One Hundred and Five: A Formal Visit

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In these turbulent times of war and chaos, with bandits rampant and starving refugees scattered across the land, traveling alone was perilous. One had to join large caravans, bring a strong escort, or follow the soldiers directly to avoid the danger of being robbed. The young man before him, who claimed to be a scholar’s attendant, rode a fine horse and wore elegant clothes. If he were alone, he would surely be an easy target for thieves.

Yet here he was, appearing calmly and confidently amid the chaos of Yanzhou, even facing the army led by General Cao Hong alone. It was clear he had some powerful backing and was not just a scholar with no means of self-defense.

Shi A and Pan Zhang exchanged a glance when asked, and Shi A replied, “This is the army of General Cao Zilian, a relative of General Cao Hong.”

The attendant’s face lit up. “My young master’s carriage is just ahead. Which one of you is General Cao? Might my young master pay his respects?”

The Xun family of Yingchuan was renowned far and wide. The Yingchuan Academy, revered by scholars everywhere, was located in one of the Xun family’s estates. Anyone who had even a little education knew the Xuns. So when the attendant said his young master wished to meet with Cao Hong, neither Shi A nor Pan Zhang dared to be disrespectful. Shi A said, “Neither of us is General Cao. Please wait here; I will send someone to inform the general.”

The attendant bowed. “Thank you, General.”

Shi A promptly dispatched a soldier to inform Cao Hong. When the soldier reported that a scholar’s attendant from the Xun family of Yingchuan had come inquiring whether his young master could meet the general, Cao Hong immediately guessed who the visitor was.

At this time, in this place, with this surname, who else could it be but Xun Yu, whom Cao Cao affectionately called “my Zifang”?

Cao Hong spurred his horse forward and said to the attendant, “Where is your young master?”

The attendant replied, “He is resting beneath a hill about fifteen li ahead.”

Cao Hong said, “Thank you, young man. Lead the way; I shall pay my respects to Master Xun Wenruo.”

The attendant was astonished. How could this general know his young master’s name? Judging by his age, the general was even younger than his master. Could it be that wise men possessed some gift of foresight? His young master and Master Fengxiao often discussed world affairs and always seemed to anticipate events. Surely this young general’s intellect was no less than theirs; otherwise, he would not command troops at such a young age. No wonder his master left Hebei to serve Lord Cao in Dongjun. With such talented generals under him, how much more so the lord himself?

In truth, Cao Hong had simply spoken instinctively. Xun Yu was a brilliant strategist whose contributions to Cao Cao were well known to all who read the Records of the Three Kingdoms. Xun Yu had defected from Yuan Shao to Cao Cao in the year 191, so Cao Hong had easily guessed the visitor’s identity.

He had not expected that one casual remark would lead the attendant to regard him as a figure as formidable as Xun Yu or Guo Jia.

Suppressing his inner excitement, the attendant agreed and led the way. Cao Hong followed closely behind with his soldiers, preparing to meet Xun Yu.

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Cao Hong was puzzled. If Xun Yu intended to join Cao Cao, why linger here instead of going straight to Dongwuyang? Logically, traveling south from Bohai under Yuan Shao, he should reach Dongwuyang first before coming here. Why take a longer route? It was truly perplexing.

About fifteen li from where Cao Hong met the attendant, beneath a hill, a four-horse carriage stood just beyond the dense forest to the north. Around it, twenty robust men clad in tight armor, each carrying a ring-headed saber, stood guard. Each was muscular and strong, and beside them stood a fine horse like the attendant’s, bearing a bow and a quiver of arrows.

These twenty men formed a tight circle around the carriage. Inside, dressed in a light robe and gentle sash, Xun Yu sat with his eyes closed, resting. In his mind, he was reflecting on a conversation he had had with Guo Jia since leaving Yuan Shao to return to Yingchuan.

When Xun Yu arrived in Yingchuan, Cao Cao’s forces had already divided into six columns and launched a successful campaign from Xiangyi to suppress bandits. The news of their victories had spread like wildfire throughout the surrounding provinces of Yanzhou and even reached the well-connected Yingchuan in Yuzhou.

In Guo Jia’s thatched cottage, Xun Yu asked, “Fengxiao, Cao Cao’s army has swept out from Xiangyi, crushing local power factions and weakening the influence of strong clans in Yanzhou. Is this what you call cleaning up the aftermath?”

Guo Jia smiled. “Doesn’t it seem so, Wenruo?”

