Chapter 33: Cao Pi Takes Lady Zhen Amidst the Turmoil; Guo Jia's Posthumous Plan Secures Liaodong

Seeing two women weeping, Cao Pi drew his sword to kill them. But then he noticed a red glow filling his eyes, so he stayed his blade and asked, “Who are you?” One woman replied, “I am Lady Liu, wife of General Yuan.” Cao Pi said, “And who is this woman?” Lady Liu said, “This is Zhen, the wife of my second son, Yuan Xi. Because Yuan Xi was sent to guard Youzhou, and Zhen refused to travel far, she remained here.”

Cao Pi pulled Zhen forward; her hair was disheveled and her face covered with dirt. He wiped the grime from her face with his sleeve and saw that her skin was pure white and her countenance like a flower, possessing a beauty that could topple cities and kingdoms. So he said to Lady Liu, “I am the son of Prime Minister Cao. I am willing to protect your entire family; do not worry.” Then he sat in the main hall with his sword before him.

Now Cao Cao led his generals into the city of Jizhou. As he was about to enter the city gate, Xu You galloped up close, pointed with his horsewhip at the gate, and shouted to Cao Cao, “Ah Man, without me, how could you enter this gate?” Cao Cao laughed heartily. The generals, hearing this, were all indignant. When Cao Cao reached the gate of Yuan Shao’s residence, he asked, “Who has entered this gate before me?” The guard replied, “The heir apparent is inside.” Cao Cao called Cao Pi out and reprimanded him. Lady Liu came out and bowed, saying, “If not for the heir apparent, our family could not have been preserved. I willingly offer Zhen as a maidservant to the heir apparent.” Cao Cao had Zhen brought out to bow before him. After looking at her, he said, “She is truly my daughter-in-law!” Then he ordered Cao Pi to take her in.

After pacifying Jizhou, Cao Cao personally went to Yuan Shao’s grave to offer sacrifices. He bowed repeatedly and wept with great sorrow. Turning to the generals, he said, “When I first raised troops with Benchu, he asked me, ‘If the enterprise fails, which direction can we hold?’ I asked him, ‘What do you think?’ Benchu said, ‘I will hold the Yellow River to the south, rely on Yan and Dai to the north, and incorporate the tribes of the desert. Then I will contend for the realm to the south—perhaps I can succeed.’ I replied, ‘I will employ the talents and strength of all under heaven, guiding them with righteousness, and nothing will be impossible.’ Those words are as if spoken yesterday, but now Benchu has passed away. How can I not weep for this?” All present sighed. Cao Cao bestowed gold, silk, and grain upon Yuan Shao’s wife, Lady Liu. Then he issued an order: “The people of Hebei have suffered the hardships of war; let all taxes and levies for this year be remitted.” At the same time, he composed a memorial to the throne, and he himself assumed the post of Inspector of Jizhou.

One day, Xu Chu rode his horse through the east gate and happened to meet Xu You. Xu You called out to Xu Chu, “Without me, how could you people enter this gate?” Xu Chu said angrily, “We have endured a thousand deaths and a hundred lives, fought in bloody battles, and taken the city. How dare you boast!” Xu You cursed, “You are all vulgar fellows—what is there to say!” Xu Chu flew into a rage, drew his sword, and killed Xu You. Carrying the head, he came to see Cao Cao and reported that Xu You had been so insolent that he had killed him. Cao Cao said, “Ziyuan and I are old friends; we were merely joking with each other. Why did you kill him?” He severely reprimanded Xu Chu and ordered Xu You to be buried with full honors. Then he sent men to search everywhere for worthy scholars in Jizhou. The people of Jizhou said, “There is the Cavalry Commandant Cui Yan, styled Jigui, from Dongwucheng in Qinghe Commandery. He repeatedly offered plans to Yuan Shao, but Yuan Shao did not follow them, so he pleaded illness and stayed at home.”

