Revisit the Three Kingdoms 03

International Journal for Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Volume I • Issue 3 • June 2002

2 Revisiting the Three Kingdoms
Table of Contents
Historical Articles
Cao Cao’s Ambition (3/9)..............................................................................................................3
Jiao, Shen and Ling (Religions, Gods and Spirits)......................................................................17
Dong Zhuo, The Tyrant...............................................................................................................20
Quarterly Theme Deck
Peach Garden Oath.......................................................................................................................26
Game Design
FUDGE – Revisiting the Three Kingdoms in a nutshell..............................................................28
The cover art, In the Name of Emperor, is illustrated by Solomon Au Yeung of the Creator Workshop
for both the Dragon Dynasty’s Three Kingdom Collectible Card Game and Romance of the Three King-
doms Tabletop Card Game. Romancing Cathay thanks Mr. Yeung for allowing us to use his arts through-
out this issue. Romancing Cathay also want to thank Koei of Japan for allowing us to use the arts from
their Romance of Three Kingdoms VIII computer game.
All arts copyright their original author and company.
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Without further ado, welcome to
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Volume I • Issue 3 • June 2002 3
Uphold
the Son of
Heaven
As Cao Cao
and Lu Bu
fought over
Yan Province,
Liu Bei be-
came the In-
spector of Xu
Province. This
was due to Tao Qian’s gratitude
for rescuing Xu Province from
Cao Cao. When Lu Bu fled to
Liu Bei, Cao Cao planned to
attack Xu Province for the third
time to eliminate both his ri-
vals, once and for all. However,
his attention was diverted to
other important events: prepar-
ing to receive the Emperor and
to the annexation of Yu Prov-
ince.
In Name of the Emperor
As the Last Han Emperor Xian
(official name), Liu Xie (personal
name) was smarter and more ca-
pable than his two predecessors.
Tragically, the Emperor was under
Dong Zhuo’s control from the start.
He was forced to usurp his step-
brother Liu Bian’s rightful position.
Since this move was entirely or-
chestrated by Dong Zhuo, Han Em-
peror Xian did not receive support
of the imperial court ministers. In
fact, many retired as protest
against such an unethical move.
Yuan Shao led an alliance to
openly challenge the Imperial
Court (Chao-ting) The purpose of
this alliance had two intentions;
first, it sought to remove Dong
Zhuo from power; and, secondly,
to restore Han Emperor Shao, Liu
Bian, as legal sovereign. Hence, at
the start of Han Emperor Xian’s
reign, his legitimacy was in doubt.
Emperor As Commodity
Dong Zhuo forced the Son of
Heaven to relocate to Chang-an in
the First Year of Early Peace (190
AD).Oftheentirealliance,onlyCao
Cao and Sun Jian, with the small-
est of forces, had actually fought
against Dong Zhuo’s faction. Every-
one else was too busy scheming
and trying to expand their fiefs.
There was even rumor of Dong
Zhuo that he plotted to replace
Han Emperor Xian. In everyone’s
eyes, the value of Han Emperor
had dropped to rock bottom.
Then, in the Third Year of Early
Peace (192 AD), the value of the
Han Emperor suddenly skyrocket-
ed. That year, Dong Zhuo was as-
sassinated. The conspirators who
were led by Wang Yun, believed
that in order to “uphold the Em-
peror,” Dong Zhou’s death was in-
evitable. Dong Zhuo’s followers, Li
Cui, Guo Fan and Zhang Ji,
planned to flee for their lives. Jia
Xu, the lead advisor of Li Cui, had
a different idea. He urged them to
retake Chang-an in order to up-
hold the Emperor further. In less
than a month, the Emperor that no
one wanted had become the Em-
peror everyone fought To Uphold.
Though Wang Yun was a loyal
and able minister, he lacked polit-
ical savvy. His zealousness to right
the wrong without heeding advice
or showing mercy left him with
few supporters. This allowed Li Cui
and his faction to successfully take
over Chang-an. Han Emperor Xian,
once again, had fallen to the paws
of hyenas and jackals.
However, these series of events
represented the emergence of the
Emperor’s status. At the same time,
before the fall of Dong Zhuo or the
attack on Chang-an by the Xi-liang
force to execute Wang Yun, Cao
CaohadjustdefeatedQing-Provin-
cial Troops and became the In-
spector of the Yan Province. With
newly acquired Qing-Provincial
Troops numbering some three
hundred strong, Cao Cao had be-
come a major player. Mao Jie, an
advisor of Cao Cao, then proposed
the following strategy:
“These are times of great
chaos in Heaven Below.
The Emperor is forced to
abdicate his capital. Every-
where, hundreds of fami-
lies are unable to settle
down to be productive;
they would rather starve
and freeze. Even within
Yan Province, public sup-
plies are not able to last
even a year. People are
restless and do not plan for
long term survival. How
long can this last?
Warlords similar to Yuan
Shao and Liu Biao have nu-
merous troops and plenti-
ful supplies. But, they
lacked a vision for the fu-
ture. Therefore, they are
not able to establish a last-
Cao Cao’s Ambition (3/9)
the Last Emperor,
Liu Xian, or com-
monly known as
Han Emperor Xian.
©1999 Creator Workshop

ing foundation. Warlords
such as these are not wor-
thy of leadership. I believe
even in times of chaos,
only battles initiated by
the just and the righteous
would win. To plan ahead,
one would realize the im-
portance of upholding the
Emperor in order to gain
legitimacy. Only then can
he set forth to execute
rebellious lords. This al-
lows him to properly en-
courage productivity from
the people. Only when
treasury is full, one can
establish hegemony.”
This went with Cao Cao’s per-
sonal ideal on how To Serve
Heaven Below. However, he lacked
both the might and the timing to
unleash his ambitions upon Chi-
na. It was no doubt that Cao Cao
kept these thoughts with him daily
for quite sometime.
The stratagem, to uphold the
Emperor, did not origin with
Cao Cao. Other warlords have
thought about it like Tao Qian,
Imperial Inspector of Xu Prov-
ince. When he was deciding
whether or not to join the Alli-
ance, his advisors, Wang Lang
and Chao Yu offered the fol-
lowing suggestion:
“Justices of Spring and
Autumn, who are align-
ing with various hosts,
are not worthy enough
to remain loyal to the
Emperor. Now, more
than ever, we should
send an emissary to
pledge our loyalty to the
Emperor who is far away
at Chang-an.”
Despite a strong dislike for
Dong Zhuo, Tao Qian sent Chao
Yu to pay respect to Han Em-
peror Xian. On the First Year of
Peace and Prosperity (194 AD),
Han Emperor Xian was caught
between Li Cui and Guo Fan.
Kong Rong, Grand Administra-
tor of Beihai Commandery, per-
suaded Tao Qian to send troops
to escort Han Emperor Xian
back to Luo-yang. It was be-
cause of Cao Cao’s second in-
vasion into Xu Province that
Tao Qian abandoned that idea.
Procrastination in Yuan
Shao’s Camp
Though the legality of the Han
Emperor Xian had gradually
reaffirmed, and the stratagem
of In the Name of the Emperor
would speed up the consolida-
tion of power, the latter has
hidden cost to a warlord who
wanted to carve out a kingdom.
This was also the case with
Yuan Shao. By the Second Year
of Peace and Prosperity (195
AD), he had gained control of
the Ji Province, the Bing Prov-
ince, and a majority of the Qing
Province. He had the strongest
force north of the Yellow River.
Within his camp, the ideas of
Upholding the Emperor had
been argued throughly.
Chief Advisor, Ju Shou, rec-
ommended the Upholding the
Emperor stratagem:
“For three generations
out of four, my Lord’s
family had the honor of
serving as the Emperor’s
Prime Minister. The
Yuan family was well
known for their loyalty
and their righteousness.
Now, Emperor Above
(Huang-shang) and Im-
perial Court (Chao-ting)
were forced to relocate
westward to Chang-an;
ancestral temples were
desecrated and the
royal authority has been
“Upheld Emperor
would give us the
righteousness to
pacify rebellious
lord.”
Shen Pei
©2000 Koei Coproation
“To Uphold Em-
peror is to give
away up our mili-
tary secrecy”
Chun Yuqiong
©2000 Koei Coproration. Political Influences as of 195 AD
©2000 Koei Corporation
Yuan Shao

usurped. Those who
raise an army with the
slogan of ‘For the Em-
peror!’ were in actuality
more interested in gain-
ing personal fiefdoms.
There is no one willing
to protect the Imperial
members and bring as-
surance to the Hundred
Surnames in Heaven Be-
low. Now that we have
established our founda-
tion and have sufficient
strength, we ought to
invite the Emperor to
live in Ye (city). This has
two benefits: it proves
that our intention is to
bring peace throughout
Heaven Below and it
gives us righteousness to
pacify rebellious lords
and rogue ministers. I
believe that one not
would dare to oppose
our cause.”
Yuan Shao was about to
agree; Elder Shen Pei and
Grand General Chun Yuqiong
voiced their opposition. They
argued that:
“The Imperial Line had
been in decline for a while.
It would be very difficult
task to rebuild it. Right
now, various lords are es-
tablishing their claims, and
have large army to support
their causes. It has been
said that the Dirge of Qin
has spurred the Deer. He
who first captures it would
be King. Now that the
Dirge has been sounded, it
is the right time to fight for
Heaven Below. If we are to
invite the Emperor to Ye
and seek his permission, it
would ruin our military mo-
bility and secrecy. What’s
more, he would be sur-
rounded by petty nobles
and ministers. If we cater
to their needs then it
would weak our foundation
of power. If we ignore
them, they would compro-
mise our relationship with
the Emperor. This requires
much reconsideration.”
Ju Shou quickly countered:
“Upholding the Emperor
would give us the righ-
teousness that is desper-
ately needed in Heaven
Below. This benefits our
cause far more than any-
thing else. Now is the time
to act. Currently, the Em-
peror has no place to go. It
would be effortless to per-
suade him. If we waited
too long, others may take
the initiative. It is said that
the potentate did not let
go of any opportunity,
those who accomplish
great things do not squan-
der away the moment.
Hopefully, Lord Elder
(honorific title to one’s
liege) would speedily come
to the conclusion.”
Unfortunately, Yuan Shao
was indecisive and hated in-
conveniences. Plus, his ambi-
tion was to secure his position
in the territory north of Yellow
River. He had not thought be-
yond that. Therefore, he sat on
Ju Shou’s recommendation.
Dissension within Xi-li-
ang Faction
Situations became worse in
Chang-an as various warlords
ignored the merit of Upholding
the Sun of Heaven. Xi-liang
Faction was unable to follow
through with Jia Xu’s In the
Name of the Emperor strata-
gem. Instead, they were busy
looting and strengthening their
military might. They nearly di-
verted all revenue to Imperial
Court for their personal uses.
Ma Teng, the Inspector of Liang
Province and a member of Xi-
liang Faction, felt that he did
not get his fair share. He
started to demand more. Li Cui
was too busy enjoying his lot
and denied Ma Teng’s request.
In rage, Ma Teng led his force
under the pretext of Rescuing
the Emperor and attacked. This
was later romanticized in the
novel by include Ma Teng with
the Alliance. In reality, Ma Teng
was defeated and forced to re-
treat back to Liang Province.
Zhang Ji, the most
disciplined of Xi-liang
Faction, attempted
at peace-making.
Disgusted with rest of
his Faction that he
left them and seek
fortune elsewhere.
Jai Xu followed him.
Li Cui, member of
Xi-liang Faction,
could not hold on to
the Emperor. He
was too busy enjoy
a good life.
Guo Fan, member
of Xi-Liang Fac-
tion, was some-
time ally but more
often a rival of Li
Cui in fighting for
Emperor and
Chang-an.

