Xun Yu
Encyclopedia
Xun Yu was a strategist and statesman who served as an advisor to the warlord Cao Cao
during the late Han Dynasty
period of Chinese history
.
, Henan
), and was born in a family of government officials. Chen Shou
's Records of Three Kingdoms
described him as a tall and handsome gentleman. Xun Yu's grandfather, Xun Shu, served as a local governor and Xun Shu's eight sons were called the "Eight Dragons of the Xun Family"; an uncle of Xun Yu, Xun Shuang, served as one of the Three Excellencies
, while Xun Yu's father Xun Fan was the chancellor of the feudal principality of Jibei.
Xun Yu proved to be a talented youth, and was evaluated by the scholar He Yong
as "someone capable of assisting kings" (王佐之才). In 189 he was nominated as a xiaolian
(literally: "Fillial and Incorrupt"; a nominated civil service candidate), and began his career in the government. When Dong Zhuo
seized control of the capital Luoyang
, Xun Yu feared for his safety and resigned, returning to Ji Province (冀州; present day Hebei
).
In the subsequent years, warlords quickly rose in each region; Xun Yu first served Yuan Shao
, whose power base was in Ji Province, but later left him and went to serve Cao Cao
in 191. Cao Cao recognized Xun Yu's talent and he exclaimed, "Here comes my Zifang!" when Xun Yu arrived, and he appointed Xun as an army commandant.
(his nephew), Chen Qun
, Zhong Yao
, Guo Jia
and Sima Yi
, creating a body of advisors around Cao; at the same time he participated in several battles and major events of the era, often giving timely advice to his master. Cao Cao, in turn, respected Xun Yu greatly and placed great store in his advice.
In 194, as Cao Cao led a campaign
against Tao Qian in Xu Province, his home base at Yan Province was suddenly attacked by Lü Bu
, and two of Cao's officials, Chen Gong
and Zhang Miao
, chose to defect to Lü. At that time Xun Yu was in charge of the defences of Juancheng (鄄城), and his firm actions saved the city from capture, allowing Cao Cao's armies to return and drive away Lü Bu. Subsequently, on the death of Tao Qian, Cao Cao was tempted to turn around and move on Xu Province before returning to deal with Lü Bu; it was Xun Yu who dissuaded him from this, reminding him that Yan Province was his heartland and power base and should be secured first before launching campaigns abroad.
It was also at Xun Yu's suggestion that Cao Cao chose to escort Emperor Xian of Han
, who was then living in the ruins of Luoyang
, to his own base at Xu (present-day Xuchang
, Henan) in 196, taking on the role of protecting the emperor. Xun Yu's plan was to "control the rebellious in the name of the emperor" (奉天子以令不臣); Luo Guanzhong
's historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms
subtly distorts this to "hold the emperor hostage to control the warlords" (挟天子以令诸侯). In the long run this strategem would give Cao Cao a considerable political advantage over his rivals, allowing him to legitimise his actions by taking them in the name of the emperor.
In 200, Cao Cao was locked in a stalemate against Yuan Shao
at the Battle of Guandu
for months, eventually exhausting his food supply; while contemplating retreat he sent a letter to Xun Yu (who was then defending Xu) for advice. Xun Yu dissuaded Cao Cao with a letter, highlighting several advantages that his army held over Yuan Shao's forces and urging him to stand fast; the eventual result was a decisive victory for Cao Cao, which was crucial to his domination of northern China.
Knowing that Dong Zhao was probably a conduit for Cao Cao, when approached by the former for his support, Xun Yu told Dong that Cao's personal mission was one of restoring the Han Dynasty and would not approve of such a move — thus possibly hinting to Cao that he should abandon the idea. According to volume 10 of Chen Shou
's Records of Three Kingdoms
, Xun Yu's remarks were said to have greatly displeased Cao Cao.
