Chapter 4, The Xiahou Family
Despite the obstruction from veteran officials like Sima Yi and others from noble families, the political reform proposal put forth by Xiahou Xuan was partially implemented. In an ideal scenario, as long as the older generation could be outlasted, the younger generation of the empire could sweep away the stagnation of the Nine Ranks system, restoring the unparalleled glory of meritocracy from the era of Cao Cao, revitalizing the aging state machinery, and rejuvenating the declining state of Cao Wei.
You have lived your life cautiously, while Xiahou Xuan possesses great integrity. Cao Pi's successor, Emperor Ming of Wei, Cao Rui, personally arranged for his brother-in-law to sit with Xiahou Xuan in order to elevate his brother-in-law's status. Xiahou Xuan took this as a disgrace and did not hide his feelings, which led to Cao Rui harboring resentment and demoting him.
Xiahou Yuanrang, accompany me on my journey—A letter to Mr. Xiahou Dun
What is most outrageous is that in "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," it is fabricated that you were captured alive by Huang Zhong during the Battle of Dingjun Mountain and became a prisoner of war! Mr. Luo Guanzhong enjoys portraying the second-generation generals of the Cao and Xiahou families in a negative light; his bias against you is excessive. He is determined to distort your image into that of a despised second-generation heir unless he is stopped! (Originally, in Luo Guanzhong's "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," it was Xiahou Ba who was falsely depicted as a prisoner of war, but this was changed to Xiahou Shang after being revised by the Qing dynasty scholar Mao Zonggang.)
One sentence, a lifetime, a lifetime of affection, a cup of wine. Traversing through those years entangled by rumors and prejudices, what I see is a sincere and selfless friendship. The bond of Liu, Guan, and Zhang is celebrated by people and recited through the ages. The connection between the general and Cao Gong can truly be placed on par with that of Liu, Guan, and Zhang.
Unfortunately, due to a novel titled "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," many people primarily remember two matters that cause you the most heartache
The Liu Xuanhong of the Han Dynasty clan, the Iron-Backed Azure Dragon
Your niece, whom you raised by sacrificing your youngest son, has been abducted by the pretentious young man, Zhang Fei
Qiwawa Xiahou and: During the Western Jin Dynasty, he held the position of Governor of Henan. When Emperor Wu of Jin, Sima Yan, fell seriously ill, he planned to support Prince Qi, Sima You, as the emperor. After Sima Yan recovered, his plot was exposed. Despite bearing the grave crime of treason against his family, he was merely reassigned from Governor of Henan to one of the Nine Ministers, the Minister of Rites. It must be said that this was a miracle
During the era of Cao Cao, General, your salary and benefits were the highest. However, you were honest and frugal, not engaging in personal enterprises, and distributed your wealth to others, resulting in your family being left with no assets after your death. After a careful reading of historical texts, I discovered that within Cao Cao's group at that time, there was a person with a particularly unique status but who was also notably short of funds—Cao Pi.
The warlord Song Jian, who had declared himself king and ruled for over thirty years without anyone daring to challenge him, has been completely eradicated by you
Liu Wa, Xiahou Hui, although he only attained the rank of Governor, was a man of exceptional literary talent and charm, regarded as a leading literary figure of his time. His two volumes of collected works have been passed down through the generations
Mr. Xiahou Yuan: Does the wound still hurt
In your lifetime, you have demonstrated both principled integrity and flexibility, truly deserving of the three words: steady, precise, and resolute, never straying from your path. During the early years of the Western Han Dynasty, when the world changed every few years, how many people shone brightly like fireworks for just a moment, and how many families lost everything due to a single misstep. Many have come and gone, yet you have always remained. Even if you have not soared high, you have never felt lonely.
