goose would
give the bride’s family an idea of groom’s family background
and their sincerity.
When the bride’s family agreed to the groom’s family proposal,
the matchmaker would return at another day to initiate the second
step, the Request Name or wen-ming. A representative from the
groom’s family would accompany with the matchmaker on her
second trip to the bride’s family.Again, a wild goose was offered
among other gifts.
This time, the bride’s family reciprocated by invited the guests
to a banquet. On certain instances, the groom accompanied the
family representative to pay respect to his future in-laws.
And on rare occasion, the bride’s parents let their daughter served
tea or snacks to their guests. This may consider to be unofficial
introduction and only most liberal noble family did them.
The groom’s family representative was here to request for the
bride’s personal name and her sacred eight numbers: hour,
date, month, and year of her birth. Together with the groom’s
sacred eight numbers and his personal name, these would
be given to a shaman or a daoist priest, who placed them in
ancestral temple or tablet. If no negative omen had occurred
then they were readied to proceed to next step.
The Request Prosperity or na-ji was the selection of
most auspicious day. Based on shaman or daoist priest
Art of Propriety
Not exactly correct period, but close enough.
http://www.chcp.org/wedding.html

recommendation, the groom’s family representative presented
a list of auspicious days to the bride’s family to choose from.
Unless there was a serious concern, usually the first date was
agreed upon. During this visit, the groom’s family representative
continued to offer wild goose as part of gifts giving to the bride’s
family. Now, the bride and the groom were formally engaged.
The Gift Giving or na-zheng was the fourth step. The groom’s
family send lavished gifts to the bride’s family to demonstrate
their ability to provide wealth and security to bride-to-be. Wild
goose was included.
The Request Date or qing-qi sent the groom’s family
representative to the bride’s family to officially request the
previously agreed date of marriage. And the bride’s family
head publically consented to it. Most symbolic was the large
wild goose, the groom’s family would also present the bride’s
family other gifts at this meeting.
The Intimately Welcome or qing-ying occurred on the
wedding date. The groom personally led a troupe and escorts
to the bride’s family. The bride’s father welcomed his son-in-
law at the front door. He invited him to the house.After entered
and paid respected to elder generation of the bride’s family, the
groom presented his gifts to the family among which, a wild
goose. Afterward, the groom requested to leave.
The bride’s family escorted the bride out to the door but they
stopped at the front door. From there, the groom guided the
bride to a cart, chariot or carriage. Once he instructed the driver
to take extra care of delivering the passenger, the groom got on
to another cart, chariot or carriage and speedily returned home
to prepare to lead the welcome. The bride traveled in company
of music troupe, groom’s escorts, and her personal servants.
When the bride arrived, the groom stood outside of his house
to receive her. As they entered the main room, it would be
fulled with family members, friends, and master of ceremony
who would be the community elder.
Standing together, the new couple awaited for master of
ceremony’s instruction. They bowed to family ancestral tablet
to symbolize their union before spiritual world; they bowed
to the groom’s parents to symbolize their union before human
world; they bowed to each other to acknowledge their bond to
each other. With that, they were officially united as husband
and wife.
During the feast, the bride and the groom sat together. They
shared foods and drinks that have been blessed and offered to
heaven above. They used a pair of special bowl crafted from
two halves of a gourd. Both then went around to each table to
toast guests as thanking them for attending.
When the bride and the groom retired to their room, they
usually left alone. But in some occasion a more rowdy crowds
followed them. These motley crews attempted to embarrass
the bride with jokes, comments, and bizarre requests. A quick
wit bride could send them away with witty remarks. A thin-
skin bride could scared them away with flood of tear. But most
bear them graciously till the groom became impatience and
chase them away.
In their nuptial chamber, dong-fang, there was a large bronze
mirror that symbolize their wholesomeness. A pair of tall red
longevity candles burned throughout the night. If both of them
burned to the very bottom, this symbolized that they would
live long together. If one of candle extinguished before the
other, then it meant that one of them would suffer mishap
before another.