Following this, Xun Yu was sent to Qiao to reward the soldiers who took part in a military campaign against Sun Quan
. While there, Xun Yu was said to have fallen sick and brought to Shouchun (寿春; present-day Shou County
, Anhui
) for treatment and recuperation. He died in the following year in 212. The circumstances of his death aroused great suspicion and is a matter of debate as it came closely after his opposition towards Cao Cao's ascension to duke.
Cao Cao
Cao Cao was a warlord and the penultimate chancellor of the Eastern Han Dynasty who rose to great power during the dynasty's final years. As one of the central figures of the Three Kingdoms period, he laid the foundations for what was to become the state of Cao Wei and was posthumously titled...
during the late Han Dynasty
Han Dynasty
The Han Dynasty was the second imperial dynasty of China, preceded by the Qin Dynasty and succeeded by the Three Kingdoms . It was founded by the rebel leader Liu Bang, known posthumously as Emperor Gaozu of Han. It was briefly interrupted by the Xin Dynasty of the former regent Wang Mang...
period of Chinese history
History of China
Chinese civilization originated in various regional centers along both the Yellow River and the Yangtze River valleys in the Neolithic era, but the Yellow River is said to be the Cradle of Chinese Civilization. With thousands of years of continuous history, China is one of the world's oldest...
.
Early life
Xun Yu was a native of Yingchuan (穎川; present-day XuchangXuchang
Xuchang is a prefecture-level city in central Henan province in Central China. It borders the provincial capital of Zhengzhou to the northwest, Kaifeng to the northeast, Zhoukou to the east, Luohe to the southeast, and Pingdingshan to the southwest....
, Henan
Henan
Henan , is a province of the People's Republic of China, located in the central part of the country. Its one-character abbreviation is "豫" , named after Yuzhou , a Han Dynasty state that included parts of Henan...
), and was born in a family of government officials. Chen Shou
Chen Shou
Chen Shou was a historian during the Jin Dynasty period of Chinese history. He is best known as the author of Records of Three Kingdoms, a historical account of the late Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms period.-Biography:...
's Records of Three Kingdoms
Records of Three Kingdoms
Records of Three Kingdoms , is regarded as the official and authoritative historical text on the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history covering the years 184-280 CE. Written by Chen Shou in the 3rd century, the work combines the smaller histories of the rival states of Cao Wei , Shu Han and...
described him as a tall and handsome gentleman. Xun Yu's grandfather, Xun Shu, served as a local governor and Xun Shu's eight sons were called the "Eight Dragons of the Xun Family"; an uncle of Xun Yu, Xun Shuang, served as one of the Three Excellencies
Three Excellencies
The Three Ducal Ministers , also translated as the Three Dukes, Three Excellencies, or the Three Lords, was the collective name for the three highest officials in ancient China...
, while Xun Yu's father Xun Fan was the chancellor of the feudal principality of Jibei.
Xun Yu proved to be a talented youth, and was evaluated by the scholar He Yong
He Yong
He Yong is a Chinese rock musician who has been particularly active in the 1980s and 1990s]]. A self-styled punk, He Yong's lyrics and outspoken nature have made him controversial in mainland China and Hong Kong. His only album, Garbage Dump, exemplified his negative, though often nostalgic...
as "someone capable of assisting kings" (王佐之才). In 189 he was nominated as a xiaolian
Xiaolian
Xiaolian , was the standard of nominating civil officers started by Emperor Wu of Han in 134 BC. It lasted until its replacement by the imperial examination system during the Sui Dynasty....
(literally: "Fillial and Incorrupt"; a nominated civil service candidate), and began his career in the government. When Dong Zhuo
Dong Zhuo
Dong Zhuo was a politician and warlord during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. He seized control of the capital city Luoyang in 189 when it was in a state of turmoil following the death of Emperor Ling and a clash between the eunuch faction and some court officials led by...
seized control of the capital Luoyang
Luoyang
Luoyang is a prefecture-level city in western Henan province of Central China. It borders the provincial capital of Zhengzhou to the east, Pingdingshan to the southeast, Nanyang to the south, Sanmenxia to the west, Jiyuan to the north, and Jiaozuo to the northeast.Situated on the central plain of...