Xiahou Xuan was one of the few virtuous gentlemen of the Cao Wei Empire and also the last pillar of the empire. With Xiahou Xuan's death, the Wei dynasty fell. The toxic seed of only knowing family and not the country finally blossomed into a flower of evil. The philosophy of metaphysics, which once esteemed simplicity and nature, has since distorted, becoming negative and escapist, with scholars only seeking to preserve their lives in chaotic times, unwilling to take on the responsibility of the rise and fall of the world
The general personally engages in labor alongside the soldiers while constructing water conservancy projects, and leads the charge in battles, never adopting an air of superiority. As a result, his subordinates have become accustomed to a lack of formality, and these rough men, lacking in respect, even find amusement in your visible injuries, giving you the nickname "Blind Xiahou." Perhaps in their hearts, you are a tough man, a tolerant and great general. They do not realize that you too can feel sadness and pain. In moments of frustration before the mirror, you merely shatter the glass on the ground, never punishing anyone for it. Perhaps in their hearts, you are a tough man, a tolerant and great general. They do not realize that you too can feel sadness and pain. In moments of frustration before the mirror, you merely shatter the glass on the ground, never punishing anyone for it
Overall, your seven grown sons are doing quite well
How can such a person still have the audacity to reprimand his own younger brothers at will? This has angered several of his brothers, who, along with the sister-in-law Princess Qinghe, who looks down on her husband, have united to report him, causing family disgrace to be publicly aired and making the world laugh. Your several sons have achieved nothing externally; they only know how to bully within the family, truly a disgraceful situation.
What merit does such a record have to be compared with Cao Ren and Xiahou Yuan, who are also commanders of their respective factions? Yet the general firmly held the position of the second-in-command in Cao Cao's faction and became the last Grand General of the Eastern Han Empire
Let us speak of the bond between the general and Lord Cao. Lord Cao's feelings towards the general can no longer be described as merely sincere; they are as close as one person. Throughout his life, he has been cautious in all directions, yet he has never guarded against you. Your generosity attracts people, and Lord Cao does not mind in the slightest that the general has won the hearts of the troops; he has never intervened or reprimanded. The trust between the top leader and the second-in-command extends to this level.
Wuwu Xiahou Rong, in order to avenge you, followed closely in your footsteps and met his demise. However, his remarkable intelligence and exceptional memory have allowed him to maintain a brilliant image in historical records
Perhaps it is because you have demonstrated superior character and insight compared to Liu Bang that you held the position of Grand Marshal, which is neither too high nor too low, for your entire life. However, among the founding heroes of the Western Han Dynasty, it is indeed rare to be able to start and finish well. If it were not for your selfless and fearless presence in every battle to purge the feudal lords, you might have already met with untimely misfortune.
Those who are not greedy for wealth often covet fame and power. The general, despite holding a high official position in the Han court, prefers to occupy a much lesser role in the realm of Wei under Cao Cao. Zhang Liao, under the general's command, repelled Sun Quan's army of 100,000 with just 800 men, achieving a remarkable feat that will be remembered throughout history. As the highest commander of the Eastern Front, the general has never uttered the conventional phrases of nurturing, caring, or strong support that are typically used to flatter oneself. This demonstrates that you are not greedy for fame. As the highest commander of the Eastern Front, the general has never uttered the conventional phrases of nurturing, caring, or strong support that are typically used to flatter oneself. This demonstrates that you are not greedy for fame.
Powerless to protect the one you love for a lifetime, you cannot help but question what the high position and authority, gained through your submissiveness and sacrifices, truly amount to. From now on, you dine alone, sleep alone, and guard the grave of your beloved concubine, watching the grass grow. The wind is bleak, the rain is bleak, and another night passes with the lamp's light dimmed. Whether drunk or sober, it is all tedious; even in dreams, you have never reached the bridge of farewell. You are in a daze, love-sick to the point of emaciation. The wind is bleak, the rain is bleak, and another night passes with the lamp's light dimmed. Whether drunk or sober, it is all tedious; even in dreams, you have never reached the bridge of farewell. You are in a daze, love-sick to the point of emaciation.
With this privilege, as long as you do not betray your country, you are free from guilt. Yet, you only dare to neglect your legitimate wife and spend your days with your concubine. Perhaps, in a life spent bowing your head amidst the clashing of swords and the glint of blades, it is only in the embrace of this little woman that you can find a trace of small, certain happiness.