Soon after, Li Cui fought Guo
Fan within Chang-an and
caused chaos. They both tried
to take the Emperor by force to
their military camp. Han Em-
peror Xian was compelled to
flee the palaces. Both Li Cui
and Guo Fan looted the palac-
es. Chang-an fell into anarchy.
Ministers urged Yang Feng, a
subordinate of Li Cui to rescue
the Emperor. After a failed at-
tempt, Yang Feng led his tropps
away from Li Cui. This had
weakened Li Cui’s strength.
Zhang Ji, general of an army
from Dong Zhuo original four
battle groups, had just returned
from Liang Province. Together
with Jia Xu, they brokered the
peace between Li Cui and Guo
Fan. Li Cui refused. Zhang Ji
and Guo Fan joined forces to
attack Li Cui in Chang-an. Li
Cui was forced to relocate to
Chi-yang. Zhang Ji was pro-
moted to Valiant Cavalry Gen-
eral (Piao-qi Jiang-jun), Guo
Fan became the Chariot Cav-
alry General (Ju-qi Jiang-jun)
and Yang Feng became Flour-
ishing Righteousness General
(Xin-yi Jiang-jun). They were
ennobled. Dong Cheng, a
nephew of Empress Dowager
Dong, was promoted to the
Peace Maker General (An-ji Ji-
ang-jun) and elevated to the
title of Imperial Uncle.
But Guo Fan was discontent
with his lot. He tried to kidnap
the Emperor Xian. Both Yang
Feng and Dong Cheng were se-
cretly alerted of the situation.
Together, Yang Feng and Rear
General Yang Ding prepared
their forces to confront Guo
Fan. However, Guo Fan sensed
that he was outnumbered and
led his troops away. Li Cui and
Guo Fan were forced out of the
capital, Chang-an.
Before long, Li Cui and Guo
Fan were united. They made an
attempt to retake the capital
together. Yang Ding went forth
first in vain. He was defeated by
Li Cui’s troops. He retreated to
Bing Province. Zhang Ji, Yang
Feng and Dong Cheng went to
parley with Li Cui and Guo Fan.
Their negotiations were unsuc-
cessful and lead to a full as-
sault. This time around, Li Yue,
Yang Feng and Dong Cheng
were able to defeat Li Cui. After
the battle, Yang Feng and Dong
Cheng realized that Chang-an
was virtually defenseless as a
city. Xi-liang Factions were al-
ways within striking distance.
This made them uneasy. So,
they decided to relocate back
to Luo-yang. Dong Cheng and
others led the Emperor, minis-
ters and nobles. Yang Feng and
other generals were rearguards.
Once Li Cui and Guo Fan
heard the news they pursued
the troops moving away from
Chang-an. Yang Feng’s force
was annihilated under their
power. In a panic, Dong Cheng
and Li Yue barely led Han Em-
peror Xian across the Meng-jin
Ferry River. There, they set up a
temporary palace at East Sta-
tion River Commandery Sun
Prefecture. Fortunately, the Ad-
ministrators of the Inner River
and the River East had contrib-
uted supplies to the troops.
Meanwhile, Li Cui and Guo Fan
looted and razed Chang-an for
forty odd days. For the next two
years, the city remained inhab-
itable. At that time, Ju Shou
persuaded Yuan Shao to take
action. Nearby, Cao Cao had
just retaken Yan Province.
All of this occurred during
October of the Second Year of
Peace and Prosperity (195 AD).
Analysis in Cao Cao’s
Camp
It was on New Year’s day,
marking the First Year of Re-
building Peace (196 AD), which
Cao Cao called for a meeting of
Chang-an Luo-yang
Emperor fled from Chang-an
©2000 Koei Corproation
Yang Feng, former
subordinate of Li
Cui, decided to
side with Han Em-
peror Xian rather
than served his
lord.
Dong Cheng, a
newphew of Em-
press Dowager
Dong, with Yang
Feng planned for
Emperor’s escape.

his generals and staff. To them
he proposed the question:
“What are the cost and
the benefits of Uphold-
ing the Son of Heaven?”
Well-known for his strategies,
the long bearded General
Cheng Yu was the first to ex-
press his opinion:
“According to the intel-
ligence, Emperor Above
is protected by Yang
Feng and Dong Cheng.
They have left Guang-
zhong and currently at
An-ba. We ought to take
advantage of the situa-
tion to contact Emperor
Above; it would give us
a great advantage.”
Chief Advisor Xun Yu con-
veyed similar thoughts:
“Yu Province is adjacent
to Si-li Region. Current-
ly, half of it is already
under our control. If we
plan to receive the Em-
peror, either Luo-yang
or Xu-chang would be an
ideal location. To do so,
we would have to elimi-
nate all other potentials
in Yu Province.”
General Cao Ren dissented:
“Despite the fact that
Zhang Mao’s force has
been eliminated, Lu Bu
and Cheng Gong are oc-
cupying Xu Province. If
they ally with Yuan Shu,
then they can threaten
Yan Province anytime.
Therefore, Class Below
(how a subordinate re-
fers himself to his Lord)
believes that we should
first pacify the Eastern
Front by totally destroy
both Yuan Shu and Lu
Bu. Only then can we
move on to Yu Province.
General Xiahou Dun also had
a similar outlook:
“On pure military pros-
pect, Yu Porivnce con-
nects Si-li Region and
Jin Province. These area
are full of petty war-
lords who sided Yan Shu
or Liu Biao. They can
hinder our movement.
Futher, by clearing out
Yu Province would leave
us exposed to Yuan Shao
in the North, Lu Bu in
the East, Liu Biao in the
South and other war-
lords in the West. This is
not profitable.”
Nearly all generals shared Xi-
ahou Dun’s analysis. Cao Ren
pressed on,
“To Uphold the Son of
Heaven is not always
profitable. We learn this
from Dong Zhuo. With
our current strength, To
Uphold the Son of
Heaven does not neces-
sarily grant us the use of
In the Name of the Em-
peror stratagem. What
if, we are unable to
maintain control and
suffer consequences be-
fore reaping rewards?”
General Man Chong voiced
his concern:
“Do we know what di-
rection Yuan Shao is go-
ing? He is the most
qualified to carry out To
Uphold the Son of
Heaven stratagem. If
this situation causes us
to be in direct conflict
with Yuan Shao then it
would be a great crisis.”
Cao Cao
Cao Cao influenced (in deep blue) as of 195 AD.
Xun Yu advocated
to Uphold the Em-
peror stratagem
Cheng Yu, the per-
fect advisor, equally
adopted at civil and
martial tasks. He
advised what is best
for Cao Cao.

Cao Cao replied:
“The latest intelligence
from Ji Province indi-
cated that Yuan Shao’s
camp has divided itself
over this issue. Grand
Elder Faction led by
Shen Pei has opposed it.
General Yuan did not
seem interested as he is
still struggle with Gong-
sun Zan. According to
our analysis there would
be no action from either
of them.
Xun Yu objected loudly:
“Upholding the Son of
Heaven is not for profit
or loss! In earlier days
when the High Ancestral
(Liu Bang, founder of
the Han Dynasty) went
to the East to seek re-
venge for Emperor Yi,
his troops rallied to his
cause. Many lords in
Heaven Below have re-
sponded to his call.
Since the chaos of Dong
Zhuo, the Son of Heaven
has been exiled in
Guang-zhong region.”
As the debates went on and
on, Cao Cao remembered the
conversation he had with Yuan
Shao back when they were part
of the Alliance. Yuan Shao had
asked Cao Cao:
“If we lost this cam-
paign, how are we to
secure our foundation?”
Cao Cao countered:
“What is Your Lordship’s
opinion?”
Yuan Shao replied:
“I believe to that we
should use the mountain
region of Ji Province
north of the Yellow
River as our foundation.
We can then secure aids
from the northern bar-
barians and march south
to seek hegemony.”
Cao Cao did not say anything
in response though he dis-
agreed with Yuan Shao. He
knew that the location was im-
portant but felt that gaining
people’s support was greater
priority. Despite what Cao Ren
said about the costs of having
Han Emperor Xian were true.
Nonetheless, the Emperor was
still the focus of the people in
Heaven Below. His decision
was obvious.
Welcome Emperor Xi-
an, Relocate Capital to Xu-
chang
Based on Cheng Yu and Xun
Yu’s recommendation, the best
place for the new government
was to locate to Xu-chang (city)
where it lies due east of Luo-
yang. Xu-chang, located in Yu
Province, had two advantages.
First, it allowed Han Emperor
Xian to be fully free from influ-
ences of Si-li Region and of Xi-
liang warlords. Second, it was
closer to Qiao Prefecture, the
birthplace of Cao Cao. He has a
stronger influence there. But
first, he has to eliminate all po-
tential threats within Yu Prov-
ince, especially those aligned
with Yuan Shu.
After the New Year, Cao Cao
stationed his army at Wu-Ping
area. Yuan Si, Chancellor of the
Chen Prefecture and pro-Yuan
Shu, surrendered. Cao Cao
commanded Xun Yu to safe
guard Yan Province, and Cao
Hang to lead 3,000 troops to
An-ba (Prefecture) on a mission
to receive Han Emperor Xian.
They were now prepared to en-
ter Xu-chang Prefecture. Cao
Cao would remain in Chen Pre-
fecture to watch pro-Yuan Shu
warlords from Ru-nan Com-
mandery and Ying Province.
Cao Hong’s troops met with
strong resistance from Dong
Cheng and Chang Nu, an offi-
cer under Yuan Shu. He could
not advance into Si-li Region.
But later, both Dong Cheng and
Zhang Yang proposed the Son
of Heaven to return to Luo-
yang. Yang Feg and Li Yu were
strongly opposed to the idea.
The disagreement soon esca-
lated to an armed conflict.
Only the intercession of Han
Emperor Xian stopped both
parties from more bloodshed.
By February, Cao Cao led
troops to attack warlords from
Ru-nan and Ying Province. He
led surprise attacks against the
strongest generals of them all,
Luo-yang
Xu-chang
Cao Cao planned to relocate the capital
from Luo-yang to Xu-chang.
“Han Emperor Xian
was still the focus
of the people in
Heaven Below.”

