Xun Yu
Hailed as a "Talent fit to aid a king," he devised strategies for Cao Cao's unification of the north.
Life
Talent fit to aid a king
Xun Yu came from the Xun clan of Yingchuan and was hailed in his youth as a "Talent fit to aid a king." He first joined Yuan Shao, but seeing that Yuan could not achieve great things, he switched to Cao Cao, who called him "my Zifang."
Received the Son of Heaven
He advised Cao Cao to bring Emperor Xian of Han to Xu, so as to "wield the emperor to command the disobedient." During the Battle of Guandu, when Cao Cao at one point wanted to withdraw, Xun Yu urged him to hold on, and he ultimately won a great victory. He also recommended many talented men to Cao Cao, including Guo Jia, Zhong Yao and Chen Qun.
Guandu and later years
In 212, when Dong Zhao and others proposed that Cao Cao be elevated to Duke of Wei and granted the Nine Bestowments, Xun Yu objected, causing a rift with Cao Cao; soon afterward he died in despondency at Shouchun.
Legacy
Xun Yu was one of the chief architects of Cao Cao's career; he defended the legitimacy of the Han house to his death, and his end is lamentable.
Major works & achievements
- Advised welcoming Emperor Xian to Xu as capital
- Recommended Guo Jia and other talents
Did you know? Cao Cao called him "my Zifang," comparing him to Zhang Liang.
Key dates
- 191Joined Cao Cao
- 196Advised receiving the emperor and moving the capital to Xu
- 200Urged Cao Cao to hold on at the Battle of Guandu
- 212Died in distress at Shouchun