Given your status and the fact that Cao Pi has shown remorse, you could have as many gentle, charming, and understanding young beauties as you desire, yet the one who truly resonates with your heart is the only one in your mind. You are the most infatuated man in the history of the Three Kingdoms and even in all of Chinese history. According to the prevailing views of the time, a woman who maintains her chastity and commits suicide for love would receive widespread praise. A man who kills his wife and concubines to ensure his subordinates can eat meat, and then cooks and serves them, would also be widely commended (see "Records of the Three Kingdoms: Wei Book: Biography of Zang Hong"). A man who is fickle towards women, who starts and abandons relationships, would not be looked down upon, but being infatuated with one woman would invite public condemnation and scorn from the world. A man who kills his wife and concubines to ensure his subordinates can eat meat, and then cooks and serves them, would also be widely commended (see "Records of the Three Kingdoms: Wei Book: Biography of Zang Hong"). A man who is fickle towards women, who starts and abandons relationships, would not be looked down upon, but being infatuated with one woman would invite public condemnation and scorn from the world. None of this matters to you.
Daiwa Xiahou Heng inherited your title and lived a carefree life, maintaining peace and stability.
However, in later generations, in the widely acclaimed novel "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," the extent to which you have been parodied "overwhelms" Zhou Gongjin, ranking second only to your brother-in-law Cao Zhen
Certainly, your notoriety extends far beyond this, and you have never been particularly concerned about how others perceive you. However, your indifference does not imply that the members of the Xiahou family share the same sentiment. Over the years, more and more people have spoken out on your behalf, yet I have no intention of joining this commotion. Instead, it is the members of the Xiahou family, who bear unjust grievances, that have been largely overlooked. Although my surname is Liu, I intend to set aside past grievances and write a few letters to the members of the Xiahou family as a form of consolation. Since most of them are your subordinates, I thought it courteous to inform you first. Although my surname is Liu, I intend to set aside past grievances and write a few letters to the members of the Xiahou family as a form of consolation. Since most of them are your subordinates, I thought it courteous to inform you first
Under the influence of the Nine Ranks System, the imperial center had the authority to determine the promotion and demotion of officials, but lacked the power to decide who could enter the system. To embark on an official career, one needed the recommendation of prominent families. Xiahou Xuan proposed to strengthen central authority.
Why did Luo Guanzhong, who devoted his life to disparaging the Cao and Xiahou clans, hold such deep affection for the general
The ever-resilient Han Sui, who has always turned misfortune into fortune and navigated through challenges, has been beaten by you to the point of gazing longingly at the distant horizon
Third, simplify the bureaucratic formalities in officialdom
The general accomplished many things in his life, yet the most renowned among them is an act that a general is unlikely to have performed. In a novel titled "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," the general is depicted as a tough man. It is said that on the day of the campaign against Lü Bu, he was struck in the left eye by an arrow. Not only did he remain on the battlefield despite his severe injury, but he also displayed astonishing bravery by proclaiming, "The essence of my father and mother, too precious to discard," before pulling out the arrow and swallowing his own eyeball. ... Both enemies and allies were left dumbfounded by your audacity ... ? It is said that on that day during the campaign against Lü Bu, you were struck in the left eye by an arrow, yet you did not leave the battlefield despite your grave injury, and with remarkable courage, you shouted, "The essence of my father and mother, too precious to discard," before extracting the arrow and swallowing your own eyeball. ... Both enemies and allies were left dumbfounded by your audacity ... ? ... What is the nature of pain in this world? ? It compels one to pledge life and death.
The situation in the central region is also unstable, with forces loyal to the Han dynasty actively and secretly mobilizing.
Explore the historical texts in search of answers, only to find even more peculiarities
Second, adjust the government administrative structure
Lady Ding, the original wife of Cao Gong, had always looked down upon Lady Bian, who came from a background of singing girls. Later, after the death of her adopted son Cao Ang, Lady Ding's relationship with Cao Gong deteriorated. After Lady Bian was elevated to the main wife, she still treated Lady Ding with utmost respect, actively seeking to be close to her and chatting with her casually. Each time, she invited Lady Ding to take the seat of honor, while she herself continued to serve her with the same care as before. With the support of her three outstanding sons, Cao Pi, Cao Zhang, and Cao Zhi, why did she feel the need to maintain such a façade?
