Is Yuan Shao really so "stupid" in Guandu War?

The "Guandu Battle" was the first battle in the "Three Battles" of The Three Kingdoms, and its significance is self-evident. After the "Guandu Battle", although Yuan Shao's forces were not swept away, they were no longer as strong and aggressive as before the war. After Yuan Shao died of illness, Cao Cao gradually wiped out the remaining Yuan forces and finally pacified the north.

Although the Battle of Guandu could not be said to be a decisive battle between Cao Cao and Yuan Shao, it determined the hegemon of the north to some extent. Its scale, coverage and the number of people involved were considerable. In fact, the "Battle of Guandu" is just a big battle, including several battles. Before talking about this "Battle of Guandu", let's enjoy a poem:

Epic Poem by Guan Du (Hu Zeng)

The original flexor designated China, the official cross strangle tiger teeth.

If Xu you make full use of his wealth, the mountains and rivers will be the Cao family.

First, the historical background of "Guandu War" : the collision of two groups in the North

In fact, even before the Battle of Guandu, there had been friction between Cao Cao and Yuan Shao, and both sides clearly knew that there would be a war with each other. But Yuan Shao was threatened by Gongsun Zan in the north, and Cao Cao was hampered by Lu Bu in Xuzhou, so both men tacitly dealt with the other warlords and left the final battle to the end. Later, Gongsun Zan, Lu Bu and Yuan Shu were destroyed respectively, and Liu Bei's power was once cut off. By annexing these forces, two behemoths emerged in the north, the Cao Cao Clique and the Yuan Shao Clique.

At that time, Yuan Shao had the power of Qingzhou, Bizhou, Jizhou and Youzhou (but not the whole territory). Cao Cao owned Yanzhou, Yuzhou, Sizhou, Xuzhou, in addition to a part of Qingzhou, a part of Jingzhou, a part of Yangzhou. Although Cao Cao and Yuan Shao both had four states, Cao Cao was obviously in a weaker position than Yuan Shao. Apart from the data of economy and population (since each state and county must have been affected by wars to varying degrees in the late Eastern Han Dynasty, the population of each county in the Later Han Dynasty may not be accurate, and I am too inexperienced to determine the population situation of both sides at the time of the "Guandu Battle"), Cao Cao was obviously at a disadvantage in terms of geography. Since Yuan Shao's territory was in the north and Cao Cao's in the middle, he had to fight not only against Yuan Shao, but also against the ascendant Sun Ce and Liu Biao, who defended Jingzhou. Although the warlords in Kansai were nominally subordinate to Cao Cao, they had considerable independence and had to be defended.

In addition, Cao Cao was obviously inferior to Yuan Shao in weapons and equipment. So the "Battle of Guandu" was basically the same, but it could be seen as a battle of the weak over the strong.

"Taiping Imperial View · War Department" : "Wei Wu" military policy order "said: Yuan Benchu armor ten thousand collar, my big armor twenty collar; I can't have ten horses with three hundred armor at first."

Second, the specific process of the "Guandu War"

Let's temporarily divide the "Guandu Battle" into three stages:

The first stage: Yuan Shao troops pressed the border, Cao Cao retreated to Guandu

At the beginning of Yuan Shao's army, he set a strategy to conquer the world: unify Hebei, unite the ethnic forces, and then annex the south. In fact, that's what he did. After the destruction of Gongsun Zan, Yuan Shao had the territory of four states, and allocated 100,000 infantry and 10,000 cavalry (there is some dispute about this strength, but it is said that 50,000 infantry and 8,000 cavalry, but historians do not take it), and marched to Liyang, Wei County, which opened the prelude of the "Guandu Battle".

"The Annals of The Three Kingdoms, the Book of Wei, the Emperor of Wu" : "Shao said: 'I according to the river in the south, the north to block Yan, Dai, and Rong Di of the people, to the south to fight for the world, the common can be relieved? '"

"The Chronicles of The Three Kingdoms, the Book of Wei, The Biography of Yuan Shao" : "Simple and fine pawn one hundred thousand, riding ten thousand horses, will attack Xu.