Liu Bi and Huang Shao. Lesser
warlords such as He Yi and He
Man soon surrendered. Cao
Cao granted them mercy. Once
their forces has been reorga-
nized, they allowed to stay
where they were. Their duty
was to prevent Yuan Shu and
Liu Biao from encroaching.
Once the area had been
cleared from potential dangers,
Cao Cao ordered Xun Yu to pre-
pare the relocation of Xu-
chang. The city was to be re-
named as Xu-dou or Xu the
Capital. This furthered the pro-
cess of Upholding the Emperor .
In May, Cao Cao sent an em-
issary separately to bribe Dong
Cheng and Yang Feng. He
wanted them to know that his
intentions were to Uphold the
Emperor and to respect senior
ministers. Soon after, Imperial
Court appointed Cao Cao as
General who would Build Vir-
tue (Jian-de Jiang-jun). By June,
he was promoted to General
who Pacified the East (Zhen-
dong Jiang-jun) and was enno-
bled as Marquise of Fei-ting
(Fei-ting Hou). Cao Song, Cao
Cao’s father, originally held this
title. Later, Cao Cao submitted
many writs to thank Han Em-
peror Xian and to attempt to
build up good rapport with the
exiled government.
However, Yang Feng and Han
Xian prepared to bring Han
Emperor Xian to Luo-yang.
Yang Feng relocated his army
to Liang-cheng in the East to
prevent any warlord from en-
tering. Dong Cheng had se-
cretly sent an emissary to
welcome Cao Cao’s army. At
the suggestion of the emissary,
Dong Zhao, Cheng Yu and Cao
Ren were to defend Yan Prov-
ince, while Xun Yu continued
to oversee the preparation for
welcoming the Emperor at Xu-
dou. Cao Cao led his troops
with guidance from Dong Zhao
and sneaked into Si-li Region.
In mid August, Cao’s troops
had arrived in Ming-Yang (city)
and surprised Han Xian who
fled to join Yang Feng’s forces.
Han Emperor Xian asked Cao
Cao and Dong Cheng not to
pursue Yang Feng and Han
Xian for they had escorted him
to safety. On the sixteenth of
August, Han Emperor Xian pro-
moted Cao Cao to Colonel Di-
rector of the Retainers (Si-li
Xiao-wei) and to be in charge of
the Ministry of Writing. Cao Cao
had the Master of Writing, Ping
Shuo, Gentleman-Consultant,
Hou Qi and Gentleman-in-At-
tendance, Hu Sui, executed for
conspiration with Xi-liang Fac-
tion. Dong Cheng and twelve
others who have escorted the
Emperor were promoted to no-
bility.
October, Cao Cao led troops
to set siege against Yang Feng's
force at Liang-cheng. Yang-
Feng forced to flee to Yuan Shu.
In this battle, Cao Cao received
Xu Huang, the foremost fierce
some general in Yang Feng's
camp. Cao Cao considered him
the prized spoil of this battle.
Xu Huang soon became one of
Cao Cao's Five Tiger Generals.
Zhang Xiu Offered
Yu Province
Campaign of Yu Province:
To Win Without Bloodshed
Zhang Xiu inherited his army
from Zhang Ji, general of one of
four main army groups under
Dong Zhuo and an elder clans-
man of Zhang. Zhang Ji’s army
group was the most disciplined
and most respected under
Dong Zhuo. After the assassina-
tion, Zhang Ji attempted to bro-
ker peace between Li Cui and
Guo Fan over the control of
Chang-an. It did not work.
Zhang Ji decided to lead his
army group out of Chang-an
and to settle down at northern
Jing Province. This brought him
into conflict with Liu Biao who
was the Inspector of Jing Prov-
ince. During one of sorties,
Zhang Ji was killed by stray ar-
row. Zhang Xiu step in to took
over. Jia Xu, a well-known advi-
sor, was accompanied with
Zhang Ji and continued his ser-
vice under Zhang Xiu. He ad-
vised Zhang Xiu to negotiate
peace with Liu Biao. An alli-
ance was formed. And they
agreed to move his army to
western Yu Province to act as
buffer for Jing Province.
After losing Xu Province to Lu
Bu, Cao Cao began to look for
other place to expand. Yu Prov-
ince was the next candidate
despite being fragmented with
petty warlords.
To prepare for the Yu Prov-
ince Campaign, Cao Cao
brought over eighty thousands
troops into three army groups.
Both Xun Yu and Cheng Yu
stayed behind at the home turf.
Xiahou Dun led a vanguard.
Cao Cao brought along his el-
der son, Cao Ang and his neph-
ew, Cao An-min, in the central
army group. Cao Ren, Cao
Hong, Yu Jin, Li Dian and Yue
Jin each led a separate force in
the rear.
Seeing the approaching forc-
es, most minor warlords within
Yu Province surrendered. Jia
Xu saw no reaction from Liu
Biao’s camp, also advised
Xu Huang, one of
Cao Cao’s Five Ti-
ger Generals, was
Cao Cao’s ideal
spoil from fighting
Yang Feng.
Zhang Xiu inherited
the army from his
clan elder, Zhang
Ji, who was killed
during battle
against Liu Biao.

Zhang Xiu to surrender to
avoid annihilation.
Cao Cao greeted both Zhang
Xiu and Jia Xu as if they were
old friends. He accepted their
surrendering. Cao Cao moved
his army group into the city,
Wan. Everyone else stationed
outside the city and army
camps were stretched to ten
mile longs.
Without losing a troop or fir-
ing a shot, Cao Cao gained the
majority control of Yu Province.
This was considered highest
epitome in the Arts of War.
Cao Cao was very happy that
his old habit came back to
haunt him.
Lecherous Cao, Vengeful
Zhang
Restless, excited, and lecher-
ous, Cao had heard that Lady
Zou, widow of Zhang Ji, was
young and beautiful. She was
from Qiang tribe at China pe-
ripheral. Qiang tribe has a
loose restriction on situation
between men and women.
Hence Lady Zou was quite ac-
tive within the social circle
within city of Wan. Cao Cao
sent out words that he was in-
terested in Lady Zou. She ac-
cepted for a chance to become
better known and wealth. Both
enjoyed each other presence.
Officers under Cao Cao knew
about their master’s behavior
and shrug. However, being
proper, Zhang Xiu took this as
an insult. He schemed with Jia
Xu with plan to betray Cao Cao
in order to avenge his clan
honor. Jia Xu advised him to
strike quick before the hand
over of Wan City is completed.
As currently, Cao Cao’s entire
force located outside of the city.
A surprise attack may possibly
rid of Cao Cao, allowed Zhang
Xiu to unite Yu Province and to
annex Yan Province.
Zhang Xiu reported to Cao
Cao that there were serious de-
sertions among newly surren-
dered troops. These troops
must be reorganized at once to
prevent future mishaps. Cao
Cao agreed to his proposal and
had his chief of security, Dian
Wei, assisted him. Since Dian
Wei was watching Zhang Xiu,
other Cao’s army groups did
not pay much attention to
Zhang Xiu troop activity.
Dian Wei Held the Fort,
Cao Cao Barely Escape
The day the assignment was
completed, Zhang Xiu cele-
brated and had Dian Wei
drunk. Cao’s camp was also
have a good time, thus guards
were laxness. Cao Cao and
Lady Zou were also enjoyed the
moment at the main camp. To-
ward the Hour of Ox (2 AM),
there were shoutings from out-
side the camp. Soon, flames
erupted. Cao Cao immediately
concluded that Zhang Xiu had
betrayed him. He called for
Dian Wei, who didn’t have time
Cao Ang, Cao Cao’s
first born, offered
his steed and his
life so his father
could escape.
Dian Wei defended the gate to the very end so
that Zhang Xiu could not be sure Cao Cao
whereabouts.

to don armor, to prepare horses
for both Cao Cao and Lady Zou
to escape. Cao Cao issued that
all troops were to retreat and
regrouped to eighty miles east-
ward at Wu-yin Cheng [City].
Cao Ang and Cao An-min es-
corted Cao Cao away. Dian Wei,
without any armor, wielded his
twin short halberds and led a
small group of personal guards
to defend the main gate.
As Cao Cao rushed through
the front gate of Wan City, his
horse was shot under him. Cao
Ang gave him his horse. And
together with Cao An-min, Cao
Ang formed another defensive
line at Wei-shui River to buy
time for Cao Cao to safely cross
the river.
Too many Zhang Xiu troops
followed after Cao Cao. There
was no survivor from Cao Ang
and Cao An-min’s rearguard.
However, their sacrifice en-
abled Cao Cao to escape safely.
But the death of eldest son had
caused Cao’s wife, Mistress
Ding, to be very angry at Cao
Cao. So much so that she di-
vorced from Cao Cao and re-
turned to her family. Never
again would she ever spoke to
her ex. Cao Cao was forced to
made Mistress Bian, mother of
Cao Pi, to be his official wife.
Back at the fort, Dian Wei
with his pair of eighty pound
short halberds and a small
group of men blocked the front
gate to prevent Zhang Xiu’s
troops from entered the main
camp. And because of his ef-
fort, Zhang Xiu could not be
certain whether Cao Cao was at
the base or not. Dian Wei’s sac-
rifice had played a significant
part on Cao Cao’s escape. But,
there were too many of Zhang
Xiu’s troops. Eventually, Dian
Wei was the only one left. He
had taken many wounds and
loss of blood that those hal-
berds become cumbersome.
He discarded them for a pair of
broad swords. He fought on
and on until both blades were
blunt. Then he grabbed two en-
emy soldiers and swirled them
around. Finally, he lost so
many bloods that he became
sluggish. A stab from the back
knocked him to the ground,
after several loud cries, he died.
Only then did Zhang Xiu’s
troops dare to approach the
dead and chopped off his head.
When Cao Cao heard the news
of Dian Wei’s death at Wu-yin
Cheng [City], he broke down in
tears. He ordered to negotiate
with Zhang Xiu for Dian Wei’s
body in order for a proper and
formal burial.
After troops were reorganized
at Wu-yin Cheng [City], Cao Cao
saw no point to continue to
fight on due too heavy losses.
He ordered withdraw. When
Zhang Xiu heard of it, he
wanted to attack. But Jia Xu
advised him not too. Zhang Xiu
didn’t listen and attacked. Cao
Cao personally leading his
troop to fight off Zhang Xiu and
beaten him severely. When
Zhang Xiu returned, Jia Xu
urged him to try again. Though
he didn’t understand the mo-
tive, Zhang Xiu complied. This
time, he won big and received
lots of supplies and equipment
left behind by Cao’s troop.
Zhang Xiu wanted to know
how is it possible.
Jia Xu explained that Zhang
Xiu’s ability was not as good as
Cao Cao but better than his
other generals. When Cao Cao
ordered the retreat, due to grav-
ity of situation, he knew Zhang
Xiu might want to attack. So he
personally led the rearguards
whose troops were ready to
avenge their fallen comrades.
This fighting force was more
than Zhang Xiu’s troops could
handle, so he was bound to
lose. However, once an attack
was over, Cao Cao assumed
that all were safe and left other
general to bring up the rear.
Therefore, Zhang Xiu’s troops
could win on second bout.
Yu Jin: The Only Squadron
to perform admirable during
the Ambush
When Cao Cao issued com-
mand to withdraw to Wu-yin
Cheng, each squadron began
to mobilize. Qing Provincial
Troops under Xiahou Dun, who
were lax in maintain troop dis-
ciplines, began to raid civilians.
When Yu Jin, Pacified via Cap-
turing General, prepared for
withdraw, he had heard about
these news. He immediately
went to police them, to elimi-
“Time is better spent
at set up defense
against enemy than
false accusation.”
Yu Jin, one of Five
Tiger Generals

nate any banditry, and to bring
peace to civilians. Qing Provin-
cial Troops, lacking organiza-
tional structure, retreated back
to the main camp. They filed
complaints against Yu Jin for
betrayal and for killing them.
Cao Cao ordered newly arrived
troops of Cao Hong, Li Dian and
Yue Jin to reorganize and to
prepare. He then commanded
scouts to find whereabouts of
Yu Jin’s units.
Once Yu Jin’s troops ap-
proached Wu-yin Cheng [city],
Zhang Xiu’s troops were close
behind. Yu Jin ordered to set up
formation and to prepare for
defensive action. Others have
warned him that Qing Provin-
cial Troops have accused him
of treason in front of Cao Cao. It
would be prudent for him to go
explain himself in front of Cao
Cao rather than stayed here to
build up defense.
Yu Jin expressed, “Now ene-
mies are at our heel, and would
arrive any moment. Times are
better spent on building up de-
fense and figure out how to
defend against inevitable at-
tack. To explain oneself is pale
in comparison to defend
against enemy. Anyway, Grand
Cao is intelligent, whether it’s
true or not, he will know for
sure immediately.”
As expected, Zhang Xiu’s
troops arrived right after the
defense had build up. Yu Jin
personally led the charge to
defend. Other Cao’s troops
from Wu-yin Cheng [city]
joined the attack. Together,
they defeated Zhang Xiu’s
troops. Afterward, Cao Cao
summoned Yu Jin to answer
these charges.
Afterward, Cao Cao happily
expressed, “We have lost heav-
ily in this campaign. General
was able to maintain order in
face of chaos and to punish
those who have wronged oth-
ers. And within a brief span of
time, he is able to strengthen
troops and to build up de-
fenses despite others accusa-
tions. This let us to turn the tide
around. Such acts, not even
fame generals of antiquity, are
able to accomplish.”
Beside congratulate in front
of everyone, he had given Yu
Jin a set of golden instruments
and to promote him to Profit
and Longevity Baron status.
By the time Cao Cao returned
to Xu-du, nearly entire Yu Prov-
ince has switched allegiance to
Zhang Xiu, including Nan-yang
and Zhang-ling Commander-
ies. During interim, Cao Hong
had repeatedly skirmishes
against Zhang Xiu’s troops; he
was not very effective. Likewise,
Zhang Xiu also sent troops to
harass Ye City.
On the winter of the Second
Year of Rebuilding Peace (194
A.D.), Cao Cao attempted to re-
take Yu Province. At that time,
Zhang Xiu’s main camp was
still at Wan City. And he forti-
fied Wu-yin City as he assumed
that would be the battle site.
Liu Biao sent troops to help his
ally and were stationed at Hu-
yang City, 90 li (27.96 mi or 45
km) southeast of Wan City.
However, Cao Cao was not as
hurried as before, he took more
of long-range plan. His first ob-
jective was to maintain a solid
foundation at the eastern half
of Yu Province. He positioned
Map Legend
A. Wu-yin City:
Zhang Xiu expected
to be the main bat-
tle field and forti-
fied the city.
B. Wan City: Zhang
Xiu stationed here
and readied to rein-
force Wu-yin City.
C. Hua-yang City:
Liu Biao’s forces
readied to assist,
but expected to sit
through the show.
1. Cao Cao ignored
Wu-yin City because
it is nearest to his
border and can be
attacked later at
leisure.
2. Cao Cao block-
aded Wan City to
prevent communi-
cation to and from
the city.
3. Cao Ren attacked
Hua-yang City to
repel Liu Baio’s
force.
4. After routed Liu
Baio, Cao Ren
turned around and
attacked Wu-yin
City.
A.B
C
1
2
3
4