After the death of Cao Rui, Xiahou Xuan's cousin, Cao Shuang, the son of Cao Zhen, assisted in governance. Xiahou Xuan entered the leadership core and was entrusted with significant responsibilities, overseeing the promotion and demotion of civil and military officials. The officials he promoted in both military and political spheres received widespread acclaim, to the extent that even the Sima family had to acknowledge Xiahou Xuan's talent for recognizing and appointing capable individuals, which was prominently recorded in the "Records of the Three Kingdoms" written by Chen Shou, a historian of the Jin Dynasty. Moreover, Xiahou Xuan also pointed out the issues of the time and proposed a reform plan for the Cao Wei Empire.
Having spent a lifetime wielding a spear and never acting as a shield, you fell for the ruse of feigned retreat, dividing your forces to assist your besieged subordinates, leaving the hope of survival for others while taking on the peril of death yourself. Yet, if you do not court danger, you will not meet it; you personally led four hundred men to urgently repair the defensive works. The willingness to take on dirty and laborious tasks is a proud tradition of the Xiahou family, but as the commander, such mockery is a grave disrespect to the enemy.
It is well known that the military genius Han Xin is famously quoted as saying, "Success is due to Xiao He, and failure is also due to Xiao He." However, few are aware that the first person to recognize Han Xin's talent was you. It was you who selected Han Xin from among the death row inmates and recommended him to Xiao He. Later, feeling unappreciated by Liu San'er, he left in a huff. Xiao He pursued Han Xin under the moonlight, trying every argument to persuade him, but Han Xin merely shook his head. It was only when you appeared and vouched for him alongside Xiao He, promising that if Han Xin remained unappreciated, both of you would leave with him, that he was finally convinced to return.
Zhong Yu, overwhelmed by the high prestige of Xiahou Xuan, tearfully handed over the charges he had written on his behalf. Xiahou Xuan read it without uttering a word, merely nodding in response. Zhong Yu's younger brother, Zhong Hui, had always admired Xiahou Xuan. Seizing the opportunity while Xiahou Xuan was in distress, he visited the prison to express his concern and sought to establish a closer relationship. The Zhong family held significant weight within the Sima faction, and the young and accomplished Zhong Hui was regarded by Xiahou Ba as a serious threat to both Wu and Shu, consistently receiving the Sima family's favor. As long as Zhong Hui spoke up, although it was unlikely to save Xiahou Xuan's life, there was a possibility of leniency regarding the treatment of his relatives. Despite being imprisoned, Xiahou Xuan remained coldly dismissive of Zhong Hui's overtures, determined to preserve his integrity. Thus, even at the execution ground, he maintained an unchanging demeanor and composed actions, truly embodying the spirit of a hero.
Ignoring the highly alluring success and happiness, what you pursue is pure love and an indomitable faith
As a literature enthusiast, Mr. Luo Guanzhong has demonstrated the power of literature through his forceful manipulation of history, which I greatly admire. However, as a history aficionado, I cannot help but feel indignant! I find it hard to accept! I feel compelled to voice my grievances on your behalf!
In those years, you rescued the only son and daughter of Empress Lü—Emperor Hui of Han, Liu Ying, and Princess Lu Yuan. As a result, during the era of Empress Lü after Liu Bang's death, you received excellent treatment. Empress Lü specifically had a residence built for you, the closest to the palace, and named it "Near Me." ... It was said that the proprietress with the surname Lü was more generous to you than the one with the surname Liu. However, once Empress Lü passed away, you predicted the downfall of the Lü family and immediately turned your efforts to eliminate the Lü clan, supporting Emperor Wen of Han instead.