Cao Cao immediately summoned Cui Yan to serve as a Biejia Secretary for the province and said to him, “Yesterday I examined the household registers of this province; there are three hundred thousand people—truly a great province.” Cui Yan said, “Now the realm is shattered, the nine divisions are torn apart, and the brothers Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang are fighting each other. The bones of the people of Jizhou lie exposed in the fields. If the Prime Minister does not hasten to inquire into the customs of the people and rescue them from fire and water, but instead first counts the households, is this what the people of this province expect from Your Excellency?”

When Cao Cao heard this, his expression changed, and he apologized, treating Cui Yan as an honored guest. After pacifying Jizhou, Cao Cao sent men to investigate Yuan Tan’s movements. At that time, Yuan Tan was leading troops to plunder Ganling, Anping, Bohai, Hejian, and other places. When he heard that Yuan Shang had fled in defeat to Zhongshan, he led his army to attack him. Yuan Shang had no heart to fight and fled directly to Youzhou to seek refuge with Yuan Xi. Yuan Tan took over all his troops and wanted to plot again for Jizhou. Cao Cao sent a messenger to summon him, but Yuan Tan did not come. Cao Cao was furious, sent a letter breaking off the marriage alliance between their children, and personally led a great army to march straight to Pingyuan.

When Yuan Tan heard that Cao Cao had come in person, he sent a messenger to Liu Biao for help. Liu Biao invited Liu Bei to discuss the matter. Liu Bei said, “Now Cao Cao has already broken Jizhou, and his military strength is at its peak. The Yuan brothers will soon be captured by Cao Cao; there is no benefit in saving them. Moreover, Cao Cao has long harbored designs on Jing and Xiang. We should only nurture our troops and guard ourselves, and not act rashly.” Liu Biao said, “Then how shall I reply to him?” Liu Bei said, “You can write a letter to the Yuan brothers, using reconciliation as a pretext, and politely decline.”

Liu Biao thought this was correct and first sent a messenger with a letter to Yuan Tan. The letter read roughly:

When a gentleman encounters danger, he does not go to an enemy state. Recently I heard that you bent your knee and surrendered to Cao Cao—this is to forget the enmity of your forefathers, cast aside the bonds of brotherhood, and bring shame upon our alliance. If the Inspector of Jizhou (Yuan Shang) fails to observe the duties of a younger brother, you should yield and follow him. After matters are settled, let the world judge right and wrong—would this not be a noble act?

He also sent a letter to Yuan Shang, saying:

The Inspector of Qingzhou (Yuan Tan) is by nature rash and does not distinguish right from wrong. You should first eliminate Cao Cao to settle the lingering regret of your late father. After matters are settled, then judge right and wrong—would this not be fine as well? If you persist in delusion, it will be like the Hanlu hound and the Dongguo hare exhausting each other in front, while the farmer reaps the benefit.

When Yuan Tan received Liu Biao’s letter, he realized that Liu Biao had no intention of sending troops. He also judged that he could not withstand Cao Cao, so he abandoned Pingyuan and retreated to Nanpi. Cao Cao pursued him to Nanpi. At that time, the weather was cold, and all the rivers had frozen over, preventing the grain boats from moving. Cao Cao ordered the local people to break the ice and pull the boats. When the people heard the order, they fled. Cao Cao was furious and wanted to capture and execute them. When the people heard this, they came personally to the camp to surrender themselves. Cao Cao said, “If I do not kill you, then my orders cannot be enforced; if I kill you, I cannot bear it. Hurry and hide in the mountains, and do not let my soldiers capture you.” The people left in tears.