his overwhelming force right
outside of Wan City to prevent
Zhang Xiu from contacting
with other city, Wu-yin. He or-
dered Cao Ren to attack Hu-
yang City. Since Wu-yin City is
lot closer to Yan Province, it
could be taken at leisure.
Zhang Xiu’s troops, stationed
at Wu-yin City, were expected
to be in thick of fight. They
worked long and hard to fortify
the city. Yet, Cao Cao passed it
by. And since the communica-
tion had been cut between Wu-
yin City and Wan City, the com-
mander was at lost at what to
do next.
On the other hand, Liu Biao’s
troops were expected to just
watching the fight between Cao
Cao and Zhang Xiu, they were
caught totally unprepared.
They forced to retreat back to
Ying Province. Once the Hu-
yang City had been taken, Cao
Ren returned to attack Wu-yin
City. There were not many
troops stationed at Wu-yin City
at the start. And once they real-
ized that no helps were to ar-
rive from Hu-yang City and
Wan City, they surrendered.
In less than a month, Cao Cao
had retake Yu Province from
east of Wei-shui River. He was
back to where he was a year
early ago. Since Wan City was
tightly defended and the sea-
son was getting colder which
was unfavorable time for the
attackers, Cao Cao ordered Cao
Hong to safeguard Yu Province
east of Wei-shui River. He led
troops back to Xu-du.
Execution of Those Who
Destroy Farmland
On March of the Third Year of
Rebuilding Peace (195 A.D.),
Cao Cao personally arrived to
eastern side of Wei-shui River.
Xun Yu and Cheng Yu stayed
behind at Xu-du, he brought
along Xun You, Guo Jia, Cao
Ren, Cao Hong, Yu Jin, Lu Qian
and Xu Zhu. Along the way, he
saw the crops were ripen but
farmers, heard of arriving
troops, have fled. There was no
one to harvest the crops.
Cao Cao felt remorse that
since Dong Zhuo controlled
Choa-ting (government), there
have been continuous battles;
troop disciplines were bad; and
commoners suffered the most.
Whenever they heard of troop
arrival, they shuddered in fear
and fled for their lives. Hence,
he ordered an edict:
“I, in honor of our
Emperor’s command, has
set out troops against those
who rebelled and rid of
those who harmed public.
It was in necessity that we
forced to raise troops dur-
ing harvest time. Those
who found guilty of de-
stroying crops or farmland,
no matter of his station,
would be summarily exe-
cuted. The rules and regu-
lation are severe in order to
protect people from harm.”
Once officers and soldiers
were aware of this edict, they
were careful when traveled
through farmland. They got off
their horses and carefully
watch their steps to make sure
there was no mishap. Cao Cao,
one who had given the com-
mand, still rode his horse
through the farmland and
watched grain rippled by
winds. He was very please with
himself of the decree. Unex-
pectedly, a dovetail flew across
Cao Cao’s beast and frightened
it to run into farmland and de-
stroyed crops. In a pinch, Cao
Cao thought of something and
summoned the Chief Secretary.
Chief Secretary was at loss,
“How can the military law be
applied to Prime Minister (by
then, Cao Cao received the title
from Han Emperor Xian)?”
Cao Cao, “If I can not submit
to my own rule, how can I ex-
pect other to do the same?” He
pulled out the sword and about
to commit suicide.
Guo Jia, who figured out what
Cao Cao was planning, inter-
rupted, “Since the time of
Spring and Autumn, it had
been stated that laws do not
apply to the noble. Prime Min-
ister, you lead the entire troops,
how can you commit suicide?”
Cao Cao though for a while,
then solemnly stated, “Since it
had been stated since time of
Spring and Autumn that laws
do not apply to the noble, I will
refrain myself from death sen-
tence. But my hair will be cut in
my stead.”
With that, he cut off his hair
and handed to Chief Secretary
who then announced to entire
army, “Prime Minister tres-
passed cropland, he was to be-
headed. However, his hair had
been cut in his place.” The en-
tire army was shocked. No one
dared to disobey the rules; the
disciplines were strengthened.
“If I can not sub-
mit to my own
rule, how can I
expect others to
do the same?”
Cao Cao

Garrison Farms To
Calm Populace
In the First Year of Rebuilding
Peace (196 A.D.), Han Emperor
Xian promoted forty-two years
old Cao Cao to be General-in-
Chief. He had became the
nation’s highest military officer.
This took place less than two
years of his struggle to regain
Yan Province.
To maintain good relation
with Yuan Shao, the northern
warlord, Cao Cao petitioned
Han Emperor Xian to grant
Yuan Shao position of Grand
Commandant and Marquise of
Ye (Prefecture).
Since Grand Commandant
was considered a rank below
General-in-Chief, Yuan Shao
thought Cao Cao had slight
him. He angrily exclaimed, “If it
was not because of me, Cao
Cao would have died couple
times over. And now, he tried to
command me through the Son
of Heaven’s name!” Yuan Shao
declined such offer.
Cao Cao worried that Yuan
Shao may attack and caused
new crisis to the newly formed
government. He volunteered to
give his title, General-in-Chief,
to Yuan Shao and accepted the
position of Grand Comman-
dant instead. To compensate
his lost, Han Emperor Xian
granted him additional posi-
tions of Minister of Works and
Chariot and Cavalry General.
Ten Vices of Yuan Shao,
Ten Virtues of Cao Cao
Cao Cao promoted Xun Yu to
be Master of Writing. Xun Yu
was to act as the liaison be-
tween the Han Imperial Court
and Cao Cao’s camp. Xun Yu,
in turn, introduced Xun You,
Grand Administrator of Shu
Commandery, and Guo Jia of
Yan Province to Cao Cao.
Xun You was known for his
attention to detail, he had be-
came famous when he was
young. He had served as Master
of Writing prior the Dong Zhuo
usurpation. He retired soon af-
terward. Cao Cao summoned
him, and after an interview, he
happily expressed, “Xun Gong-
da (Xun You’s personal name)
is not an ordinary man. To have
him participated in major
events of Heaven Below, I will
not have to worry anything.” He
assigned Xun You to be Assis-
tant Master of Writing and
Chief Military Advisor.
Guo Jia originally was a guest
under Yuan Shao. He was
known for creativity and origi-
nality. Yuan Shao respected
him very much. But after sev-
eral days serving under Yuan
Shao, to Xin Ping and Guo Tu
(bare no relationship with Guo
Jia), both chief advisors to Yuan
Shao, Guo Jia expressed,
“To offer one’s effort in
working for other, it is
most important to select
the right lord to serve.
Only if one found the
right master, then he
can gives his all in order
to establish merits and
recognition. Grand Yuan
knows how to treat his
subordinates well, yet,
he does not know how to
use men nor to inspire
them; he loves to plan,
but afraid to act deci-
sively; a leader like this
would not success in
such chaotic time. He
could not even achieve
Hegemony. I plan to
leave this place, to look
for the one who deserve
my service.”
Xin Ping and Guo Tu replied,
“House Yuan has served
meritorious in three
generations out of four.
They are virtuous in
Heaven Below. Various
warlords in northern
provinces and com-
manderies supported
our lord. He is the Hege-
mony. Who else, besides
him, is worthy enough to
serve under? Where else
can you go?”
Guo Jia knew they did not
understand his meaning and
departed alone.
Through introduction from
Xun You, Cao Cao discussed
current major situations with
Guo Jia. Afterward, he cheer-
fully stated, “This is the man
who will help me achieve great
status and great potential!”
Likewise, Guo Jia was pleased
to announce, “He is worthy of
my service!”
Yuan Shao was not happy
with Cao Cao’s move of snatch-
ing Han Emperor Xian from
what is rightfully his. And since
he thought himself to be more
powerful, Yuan Shao insulted
Cao Cao through writing and
hoped to provoke a fight. Cao
Cao was very frustrated and
expressed his annoyance to
Guo Jia.
Cao Cao complained, “I love
to teach this guy a lesson of
humility. However, his strength
would overwhelm us if we do.
What should we do?”
“It is most impor-
tant to select the
right lord to serve.
Only if one found
the right master,
then he can gives
his all in order to
establish merits
and recognitions.”
Guo Jia

Guo Jia smilingly replied, “Liu
Bang’s strength was no match
against Xiang Yu (the two re-
maining contenders after the
fall of Qin Dynasty). This situa-
tion, my lord, without a doubt
understood it well. Yet, Liu
Bang was smarter than Xiang
Yu. Therefore, despite his
strength, Xiang Yu still lost to
Liu Bang. In my observation,
the situation between Grand
Cao and Yuan Shao is similar to
that of Liu Bang and Xiang Yu.
Yuan Shao has 10 vices; and
Grand Cao, you have 10 virtues.
Therefore, even currently Yuan
Shao has awed us, he is not
your worthy opponent.”
Surprised, Cao Cao asked,
“Oh, according to mister’s ob-
servation, where are mine 10
virtues and where are Yuan
Shao’s 10 vices?”
Guo Jia explained in detail,
“Yuan Shao views styles, forms,
and rituals as necessity. Most
virtuous men cannot stand
them. Grand Cao treats others
with sincerity and naturally
and does not ask for proper
behavior. This is virtue of Dao.”
“Yuan Shao divides land and
declares Hegemony; Grand Cao
upholds the Son of Heaven and
follows the wishes of people.
This is virtue of Righteousness.”
“Since the time of Emperor
Huan (146 – 168 AD) and Ling
(168 – 189 AD), central govern-
ment power had fallen; social
order was in disarrayed. Yuan
Shao does things as his please
and does not follow rules and
regulation. Grand Cao realizes
the current chaotic situation
and strives to established order.
And Grand Cao rebuilds the
awe of central power. This is
virtue of Governed.”
“Yuan Shao appears to be for-
giving outwardly but harbors
mistrusted within. He uses his
men but doubts their abilities.
The only who can get into Yuan
Shao’s inner circle are his
blood relatives. Grand Cao eas-
ily accepts others. His judgment
is accurate; he uses men with-
out doubt. Therefore, Grand
Cao can use men based on
their capabilities and not be-
cause of blood relation or close
friendship. This is virtue of Ac-
ceptance.”
“Yuan Shao plans often but
decides little. Conclusions have
been dragged on and on. Un-
like him, Grand Cao is very
adoptable. He can take advan-
tages of changing situations.
This is virtue of Scheme.”
“Yuan Shao loves to talk
about ideals and pays attention
to court virtuous men. He gains
a hollow virtue of worthy lord.
Therefore, he employs those
who loved to show off their lim-
ited abilities, or to talk big.
Grand Cao treats others ear-
nestly, not care for reputation
or flattery. Hence, people of
true loyalty and potential flock
to serve you. This is the essence
of Virtue”
“When Yuan Shao sees some-
one in hunger or in cold, he
immediately wants to show his
sympathy. And, he does not see
the suffering among people,
nor can he imagine. Grand Cao
is not affected by triviality in
front of him but casts his eyes
on events in Heaven Below. He
seeks for solution that would
benefit throughout Four Seas.
Even if he does not witness
firsthand, he empathizes the
sufferings in Heaven Below.
Such is the virtue of Kindness.”
“In Yuan Shao’s court, minis-
ters bicker for more powers.
Blackmails and accusations are
constantly filed. Grand Cao
knows his men; any rumors are
not affecting his view. This is
the virtue of Enlightenment.”
“Yuan Shao is constrained by
relationships, he cannot sepa-
rate right from wrong. Grand
Cao is able to reward those suc-
ceed and deals out appropriate
punishment to those failed.
Such is the virtue of Civility.”
“Yuan Shao loves to threaten
and menace; he does not un-
derstand the importance of us-
ing troops. Grand Cao uses few
to defeat many; he knows the
essence of warfare. Officers and
soldiers trust you implicitly.
Your opponents fear you. This
is the virtual of Martial.”
Even Cao Cao felt embarrass
about such flattering compari-
son, “if it is only true to what
mister has said, how can I pos-
sibly deserve all these virtues?”
Similar comparison of virtues
and vices was later used by Liu
Bei to distinguish himself from
Cao Cao.
Eliminate Famish, Enforc-
ing Garrison Farm
At that time, the immediate
threat to Cao Cao was not Yuan
Shao but the encroaching fam-
ine. Only by solved the food
supplies would one qualify to
pacify the chaotic world and to
unite all in Heaven Below.
Food was people’s first priori-
ty. No nourishment, no support
from the people.
Since the dusk of Late Han
Dynasty, China had been in-
volved in protracted warfare.
This drained large sum of mon-
Han Hao, a former
officer of Yuan
Shu, researched
the Garrison Farm
policy of Early Han
and modified to
suit Cao Cao’s
need.

