The event
Cao Cao’s Wuhuan Campaign
北征乌桓
In 207 Cao Cao led a northern campaign against the Wuhuan and pursued the remaining Yuan forces beyond the frontier. When officers feared that Liu Biao would send Liu Bei against Xu, Guo Jia argued that Liu Biao would not entrust Liu Bei with such a force. At Yi, Guo Jia urged Cao Cao to leave the baggage behind and advance quickly with a light force. Near Liucheng the army unexpectedly met the Wuhuan; Zhang Liao urged Cao Cao to fight, and the battle ended with the Wuhuan leader Tadun killed. Guo Jia died on the return march, and Cao Cao attended his funeral and mourned deeply. The campaign helped consolidate Cao Cao’s control over the north.
The people
Who took part
Novel vs history
How the novel retells it
Romance of the Three Kingdoms changes parts of this story. These fact-checks show what the records say instead.
Sources
Historical sources
- Historical record三国志 · 魏书一·武帝纪
Cao Cao led a northern campaign against the Wuhuan and pursued the remaining Yuan forces beyond the frontier.
- Chronicle资治通鉴 · 卷六十五·建安十三年
Cao Cao’s northern campaign defeated the Wuhuan and helped consolidate control over northern China.
- Historical record三国志 · 魏书十四·程郭董刘蒋刘传
When others feared Liu Biao would send Liu Bei against Xu, Guo Jia argued that Liu Biao would not entrust Liu Bei with such a force.
- Historical record三国志 · 魏书十四·程郭董刘蒋刘传
At Yi, Guo Jia urged Cao Cao to leave the baggage behind and advance rapidly with a light force.
- Historical record三国志 · 魏书十四·程郭董刘蒋刘传
Cao Cao’s army defeated the Wuhuan at Liucheng and killed their leader Tadun.
- Historical record三国志 · 魏书十四·程郭董刘蒋刘传
Guo Jia died on the return from the campaign; Cao Cao attended his funeral and mourned deeply.
- Historical record三国志 · 魏书十七·张乐于张徐传
When the army unexpectedly encountered the Wuhuan near Liucheng, Zhang Liao urged Cao Cao to fight.
- Historical record三国志 · 魏书十七·张乐于张徐传
The battle ended with Tadun, leader of the Wuhuan, killed.