Yuan Tan led his troops out of the city to confront the Cao army. The two armies drew up in battle array. Cao Cao rode out and pointed his horsewhip at Yuan Tan, cursing, “I treated you generously—why did you harbor treacherous intentions?” Yuan Tan said, “You invaded my territory, seized my cities, and took my wife and children—yet you accuse me of treachery?” Cao Cao was enraged and sent Xu Huang to do battle. Yuan Tan sent Peng An to meet him. The two horses crossed, and in less than a few rounds, Xu Huang cut Peng An down from his horse. Yuan Tan’s army was defeated and fled back into Nanpi. Cao Cao ordered his forces to besiege the city on all sides. Yuan Tan, in panic, sent Xin Ping to see Cao Cao and request surrender. Cao Cao said, “That scoundrel Yuan Tan is capricious and untrustworthy. I find it hard to believe him. Your younger brother Xin Pi is already in my employ—you should stay here too.” Xin Ping said, “The Prime Minister is mistaken. I have heard that when the lord is honored, the minister is glorious; when the lord is troubled, the minister is disgraced. I have long served the Yuan family—how can I betray them?”

Cao Cao, knowing he could not keep him, let him return. Xin Ping went back to see Yuan Tan and reported that Cao Cao would not accept the surrender. Yuan Tan rebuked him, saying, “Your younger brother serves Cao Cao—do you harbor divided loyalties?” When Xin Ping heard this, his chest filled with rage, and he collapsed to the ground. Yuan Tan had him carried out, and he soon died. Yuan Tan also regretted this. Guo Tu said to Yuan Tan, “Tomorrow, drive all the people to the front, with the troops following behind, and fight Cao Cao to the death.”

Yuan Tan heeded his words. That night, he drove all the people of Nanpi out, forcing them to take up weapons and obey commands. At daybreak the next day, the four gates were thrown wide open. The troops drove the people from behind, while the people surged forward with loud cries, straight toward Cao Cao’s camp. The two armies clashed in a melee, fighting from the hour of Chen to the hour of Wu, with neither side prevailing, and the slain covered the ground. Seeing that he could not achieve a complete victory, Cao Cao rode his horse to the top of a hill and personally beat the war drum. When his officers and men saw this, they pressed forward with all their might. Yuan Tan’s army suffered a great defeat, and countless commoners were killed. Cao Hong charged bravely into the enemy ranks, coming face to face with Yuan Tan. Raising his blade, he struck wildly, and Yuan Tan was slain by Cao Hong right there on the battlefield. Guo Tu, seeing the battle formation in utter chaos, hastily rode his horse into the city. Le Jin spotted him, drew his bow, and shot an arrow, sending Guo Tu tumbling into the city moat, where both man and horse sank.

Cao Cao led his troops into Nanpi and pacified the people. Suddenly, an army arrived—it was Jiao Chu and Zhang Nan, officers under Yuan Xi. Cao Cao personally led his forces to meet them. The two generals turned their weapons and discarded their armor, coming forward to surrender. Cao Cao enfeoffed them as lieutenants. There was also the Black Mountain bandit Zhang Yan, who led a force of one hundred thousand to surrender. Cao Cao appointed him General Who Pacifies the North. He issued an order to display Yuan Tan’s head as a warning; anyone who dared to weep for him would be executed. The head was hung outside the north gate. A man in plain mourning clothes wept beneath the head. The guards seized him and brought him before Cao Cao. Cao Cao questioned him; he was Wang Xiu, an Inspector of Qing Province, who had been expelled by Yuan Tan for remonstrating with him. Now, learning of Yuan Tan’s death, he had come to mourn.

Cao Cao said, “Do you know my military orders?” Wang Xiu said, “I do.” Cao Cao said, “Are you not afraid of death?” Wang Xiu said, “While he lived, I received his commands; now that he is dead, if I did not weep, that would be unrighteous. To fear death and forget righteousness—on what grounds could I stand in this world? If you permit me to bury Yuan Tan’s corpse, I will die without regret.” Cao Cao said, “How many righteous men there are in Hebei! It is a pity the Yuan family could not employ them; if they had, how would I dare to look upon this land with a steady eye?” Thereupon he ordered Yuan Tan’s body to be buried and treated Wang Xiu with the courtesy due an honored guest, appointing him as Commandant of the Treasury. Then he asked him, “Now Yuan Shang has fled to Yuan Xi. What plan should I use to take them?” Wang Xiu did not answer. Cao Cao said, “He is indeed a loyal minister.” He then asked Guo Jia, who said, “You may send the surrendered officers of Yuan, such as Jiao Chu and Zhang Nan, to attack them themselves.” Cao Cao adopted his advice and forthwith dispatched Jiao Chu, Zhang Nan, Lü Kuang, Lü Xiang, Ma Yan, and Zhang He, each leading his own troops, to advance in three columns against You Province; at the same time, he sent Li Dian and Le Jin to join Zhang Yan in attacking Bing Province and moving against Gao Gan.