"The language of the World" : "Shao stepping pawn fifty thousand, riding eight thousand."

In February of the fifth year of Jian 'an (200 AD), Yuan Shao sent Guo Tu, Chun Yuqiong, Yan Liang and others to cross the water and attack Baima near Liyang to suggest a bridgehead for Yuan Shao's army to cross the water. Liu Yan, the governor of Dongjun, held fast to the white horse. Cao Cao's intention was to rescue Baima, but Xun You persuaded Cao Cao to use the tactic of "diverting the west" (it should actually be called "attacking the east with a sound from the west") to lead his army to Yanjin, west of Baima, in order to cross the water and attack Yuan Shao's rear, and then to attack Baima with a light force. Yuan Shao fell into his trap and divided his troops to attack Yanjin. Cao Cao immediately moved east to support Baima, and Zhang Liao and Guan Yu (now under Cao Cao's command) took Yan Liang by surprise. It was in this battle that Guan Yu took Yan Liang's head.

"The records of The Three Kingdoms · Wei Shu · Wudi Ji" : "Shao Wenbing crossing, that is, the west should be divided. Gong Nai led the army and the white horse. Before he reached ten miles, Liang was shocked and came to fight against him. Let Zhang Liao and Guan Yu advance, defeat them, and behead Liang."

Annals of The Three Kingdoms, Shu Shu, Biography of Guan Yu: "When you see a better standardised man, you will cut off his plumb spur and behead him."

Yan Liang's army was defeated, but Cao Cao knew that Baima could not defend it anyway, so he moved the people of Baima westward along the river. Yuan Shao pursued Cao Cao at this time, and the two sides met south of Yanjin. At this time, Cao Cao used another "arrogant soldier", ordered his soldiers to unsaddle their horses, and left the baggage brought by the white horse on the road. Yuan Shao sent Liu Bei (who was now attached to Yuan Shao) and Wen Chou to attack Yanjin. When Yuan soldiers saw Cao Cao's cavalry not mounted, they felt light of the enemy. When he saw the baggage on the ground, he frantically seized it. At this time Cao Cao ordered a surprise attack on Yuan soldiers. Yuan soldiers were defeated and Wen Chou was killed in battle.

Although Cao Cao fought well at Baima and Yanjin, killing the generals Yan Liang and Wen Chou in Hebei, Cao Cao could not stop Yuan Shao's attack and had to retreat to Guandu. At the same time, Yuan Shao continued to move south to Yangwu, north of Guandu, and the two sides entered the second stage of the "Guandu War".

"The annals of The Three Kingdoms · Wei Shu · Emperor Ji" : "when riding less than six hundred, then the column attack, big break, cut ugly."

"The duke returned to the army and the official Du. Shao Jin and Yang Wu."

In addition to the two battles of Hakuba and Yeonjin, there were several other battlefields in the first phase. I'll post some historical data below.

Taizu made the ban will Tun Yuanwu, Shaobo camp in Du Shi Jin, broken."

"SAN Guo Zhi · Wei Shu · Le Jin Biography" : "Crossing the river to attack Jia, also."

Hujia, Kidxian and Yuanwu were all in the north of Yangwu. Although these historical records showed that Cao Cao had won some victories, they were obviously lost when Yuan Shao entered Yangwu later. Cao Cao came to the rescue of the white Horse in April, and the two sides refused until August at the latest. Over the course of four months, the counties were pulled out by Yuan Shao.

The second stage: the officials refuse each other and draw Allies together

Cao Cao's forces retreated all the way in the early stage, but held out against Yuan Shao's attack at Guandu. The two sides have been engaged in a standoff for some time. Yuan Shao took advantage of his strength and formed dozens of companies to press Cao Cao step by step. Cao Cao also divided his battalions to hold off Yuan Shao's company, but he was outnumbered, so the battle was not favorable. Yuan Shao marched into Guandu and shot arrows at Cao Cao's camp. Cao Cao's soldiers could only cover their bodies with shields and their morale became extremely low. In order to cope with this situation, Cao Cao also built mountains of earth in the camp. In addition, Cao Cao built trebuchet and destroyed the terraces on Yuan Shaotu Hill one by one. Yuan Shao dug another tunnel, but Cao Cao discovered and destroyed it in time.