eys and foods. The agrarian
based economy failed under
such pressures. People were
forced to trade their offspring
for foods. The origin of Yellow
Turban Rebellion was due to
people’s starvation and lack of
government effort to address
this issue.
By the times of warlords, food
situation worsen. Even though
Yuan Shao controlled bountiful
Yi Province, his troops still have
to scrounge for foods. Yuan
Shu’s force stationed at Shou-
chun [City]. They have to de-
pend on fishing to survive. Oth-
ers lacked plans to secure food.
Their troops abandoned them
when full and committed rob-
bery when starved. Lesser war-
lords dissolved without a fight.
Once uphold the Son of
Heaven and stabilized the gov-
ernment, Cao Cao was commit-
ted to settle down Old Hundred
Surnames [people] basic neces-
sities. He took the advices from
Feathered Forest Commanders,
Zao Qi and Han Hao. He en-
forced Garrison Farm policy
and used army to convert
wastelands to farmlands.
Han Hao was originally an
officer under Yuan Shu’s camp.
After the battle at Kaung-ting,
he surrendered to Xiahou Dun.
He was known for his careful
planning and given advisory
staff position in Cao Cao’s
Feathered Forest Troops. Han
Hao researched the original
Garrison Farm policy back in
the days of Han Emperor Mar-
tial. And modified it to fit cur-
rent situation, he presented the
ideal plan to Cao Cao.
Zao Qi was a local official in
Yan Province. When Zhang
Mao and Chen Gong rallied the
Province to rebel against Cao
Cao, Zao Qi defended Dong-a
Prefecture. He was greatly re-
warded for his effort. Zao Qi
was one of principle support
for the Garrison Farm Plan. He
was promoted to Garrison
Farm Commander. Together
with former Cavalry Com-
mander, Ren Jun, now General
of Gentleman in Charge of
Farm, they recruited farmers
for Civilian Garrison Farm
around Xu-chang.
Garrison Farm policy was
composed of the Military Garri-
son Farm and the Civilian Gar-
rison Farm. The Military
Garrison Farms were main-
tained by troops at the end of a
battle. Almost entire Qing Pro-
vincial Troops were from
farmer background. They con-
tributed to the success of Mili-
tary Garrison Farm. The
Civilian Garrison Farm re-
cruited refugees and local Hun-
dred Surnames to farm.
Government rent out land and
seeds. Those who borrowed
livestock and equipment from
the government were only al-
lowed to retain forty percent of
their harvests. Those who have
their own livestock and equip-
ment were allowed to retain
fifty percent of their harvest.
Rest was given to the govern-
ment. This was severe, even un-
der their heavy taxation codes.
But in the Late Han Dynasty,
government indenture farmers
were already paid fifty percent
taxes. Therefore, most farmers
could accept it.
More so, under prolonged
chaos and warfare, popular ex-
pression of “Land has no
steady master, People has no
steady home” meant that
roaming peasants did not have
basic necessities. If the govern-
ment could provide land and
maintain social orders, they
were satisfied.
The idea of Garrison Farm
was not new. It was established
as early as Han Emperor Mar-
tial reigned (141 BC – 87 BC). In
Book of Han, there were re-
cords of Garrison Farm
throughout peripheral provinc-
es. But within the nation, large
scale Garrison Farm was in-
deed, originated by Cao Cao.
Initially, there were problems
to establish Garrison Farm pol-
icy. There were conflicts and
confusion over land distribu-
tion, farm equipments, seeds,
and forecast harvests. Even one
time, Xun Yu questioned the
feasibility of Garrison Farm.
Fortunately, Zao Qi’s conviction
had persuaded others. Cao Cao,
moved by Zao Qi’s enthusiasm
and sincerity, gave his whole-
hearted support to make Garri-
son Farm a success.
The result of first year of har-
vest from Garrison Farm
around Xu-chang was a mil-
lion hu (1,418,880 bushels) of
grains. The success heartened
others. Soon, every command-
ery had established a Minister
of Garrison Farm to actively
promote this practice. The Gar-
rison Farm success had gar-
nered a line in the succinct
San-guo Zhi, Ambitions of
Three Kingdoms, “Annual plen-
tiful harvest, fill-to-brim ware-
houses, people were no longer
suffered hunger and troops
were no lack of supplies. This
achievement initiated by Zao
Qi and completed by Ren Jun.”
Unfortunately, Zao Qi died of
a sickness in the sixth year of
Rebuilding Peace (201 AD). Cao
Cao Cao initiated
the first Garrison
Farm policy within
China proper.

Jiao, Shen and Ling
(Religions, Gods and Spirits)
Written by Chuan Lin
Edited by Charles Hildreth
Like every other country and
empire in early A.D., various
religious beliefs have profound
effects in the Late Han Dynasty.
From the ruling family, they
advocated their Mandate in ac-
cordance to Heaven’s Will; the
rich and powerful were to
sponsor the immortality re-
search projects; families were
to worship their ancestors as
part of filial piety and to seek
protection under them; then
there was the Dao that showed
the way as opposed to the Dao
that led the way; a new foreign
religion, Buddhism, had estab-
lished the White Horse Temple
at the capital; and, the literati
which viewed men as behaving
morally and not according to
spiritual whim. All-in-all, reli-
gious practices under the Late
Han Dynasty were generally
tolerable unless the status quo
was threatened.
Mandate of Heaven
To provide their legitimacy to
rule, the Imperial Family of Liu
proclaimed that they alone, had
received the Mandate of Heav-
en. How else had their fore-fa-
ther, Liu Bang, defeated an able
warrior and general; who also
rose from be-
ing the King
of a small in-
significant
Han Province
to be the Em-
peror of Chi-
na. Of the
Nine Minis-
ters who
served in the
Court of Han, the Minister of
Ceremonies was put in charge
of religious affair, astronomy
and augury, and Confucian’s
propriety. This office was not
new under Han Dynasty but a
continual remnant from past
regimes. The Minister’s position
was viewed as a necessary addi-
tion to show the validity of the
existing regency. Its presence in
the court symbolized an empire
resting on a single central gov-
ernment, presided over by an
emperor who was acting on
Heaven’s behalf and who was
responsible to Heaven for the
physical and moral well-being
of the inhabitants of Earth.
Filially Piety
Ancestral worship is even
more popular today than it was
back in early China. The con-
cept behind it has been prac-
ticed since the beginning of
Chinese civi-
lization. Ap-
parently the
ideas of an-
cestral au-
thority did
not end at
their death.
The longer a
minister had
been dead,
the more potent he had be-
come. Paradoxically, if he was
not remembered and properly
worshipped, his power dwin-
dled. The covenant between
the living and the departed in-
volved remembering their an-
cestors by periodic worship
and offerings. As a result the
departed would look after the
welfare of the family. Thus,
those who sincerely believe in
ancestral worship set up
shrines, mausoleums, and even
hired defenders against trea-
sure hunters in order to keep
their ancestors burial safe. This
practice of ancestral worship-
ping was so prevalent that a
specific month and day have
been marked to remember the
dead.
Immortality
The Holy Grail was a lure to
nobility and rich-folk for the ul-
Cao, to show his appreciation,
postmortem promoted Zao Qi
to Grand Administrator of
Chen-liu Commandery. And
Zao Qi’s son, Zao Chu-zhong,
inherited the position.
Peasants, in fear of losing the
capability to farm, dared not to
scour the countryside and
formed the new farm inden-
ture servant caste. And this is
also due to avoid hunger and
embrace stabilization, many
were willing to enter the new
caste. Garrison Farm move-
ment was naturally depended
on availably of water supply.
During Late Han period, Cao
Cao was the first to go out of his
way to fix riverbank, to build
bridges, to divert water flow,
and to create canals in order to
rebuild society.
Search for im-
mortality is the
Holy Grail for the
people of means.

timate gift:
immortality.
Even the First
Emperor of
the Qin Dy-
nasty be-
came mad
with obses-
sion for im-
mortality
after his
kingdom
rose to an
empire.
There were two factors for the
pursuit of never-ending life. The
most primal reason is self-pres-
ervation; to be able to live in the
world of flesh without fear of
disease, misfortune and bodily
destruction. The second pur-
pose was inspired by ascetic
hermits who were believed to
hold the answer. The hermits,
who were better known as ma-
gicians or charlatans, offered
their services to the rich and
powerful by claiming that they
had acquired the secret formula
from those who have reached
immortalities; or, that they had
the secret sauce readily avail-
able to brew into a potion or to
create a pill. Still, there were
others who knew the place
where immortals lived and
would be willing to lead an ex-
pedition to it. For most travelers
this would be their last journey.
Named Dao
The text
above men-
tions one as-
pect of
Daoism.
There were
other reli-
gions that
had similar
functions,
but they
were geared more towards the
general public. The religions
offered cures for illnesses, com-
muned with spirits, or con-
trolled the weather. These
activities eventually formed the
basis of Daoism which can of-
ten be seen in modern day tem-
ples or cults in Taiwan and
China. Both the Yellow Turbans’
and the Five Pecks of Rice’s
Daoism were prime examples
of Daoist Religions.
Originally, the Yellow Turbans,
founded by Zhang Jiao in cen-
tral China, were called The Way
of Heavenly Peace. They were
based on the mythical book
Zhang Jiao received from an im-
mortal called Old Man of the
South. Zhang Jiao began to offer
remedies to cure people’s suf-
fering. For instance, he encour-
aged people to confess their
sins in order to be at personal
peace. And, as his followers
grew, so did his ambition.
The Five Pecks of Rice Daoism
was similar to the Way of Heav-
enly Peace. They also practice
the method of publicly an-
nouncing one’s transgression
was a way to cure. The Five
Pecks of Rice Daoism orga-
nized in the western part of
China. The founder was Zhang
Ling who bears no relation to
Zhang Jiao and whose grand
son, Zhang Lu was a key figure
during the Three Kingdoms pe-
riod. The Five Pecks of Rice
name came from its member-
ship fee of annually offering
five pecks of rice to the founda-
tion. Like The Way of Heavenly
Peace, the Five Pecks of Rice
Daoism also sought to over-
throw the government. But its
approach was more peaceful
and more regional. Right before
they rejoined the Han Dynasty,
the Five Pecks of Rice Daoism
had controlled several com-
manding posts through grad-
ual assimilation.
Nameless Dao
Then there
was the
nameless
Dao. Unlike
the named
Dao reli-
gions, the nameless Dao did
not organize into a large entity;
it did not have thousands of
followers, and it certainly did
not promise anything to any-
one. These practitioners were
interested in self-enlighten-
ment and had a smaller num-
ber of students. Yet, they were
often the ones who achieved
legendary status. Ironically
enough, the nameless Dao fol-
lowers were often noted by
named Daoist students as be-
ing outstanding followers of
Daoism faith.
Buddhism
Buddhism, a foreign religion,
had been introduced to China
White Horse Temple, the first Bud-
dhist Temple commissioned by Han
Emperor at Luo-yang.