Meanwhile, Yuan Shang and Yuan Xi learned that Cao’s troops were about to arrive. Judging that they could not withstand the enemy, they abandoned the city, led their soldiers, and fled by night westward to join the Wuhuan. The Inspector of You Province, Wuhuan Chu, summoned all the officials of You Province, made a blood covenant, and discussed together the matter of betraying the Yuan family and submitting to Cao Cao. Wuhuan Chu spoke first: “I know that Chancellor Cao is a hero of our age. Now we go to surrender. Whoever disobeys my commands will be executed.” They proceeded to smear blood on their lips in turn. When it came to the turn of the Registrar Han Heng, he threw his sword to the ground and shouted loudly: “I have received great kindness from Lord Yuan and his sons. Now that the lord is defeated and dead, my wisdom could not save him, my courage could not die for him! I have fallen short in righteousness! If I were to face north and surrender to Cao Cao, I would not do such a thing!”

The faces of all present changed color. Wuhuan Chu said, “To accomplish a great enterprise, one must establish great righteousness. Whether a matter succeeds or fails does not rest on one man. Since Han Heng has such a resolve, let him do as he pleases.” He had Han Heng pushed out. Then Wuhuan Chu went out of the city to welcome the three columns of troops and came directly to surrender to Cao Cao. Cao Cao was overjoyed and bestowed on him the title of General Who Pacifies the North. Suddenly, a scout came to report: “Le Jin, Li Dian, and Zhang Yan are attacking Bing Province. Gao Gan is holding Hukou Pass, and they cannot take it.” Cao Cao personally led his troops there. The three generals greeted him and said, “Gao Gan relies on the pass to defend himself; it is difficult to attack.” Cao Cao assembled all his officers to discuss the plan for breaking Gao Gan. Xun You said, “To break Gao Gan, we must use a feigned surrender stratagem.”

Cao Cao agreed. He summoned the surrendered generals Lü Kuang and Lü Xiang and whispered in their ears, telling them to do thus and so. Lü Kuang and the others led several dozen soldiers straight to the foot of the pass and called out: “We were originally old officers of the Yuan family, forced to surrender to Cao Cao. Cao Cao is cunning and treats us poorly. Now we are returning to aid our former lord. Open the gate quickly and take us in.” Gao Gan did not believe them, and only ordered the two generals to come up to the pass for a talk. The two generals removed their armor, abandoned their horses, and went inside. They said to Gao Gan, “Cao’s army has just arrived. You can take advantage of their unsettled morale and attack their camp tonight. We are willing to lead the vanguard.”

Gao Gan gladly heeded their words. That night, he sent the two Lü’s ahead, leading more than ten thousand troops. When they neared Cao’s camp, a great clamor arose from behind, and ambushing troops sprang up from all sides. Gao Gan realized he had fallen into a trap and hastily turned back toward Hukou City. Le Jin and Li Dian had already seized the pass. Gao Gan cut his way out and fled to seek refuge with the Chanyu. Cao Cao led his troops to hold the pass and sent men in pursuit of Gao Gan. When Gao Gan reached the Chanyu’s territory, he happened to meet the Left Virtuous King of the northern barbarians. Gao Gan dismounted, knelt, and prostrated himself, saying: “Cao Cao is swallowing up lands and now intends to invade the prince’s domain. I earnestly hope you will rescue us, join forces to recover what has been lost, and thus protect the north.” The Left Virtuous King said, “I have no enmity with Cao Cao. Why would he invade my lands? You want me to incur Cao’s enmity!” He shouted for Gao Gan to withdraw. Gao Gan, seeing no way out, could only go to seek refuge with Liu Biao. When he reached Shanglu, he was killed by the Commandant Wang Yan, who sent his head to Cao Cao. Cao Cao enfeoffed Wang Yan as a lieutenant.