In the stage of stalemate, Cao Cao faced a major problem, that is, lack of food. Cao Cao even thought of abandoning Guandu and continuing to retreat to shorten his road of grain. However, under Xun Yu's remonstrance, Cao Cao gave up the idea. At the same time, Cao Cao also divided his troops to attack Yuan Shao's grain carts, to bridge the gap in logistics between the two sides. A battle harrying the grain Road was recorded in the Annals of The Three Kingdoms. At Xun You's suggestion, Cao Cao sent Xu Huang, Shi Huan, and Cao Ren to defeat Yuan Shao's (controversial) Han Meng, who was in charge of transporting grain, and burn thousands of carloads of grain and grass. But even so, Cao Cao's side still lagged behind Yuan Shao in logistics.

"The records of The Three Kingdoms, Wei Shu, Wu Di Ji" : "Yuan Shao transport thousands of cars to take, public Xun You plan, send Xu Huang, Shi Huan attack, big break, burn the car."

(1) Runan Battlefield

In addition to the front Guandu battlefield, Yuan Shao also opened up the Runan battlefield to the south of Xuchang. Yuan Shao sent Liu Bei to Runan to join forces with Liu Bi and Zhu Arm to harass Cao Cao's rear. Cao Cao sent Cao Ren, Cao Hong, and Xu Huang to defeat Liu Bei and others, and Liu Bei returned to Yuan Shao's army. After the conquest of Runan, Cao Ren quickly moved north to return to the main battlefield. He once defeated Han Meng, who was threatening Cao Cao's left flank, to the west of Guandu.

"Three Kingdoms, Shu Shu, ancestors biography" : "Shao sent ancestors will be soldiers and such as a brief promise."

In the Annals of The Three Kingdoms, The Book of Wei and the Biography of Cao Ren, "Taizu made good on his words, so he sent his general to attack Bei and break away. Ren took all the rebels back and returned them. Shao sent don Han Xunhuang broken west road, benevolence hit Xun in chicken Luo Mountain, big break."

Liu Bei was defeated, but with the support of Yuan Shao, he returned to Runan and allied with the mighty Gong Du. Cao Cao sent CAI Yang to attack Liu Bei, but Liu Bei killed him.

"Annals of The Three Kingdoms, Shu Shu, Biography of Our Ancestors" : "Shao sent our ancestors to return our soldiers to Runan, where they joined forces with Gong Du, a thief, and thousands of others. Cao Gong sent CAI Yang to attack it, and it was killed by the Lord."

(2) The rest of the forces

Although Cao Cao and Yuan Shao played the leading roles in the Battle of Guandu, there were other forces involved.

In order to keep the West safe, Cao Cao ordered Zhong You to pacate the Kansai warlords. At the Battle of Guandu, the warlords sided with Cao Cao, but at least they did not oppose him.

The Chronicles of The Three Kingdoms, The Book of Wei, Zhong You: "The Imperial Court had no worries about the West, but he left you with all the honours."

Liu Biao of Jingzhou: Liu Biao's attitude was to sit on the mountain and watch the battle. He supported Yuan Shao nominally but did not actually send troops. However, Liu Biao still participated in the "Guandu Battle" and sent his men to turn against Li Tong, the lieutenant of Yang 'an (which was divided from Runan), with no success.

"The Annals of The Three Kingdoms, the Book of Wei, the biography of Li Tong" : "Shao sent emissaries to worship Tong Zheng South general, Liu Biao also Yin move, pass all refused Yan.

Sun Ce of Jiangdong: According to the records of The Three Kingdoms, Sun Ce planned to attack Xuchang. This is a matter of debate, but Sun Ce did have the idea of moving north, but was assassinated.