as early as 50
A.D. Most
likely, it
came
through the
Silk Road. In
166 A.D.,
Buddha’s name was men-
tioned along with Lao Tzu dur-
ing an important imperial
ceremony. By the time of Yel-
low Turban Rebellion, Bud-
dhism had established a
pagoda, White Horse Temple,
at the capital Luo-yang. This
religion offered opposite alter-
natives to Daoism. Instead of
searching for an immortal
elixir that fused body and soul,
Buddhism preached the re-
leasing of body and soul from
the world of suffering. Like the
Nameless Dao, it required in-
dividual effort to reach en-
lightenment. And, similar to
the named Dao, it is accessible
to the general public and priv-
ileged folks, from all walks of
life in various social castes.
Confucianism
The Literati
tried to re-
duce seemly
supernatural
events to logi-
cal but mundane occurrences.
Occultism was for the unedu-
cated masses. Yet, they them-
selves could not escape from
mysticism. The concept of Yin
and Yang, and the five elemen-
tal interrelations may have orig-
inated from Daoist ideology.
However, they could be proven
by logical and mundane evi-
dence. It was rational to apply
these concepts into human re-
lations and human natures.
And it would not be long after
that, based on these concepts,
one could predict, nullify, and
strengthen other’s behavior and
personal conviction. Also dur-
ing Late Han dynasty, Con-
fucius’ writing and teaching had
become a canon. It governed
how one was to behave in ac-
cordance with moral principles
and to detract from a faith of
irrational powers. Any contrary
behavior would be viewed as a
breach of sanctity.
In general, the Late Han Dy-
nasty had allowed free flow of
various religious practices. And
only when the religion at-
tempted to impose itself over
the state the government felt
threatened and began to crack
down. These cyclical events in
China exist even today.
Bibliography
Loewe, Michael, Everyday Life in
Early Imperial China, Transworld
Publishers Ltd, ©1973
On Confucius Birthday, children still gathered to celebrated the First
Teacher at his temple. Even in China today, Confucianism is making a
come back.

Dong Zhuo, The Tyrant
Other than Zhang Jiao and his
yellow Turbans, Dong Zhuo was
another worthy enemy during the
Romance of the Three Kingdoms.
However, unlike Zhang Jiao, Dong
Zhuo was an officer of the Han
Dynasty. Therefore, more informa-
tion is available on him. Hopefully
through this article you will find
more interesting details about
Dong Zhuo and his path of life.
Below is the translation of Dong
Zhuo from San-gu-zhi, the Ambi-
tions of the Three Kingdoms offi-
cial historical records.
Early Life
Dong Zhuo, whose personal
name is Zong Ying (Second Tal-
ented Son), came from the Liang
Province, Long-xi governed, Lin-
tao Prefecture (modern day
Gansu Province, Longxi City). In
his youth, Dong Zhou displayed
chivalrous warrior behavior. He
traveled to the Qiang tribes in the
Northwest region of the Han Dy-
nasty. He made many friends
there and maintained contact
even after he returned home.
When some of the tribal leaders
visited Dong Zhuo, he invited
them to his home and killed his
own prized bull to feed his
guests. They were moved by
such chivalrous behavior. When
the Qiang returned, they gath-
ered nearly a thousand of sheep
and gave them to Dong Zhuo.
During the later days of the
Han Emperor Huan (146 A.D –
168 A.D), Dong Zhuo became
Gentleman-of-the-Household-
of-Feather-Forest due to his
family background in the Fine
House of Six Governors. He was
capable and hand martial skills.
His strength was so amazing
that many were not able to
match him. Dong Zhuo could
carry two quivers of arrows and
fired arrows continuously while
riding on horseback.
He had advanced to the posi-
tion of Major when he accom-
panied the General of
Gentleman-of-the-Household
Zhang Huan to pacify the Bing
Province. For his meritorious
effort, Dong Zhuo had been
promoted to the Gentleman-of-
the-Household-for-All-Pur-
poses and then given nine
thousand bolts of silk. He dis-
tributed nine thousand bolts of
silk to his soldiers. He continu-
ously climbed the political lad-
ders becoming Commander of
Guan-wu Prefecture, to Chief
Commandant of the Northern
Shu territory, and Colonel of
the Western Peripheral. He
then held a few civil positions
as Inspector of the Bing Prov-
ince and the East River Grand
Administrator before he
switched back to a military
post. Prior to the Yellow Turban
Dong Zhou’s modern day birthplace, Longxi [City].

Crisis, Dong Zhuo held the po-
sition of General of Gentleman-
of-the-Household, but his fail-
ures during a crisis had
stripped him of all titles.
When Han Sui rebelled in Li-
ang Province, Dong Zhou was
reinstated as the General of Gen-
tleman-of-the-Household. He
was ordered to lead troops west-
ward against Han Sui’s force. In
the northern plain, his force was
surrounded by tens of thou-
sands of Qiang and Hu barbar-
ians. His supplies had dwindled
and he soon faced annihilation.
Dong Zhuo quickly came up
with a plan. He ordered some of
his troops to disguise as fisher-
man, then told them to dam up
the river where the barbarians
travel. The water level rose
quickly and he then led his men
quietly through the under-pas-
sages of the damn to safety. After
all of his forces had passed, he
ordered the damn destroyed.
When both Qiang and Hu bar-
barians realized their pursuit for
Dong Zhuo had ended, the rag-
ing and rising river prevented
them from following.
Of the six armies sent to the
Long-xi territory, five of them
faced defeat. Dong Zhuo’s
troops were the only to safely
return. He then stationed his
troops at Fu-feng territory.
As a result of his successful
escape, Dong Zhuo was pro-
moted to General of the Van-
guard, ennobled as Marquise
of the Ao Prefecture and be-
come Inspector of the Bing
Province once more.
Carpe Diem
When the Han Emperor Ling
passed away, Emperor Shao as-
cended to the throne. The Gen-
eral-in-Chief He Jin and Major
of the Si-li region Yuan Shao
planned to do away with the
unprincipled eunuchs. Howev-
er, the Empress Dowager He
refused. So, He Jin secretly
summoned Dong Zhuo to bring
his troops to the capital city. He
Jin covertly instructed Dong
Zhuo to submit a writ stated,
“Regular attendant Zhang
Rang, as well as others, have
abused their positions by en-
couraging the corrupted
practice of enriching their
personal wealth and planned
to cause havoc in Heaven
below. In the past, Zhao
Yang had mobilized his
troops in Jinyang in order to
get rid of the iniquity around
the Emperor. Your faithful
subject is willing to come to
Han Emperor Shao
did not give a good
impress to Dong
Zhuo. His position
became shaky.
Qiang Tribe
Population: 198,000
Location: Sichuan
Qiang Tribe has settle in the Qinhai and Tibet for
more than 3,000 years. They live on farming and
hunting. They have very old written language but lost.
Owing to their close contact with the Han people,
many Qiang people speak Chinese, which is also the
written form for this ethnic group.
Qiang was a name given by ancient Hans to the
nomadic people in west China. The Qiangs were not a single distinctive ethnic
group then. According to historical records, a clan group made their homes in
what is today's Sichuan Province. The Han Dynasty (206 B.C.-A.D. 220) court in the
2nd century had set up an administrative prefecture for the area. During A.D. 600
to 900 when the Tibetan Regime gradually expanded its rule over the region, some
Qiangs were assimilated by the Tibetans and others by the Hans, leaving a small
number unassimilated. These developed into the distinctive ethnic group of today.
excerpt from http://www.china.org.cn/e-groups/shaoshu/shao-2-qiang.htm

Luoyang to sound the alarm
for removal of Zhang Rang
and others.”
The plan was to force Em-
press Dowager He to give in to
their demands.
But before Dong Zhuo could
arrive, the conspiracy had
leaked. Zhang Rang and others
had assassinated He Jin. Regular
Attendant Duan Gui kidnapped
Emperor Shao and fled toward
Xiaopingjin (in modern day
northwest of Henan Province,
Mengying Prefect). Dong Zhuo
immediately led a portion of his
troops to Beimang (in modern
day west Henan Province Luoy-
ang Prefect) to escort Emperor
Shao back to safety.
By that time, Chariot and Cav-
alry General He Miao, younger
brother of He Jin, had been
killed by others. Both He Jin
and He Miao’s troops now had
no where to go. They joined
Dong Zhuo’s force. He also
urged Lu Bu to kill the Bearer of
the Gilded Mace Ding Yuan
and received his army. There-
fore, after a series of fierce con-
flicts, Dong Zhuo gained
control of all armies around the
capital.
Initially, He Jin sent forth Cav-
alry Major Bao Xing to raise
troops and purchases horses at
his base. Once he returned to
the capital-city, Bao Xing im-
mediately sought out Yuan
Shao and said,
“Dong Zhou has a large ar-
my, but his intentions are not
righteous. If he is not killed
early on, I am afraid that we
would be forced to serve him.
Now that he has arrived at the
Capital City, his troops and
horses are exhausted. If we
are to strike now, we will
capture him.”
But Yuan Shao was afraid of
Dong Zhuo; he did not want to
utilize troops half heartedly.
Bao Xing was known for his
foresight; he retired his post
and went back to his home.
There had been drought for
sometime; the Emperor re-
leased Liu Hong of his post as
the Minister of Works. The posi-
tion then passed to Dong Zhuo.
Soon, he was promoted to
Grand Commandant and held
emperor personal tally. This
gave him and his troops power
to execute without due process.
Once Dong Zhuo gained these
powers, he demoted Emperor
Shao to the King of Hongnong
[territory]. Then he had both the
King of Hongnong and Empress
Dowager He murdered. He up-
held former Emperor Shao’s
other son, Prince of Chenliu
[territory], as Han Emperor Xian.
By then, Dong Zhuo had ad-
vanced to become Prime Minis-
ter, ennobled as Marquise of
Mei [Prefect]. When he visited
the Emperor in the morning,
Dong Zhuo did not need to ask
for permission; he was also al-
lowed to bear arms in the pres-
ence of Emperor. Not only he
received benefits, his mother
had become Lady of Chiyang
[Prefect] and set up local offi-
cials loyal to Dong Family.
Dong Zhuo had led a group of
elite soldiers to the capital city.
His timing was perfect as there
was a struggle within the Luoy-
ang that caused a power vacu-
um. He seized the timing to
hold hostage of the imperial
family and gain access to the
national treasury. His audacity
had shaken the Heaven Below.
Dong Zhuo was cruel and ter-
rible; he has not a shred of sin-
cerity. He used harsh torture to
threaten others. Even those he
did not find pleasing or who
gave him the cold shoulder, he
would remember the slight and
planned for revenge. People
were frightened to be around
him.
He had sent his troops to
Yangcheng [city]. The attack
coincided with February when
people came out to celebrate
the new year. He ordered
troops to chop off men’s heads,
confiscated their wagons and
herds, kidnapped women and
then proceeded to pillage the
city. He tied the heads along
side of chariots or even on
wheel spokes. Dong Zhuo then
triumphantly returned to Luoy-
ang where he claimed to have
defeated the bandits and the
rebellions. People were asked
to praise Dong Zhuo to live to
ten thousand years of prosperi-
ty. After entering the palace
compounds, he distributed the
kidnapped women to his
troops as slaves and concu-
bines. He debauched palace
ladies and princesses. His tales
of indecency is endless. Dong
Zhuo’s malignity had de-
scended to such a profundity.
Prince Liu Xie was
able to get Dong
Zhuo off the horse
and kowtowed to
him and his broth-
er, the Emperor.
This impressed
Dong Zhou.