After Bing Province was pacified, Cao Cao discussed launching a western campaign against the Wuhuan. Cao Hong and others said: “Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang have lost their troops and officers; their strength is exhausted, their resources spent. They have fled far into the desert. If we now lead our troops west to attack them, and if Liu Bei and Liu Biao take advantage of our absence to strike at Xuchang, we could not return in time to rescue it, and the disaster would be great. We beg you to turn back and not attack—that is the best policy.” Guo Jia said, “What you gentlemen say is wrong. The Lord Protector’s might shakes the world. The people of the desert, relying on their remote location, will certainly not be on guard. If we attack them by surprise, we can surely break them. Moreover, Yuan Shao showed kindness to the Wuhuan, and the brothers Yuan Shang and Yuan Xi are still alive—they cannot be left uneliminated. Liu Biao is nothing but a talker, sitting and discoursing. He knows his own ability is insufficient to control Liu Bei. If he employs him heavily, he fears he cannot manage him; if he employs him lightly, then Liu Bei will not serve him. Even if you empty the state for a distant campaign, you need not worry.” Cao Cao said, “Fengxiao’s words are very correct.”

So he led the three armies, with several thousand carts, and advanced. They saw only the yellow sands stretching endlessly, fierce winds rising from all sides; the roads were rugged, and men and horses could barely move. Cao Cao had thoughts of turning back and asked Guo Jia. By this time, Guo Jia had fallen ill from the change of climate and lay sick in his cart. Cao Cao wept and said: “Because I wished to pacify the desert, I made you travel far through hardship, until you have fallen ill. How can my heart be at ease?” Guo Jia said, “I am grateful for the Chancellor’s great kindness. Even if I die, I cannot repay one ten-thousandth of it.” Cao Cao said, “I see that the northern roads are rugged. I am thinking of turning back. What do you say?” Guo Jia said, “In war, speed is prized. Now, attacking from a thousand li away with heavy baggage makes it difficult to gain an advantage. It is better to take light troops and travel by forced marches to strike them unprepared. But we must have someone who knows the way to serve as guide.”

So they left Guo Jia at Yizhou to recover from his illness and sought a guide to lead the way. Someone recommended Tian Chou, a former officer of Yuan Shao, who was thoroughly familiar with this region. Cao Cao summoned him and asked him. Tian Chou said: “This road has water in summer and autumn. When it is shallow, it cannot bear carts and horses; when it is deep, boats cannot navigate it. It is the most difficult to travel. It would be better to turn back and go by way of Lulong Pass, cross the dangerous Bai Tan, come out into the empty region, and approach Liucheng. If we strike them unprepared, Modun can be captured in one battle.”

Cao Cao heeded his words, appointed Tian Chou as General Who Pacifies the North to serve as guide and vanguard. Zhang Liao was second in command. Cao Cao himself brought up the rear, doubling the pace with light cavalry to advance. Tian Chou led Zhang Liao to White Wolf Mountain, where they happened to encounter Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang, who had joined Modun and several tens of thousands of cavalry and were coming. Zhang Liao sent a swift report to Cao Cao. Cao Cao personally reined in his horse and climbed to a height to observe. He saw that Modun’s troops had no formation and were irregular. Cao Cao said to Zhang Liao, “The enemy troops are not in order—we can attack.” So he handed his command pennant to Zhang Liao. Zhang Liao led Xu Chu, Yu Jin, and Xu Huang, dividing into four columns to descend the mountain, and attacked with all their might. Modun’s forces fell into great confusion. Zhang Liao spurred his horse and cut Modun down from his saddle. The remaining troops all surrendered. Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang led several thousand cavalry and fled to Liaodong.