As the frustration of Xiahou Xuan, who felt unfulfilled, entered its fifth year, Li Feng, the Minister of the Interior who had skillfully navigated the struggles between the Cao and Sima families, revealed his true intentions—he was a staunch supporter of Xiahou Xuan. He reached out to the disheartened national uncle Zhang Ji and several eunuch leaders, obtaining the authorization from Emperor Cao Fang and the consent of Xiahou Xuan. They planned to instigate a palace coup during the emperor's ceremony to confer nobility, aiming to replace Sima Shi with Xiahou Xuan as the Grand General to assist in governance and command the Imperial Guards to apprehend Sima Shi. They believed that only Xiahou Xuan's reputation could unite the hearts of the people, and only his character could assure the emperor that he would not encounter another ambitious power-hungry minister.
Regarding fame and fortune: maintain a calm mind and clear aspirations, and tranquility will lead to far-reaching goals
There is a type of bird that has no feet—A letter to Mr. Xiahou Yuan
The credit for your conquest of the three prefectures and nine counties of Shu has been transferred to your in-law Sima Yi. Of course, compared to the extraordinary achievement of Cao Zhen in thwarting Zhuge Liang's first two northern campaigns, which was seized by Sima Yi, your situation is relatively mild
Perhaps this matter leaves the general in a state of both laughter and tears, as the damage to his reputation is indeed a lifelong pain for him. However, you should take comfort in the fact that, in the writings of the novelist Luo Guanzhong, the members of the Xiahou family are able to maintain their historical integrity, which is quite commendable, as many have been unjustly maligned. Mr. Luo even fabricated a character named Xiahou Jie, depicting him as a coward who died of fright after being shouted at twice by Zhang Fei on Changban Bridge. Now, looking at you, General, not only have you not been slandered, but you have also been given additional scenes and lines, a treatment that is truly unique within the Xiahou family.
You regard fame and fortune with great indifference
The Liu Xuanhong, a scion of the Han dynasty, is likened to the iron-backed azure dragon
Unfortunately, although Xiahou Xuan surpasses you in character, knowledge, and governance, he did not inherit your military talent, and the military capabilities of other key members of the Cao Shuang faction are even less to be relied upon. The campaign against Shu, with General Cao Shuang as the supreme commander and General Xiahou Xuan as the main general, returned empty-handed due to the fierce resistance of the Shu Han military and civilians, as well as the insidious sabotage by the Sima family
Your wife regards you as a negative example. Your daughter, Xiahou Hui, and your son, Xiahou Xuan, have been raised by their mother to disregard familial bonds and dedicate themselves entirely to serving the country as heroic figures. Xiahou Hui became aware of the ambitions of the Sima family. Despite having given birth to five daughters for Sima Shi, she resolutely prioritized the greater good over her own family and was poisoned to death by your son-in-law, Sima Shi. Do not be too saddened by this matter, as it is possible that later generations may deliberately tarnish Sima Shi's reputation due to Xiahou Hui's untimely death. The most important thing is that you have a son like Xiahou Xuan, who is enough to bring you comfort.
Xiahou Xuan remained undaunted; he stayed in Chang'an, striving to compete with the Sima family for power in the western theater of war. Being far from the capital, Luoyang, allowed him to escape the massacre of the Cao Shuang faction by Sima Yi following the Gaopingling coup. However, his good days were clearly over. Before his defection, Xiahou Ba, the second son of Xiahou Yuan, contacted Xiahou Xuan to flee to Shu to avoid disaster, but Xiahou Xuan, fully aware that he was like fish on a chopping block, still refused to betray his country. After being summoned back to Luoyang, Xiahou Xuan served as the head of the Taichang, overseeing ceremonial matters, effectively under house arrest. Yet, as long as he was present, everyone treated him with utmost respect. Even in his prisoner-like state, Xiahou Xuan remained deeply favored in the court.