Initially, Dong Zhuo had en-
trusted the Master of Writing
Zhuo Bi and Major of the Pal-
ace Gate Wu Qiong. Based on
their advice, he promoted Han
Fu, Liu Dai, Kong You, Zhang Zi
and Zhang Miao to become
various Provincial Inspectors or
Grand Administrators. Howev-
er, when they accepted their
posts, they turned around and
formed an alliance against
Dong Zhuo. When he heard of
it, Dong Zhuo thought both
Zhuo Bi and Wu Qiong had
conspired with others to sell
him out. In his rage, he ordered
to have both executed.
Wang Kuang, Grand Admin-
istrator of Henei territory, mobi-
lized troops from Mount Tai (5
miles north of modern day
Shandong Province Taian Pre-
fecture) to Heyangjin (west of
modern day Henan Province
Meng Prefecture). He planned
to attack Dong Zhuo. Dong
Zhuo publicly prepared some
of his troops to cross the river to
Pingyin (east of modern day
Henan Province Meng Prefec-
ture). But covertly, he send elite
troops to circle around and
ambush from behind. They
fought to the north of Ney-
angjin. Wang Kuang suffered
heavy defeat.
Relocation
By then, the alliance had been
formed. Dong Zhuo began to
panic. On the second month of
the First Year of the Initial Peace
(190 A.D.), Dong Zhuo forced
Han Emperor Xian to move the
capital back to Chang-An. After
the evacuation, he razed the
palace compounds within Lu-
oyang. He then ordered Lu Bu to
dig up treasures from imperial
burial mounds.
When Dong Zhuo reached the
Western Capital, he self-pro-
moted the Grand Commander
and called himself the Es-
teemed Father. His cart had
azure colored covers with gold
bands around the cart; his flags
had images of flying dragons
and dancing phoenixes. It was
as if the Son of Heaven himself
had traveled out among the
general populace. People called
his magnificent cart, Ganhui
Che or the Presumptuous Cart.
Dong Min, younger brother of
Dong Zhuo became General of
the Left and was ennobled as
Marquis of Yu Prefecture. Dong
Huang, son of the older brother
of Dong Zhuo became the ma-
jor of the Central Army of Cere-
monial Troops. The entire
Dong Clan had received official
positions within the Imperial
Court by now. All other minis-
ters and officials had to kowtow
when they saw Dong Zhuo’s
cart. He did not have to return
to the public. Ministers lower
than Three Grand have to re-
port to Dong Zhuo at his per-
sonal dwelling.
Dong Zhuo spared no ex-
panses and spent a great for-
tune to build his estate, Meiwo
(Distant View). Its height was no
less than those of the Chang-An
Palaces. It stored sufficient food
supplies to last for 30 years. He
often said that if he was to pros-
per greatly this palace suited his
seat of power. If not, this palace
can withstand siege for the rest
of his life.
In one incident, Dong Zhuo
invited hundreds of ministers
to Meiwo for a feast. A huge
Burning of Luo-yang
Dong Zhuo’s forced Relocation

canopy was set up for this oc-
casion. Dong Zhuo beckoned
others to enter for drinks.
Among them were hundreds of
officers who covertly conspired
to rebel against him in the
north. Once everyone was seat-
ed, Dong Zhuo quickly ordered
his men to kill his opponents.
Some of the parts were thrown
into boiling oils. None of them
died quickly; all of them
moaned in pain or begged for
quick death. Those remaining
ministers were shaken when
they could not take food. Only
Dong Zhuo behave normally,
ate and drank to his content.
On another occasion, a min-
ister from the Ministry of Cere-
monies had observed the night
sky. He predicted that a notable
minister would die for his
crime. Since his previous
Grand Commandant, now
Commandant of the Guard,
Zhang Wen, was disrespectful
of Dong Zhuo (see previous
ezine article, Sun Jian: Scion of
Sun Tzu, for detail). Dong Zhu
used the pretext of prediction
and accused Zhang Wen of
conspiring with Yuan Shu to
overthrow the government.
Zhang Wen was found guilty
and was beaten to death by
wooden poles.
Law and order under Dong
Zhuo was cruel and harsh. Tor-
tures were used indiscrimi-
nately upon mere accusation.
Slanderous cases were plenti-
ful. Several thousands of inno-
cent people were condemned
to death.
Hundreds of families suffered
through both oppression and
nature’s disasters. People lined
up on the streets begging for
food. Dong Zhuo ordered to have
the Bronze Statue and bronze
poles melted down and minted
as 5 dollar coins. This displaced
the existing 5 dollar coins in cir-
culation. The newly minted
coins had no emblem; the qual-
ity was better, but the handiwork
was sloppier. It caused devalua-
tion of coins and the inflation of
prices. Ten bushels of grain
fetched as high as a hundred
thousand coins. Soon, the mone-
tary system crumbled.
Betrayal and
Retribution
On April of the Third Year of
Initial Peace (192 A.D.), the
Minister Over the Masses,
Wang Yun, conspired with
Master of Writing-for-Archery-
Gentleman Sun Rui and Lu Bu,
an officer and stepson of Dong
Zhuo, to do away with Dong
Zhuo. At that time, the Son of
Heaven had just recovered
from a disease and began to
hold the court at the Approach-
ing Centre Palace Hall. Lu Bu
sent forth his county friend,
Cavalry Major Li Su and his
personal guards to disguise as
Palace Guards for an ambush
on Dong Zhuo. Lu Bu carried
the Emperor’s decree.
Once Dong Zhuo entered the
palace compound, Li Su and
others suddenly surrounded
Dong Zhuo and screamed for
his execution. Dong Zhuo was
shocked and quickly called
forth his foster son,
“Lu Bu! Where are you?”
Lu Bu took out the Emperor’s
decree and proclaimed,
“Look, this is the Imperial
Writ of your punishment; I
am bound by its command!”
As soon as he finished speak-
ing, he stabbed the still sur-
prised Dong Zhuo. Without
pause, he slew the nearby
Dong Zhuo relatives for three
generations. Chief Secretary
Tian Jing rushed to Dong
Zhuo’s corpse. Lu Bu’s quick
reflex finished him as well.
With the link of an eye, he
quickly took out three other
men. Every Dong Zhuo associ-
ate held their breath without
making any sudden moves.
The news spread quickly. The
entire Chang-An territory
erupted in celebration. The
Dong Zhuo cronies were either
imprisoned or executed.
Unfortunately, within a
month, Chang-An was retaken
by the generals under Dong
Zhuo. Lu Bu fled; Wang Yun
died. After extracting their re-
venge to the city, they wanted
to properly rebury Dong Zhuo.
However, once buried, a sud-
den thunderstorm came. It

Dong Zhuo shared
more than just fa-
ther-son relation-
ship. They suffered
the same fate.
caused a flash-flood. Rain wa-
ter and sand flowed into Dong
Zhuo’s burial ground and
warped his coffin. Dong Zhuo
was never properly buried.
Commentary
Chén Shòu (the author of
San-gú-zhì) critiqued of Dong
Zhuo as followed:
“Dong Zhuo is mean, calcu-
lated, violent and terrorized.
He suppressed the Virtuous
and Righteous. Since man-
kind developed the writing
system, there was no other
like him.”
Author Observation
Interesting enough, there
were a lot of similarities be-
tween Lu Bu and Dong Zhuo
other than just a mere father-
son relationship. Dong Zhuo
was known for his fighting abil-
ity during his prime. As a mem-
ber of the
Gentlemen-of-the-Household-
of-feathered Forest, he was ca-
pable and had martial skills.
His strength was so amazing
that his skill was matched by
very few warriors. He could
carry two quivers of arrows and
fire continuously while riding
on horseback. Likewise, Lu Bu
was skilled in archery, horse-
manship and martial arts; plus,
his strength was greater than
most and his nickname was
General Swift.
Both of them were ambitious
and willing to sacrifice almost
anything to reach their goals;
they even sacrificed the knowl-
edge of their advisors and pur-
sued their destiny by instinct.
Dong Zhuo had been looking
for a chance to get involved
with central government poli-
tics. That came when he an-
swered Her Jin’s call. While on
the way there he came upon
the prince and young emperor
which allowed him to become
the Imperial Protector. Each
step along the way brought
Dong Zhuo closer to the throne.
He may very well have had a
replica of the Emperor’s throne
built in his Meiwo Estate. How-
ever, he failed to heed Li Ru’s
advice which allowed a seed of
discord between Lu Bu and
Dong Zhuo to grow. Eventually
he died by Lu Bu’s hand.
Likewise, Lu Bu was also
seeking political advancement
and recognition. His betrayal to
Ding Yuen could also be due to
political motivation as well as
personal greed. After all, Dong
Zhuo did have higher political
rank than Ding Yuen as both
the Minister of Works and the
Grand Commandant. His foster
father was merely the Bearer of
the Gilded Mace or the Chief of
Police and Luo-yang. Years lat-
er, when Lu Bu became the
Warlord of Xu Zhuo (his title as
Provincial Inspector of Xu Zhuo
was self proclaimed and never
sanctioned by Cao’s or Han’s
Court), his failure to heed Chen
Gong’s advice slowly ceded his
advantages to Cao Cao’s com-
bined force.
Both were betrayed by their kins-
men. Dong Zhuo adopted Lu Bu as
his foster son. This was more of a
union of conveniences. Through
Lu Bu, Dong Zhuo absorbed the
remaining army stationed at Luo-
yang and became the tyrant of his
time. Through Dong Zhuo, Lu Bu
received wealth and status, the
generalship. Gradually, conve-
niences were diminished and hin-
drances increased. Dong Zhuo
began to have more and more
temper tantrums that make people
around him uneasy. Lu Bu feared
that he may be punished for hav-
ing an affair with one of the serving
wenches in Dong Zhuo’s house-
hold. This fear drove Lu Bu to con-
spire with others against Dong
Zhuo. In the end, Dong Zhuo sum-
moned Lu Bu for his protection,
instead his foster son became the
executioner.
When Lu Bu came to Xu
Zhou, his name and status
were higher than Liu Bei. De-
spite objections from his two
blooded brothers, Guan Yu,
and Zhang Fei, Liu Bei formed
a kinship between Lu Bu.
Though he usurped Liu Bei’s
Inspectorship, Lu Bu did not
slay his foster brother. Instead,
he put the youngest in charge
of the city Xiao Pei. Even Yuan
Shu’s force came to attack Liu
Bei and Lu Bu came to his fos-
ter brother’s rescue. Liu Bei
feared the fickleness of Lu Bu
and soon moved to Cao Cao’s
army. After a large campaign,
Lu Bu was captured. Before his
fate was decided, he begged
Liu Bei to ask for mercy on him.
Liu Bei mumbled under his
mouth in disgust. Before Cao
Cao ordered Lu Bu’s release,
Liu Bei had a change of heart
and blurted out,
“Did Grand Cao not remem-
ber the downfall of Ding
Yuen and Dong Zhuo?”
Despite his failure to estab-
lish Dong Dynasty, his reign of
terror over the Han’s Court had
unofficially signaled the begin
of the end of Han’s Dynasty. A
process that took more than
thirty years to resolve.