Cao Cao gathered his troops and entered Liucheng. He enfeoffed Tian Chou as the Marquis of Liuting to guard the city. Tian Chou wept and said, "I am a man who fled in disgrace, betraying my duty. To have been spared and allowed to live through such great kindness is already immense fortune. How could I sell the fortress of Lulong to seek rewards and emoluments? I would rather die than accept a marquisate." Cao Cao, recognizing his sense of honor, appointed Tian Chou as a Court Gentleman. Cao Cao pacified the Chanyu and others, acquiring ten thousand fine horses, and turned his army back that very day. At that time, the weather was bitterly cold and there was a drought. For two hundred li there was no water, and the soldiers were short of food, so they killed horses for meat. They dug wells three or four zhang deep before reaching water. When Cao Cao returned to Yizhou, he heavily rewarded those who had previously advised against the campaign. Then he said to his generals, "Earlier I took risks on a distant expedition and succeeded by luck. Although victorious, it was due to Heaven’s favor and cannot be taken as a rule. Your advice was the plan for complete safety, and that is why I reward you. Henceforth, do not be reluctant to speak your minds."

When Cao Cao arrived at Yizhou, Guo Jia had already been dead for several days, and his coffin rested in the official residence. Cao Cao went to offer sacrifices to him and wailed loudly, saying, "Fengxiao is dead! This is Heaven destroying me!" Turning to the assembled officials, he said, "All of you are of the same generation as I, only Fengxiao was the youngest. I had intended to entrust him with my affairs after my death, but he perished in his prime, rending my heart asunder!" Those close to Guo Jia presented a sealed letter that Guo Jia had written just before his death, saying, "Lord Guo wrote this with his own hand as he lay dying, instructing: 'If the Chancellor acts according to what is written here, the matter of Liaodong will be settled.'" Cao Cao opened the letter, read it, nodded, and sighed. None of the others understood its meaning.

The next day, Xiahou Dun led the assembled officers in to report, saying, "Gongsun Kang, the Grand Administrator of Liaodong, has long refused to submit. Now Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang have gone to join him, which will surely become a future calamity. It would be better to attack him swiftly before he makes a move, and Liaodong can be taken." Cao Cao laughed and said, "There is no need to trouble your tiger-like might. In a few days, Gongsun Kang himself will send the heads of the two Yuans." The generals did not believe this.

Now as for Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang, they led several thousand cavalrymen to seek refuge in Liaodong. Gongsun Kang, the Grand Administrator of Liaodong, was originally a man from Xiangping and the son of Gongsun Du, General of Martial Might. When he learned that Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang were coming to seek refuge, he assembled his subordinate officials to discuss the matter. Gongsun Gong said, "When Yuan Shao was alive, he always harbored ambitions to annex Liaodong. Now Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang, with their army defeated and generals lost, have nowhere to stay and come here seeking refuge—this is like the cuckoo seizing the magpie’s nest. If we take them in, they will later scheme against us. It would be better to lure them into the city, kill them, and send their heads to Lord Cao. Lord Cao will surely treat us generously." Gongsun Kang said, "I am only afraid that Cao Cao might lead his army down to Liaodong. Perhaps it is better to accept the two Yuans and let them be my helpers." Gongsun Gong said, "We can send someone to scout. If Cao’s army comes to attack, then keep the two Yuans. If they do not move, then kill the two Yuans and send them to Lord Cao." Gongsun Kang agreed and sent scouts to gather information.

Meanwhile, Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang arrived in Liaodong and secretly discussed among themselves, saying, "The troops of Liaodong number tens of thousands, enough to contend with Cao Cao. For now, we will submit to him temporarily. Later, we will kill Gongsun Kang and seize his land, build up our strength to oppose the Central Plains, and then we can recover Hebei."