Morning of next day, the new bride offered specially processed
meats and fruits to her elders.
Rites of Archery
The Archery was considered an important outdoor activity
among nobility. It was comparable to modern day golf
and was much practiced among the elites. Every public
outdoor celebration
will include the
Archery. Bow and
arrows besides being
instruments of war,
also have religious
purpose: they chased
away evils and hostile
spirits. The elegance
of archery was such
that it was considered
part of educating a
nobility along with the
study of Four Classics.
There were four types
of Rite of Archery.
The Rite of Great
Archery (da-she)
performed during
great celebration and
ceremony that led by
ruler. It was the most
Art of Propriety
continue on page 28
Lu Bu used the Rite of
Visiting Archery to mediate
peace between Yuan Shao
and Liu Bei’s forces.
© 2000 Creator Workshop

As continuation from last issue's theme of Cao
Cao's “As many advisers as clouds in the sky.
As many warriors as fallen rains.”, were there
anyone who ought to consider to be on par to Liu
Bei's Five Tiger Generals. Since the title of Five
Tiger Generals were attributed later by admirers
of Liu Bei. So we, at Romancing Cathay, looked
through the Chronicle, Ambition of the Three
Kingdoms, and selected what the Author, Chen
Shou, had deemed to be worthy of Cao Cao's
Five Tiger Generals. Starting from this to next
four issues, we will examine a general under Cao
Cao who is commendable of that prestiges status,
Tiger General. At conclusion of this series, we
like to ask readers to input their thoughts on the
ranking of these Five Tiger Generals.
Five Tiger Generals are defined as one who could lead his
troops and demonstrated his fighting skill in battles. He fought
independently in battle without further instructions from his
lord. And lastly, he was to be able to plan his battle.
Unlike Cao Cao and Liu Bei, Sun Quan had no claimed of his
own Five Tiger Generals. Instead, he has what were popular
known as Four Heavenly Kings. Four Heavenly Kings are
popular Chinese mythos as chief guardians of Four Heavenly
Gates that corresponded to a cardinal direction. These
Heavenly Kings have been in services since the time of Sun
Jian. They will be featured in later issues of Revisiting the
Three Kingdoms Quarterly.
Hopefully, this article will explain why Chen Shou thought
that Yu Jin, General of Tiger's Awe, would consider to be one
of Cao Cao's Five Tiger General. Below is the translation from
San-gu-zhi, the Ambition of Three Kingdoms, the official
historical record.
Early Days
Yu Jin, whose personal name is Wen Ze (civil principle), came
from Mount Tai Commandery Ju-ping Prefecture. During time
of Yellow Turban Rebellion, a close friend of Cao Cao, Bao
Xin formed his defense force. Yu Jin went to serve him.
When Cao Cao gained
control of Yan Province, Yu
Jin and some of his friends
went to join him. They were
placed under General Wang
Lang as military police.
Later, Wang Lang praised his efforts and recommended him
to officer tracks.
After an interview with Cao Cao, he was commissioned as
army captain.
His first successful battle was to attack Guang-wei area as part
of Cao Cao's invading force to Xu Province.
For his recognition, he promoted to Colonel who Breakthrough
Enemy Formation.
He had accompanied Cao Cao to Pu-yang in a campaign of
fight Lu Bu over Yan Province.At the south of Pu-yang city, he
defeat two battalions.At Xu-chang, he led troops to defeat Gao
Ya. He followed Cao Cao to attack Shou-zhang, Ting-tao, and
Li-hu area. And at Yong-qiu, he participated in surrounding
of Zhang Chao, the lead conspirator of Lu Bu's bid for Yan
Province. It was an overwhelm success.
Yu Jin participated other campaign of eliminating Yellow
Turban Bandits led by Liu Bi and Huang Shao. While the army
stationed at Ban Liang, Huang Shao used the cover of night
Yu Jin, General of Tiger’s Awe
by Chuan Lin
© 1999 KOEI Co., Ltd.