Written by Chuan Lin
Edited by Charles Hildreth
This is a bonus article for
Dragon Dynasty Collectible
Card Game (DD CCG) Deck
Composition. Too many decks
in DD CCG are chock full of bro-
ken cards. Yet, if a majority of
the cards are considered bro-
ken, then is the game broken?
The purpose of this addition is
to introduce a specific theme
deck in two flavors: tournament
deadly and simulated history.
Tournament Deadly
Subjugating the enemy’s
army without the fight is the
true pinnacle of excellence.
Sun-Tzu’s, Art of War, Chapter 3
This is the design philosophy
behind Dragon Dynasty for tour-
nament play. The reality is, in
tournament where prizes and
recognitions are at stakes, people
will play hardball. Accordingly,
Subjugating the opponent’s
deck on the first draw is the
true pinnacle of excellence.
Dragon Dynasty’s Art of Tournament
Nothing is more satisfying
than sealing your opponent’s
fate on your very first draw. You
are in control of time. Of
course, it is foolhardy to base
your entire deck strategy on the
first draw victory. Your deck
has to be able to “attack the
army” and “siege the deck” as
alternate ways of winning. At-
tacking the army is the most
common route for players to
win. This involves bringing out
the necessary components to
systematically destroy your
opponent’s cards, his hand,
and his deck. By using attack
the army, the standard victory
condition is achieving ten vic-
tory points. Therefore, a player
has to prepare at least 3 ways of
winning for attacking the army
to be successful (see below).
Time may or may not work
against you. The only way siege
the deck will work is when you
have lost all possible chances
to win from your deck or by not
clinching the win from the
start; you can only hope to out-
last your opponent and achieve
the dubious win. Deck size
helps in this stratagem but it
may defeat the possibility of a
first draw victory or the flow of
attacking the army.
Tournament Deck
The chart below shows the
composition of the Tourna-
ment Deck – Peach Garden
Oath. With Maximum VP of 61,
this is a no brainer.
First Draw Victory (FDV)
1 Militia, Liou Bei, Small
Town, + any 1 card
Attack the Army (AtA)
1 combo: Militia, Zhang Fei +
any personality
2 combo: Liou Bei + any 2
personality cards
3 combo: 10 VP
This is also an easy deck to
construct because it requires 3
Quarterly Theme Deck – Peach Garden Oath
First Draw Victory
Tournament Deck:
Peach Garden Oath
4 Foot Archer (001C)
4 Horse Archer (002C)
1 Zhang Fei (010R)
1 Liou Bei (011R)
4 Militia (012C)
4 Increase Morale (018C)
3 Oath at Peach Garden (020C)
2 Duel of Champions (021U)
1 Zhu Jyun (052U)
1 Zhao Yun (068R)
1 Nine Section Iron Whip (078C)
4 Small Town (0118C)
Staple Defensive Cards
2 Spy (017C)
2 Burn Supply (019C)
2 Setup (094C)
2 Lost (095C)
2 bags of Trick (097C)
Overall VP: 53
Maximum VP: 61

rare cards: Liou Bei, Zhang Fei,
and Zhao Yun. However, Zhao
Yun is more of an option be-
cause of his unique addition.
He can be substituted with any
other 2 VP personality cards
that are not rare. So, you can
get by with 2 rare cards, which
will in turn make this deck eas-
ier to construct than the Yellow
Turban deck.
There are only 2 types of a
first draw victory deck, but they
are so easily created. Once you
have the Militia (10.52%) and
Liou Bei (2.64%) cards in your
hand on the first draw (6.59%)
they will increase your person-
ality VP. Remember that Liou
Bei requires only 8 VPs to win.
Having these two cards already
meet three quarters of the VP
requirement. However, it does
need 2 more cards to make it a
4 card FDV. You will definitely
feel so near, yet so far. Needing
4 cards makes this deck slightly
less desirable the Yellow Tur-
ban Cheese deck which offers
the same chances but only 2
cards are required for a FDV.
More than 90% of the time,
you will be ready for an attack
the army scenario. Since this is
a high VP deck, option 3 is very
easy to accomplish within
about 10 rounds of the game.
Even though option 3 is easy,
the Zhang Fei combo is more
fun because you get to destroy
your opposing personality just
like in the story. And, if you
somehow send 5 opposing per-
sonalities to the discard pile,
you win with a Zhang Fei victo-
ry. Militia + Zhang Fei represent
the essence of an attacking the
army deck. Anytime you get
Liou Bei out (the guy who loves
to form a band of brothers) he
is virtually guarantee a victory.
Simulated History
The strongest point of Dragon
Dynasty is the ability to simu-
late story events as described
in the Romance of the Three
Kingdoms. The chart in this
page shows the composition of
the Peach Garden Oath men-
tioned in the first two chapters
of the novel.
As a historical deck, it has the
flexibility of choosing a victory
run or a traditional beat-down.
Here, Zhao Yun is replaced by
Gwan Yu. Zhao Yun did not
show up until Liou Bei went to
Tao Qian’s rescue. Well, techni-
cally, Zhao Yun did show up a
bit early than that, but he was
under the service of Gongsun
Zan. Gwan Yu is a powerful
card, but it is also one of the
more difficult cards to play. He
also requires some rules and
clarification which will be in-
cluded in the DD FAQs. Round-
ing out the Peach Garden Oath
deck are some minor charac-
ters that were on Liou Bei’s side
when they crushed the Yellow
Turban Bandits.
Liou Bei (011R) was a distant
imperial prince whose family
had fallen into poverty. He sold
straw shoes for living, but he
ultimately wanted to serve the
country. Unfortunately he
lacked the funds and the man-
power needed.
Lu Zhi (004C) was one of three
Imperial Commanders sent to
destroy Yellow Turbans. He was
a teacher to young Liou Bei.
And in his struggle against Yel-
Historical Deck:
Peach Garden Oath
3 Foot Archer (001C)
3 Horse Archer (002C)
1 Lu Zhi (004C)
1 Hwong Fu Song (006C)
1 Zhang Fei (010R)
1 Liou Bei (011R)
4 Militia (012C)
3 Increase Morale (018C)
3 Oath at Peach Garden (020C)
2 Duel of Champions (021U)
1 Zhu Jyun (052U)
1 Gwan Yu (059R)
1 Iron Black Snake Spear (079R)
1 Military Camp (085U)
4 Small Town (0118C)
Staple Defensive Cards
2 Spy (017C)
2 Burn Supply (019C)
2 Setup (094C)
2 Lost (095C)
2 bags of Trick (097C)
Overall VP: 55
Liu Bei (#011R)
and Zhang Fei
(#010R) are two
linchpins for this
deck.

By Chuan Lin
Edited by Charles Hildrethberth
AS of right now, we have
more than a fifty percent re-
sponse in Romancing Cathay’s
website poll. Most are in favor
of seeing the RTK tabletop role-
playing game. We have no
problem writing the back-
ground information, but there
are so many choices for the
game engine. The most popular
is the d20 system. Starting with
this and subsequent issue, we
will take a look at a few poten-
tial game engine. Here is a
brief summary of FUDGE – Re-
visiting the Three Kingdoms.
The original FUDGE game
system can be download at
http://www.panix.com/~sos/
fudge.html
Character and
Character Traits
Player in FUDGE - Revisiting
the Three Kingdoms (F - RTK)
creates a character through de-
fined traits. These traits include
attributes, careers, skills, gifts,
aspect, and possibly magic.
• Attributes are basic founda-
tions of everything that is in
the F - RTK world.
• Career is a character’s cho-
sen pursuit in a society.
• Skill is a developed ability
that a character learned dur-
ing his lifetime.
• Gift is a bestowed endow-
ment due to exceptional at-
tribute, career or skill.
• Aspect is a character outlook
in life that may benefit or
hinder him at time.
• Magic is reserved to select
individual who able to ma-
nipulate nature through su-
pernatural means.
Traits are defined by 10
words scale or level:
• Legendary
• Superb (max human limit)
• Heroic
• Great (max starting traits)
• Good
• Fair (average person)
• Mediocre
• Poor
• Lousy
• Abysmal
Words in red are reserved for
extraordinary situation.
Character Creation
The underlying FUDGE is
low Turbans, his student came
to his rescue. But Liou Bei
could not free Lu Zhi from po-
litical entrapment.
Hwong Fu Song (006C) was
one of three Imperial Com-
manders sent to destroy Yellow
Turbans. With a fire, he de-
stroyed the rebel encamp-
ments. For his effort, the court
promoted him to the Right Cav-
alry & Chariot General position.
Zhu Jyun (052U) was one of
three Imperial Commanders
sent to destroy Yellow Turbans.
He surrounded the city de-
fended by Yellow Turbans. He
allowed his army and himself
an escape route in order to take
over the city with minimal loss.
Zhang Fei (010R) was a wealthy
butcher, who questioned Liou
Bei as why he would rather
watch than to take charge of
the situations at hand. Once he
found out that Liou Bei was of
a distant relation, he pledged
his fealty immediately.
Gwan Yu (059R) was a fugitive
from the eastern region of
China who had been on the
run for a justified homicide. He
went into service for his coun-
try deciding it would be a more
suitable death rather than die
to an executioner for murder.
Liou Yen (053U) was the Pro-
vincial Inspector of the You
Province. He was threatened by
the Yellow Turbans so he put
out calls for heroes to combat
the rising evil. Three Brothers
answered his call.
Conclusion
This concludes the Quarterly
Theme Deck section. Hopefully,
this article will let readers think
of additional variations to their
card game or to create their
own first draw victory design.
FUDGE – Revisiting the Three Kingdoms
in a nutshell
Table 1
Heaven Perception Reasoning Willpower
Man Appearance Wealth Status
Earth Agility Strength Health

Edited by Charles Hildrethberth
AS of right now, we have
more than a fifty percent re-
sponse in Romancing Cathay’s
website poll. Most are in favor
of seeing the RTK tabletop role-
playing game. We have no
problem writing the back-
ground information, but there
are so many choices for the
game engine. The most popular
is the d20 system. Starting with
this and subsequent issue, we
will take a look at a few poten-
tial game engine. Here is a brief
summary of FUDGE – Revisit-
ing the Three Kingdoms.
The original FUDGE game
system can be download at
http://www.panix.com/~sos/
fudge.html
Character and
Character Traits
Player in FUDGE - Revisiting
the Three Kingdoms (F - RTK)
creates a character through de-
fined traits. These traits include
attributes, careers, skills, gifts,
aspect, and possibly magic.
• Attributes are basic founda-
tions of everything that is in
the F - RTK world.
• Career is a character’s cho-
sen pursuit in a society.
• Skill is a developed ability
that a character learned dur-
ing his lifetime.
• Gift is a bestowed endow-
ment due to exceptional at-
tribute, career or skill.
• Aspect is a character outlook
in life that may benefit or
hinder him at time.
• Magic is reserved to select
individual who able to ma-
nipulate nature through su-
pernatural means.
Traits are defined by 10 words
scale or level:
Table 2 - Attribute Description
Perception
Awareness to the environment; raw ability to perceive.
Game Context: mainly used as opposing action; a requirement to learn certain skills and gifts.
Reasoning
Thinking ability; puzzle-solving; intelligence; mental acuity
Willpower
Strength of will; mental determination to strive victory no matter the cost
Game Context: to resist going unconscious state, to resist outside influence; a requirement to learn
certain skills and gifts.
Appearance
Physical presentation that others will remember you by; first or immediate impression
Wealth
Material strength; your ability to obtain favors and items through financial means
Game Context: ability to get equipment during game; a player can get 1 item and 1 service at one level
above his current Wealth, 3 items and 3 services equal to his wealth, 5 items and 5 services at one level
below his current Wealth, unlimited items and services at two level below his current Wealth.
Status
Your social rank; how much influence you and/or your family background have over others.
Game Context: Social status— Terrible & Poor measure a low social status; Mediocre & Fair means an
average social status; Good & Great means an above average social status; Heroic+ means nobility
Agility
Physical dexterity; adroitness; native talent for physical skills
Strength
Physical strength; lifting/carrying capacity; ability to deal damage
Game Context: use as part of Offensive Factor calculation; a requirement to learn certain skills and gifts.
Health
Fitness; resistance to disease and injury; physical stamina
Game Context: for every level above Fair, a player can put a wound box in Wound Condition from
Scratch to Near Death. A rule of thumb: each wound condition cannot have more boxes than the one
to its left.

Revisit the Three Kingdoms 03

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