, Xun Yu feared for his safety and resigned, returning to Ji Province (冀州; present day Hebei
Hebei
' is a province of the People's Republic of China in the North China region. Its one-character abbreviation is "" , named after Ji Province, a Han Dynasty province that included what is now southern Hebei...
).
In the subsequent years, warlords quickly rose in each region; Xun Yu first served Yuan Shao
Yuan Shao
Yuan Shao was a warlord during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. He occupied the northern territories of China during the civil war that occurred towards the end of the Han Dynasty and the beginning of the Three Kingdoms era...
, whose power base was in Ji Province, but later left him and went to serve Cao Cao
Cao Cao
Cao Cao was a warlord and the penultimate chancellor of the Eastern Han Dynasty who rose to great power during the dynasty's final years. As one of the central figures of the Three Kingdoms period, he laid the foundations for what was to become the state of Cao Wei and was posthumously titled...
in 191. Cao Cao recognized Xun Yu's talent and he exclaimed, "Here comes my Zifang!" when Xun Yu arrived, and he appointed Xun as an army commandant.
Service under Cao Cao
Xun Yu's contributions to Cao Cao's forces and administration are immense. On one hand he recommended many other men of calibre to Cao Cao, including Xun YouXun You
Xun You was an advisor to the warlord Cao Cao during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. He later opposed Cao Cao taking the title of "King of Wei". His uncle, Xun Yu, was better known. In the Wade-Giles version of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, he and his uncle have the same name, Xun...
(his nephew), Chen Qun
Chen Qun
Chen Qun was a minister of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history.Chen Qun initiated the Nine-rank system for civil service nomination in Cao Wei. Following the death of the ruler Cao Pi, Chen Qun became the Guardian of Cao Wei's military forces...
, Zhong Yao
Zhong Yao
Zhong Yao was a Chinese calligrapher and politician of Cao Wei during the late Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. Born in modern Xuchang, Henan, he was at one time the Grand Administrator of Chang'an....
, Guo Jia
Guo Jia
Guo Jia was a strategist and advisor to the warlord Cao Cao during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. During his 11 years of service, Guo Jia's brilliance greatly aided Cao Cao in his victories over rival warlords Lü Bu and Yuan Shao, as well as chief of the Wuhuan tribe, Tadun...
and Sima Yi
Sima Yi
Sima Yi was a general and politician of the state of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history. He is perhaps best known for defending Wei from Zhuge Liang's Northern Expeditions...
, creating a body of advisors around Cao; at the same time he participated in several battles and major events of the era, often giving timely advice to his master. Cao Cao, in turn, respected Xun Yu greatly and placed great store in his advice.
In 194, as Cao Cao led a campaign
Cao Cao's invasion of Xu Province
Cao Cao's invasion of Xu Province was a punitive invasion launched by the warlord Cao Cao against Tao Qian, Governor of Xu Province , during the prelude to the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. The goal of the invasion was to punish Tao Qian for what Cao Cao saw as Tao's responsibility in...
against Tao Qian in Xu Province, his home base at Yan Province was suddenly attacked by Lü Bu
Lü Bu
Lü Bu was a military general and later a minor warlord during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. According to the Records of Three Kingdoms, Lü Bu was highly-skilled in horse-riding and archery, and was thus nicknamed "Flying General"...
, and two of Cao's officials, Chen Gong
Chen Gong
Gong Chen was an advisor to the warlord Lü Bu during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. However, he started his career under Cao Cao before defecting to Lü Bu and was executed when the latter was defeated by Cao....
and Zhang Miao
Zhang Miao
Zhang Miao , style name Mengzhuo , was a minister of the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. He served as prefect of Chenliu Commandery. Zhang Miao led an army during the coalition against Dong Zhuo. In the coalition Zhang expressed displeasure at their leader, Yuan Shao, and Yuan sent Cao...