to lead an attack. Yu Jin organized the defense of parameters
and fought valiantly. They have beaten back the enemy, slain
Huang Shao and his top officers, and captured the enemy
forces. For recognition of these efforts, Yu Jin rose to become
Colonel who Pacify and Capture.
Defense First, Ask Pardon Later
Yu Jin followed Cao Cao at Ku Prefecture in an attempt to
capture Qiao Rui. He have eliminated four commanding
officers under Qiao Rui.
Yu Jin was also presented during Cao Cao first campaign to
capture Zhang Xiu at Wan Prefecture. Initially, Zhang Xiu was
willing to surrender. Soon, he changed his mind and planned
a betrayal. Cao Cao forced to flee to Wu-yin [City]. His force
was in disarrayed. Everyone was looking ways to rejoin Cao
Cao at Wu-yin.
Only Yu Jin and his force were performed fighting withdraw.
None of his troops fled on their own. The enemy slowed their
pursuit. This gave time to Yu Jin to reorganize his force and
beat an orderly march back to Cao Cao at Wu-yin.
However, along the way, Yu Jin met few people who were
striped of their belongings and bore marks of whipping.
Questioned them, they replied,
“We were robbed by the Qing Provincial Troops
and were beaten by them.”
The Qin Provincial Troops were large Yellow Turban forces
submitted to Cao Cao who reorganized and personally led
them. Because of their nature and Cao Cao being lenient to
them, they sometime broke military laws. They took current
chaos as an opportunity to rob and pillage.
After listen to robbed and beaten victims, Yu Jin became angry
and to his officers, he exclaimed,
“Qing Provincial Troops and us belong to Grand Cao.
How dare they use the privilege to commit crime and
abused their position!”
He ordered an attack on the Qing Provincial Troops in the
name of law and order. These rogue troops fled to Cao
Cao to complain about Yu Jin. When Yu Jin arrived at Cao
Cao's camp, he first commanded to set up defense and not
immediately sought after Cao Cao. Other advised him,
“The Qing Provincial Troops have already
complained about you to Grand Cao. You should
go immediately to defend yourself to Grand Cao.”
Yu Jin replied,
“Enemy will be soon behind us. They will attack in
any minute. If we are not prepare ourselves first,
how are we able to mount a successful defense.
Also, our lord is wise and observant, he will not be
influenced by lies.”
He took his time to set up camps and dug ditches. Once
everything had been taken care of, he then went to see Cao Cao
and explained everything to him. Cao Cao was very pleased at
Yu Jin's report, he said,
“In my darkest hour, General can still maintain
control of his force, upheld order, and defended
his position all in midst of chaos. He has two
greatest virtues of loyal and steadfastness. Not
even famous generals of antiquity can surpass
your accomplishment.”
Therefore, Cao Cao ordered Yu Jin's merits to be recorded and
ennobled him as Marquise of Benevolence and Longevity Hall.
He was there when Cao Cao attempted to capture Zhang Xiu
the second time at Rang Prefecture.
He partook the campaign to capture Lu Bu at Xiao-pei.
Together, with Shi Huan and Cao Ren at She-quan Prefect,
they attacked Gui Gu. It was an overwhelming victory and Gui
Gu died in the battle.
Campaign Against Yuan Shao
When the war broke out between Yuan Shao and Cao Cao, the
former's military strength was mighty. Yu Jin volunteered to
lead the vanguard. Cao Cao admired him greatly and have him
commanded two thousand troops to station at Yan-jin [City]. Cao
Cao took the bulk of his force to Guan-du to build up defense.
