Chapter 21 Chapter 7: The Battle of Yuan Cao at Guandu

In the fourth year of Jian'an (AD 199), Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty, relying on his huge economic and military advantages, Yuan Shao mobilized 100,000 troops and 10,000 horses to attack Xudu (now Xuchang, Henan, the temporary capital of the Eastern Han Dynasty, and Cao Cao's base camp) ), wiped out Cao Cao in one fell swoop.When the news reached Xudu, Cao Cao's generals panicked.In response to this situation, Cao Cao gathered his generals and counselors and analyzed the situation at that time and said to them: "Yuan Shao is ambitious but short-sighted, fierce on the surface but little courageous, suspicious and mean to others, and lacks prestige. There are many but improper command, the generals are proud but the government orders are inconsistent, although the land is vast and the food is abundant, it is just a gift for us." yuyu] fully agree with Cao Cao's opinion.Before that, Guo Jia also made a similar analysis on Yuan Shao.After hearing Cao Cao's words, the generals became more courageous, and their courage and confidence also increased.

Then, based on the above analysis, the Cao Cao Group carried out careful military deployment, and decided to break down the surrounding separatist forces first, in order to prevent these separatist forces from uniting with Yuan Shao and putting themselves at a disadvantage in the two-front battle. In February of the fourth year of Jian'an, Cao Cao first sent Cao Ren and others to capture the strategically important Shegou (now northeast of Qinyang County, Henan Province) on the north bank of the Yellow River, cutting off the path of Yuan Jun's westward advance along the river.In August, Zang Ba led his troops into Qingzhou to prevent Yuan Shao from attacking from the east.When Cao Cao was planning to fight against Yuan Shao, Liu Bei, who had defected to Cao Cao, occupied Xiapi (now east of Pi County, Jiangsu Province), echoed Yuan Shaoyao, and opposed Cao Cao.Cao Cao personally led his troops eastward, quickly captured Xiapi, and captured Liu Bei's general Guan Yu.

After sweeping and defeating these hostile forces around him, Cao Cao personally commanded the main force and stationed in Guandu (now northeast of Zhongmou County, Henan Province), preparing to meet Yuan Shao.