, chose to defect to Lü. At that time Xun Yu was in charge of the defences of Juancheng (鄄城), and his firm actions saved the city from capture, allowing Cao Cao's armies to return and drive away Lü Bu. Subsequently, on the death of Tao Qian, Cao Cao was tempted to turn around and move on Xu Province before returning to deal with Lü Bu; it was Xun Yu who dissuaded him from this, reminding him that Yan Province was his heartland and power base and should be secured first before launching campaigns abroad.
It was also at Xun Yu's suggestion that Cao Cao chose to escort Emperor Xian of Han
Emperor Xian of Han
Emperor Xian of Han , personal name Liu Xie, style name Bohe, was the last emperor of the Han Dynasty period of Chinese history...
, who was then living in the ruins of Luoyang
Luoyang
Luoyang is a prefecture-level city in western Henan province of Central China. It borders the provincial capital of Zhengzhou to the east, Pingdingshan to the southeast, Nanyang to the south, Sanmenxia to the west, Jiyuan to the north, and Jiaozuo to the northeast.Situated on the central plain of...
, to his own base at Xu (present-day Xuchang
Xuchang
Xuchang is a prefecture-level city in central Henan province in Central China. It borders the provincial capital of Zhengzhou to the northwest, Kaifeng to the northeast, Zhoukou to the east, Luohe to the southeast, and Pingdingshan to the southwest....
, Henan) in 196, taking on the role of protecting the emperor. Xun Yu's plan was to "control the rebellious in the name of the emperor" (奉天子以令不臣); Luo Guanzhong
Luo Guanzhong
Luo Ben , better known by his style name Luo Guanzhong , was a Chinese writer of the early Ming Dynasty period of Chinese history. He was also known as Huhai Sanren...
's historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Romance of the Three Kingdoms, written by Luo Guanzhong in the 14th century, is a Chinese historical novel based on the events in the turbulent years near the end of the Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history, starting in 169 and ending with the reunification of the land in...
subtly distorts this to "hold the emperor hostage to control the warlords" (挟天子以令诸侯). In the long run this strategem would give Cao Cao a considerable political advantage over his rivals, allowing him to legitimise his actions by taking them in the name of the emperor.
In 200, Cao Cao was locked in a stalemate against Yuan Shao
Yuan Shao
Yuan Shao was a warlord during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. He occupied the northern territories of China during the civil war that occurred towards the end of the Han Dynasty and the beginning of the Three Kingdoms era...
at the Battle of Guandu
Battle of Guandu
The Battle of Guandu was a military conflict between the warlords Cao Cao and Yuan Shao in 200 during the prelude to the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. The battle, which concluded with victory for Cao Cao, was a turning point in the war between the two warlords...
for months, eventually exhausting his food supply; while contemplating retreat he sent a letter to Xun Yu (who was then defending Xu) for advice. Xun Yu dissuaded Cao Cao with a letter, highlighting several advantages that his army held over Yuan Shao's forces and urging him to stand fast; the eventual result was a decisive victory for Cao Cao, which was crucial to his domination of northern China.
Death
In 211, Dong Zhao and a group of Cao Cao loyalists submitted a memorial to Emperor Xian proposing that Cao should be granted the title of a duke. This proposal was significant as it would allow Cao Cao to set up a self-contained feudal state within the Han Dynasty. Up to this point, Cao Cao's political legitimacy was only underpinned by his position as the chancellor. Xun Yu, whose ideals were for Cao Cao to continue being the protector of the Han Dynasty, opposed Dong Zhao's proposal.Knowing that Dong Zhao was probably a conduit for Cao Cao, when approached by the former for his support, Xun Yu told Dong that Cao's personal mission was one of restoring the Han Dynasty and would not approve of such a move — thus possibly hinting to Cao that he should abandon the idea. According to volume 10 of Chen Shou
Chen Shou
Chen Shou was a historian during the Jin Dynasty period of Chinese history. He is best known as the author of Records of Three Kingdoms, a historical account of the late Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms period.-Biography:...