Yuan Shao attempted to have Liu Bei to raise rebellion at Xu
Province. Cao Cao force to march eastward and Yuan Shao
took advantage of situation to attack Yu Jin. Yet, Yan-jin was
well defended by Yu Jin that Yuan Shao could not capture
it. During the siege period, both Yu Jin and Yue Jin led five
thousands troops to raid nearby Yuan Shao's military camps
southwest of Yan-jin and along the Yellow River to Ji and
Huo-jia Prefectures. They have burned down more than thirty
fortifications, killed off several thousands of troops, captured
several thousands more soldiers, and took captives of twenty-
some Yuan Shao's generals including He Mao and Wang Mo.
During next stage of campaign, Cao Cao repositioned Yu Jin at
Yu Jin, General of Tiger's Awe

Yuan-wu Prefecture to harass Yuan Shao's forces around Du-
shi Ferry. He was successful.
For these merits, he rose to the position of Lieutenant General
(bian jiang-jun).
When he returned to Guan Du with Cao Cao, both sides were
very close to each other that their military camps nearly touched
each other. Both troops piled up hills in an attempt to gain an
height advantage over other. Yuan Shao had the upper hand and
his forces constantly fired arrows and bolts into Cao's camps.
Many soldiers died and Cao Cao's camp suffered low morale.
Ju Yin volunteered to lead troops to build up even higher
hill in midst of enemy's rain of death. He valiantly provided
shield screens for workers and his force's morale slowly build
up momentum. He finally succeed in building higher hills to
shoot down Yuan Shao's archers and crossbowmen that later
had stopped. For his effort, he promoted to Major General (pi
jiang-jun).
General of Tiger's Awe
When Yi Province had been pacified, Cheng Xi led a revolt.
Cao Cao sent Ju Yin to put down the rebellion. Yu Jin's
persisted attacks against Cheng Xi that he could not handle
any more. Since Cheng Xi and Yu Jin were once friend, so
he decided to surrender to Yu Jin. Everyone though that once
Cheng Xi had capitulated, he ought to be sent to Cao Cao for
sentencing. Yu Jin objected,
“Have you all forgotten what Grand Cao had told
us? For those who were surrounded and then
surrender were not to be forgiving. To obey the law
is but one of a subject and a gentleman's virtues.
Even though Cheng Xi was my close friend, how
can I abandon my integrity as a subject.”
Then he personally went to visit Cheng Xi and bid him
farewell. With tear, he ordered Cheng Xi's execution. When
Cao Cao heard of the news while he stationed at Chun Yu
Prefecture, he sighted,
“If Cheng Xi wanted to surrender, instead of came
to me, he went to Yu Jin. Is his death certainly
being fated?”
Since then, he entrusted with Yu Jin even more responsibilities.
After pacified Dong-hai Prefecture, he promoted Yu Jin to
General of Tiger's Awe.
Later, Yu Jin and Zang
Ba were ordered to
attack Mei Cheng
whle Zhang Liao and
Zhang Ge attacked
Chen Lan. When
Yu Jin arrived, Mei
Cheng surrendered
immediately with his
three thousands odd
troops. But later, Mei
Cheng betrayed them
and took his force to
join Chen Lan. This
caused Zhang Liao
force to be in stalemate
with Chen Lan. Their
supplies were running
short. Yu Jin then took
on the responsibility of
transporting supplies. This allowed Zhang Liao to defeat both
Mei Cheng and Chen Lan.
For his effort, Cao Cao increased two hundred additional
households to Yu Jin. Combined from previous awards, Yu Jin
had one thousand two hundred households.
At that time, Yu Jin, Zhang Liao, Yue Jin, Zhang Ge, and
Xu Huang were famous generals under Cao Cao. Every
time, Cao Cao went on a campaign, he designated them to
be his vanguards. When withdraw, they were selected to be
the rearguards. Ju Yin was known to handle his troops with
strict discipline. Every time, he received loots from enemy, he
dared not took some for himself. Therefore, he was especially
reward. But because he tended to be over discipline that he did
not won the heart of his soldiers.
