The event
Battle of Baima
白马之战
In 200 Yuan Shao’s force besieged Liu Yan’s position at Baima, and Cao Cao sent Guan Yu and Zhang Liao as vanguard against it. Guan Yu rode through the opposing force, killed Yan Liang and returned with his head; the attack relieved the siege. Cao Cao, who had captured Guan Yu and treated him generously, then memorialized the Han court to enfeoff him as Marquis of Hanshou village. Guan Yu told Zhang Liao he would repay Cao Cao’s kindness with a deed but would not abandon his bond with Liu Bei. Later he sealed the gifts he had received, sent Cao Cao a letter of farewell and left; Cao Cao ordered his officers not to pursue him, saying each man served his own lord.
The people
Who took part
Sources
Historical sources
- Historical record三国志 · 蜀书六·关张马黄赵传
After Cao Cao captured him, Cao appointed Guan Yu a deputy general and treated him generously.
- Historical record三国志 · 蜀书六·关张马黄赵传
Cao Cao sent Guan Yu and Zhang Liao as vanguard against Yuan Shao’s force at Baima.
- Historical record三国志 · 蜀书六·关张马黄赵传
Guan Yu rode through the opposing force, killed Yan Liang, and returned with his head.
- Historical record三国志 · 蜀书六·关张马黄赵传
The attack at Baima relieved the siege around Liu Yan’s position.
- Historical record三国志 · 蜀书六·关张马黄赵传
Cao Cao memorialized the Han court to enfeoff Guan Yu as Marquis of Hanshou village.
- Historical record三国志 · 蜀书六·关张马黄赵传
Guan Yu told Zhang Liao he would repay Cao Cao’s kindness with a deed, but would not abandon his bond with Liu Bei.
- Historical record三国志 · 蜀书六·关张马黄赵传
Before leaving, Guan Yu sealed the gifts he had received and sent Cao Cao a letter of farewell.
- Historical record三国志 · 蜀书六·关张马黄赵传
Cao Cao ordered his officers not to pursue Guan Yu, saying each man served his own lord.