's Records of Three Kingdoms
Records of Three Kingdoms
Records of Three Kingdoms , is regarded as the official and authoritative historical text on the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history covering the years 184-280 CE. Written by Chen Shou in the 3rd century, the work combines the smaller histories of the rival states of Cao Wei , Shu Han and...
, Xun Yu's remarks were said to have greatly displeased Cao Cao.
Following this, Xun Yu was sent to Qiao to reward the soldiers who took part in a military campaign against Sun Quan
Sun Quan
Sun Quan , son of Sun Jian, formally Emperor Da of Wu, was the founder of Eastern Wu during the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. He ruled from 222 to 229 as King of Wu and from 229 to 252 as Emperor of Wu....
. While there, Xun Yu was said to have fallen sick and brought to Shouchun (寿春; present-day Shou County
Shou County
Shou County is a county in Anhui Province, People's Republic of China, under the jurisdiction of Lu'an City. It has population is 1,280,000 and its area is 2986 square kilometers...
, Anhui
Anhui
Anhui is a province in the People's Republic of China. Located in eastern China across the basins of the Yangtze River and the Huai River, it borders Jiangsu to the east, Zhejiang to the southeast, Jiangxi to the south, Hubei to the southwest, Henan to the northwest, and Shandong for a tiny...
) for treatment and recuperation. He died in the following year in 212. The circumstances of his death aroused great suspicion and is a matter of debate as it came closely after his opposition towards Cao Cao's ascension to duke.
Family
- Grandfather: Xun Shu (荀淑), served as Prefect of Langling
- Father: Xun Gun (緄), served as Chancellor of Jinan
- Uncles:
- Xun Jian (荀儉)
- Xun Jing (荀靖)
- Xun Dao (荀燾)
- Xun Wang (荀汪)
- Xun Shuang (荀爽), served as Chancellor of Pingyuan, Minister of the Household, and Excellency of Works
- Xun Su (荀肅)
- Xun Fu (荀旉)
- Siblings:
- Xun Yan (荀衍), third older brother
- Xun ChenXun ChenXun Chen, style name Youruo , was an advisor serving under the warlord Han Fu during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. He was a younger brother of Xun Yu. He and Gao Gan persuaded Han Fu to give up Ji Province to the warlord Yuan Shao, after which he became one of Yuan's advisors...
, younger brother, served Yuan ShaoYuan ShaoYuan Shao was a warlord during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. He occupied the northern territories of China during the civil war that occurred towards the end of the Han Dynasty and the beginning of the Three Kingdoms era...
, persuaded Han Fu to surrender, fate unknown after the Battle of GuanduBattle of GuanduThe Battle of Guandu was a military conflict between the warlords Cao Cao and Yuan Shao in 200 during the prelude to the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. The battle, which concluded with victory for Cao Cao, was a turning point in the war between the two warlords...
- Spouse: Lady Tang (唐氏), daughter of Tang Heng (唐衡)
- Sons:
- Xun Yun (荀惲), served as Rapid as Tigers General of the Household, married Cao Cao's daughter Princess Anyang, died at a young age
- Xun Yu (荀俁), served as Palace Assistant Imperial Clerk
- Xun Shen (荀詵), served as General-in-Chief's Assistant Officer, died at a young age
- Xun Yi (荀顗), served as Imperial Secretary, later served as Grand Commandant during the Jin Dynasty, granted title of Duke of Linhuaikang
- Xun Can (荀粲), married Cao Hong's daughter, died at the age of 29
- Son-in-law: Chen QunChen QunChen Qun was a minister of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history.Chen Qun initiated the Nine-rank system for civil service nomination in Cao Wei. Following the death of the ruler Cao Pi, Chen Qun became the Guardian of Cao Wei's military forces...