There was one incident during the triumphant return of Cao
Cao after the successful raid on Yuan Shao's main supply depot,
everyone rushed to see him. Only troops under Yu Jin were in
formation and awaited Cao Cao to come by for inspection.
Another incident involved with Cao Cao being upset with
one of his subordinate, Zhu Ling and wanted to remove his
command. But he knew any envoy sent to Zhu Ling would
be in danger and he did not want to appear personally. Since
Footnotes
1
Great Axe or Dai fu was one of twelve insignia of emperorship
Drowning of Seven Armies

Yu Jin was known for his heavy discipline, he sent Yu Jin and
some scores of troops. They arrived with the official writ to
retrieve the insignia of authority. Zhu Ling and his officers
were fearful of Yu Jin's awe that they dared not resist. Cao
Cao, therefore, set Yu Jin to be Zhu Ling's commander. Such
was the awe of Yu Jin that his fellow officers feared him.
Cao Cao promoted him to the General of the Left and as the
Keeper of Great Axe1
. He received five hundred households
and his son had been ennobled.
Disgrace
At the twenty-fourth year of the Rebuilding Peace (219
AD), Cao Cao, at Chang-an, ordered Cao Ren to go to Fan
(Prefecture) to contain Guan Yu. Later, he sent Yu Jin to assist
Cao Ren. During Fall of that year, there was a torrid rain that
caused overflow of Han River. Low ground was severely
flooded with several tens of feet of water. The Seven Armies
under Yu Jin were drowned. Yu Jin and his officers fled to
higher ground to observe the damage and have no place to
flee. Guan Yu rode on boats to attack. Yu Jin could not defend,
he surrendered. Only Pang De not willing to sacrifice his
principle by surrender, he was executed. When Cao Cao heard
of this event, he sighted for a long time and said,
“I have entrusted Yu Jin for thirty-odd years and
did not expect him at the last moment to change
his principle by surrender. He was worse than
Pang De.”
Later, Sun Quan had captured Guan Yu and took charge of
his prisoners. Yu Jin, again surrendered to Wu Kingdom.
When Cao Pi ascended to become Emperor of Wei, Sun Quan
submitted to be his minister. Yu Jin was returned.
Wei Emperor Wen summoned Yu Jin and saw his hair and
beard have turned white, his color was very pale. When Yu
Jin saw Emperor Wen, he prostrated himself and sobbed. Cao
Pi consoled him and compared him to Xu Lin-fu and Meng
Ming-shi of antiquity (meaning that Yu Jin's defeat was due to
flooding not because of his command). He had forgiven Yu Jin
and reinstated him as General of Distant Pacification.
Before sending him as an envoy to Wu Kingdom, Emperor Wen
ordered Yu Jin to go North to Ye [City] to pay respect to Cao
Cao's mausoleum. Early on, Cao Pi had commissioned a painting
of Guan Yu's victory, Pang De's anguish, and Yu Jin's capitulation
on the wall of Cao Cao's mausoleum. When Yu Jin arrived and
saw the painting, he felt extremely ashamed. Soon he felt ill and
died. His son, Yu Gui, inherited his position and ennobled as the
Marquise of Benevolence and Longevity Hall. And Yu Jin was
posthumously dignified as the Fearsome Marquise.
Conclusion
Historian and the author of Ambition of the Three Kingdoms,
Chen Shou critiqued Yu Jin as followed,
"Yu Jin was known for his firm will, consideration and
seriousness. Yet, he could not maintain the standard till
very end."
Class Level
Period
Strong
Hero
Fast Hero Tough Hero Smart Hero Dedicated
Hero
Charismatic
Hero
184 - 188
AD
3
189 - 192
AD
5
193 - 198
AD
8
199 - 206
AD
3 8
207 - 213
AD
4 9
214 - 219
AD
5 9
220 - 226
AD
227 - 234
AD
Yu Jin in Ro-
mance of the
Three King-
doms Role
Playing Game
Historical Ver-
sion

Zhou Yu, Artful General
by Chuan Lin
Foreword: There are few fictions and
even fewer with wu-xia theme about Three
Kingdoms period in Chinese. Most of them
dealt with Cao Cao, Liu Bei, Zhuge Liang.