Xun Yu pondered, “Are there not strong local clans beyond Yanzhou? If Cao Cao suppresses them on such a scale, might the other clans across the land feel threatened and resentful?”

Guo Jia laughed heartily. “Only a wise man like you, born of a strong clan, would feel that way. I believe the clans see Cao Cao’s actions as a clear message: those who follow him live; those who oppose him die. As long as they submit, they will receive his protection. Moreover, they have fewer rivals vying for power. Such a benefit is hard to refuse. Once Cao Cao stabilizes his position, he will likely support clans weakened by the bandit troubles and suppress the ones that remain powerful, using them to maintain balance in Yanzhou.”

Xun Yu considered this. “Supporting some, striking others—quite a clever tactic. After all, Cao Cao is not from Yanzhou himself. This is a second-best solution. Besides, the major clans of Yanzhou have already been shattered by the bandit troubles. Cao Cao’s choice of the remaining strong clans won’t provoke unified local resentment because most local families are preoccupied with their own survival. This is indeed a well-played endgame.”

Guo Jia smiled. “Wenruo, you left Yuan Benchu to return to Yingchuan to see how the chaos in Yanzhou would resolve, didn’t you?”

Xun Yu answered frankly, “Naturally, I wanted to see if there was a wise ruler who would allow me to demonstrate my talents.”

Guo Jia said, “Then you should join Cao Cao. Just look at how he issued a call to arms against Dong Zhuo and, while rival warlords in the east remained stagnant, single-handedly captured Hulao Pass with a lone force. He is clearly a man of both courage and wisdom. Moreover, striking decisively in winter at the moment when the Taishan bandits suffered shortages and the Black Mountain troops were exhausted shows he seizes the right time and place perfectly. Compared to Yuan Benchu’s cautious indecisiveness, Cao Cao is far superior.”

Xun Yu asked, “If that is so, Fengxiao, will you accompany me?”

Guo Jia laughed, “I went with you last time and was greatly disappointed. This time, you go ahead as the vanguard.”

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Xun Yu smiled wryly. His friend was temperamental and proud. He had accepted the invitation last time out of politeness but would refuse now, understandably. Yet Guo Jia’s admiration for Cao Cao, despite not serving him, was puzzling.

For a moment, Xun Yu was at a loss for words, until Guo Jia spoke again: “Wenruo, you come from a distinguished scholarly family, renowned throughout the land. Cao Cao will surely treat you with respect, not only for your talents but also for your pedigree. After all, even the eight dragons of the Xun clan have pledged themselves to him. Who among the scholars of the world would dare to look down on him? They would not even mind his past as a eunuch’s descendant.”

Xun Yu laughed bitterly. “Are you sure the scholars won’t say that Cao Cao and I share a common plight?”

Guo Jia laughed heartily. Xun Yu had married the daughter of the eunuch Tang Heng. He was spared ridicule only because of his fame and talent. After all, how many men in the world are called “talents worthy of kings and ministers”? How many could mock such talents?

Xun Yu’s father-in-law was a eunuch, and Cao Cao’s grandfather was a eunuch as well—hence Xun Yu’s joke.

After laughing, Guo Jia shook his head. “Now that Cao Cao controls Yanzhou and you, Wenruo, are famous throughout the land, who would say such things? It would be best for you to leave now. Several of Cao Cao’s armies are still campaigning in Yanzhou. If you encounter a unit and someone can introduce you to Cao Cao, all the better. It will avoid awkwardness, help you build goodwill with Cao Cao’s generals, and being able to recommend a ‘talent worthy of kings and ministers’ to your lord is a favor of great significance.”

“As we near Dongwuyang, it is surprising we have met Cao Cao’s troops,” Xun Yu murmured as he gathered his thoughts. The terrain they traveled was slightly elevated, and Cao Hong’s soldiers were numerous, stirring up dust. Xun Yu sent someone to scout and indeed saw the banners bearing the character Cao, prompting him to send the attendant to inquire.

“Xun Qian is too slow! No reply yet.” Xun Yu cursed silently.

At that moment, the leader of the guards outside the carriage reported, “Young master, Cao’s army has halted five li away. Two riders are approaching us—one is young master Xun Qian, the other wears bright armor, holds a horse lance, and carries a magnificent sword on his back. He must be the army commander.”

Xun Yu immediately said, “Understood!” He adjusted his robes and stepped down from the carriage to face the two riders galloping toward him.