"Records of The Three Kingdoms, Book of Wei, Biography of Guo Jia" : "(Sun Ce) Wen Taizu and Yuan Shao are locked at Guandu and will cross the river to attack Xu in the north.

"When he was near the river, he was killed by Xu Gongke."

Xuanyufu of Youzhou: Xuanyufu participated in the elimination of Gongsun Zan and became a force in Youzhou. At Tian Yu's persuasion, Xin Yu Fu chose to join Cao Cao in the confrontation between Yuan Shao and Cao Cao, and became Cao Cao's assistant.

"SAN Guo Zhi · Wei Shu · Gongsun Zan biography" : "and auxiliary body attainments Taizu, worship left degree Liao general, seal Hou, send back town Fushu."

Zhang Xiu of Nanyang: Yuan Shao woos Zhang Xiu of Nanyang County. Zhang Xiu originally wanted to support Yuan Shao, but Jia Xu persuaded her to choose Cao Cao. Zhang Xiu's surrender not only enhanced Cao Cao's strength, but also relieved Cao Cao's pressure to defend the south.

"Annals of The Three Kingdoms, Book of Wei, Biography of Zhang Xiu" : "Taizu refused Yuan Shao to go to Guandu, Embroider from Jia Xu's plan, to surrender."

The third stage: counter-attack Yuan Shao, burning the black nest

Although according to the records of The Three Kingdoms, Cao Cao's side seems to have won many battles, but one problem is difficult to solve, is the problem of grain. Cao Cao was also in a mess. Many chose to rebel against him and support Yuan Shao. Yuan Shao's side seems to win, but his internal also appeared a big problem, that is the second five son Xu You.

Xu You advised Yuan Shao to attack Xuchang with a light army while Cao Cao was tired of guarding the imperial forces. However, Yuan Shao felt that the danger was too great, so he did not use it. Xu You's family broke the law and was sentenced to prison. In addition, Xu You was greedy for money and could not be satisfied with Yuan Shao. Under these "blows", Xu You chose to betray Yuan Shao and go to Cao Cao.

At that time, Yuan Shao just had more than ten thousand grain cars shipped to Wu Chao grain, by Chun Yuqiong responsible for. Since Han Meng had been broken by Cao Ren, Yuan Shao dared not continue to divide his troops and refused Ju Shu's proposal to divide his troops to guard against the loss of food. Xu You knew all this, so he proposed to Cao Cao to raid the nest and burn Yuan Shao's army supplies. Cao Cao agreed.

Cao Cao left Cao Hong to guard his home and led 5,000 men in the "final battle". Under the banner of Yuan Shao, Cao Cao led them to the Black nest by night. When Yuan Shao learned that Wu Chao was in trouble, some of his troops rescued him. Then he sent Zhang He and Gao LAN to attack Cao Cao's Guandu base camp. Cao Cao did not divide his troops to block Yuan Shao's reinforcements, but moved forward with one heart. Finally, he succeeded in killing Chun Yuqiong and burning the army supplies of Wu Chao. Zhang He and Gao LAN, knowing that the nest was lost, surrendered directly to Cao Cao. Yuan Shao abandoned his army and fled back to Hebei. In this battle, Cao Cao killed 80,000 soldiers and won the final victory in the Battle of Guandu.

Summary:

"Guandu Battle" is actually a very wonderful campaign, Yuan Shao is not as "stupid" as people remember, co-opted, destroyed, Cao Cao's rear; Split up and threaten Cao Cao's flank; Choose to steal home when the black nest is wrong, all kinds of tactics are used. However, Cao Cao's response is also very brilliant, from "distracting the west" to break the siege of white Horse, to show the enemy weak kill Wen Chou; To separately deal with Liu Bei and attack Yuan Shao's grain, are in favor of their own action. And then their own rush to the black nest of the move is to play a decisive effect.

Although the victory of the "Battle of Guandu" was due to some luck (Xu You surrendered), more important was Cao Cao's military ability and correct decision, which can only be said to be a contingency.