Recently, there is a new fiction that focus on
Zhou Yu. Since Romancing Cathay has already
doing an extensive analysis on Cao Cao, we
decided to concentrate on Zhou Yu since he
was one of most misrepresented characters
in Romance of the Three Kingdoms novel.
Zhou Yu was the chief architect of that famous
Red Cliff battle and could be a contender had
he lived long enough. Through this fiction,
hopefully, readers can see the conflicts in Three
Kingdoms from a different perspective.
Prologue
Zhou Yu sits in front of the Flowing Tranquility
Inn, watches the great tree in front of him. His
eyes seems to gel to it.
The tree is tallest and largest than its kins, yet, it
is about to wither away. It has lots of branches,
and among them, a bird nest. Mother sparrow
is busy feeding her chicks. They, bath in warm
sunlight, extend their neck with open mouths,
eagerly receiving foods and chirping excitingly
among themselves. After feeding them, mother
sparrow flaps her wings and flies away.
Innkeeper personally delivers a just brewed tea,
“Young Master Zhou must find it
fascinating to watch those little chicks
being fed after spending long hours
studying at the Exquisite Boarding
School, ay?”
“I’m not impressed, however, I do learn a
shocking truth from it.”
“What is the truth?”
The innkeeper smiled, which further
bloats his already broad face.
“Even in three words, two
sentences1
, you will still not
understand. You’re better off
minding your own store.”
Zhou Yu wants to say, but chokes it down.
* * *
That year, Zhou Yu is fourteen years
old. He is the youngest member of the
Huai-jiang Exquisite Boarding School
within He-fei City. His aptitude is
well known among Jiang-huai area.
Even those students who are his elders
are very respectful to him that they
compare themselves to be junior to
Zhou Yu. His nickname is the Talent
of Jiang-huai.
Zhou Clan is located at Shu Prefecture in
Lu-jiang Commandery. They have been
associated with government ministry in
past generations. Many of his ancestors
have held important government
positions. His is one of the prominent
families around Jiang-huai area. Zhou
Yu father and uncles have made many
distinguished friends that there were
scores of carriages and horses to
accompany their arrival and departure.
* * *
Zhou Yu looks away from that bird
nest and stares at the street corner. He
mumbles to himself,
“Why have not Shang Gu
Footnotes
1
Chinese saying, meaning, with few statements

arrived yet?”
But slowly, His eyes wandered back to that bird nest.
He has been studied industriously at the Exquisite Boarding
School that his only friend outside of it is Shang Gu.
Shang Gu is a minor official within He-fei City and is in
charge of collecting taxes from inns within the city. Though
there were some grease money, he is not imperially appointed,
thus, does not even get to meet the Grand Administrator of
his commandery. Therefore, not many ascetic proud talents of
Zhou Yu, the Artful General
Birthplace of Zhou Yu in
Modern maps

Jiang-hui bothered with him. Hence, many are curious why
Zhou Yu, who cherishes his time like gold, wants to make
friend with Shang Gu.
* * *
When ZhouYu was younger still, he recited Confucius’s phase,
“Friends come from afar, aren’t joyous affair?” He asked his
father, Zhou Yi, who was then the Administrator of Luo-yang.
“Why would one be happy to see a friend from
distant away?”
“Naturally one would be happy when seeing a
friend who hasn’t been seen awhile.”
Father, patted his head, and explained.
Though Zhou Yu agreed to his father’s answer, yet, he felt that
a man who deemed to be a Sage by many would not utter such
a simple statement. One day, his uncle, Zhou Zong, who was
then the Grand Minister of War, came to visit. He asked the
same question and received a different answer.
