The event
Cao Cao Receives Emperor Xian at Xu
曹操迎献帝迁许
In 196 Cao Cao brought Emperor Xian to Xu, placing the imperial court under his protection and political control. Emperor Xian was the young prince Dong Zhuo had installed on the throne in 189. Xun Yu urged Cao Cao to welcome the emperor to Xu, arguing that it would honor public expectations and strengthen Cao Cao’s cause; Emperor Xian appointed Xun Yu Han Attendant and Acting Director of the Secretariat. Yuan Shao had the chance first: Ju Shou urged him to host the fugitive emperor at Ye and command the lords in his name, but Yuan Shao refused — and the next year Cao Cao did it instead. The move gave Cao Cao a powerful source of political legitimacy.
The people
Who took part
Sources
Historical sources
- Chronicle资治通鉴 · 卷六十五·建安十三年
Dong Zhuo seized control of the court, deposed the young emperor, and installed Liu Xie, later known as Emperor Xian.
- Historical record三国志 · 魏书六·董二袁刘传
Ju Shou urged him to host the fugitive emperor at Ye and command the lords in his name; Yuan Shao refused — and Cao Cao did it instead.
- Historical record三国志 · 魏书一·武帝纪
Cao Cao brought Emperor Xian to Xu, placing the imperial court under his protection and political control.
- Chronicle资治通鉴 · 卷六十五·建安十三年
The Han court relocated to Xu under Cao Cao’s protection, giving him a powerful source of political legitimacy.
- Historical record三国志 · 魏书十·荀彧荀攸贾诩传
Xun Yu argued that welcoming Emperor Xian to Xu would honor public expectations and strengthen Cao Cao’s cause.
- Historical record三国志 · 魏书十·荀彧荀攸贾诩传
Emperor Xian appointed Xun Yu Han Attendant and Acting Director of the Secretariat.