, served the state of Wei, initiator of the nine-rank systemNine-rank systemThe nine rank system , or much less commonly nine grade controller system, was a civil service nomination system during the Three Kingdoms and the Southern and Northern Dynasties in China...
- Nephew: Xun YouXun YouXun You was an advisor to the warlord Cao Cao during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. He later opposed Cao Cao taking the title of "King of Wei". His uncle, Xun Yu, was better known. In the Wade-Giles version of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, he and his uncle have the same name, Xun...
, one of Cao Cao's advisors
- Grandsons:
- Xun Han (荀甝), oldest son of Xun Yun, granted title of Marquis of Guangyangxiang, died at the age of 30
- Xun Yi (荀霬), second son of Xun Yun, married Sima Yi's daughter, served as a general, posthumously granted title of Marquis of Zhen
- Xun Yu (荀寓), son of Xun Yu (荀俁), served as Imperial Secretary during the Jin Dynasty
- Great grandsons:
- Xun Jun (荀頵), son of Xun Han, served as Right Inspector of the Feathered Forest Imperial Guard, died at a young age
- Xun Dan (荀憺), oldest son of Xun Yi (荀霬), served as Minister Steward
- Xun Kai (荀愷), second son of Xun Yi (荀霬), served as General Who Conquers the West during the Jin Dynasty
- Xun Kui (荀悝), third son of Xun Yi (荀霬), served as Protector General of the Army, posthumously appointed General of Chariots and Cavalry
- Xun Yu (荀羽), son of Xun Yu (荀寓), served as Imperial Secretary
- Descendants:
- Xun Song (荀崧), son of Xun Jun, served as Household Counsellor
- Xun Guan (荀灌), son of Xun Song
- Xun Xian (荀羨), son of Xun Song, served as North General of the Household, and Governor of Xu and Yan provinces
- Xu Bozi (荀伯子), grandson of Xun Xian, served as Palace Assistant Imperial Clerk during the Liu Song DynastyLiu Song DynastyThe Liu Song Dynasty , also known as Song Dynasty , Former Song , or Southern Song , was first of the four Southern Dynasties in China, succeeding the Eastern Jin Dynasty and followed by the Southern Qi Dynasty....
, author of the Xun Family Records (荀氏家傳)
- Xu Bozi (荀伯子), grandson of Xun Xian, served as Palace Assistant Imperial Clerk during the Liu Song Dynasty
- Xun Song (荀崧), son of Xun Jun, served as Household Counsellor
Modern references
- In Koei's video game Kessen IIKessen IIis a strategy game loosely based on the Three Kingdoms period of China. It is the sequel to Kessen in name only; both Kessen and the later sequel Kessen III are based on events in Japan....
, Xun plays a prominent role, although the character is portrayed as a woman who harbours a requited love for Cao CaoCao CaoCao Cao was a warlord and the penultimate chancellor of the Eastern Han Dynasty who rose to great power during the dynasty's final years. As one of the central figures of the Three Kingdoms period, he laid the foundations for what was to become the state of Cao Wei and was posthumously titled...
. - In the visual novelVisual novelA is an interactive fiction game featuring mostly static graphics, usually with anime-style art, or occasionally live-action stills or video footage...
and animeAnimeis the Japanese abbreviated pronunciation of "animation". The definition sometimes changes depending on the context. In English-speaking countries, the term most commonly refers to Japanese animated cartoons....
series Koihime MusōKoihime Musois a Japanese adult visual novel and strategy game based on the classic Chinese novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. It was developed by BaseSon, and was first released on January 26, 2007, for the PC as two DVD-ROMs, followed by a re-release on April 11, 2008, containing an extra CD-ROM...
, Jun'iku (Xun Yu's Japanese name) also served as a strategist to Sōsō (Cao Cao) and has a huge crush on her.