“Friendsfromafarbroughtwiththemnews.Heaven
Below is vast, yet, everything is interrelated. Events
occurred from thousand miles away would still be
important to us. What if, Yang Province suffered a
flood, many would go hunger in Lou-yang. If you
know this ahead of time, you would eat less during
each meal, or start to buy up all the rices. You
would not suffer the same fate as other.”
Zhou Yu felt enlightened by this answer, he finally knew the
truth behind that statement. There and then, he also realized
why his father was merely a city administrator and his uncle,
the Grand Minister of War.
Zhou Yu was seven, then.
Once being accepted to the Exquisite Boarding School,
everyone concentrated to absorb wisdoms of books, Zhou
Yu wanted to be in touched with latest events. How would
he know? He thought of merchants who traveled to He-fei
who, upon reached the city, would want to stay at inns.
Innkeepers often make friends with their customers. But there
are too many innkeepers within the city that Zhou Yu couldn’t
possibly know them all. Then he thought of a person who
would be in contact with these innkeeper, some minor official
like Shang Gu.
Merchants traveled south rode north, they get the most
exposures. In a chaotic world, government events have effect
on economic situation. Therefore, merchants are no less
concern about politic than politicians themselves.
So, merchants gathered information and passed to innkeepers
who then passed on to Shang Gu and finally to Zhou Yu. Without
leaving the confine of the city, Zhou Yu knows about most events
within Heaven Below. He is most proud of his accomplishment.
One time, Zhou Zhong asked Zhou Yu.
“Child Yu, what do you think is the largest among
heaven, earth and mankind?”
Zhou Yu thought for a while and pointed upward.
“Of course, Heaven is the largest.”
“No.”
“Earth?”
“No, Child Yu, think this thoroughly and I will ask
you again next time.”
Amonth later, Zhou Zong came again. His question had tortured
Zhou Yu during the interim, what is larger than heaven?
“Uncle, I still can not solve this, please tell me the
answer.”
Zhou Yu was very depressed.
“A man’s heart.”
“A man’s heart?” Zhou Yu still did not get it.
“A man’s heart can swallow heaven and earth.
Child Yu, you have to remember, you have such
a heart.”
Zhou Zong answered as he patted the back of Zhou Yu’s head.
This answer took Zhou Yu several years to understand it. And
he could experience it. Because of this, Zhou Yu committed to
his heart of statements made by talented and eminent persons.
Slowly would he begin to realize the meaning behind them,
and then one day, like a bright sunlight disbursing the clouds,
these would become his wisdoms.
* * *
Shang Gu comes running, his sweats are pouring. Finding that
Zhou Yu does not notice his arrival, he looks at what his friend
is observing.
“Bird nests are plenty, why Young Master find this
one particular interesting?”
“Beside looking at the bird nest, I also look at the
tree that supports it.”
Zhou Yu, the Artful General
continue on page 36

possibility of new CCG: Gu Long and Jade Dynasty CCG
being introduced in US in 2003. This project has been
canceled. The Hong Kong company figured that the CCG
market is down overall, therefore, it decided to refocus on
their own market.
Within a month’s time, a Chinese New Year, 1
st
February
2003, will arrive. We at Romancing Cathay wish you all:
Cordially, Chuan Lin
Looking Back... Looking Forward
continue from page 2
formal archery and took place at the outside. To qualify as
participant for such event, contestants have to be able to shoot
a target. The archer with highest mark became the Honorary
Archer who would shoot peach-wood arrows to chase away
evil spirits during the height of celebration.
When celebration involved with the ancestral temple, a
sacrifice was made to honor the spirit. The descendant
of ancestral temple had to shoot the sacrificial animal to
symbolize his effort to bring the animal to the altar.
The Rite of Visiting Archery (bin-she) entertained great and
old guests who one had not seen for a while. It was secondary
in importance of archery rites and usually took place outdoor
in front of all. As part of celebration, an archery used as a way
to reminiscence the good old days. Another use of the Rite
of Visiting Archery was to mediate between two party. When
two party disputed, a test of archery was called to resolve the
conflict.