In prison, Xiahou Xuan sternly reproached the presiding judge, Court Minister Zhong Yu: What crime have I committed? What face do you have to represent the court in questioning me? If you want me to confess to any charges, feel free to write whatever you like
What followed were long and tumultuous years, during which historical records repeatedly emphasize your role as the Grand Master of the Chariots, leading the army in campaigns both south and north. Driving for years inevitably led to back pain, but who else in Liu San'er’s makeshift troupe possessed both knowledge of vehicles and horses but you? In the era of the late Qin and early Han, when military stars gathered and brilliance shone, your military achievements were not particularly remarkable. Yet your insight into people and your predictions regarding the situation were alarmingly precise: in the era of the late Qin and early Han, when military stars gathered and brilliance shone, your military achievements were not particularly remarkable. Yet your insight into people and your predictions regarding the situation were alarmingly precise
When Cao Cao was campaigning in Xuzhou, he left a general to guard Yanzhou. Given Cao Cao's astuteness, he naturally made ample preparations before his expedition. However, no one could have anticipated that Zhang Miao, a close friend of Cao Cao since childhood, who had relied on Cao Cao's protection to survive after offending Yuan Shao, would suspect that Cao Cao would eventually be forced by Yuan Shao to kill him. In a display of ingratitude, he welcomed the formidable general Lü Bu, who was then seeking a base of operations, and conspired with him to attack Cao Cao's family in Juancheng (present-day Heze, Shandong)
Sima Zhao, known as Siwa, was told by a fortune teller that he would attain the position of Governor of a province at the age of forty-nine. If he lived beyond forty-nine, he would be granted an additional twenty-one years of life and would rank among the Three Dukes. He served as the Inspector of Jingzhou and the Inspector of Yanzhou. On the last day of his forty-ninth year, he was in high spirits and held a grand banquet. That night, he passed away peacefully in his sleep.
In those years, in order to preserve the bloodline of your deceased brother, you did not hesitate to let your young son starve to support your niece, which indicates that your family was already in dire straits. Under such circumstances, as the pillar of the family, you were still able to step forward and take the blame for the then little-known Mr. Cao Mengde, even enduring imprisonment. The deep affection between the Xiahou family and the Cao family began with this.
The feasibility of this plan is relatively high, as similar plans have succeeded in the State of Wu. Unfortunately, the uprising was not kept secret, and a hint of it reached Sima Shi. At that time, Sima Shi was merely suspicious and could not confirm anything, so he summoned Li Feng for a conversation. Unable to withstand Sima Shi's insinuations, Li Feng, believing that the plan had been exposed, erupted in a fit of rage and was killed on the spot. Xiahou Xuan was captured and imprisoned. Li Feng, unable to withstand Sima Shi's insinuations, believed that the plan had been exposed, erupted in a fit of rage and was killed on the spot. Xiahou Xuan was captured and imprisoned
Later, in a desperate situation, Liu San'er audaciously raised the banner of rebellion to attack Peixian County. At that time, you had just transitioned from a temporary worker to a formal position, becoming an aide to the county magistrate. Without hesitation, you acted as his insider, coordinating efforts to capture Peixian. Liu San'er, indeed, was quite boastful; having just taken a county seat, he proclaimed you as one of the Nine Ministers, appointing you as the Minister of War Chariots and Horses, responsible for military vehicles and warhorses
Dear Mr. Xiahou Shang, although Xiahou Ying never took a wrong step in his life, Xiahou Dun received unparalleled loyalty, and Xiahou Yuan enjoyed the happiness of many children and blessings, the realm of you and your son surpasses them all. You did not succumb to the pervasive pressures of the secular world. Your son, Xiahou Xuan, has never, like many others, betrayed his true self in pursuit of profit or to avoid harm, nor has he sought fortune in times of difficulty
At that time, the general was in Puyang (present-day Puyang, Henan), approximately two to three hundred miles from Juancheng. Under normal marching speed, it would be impossible to arrive in time. The general could leave behind everything he could afford to part with, traveling light and rushing forward to intercept the formidable Lü Fengxian. What kind of courage would this require? What kind of loyalty and bravery?