Having settled their plan, they went in to see Gongsun Kang. Gongsun Kang lodged them in the guesthouse, pleading illness and refusing to meet them immediately. After a few days, the scouts returned and reported, "Cao Cao’s army is stationed at Yizhou and shows no intention of attacking Liaodong." Gongsun Kang was overjoyed. He first concealed armed soldiers behind the wall hangings, then summoned Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang. After the formalities of meeting, Gongsun Kang bade them sit. At that time, the weather was severely cold. Yuan Shang, seeing no cushion on the couch, said to Gongsun Kang, "I hope you will provide a mat to sit on." Gongsun Kang glared and said, "Your two heads are about to travel ten thousand li! What mat do you need?" Yuan Shang was greatly alarmed. Gongsun Kang shouted, "Why do my attendants not act?" The armed soldiers rushed out and cut off both their heads on the spot. They placed them in a wooden box and sent someone to Yizhou to present them to Cao Cao.

At that time, Cao Cao was in Yizhou, keeping his troops idle. Xiahou Dun and Zhang Liao came in to report, saying, "If we are not going to attack Liaodong, we might as well return to Xuchang, for fear that Liu Biao may cause trouble." Cao Cao said, "Wait until the heads of Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang arrive, then we will immediately turn back." The generals secretly laughed at this. Suddenly, someone reported that Gongsun Kang of Liaodong had sent messengers bearing the heads of Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang. All the generals were greatly astonished. The messenger presented a letter. Cao Cao laughed loudly and said, "It is exactly as Fengxiao predicted!" He rewarded the messenger generously and enfeoffed Gongsun Kang as the Marquis of Xiangping and General of the Left. The officials asked, "Why do you say it is as Fengxiao predicted?" Cao Cao then showed them Guo Jia’s letter. The letter read roughly as follows:

"Now I hear that Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang have gone to seek refuge in Liaodong. My lord must on no account send troops to attack. Gongsun Kang has long feared being swallowed up by the Yuans. If the two Yuans go to him, he will surely become suspicious. If you send troops to attack, they will certainly unite to resist, and they would be difficult to overcome in a short time. If you delay the use of troops, Gongsun Kang and the Yuans will inevitably turn against each other—this is the inevitable trend."

All the officials enthusiastically praised this. Cao Cao led the officials to offer another sacrifice before Guo Jia’s spirit. Guo Jia had died at the age of thirty-eight. He had followed Cao Cao on campaigns for eleven years and accomplished many remarkable feats. Later, someone composed a poem in his praise:

"Heaven gave us Guo Fengxiao, a hero surpassing all others. In his breast he stored the classics and histories; in his heart he concealed armies and strategies. He laid plans like Fan Li and made decisions like Chen Ping. A pity he died before his time, toppling the beam of the Central Plains."

Cao Cao led his army back to Jizhou, first sending someone to escort Guo Jia’s coffin to Xuchang for burial. Cheng Yu and others petitioned, saying, "The north has been pacified. Now that we are returning to Xuchang, we can plan early for the campaign south of the Yangtze." Cao Cao laughed and said, "I have long harbored this ambition. What you say accords with my thoughts." That night, they lodged at the eastern corner tower of Jizhou city. Leaning on the railing, Cao Cao gazed up at the celestial signs. At that time, Xun You was by his side. Cao Cao pointed and said, "The southern region’s vital energy shines brightly; I fear it cannot yet be taken." Xun You said, "With the Chancellor’s Heaven-sent might, who would dare not submit?"

As they were gazing, a golden light suddenly rose from the ground. Xun You said, "There must be a treasure underground." Cao Cao went downstairs and sent men to dig in the direction of the golden light. Indeed:

"The star patterns pointed southward; a golden treasure then emerged from the northern land."

What they obtained remains unknown; listen to the next chapter for the explanation.