The Rite of Swallow Archery (yan-she) was the most casual
form of archery. This was often a part of banquet or party.
Even the word itself, Swallow or yan, was a play on the word,
Banquet or yan. The archery took place within the host’s
courtyard. This archery was viewed as entertainment purpose
among participants.
The Rite of Village Archery (xiang-she) occurred during
farewell celebration when members of a village have been
selected for government position. The school master organized
this festival. Here, successful hits represented well wishes to
candidate’s career to rise as swift as an arrow. Another use
for the Rite of Village Archery occurred when the Provincial
Governor visited a school. This usually occurred once a year.
As part of the welcome banquet and part demonstration, the
school master gave each of his pupil a chance to shine by
demonstrate his literary and martial skills.
Bibliography
http://www.chinavista.com/travel/taishan/ts01.html
http://www.anton-heyboer.org/i_ching/books/5-shan.htm
http://www.scivis.com/AC/hist/chinapole.html
http://www2.netvigator.com/eng/AboutHK/PiXiu/PiXiu.htm
http://216.239.37.100/search?=cache:m054YGRNdNwC:
www.geocities.com/lingmingwushu/Pixiu.htm
http://www.darsie.net/talesofwonder/4drag.html
http://www.china-inc.com/education/music/
Art of Propriety
Auspicoius and
Joyous
Atmosphere

3. He strengthened the communication with Liu Biao of
Jing Province. To create more pressure in the south for
Cao Cao.
Cao Cao: Force Yuan Shao to go through
Center
For Cao Cao, his best choice is to force Yuan Shao to advance his
force right down the middle and selected a battlefield along the
way that would destroy Yuan Shao’s advantage of superior troop
number. For a year and a half before the actual battle, Cao Cao
had investigated all possible places for battle. After thoughtful
analysis, he decided on Guan-du as the ideal location.
Guan-du was a ferry port. To its north is the Guan-du River,
an ideal place for defense. Area around Guan-du is flat, perfect
for Cao Cao’s preferred method of combat: cavalry charges.
And most importantly, for Yuan Shao to move his troops from
Ye Cheng [City] to Guan-du, he had to travel across Yellow
River, Yin-guo River, Bei-ji River, Guan-du River and Qu
River. Not only would this make it hard for the attacker, but
also dispersed his forces through numerous river crossing. Not
to mention the fact that it would be a logistic nightmare for
supply train.
Therefore, how to get Yuan Shao to go to Guan-du to fight
is an important question. Of course, the final outcome of
any battle depended on general and officers. Commander-in-
Chief’s role is to select the best man for a given task in order
to win a battle. In this aspect, Cao Cao’s performance was far
superior than Yuan Shao.
Based on the two organizational charts of chain-of-commands,
Cao Cao was more focused on holistic campaign. Yuan Shao
was hampered by personal interest and unable to plan or to
follow through completely.
Under Cao Cao’s immediate command were two type of
officers: those who were fearless but also tactless and those
who were recently submit to him, thus have questionable
loyalty. Xia-hou Yuan, Cao Hong, Xu Zhu, Cao Zhen and Cao
Xiu belonged to former. Zhang Liao, Xu Huang, Guan Yu,
and Zhang Xiu belonged to the later. Operation and Advisory
Staffs were consisted of Xun You, Guo Jia, and Jia Xu. They
Cao Cao’s
Master Plan
1) Let Yuan Shao
come down to Li-
yang City.
A) Stopped Yuan
Tan’s Advance at
the Qing Province
Border.
B) Stopped Gao
Gan’s Advance at
the Bign Province
Border.
2) Forces Yuan
Shao to come
down alone
through the center
and stop at Guan-
du.
Map originated from
www.threekingdoms.com

Revisiting the Three Kingdoms, Issue 05

Revisiting the Three Kingdoms, Issue 05

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Revisiting the Three Kingdoms, Issue 05