Sān Wá Xià Hóu Chēng, passed away at the age of eighteen, yet he possessed both the courage to shoot tigers and military talent, earning the admiration of Cao Cao and Cao Pi
The answer should lie within the Xiahou family. Lady Ding's adopted daughter, Princess Qinghe, is the daughter-in-law of Mr. Xiahou Dun. More importantly, your wife is indeed the younger sister of Lady Ding. The Xiahou family is so powerful that even Madam Bian, the proprietress, holds them in great apprehension. This is partly due to the bond of loyalty between you brothers and Lord Cao, and partly because since the beginning of Lord Cao's uprising, you have independently led troops fourteen times, achieving a remarkable record of twelve victories, making you an undisputed ace among Lord Cao's forces. The Xiahou family is so powerful that even Madam Bian, the proprietress, holds them in great apprehension. This is partly due to the bond of loyalty between you brothers and Lord Cao, and partly because since the beginning of Lord Cao's uprising, you have independently led troops fourteen times, achieving a remarkable record of twelve victories, making you an undisputed ace among Lord Cao's forces
In the Battle of Pengcheng, the coalition army led by Liu San'er suffered a devastating defeat, with a massive force of 500,000 men vanquished by the 30,000 troops of the Western Chu overlord. You were driving a carriage, hurriedly fleeing with him and his children. In order to increase the speed of your escape, the heartless Liu San'er actually threw his son and daughter off the carriage. One would think that if their own father could be so ruthless, it would not concern you. Yet, you could not bear it; you stopped the carriage to retrieve the children. Liu San'er would throw them off again, and you would pick them up once more. This repeated several times, until you simply let the two children cling to your neck. One would think that if their own father could be so ruthless, it would not concern you. Yet, you could not bear it; you stopped the carriage to retrieve the children. Liu San'er would throw them off again, and you would pick them up once more. This repeated several times, until you simply let the two children cling to your neck, infuriating Liu San'er to the point where he considered killing you along with them multiple times. Fortunately, he did not know how to drive. Every time I read this part of history, I feel a chill, yet I am moved by your kindness and bravery. Your experience teaches future generations how crucial it is to master driving skills.
You were originally a driver for the Peixian government of the Great Qin Empire. While others would surely spend their days fawning over the county magistrate, you were wholeheartedly devoted to the village chief Liu San'er of Sishui Township, spending all your time with him. It is unclear whether it is Liu San'er's charismatic personality that is so dazzling or if your discerning eye is simply exceptional, but you have resolutely decided to stick with him.
You were born into the most humble circumstances among the elite circle of the second generation of the Cao Wei dynasty. Your wife, the sister of the great general Cao Zhen, does not hold you in high regard either. Your life must have been quite frustrating. Your good friend Cao Pi is fully aware of this. He has very few people he can trust, so he is never stingy in rewarding his own. After ascending to the throne, he granted you the privilege of not having to abide by the law, following the precedent set by Cao Cao for General Xiahou Dun.
Regarding life: the heart is like a fierce tiger, delicately sniffing the roses
Then the question arises
Cao Gong granted the general significant power, allowing you to act without any constraints, yet you have never once exercised this privilege. Instead, you have diligently overseen the unremarkable and non-challenging task of land reclamation for many years. The general is not enthusiastic about power or prestige.
The Liu Xuanhong of the Han Dynasty clan, the Iron-Backed Azure Dragon
The formidable Ma Chao, who traversed the Western Liang, has forced you into a state of disarray, leaving you unable to return to your homeland in Western Liang!
There is good news and bad news. I wonder if leaders such as Liu Xie, Yuan Shao, Yuan Shu, Lü Bu, Liu Biao, Tao Qian, Liu Bei, and Sun Quan have sent you congratulatory messages? After your passing in 1789, your meticulously concealed tomb was ultimately discovered in the year 2009
Mr. Cao Pi, your leader, has only three good friends among his peers. Among them, Cao Xiu and Cao Zhen are his own brothers who grew up with him under the arrangement of their father, Mr. Cao Cao. You are merely the cousin of Mr. Xiahou Yuan, and your relationship is relatively more distant. Yet, you have managed to infiltrate this small circle, gaining the trust of Cao Pi and achieving accomplishments that even the fourteen biological sons of the founding heroes Xiahou Dun and Xiahou Yuan cannot reach
Cao Gong has always suffered from chronic headaches, and now he feels an unprecedented level of pain, feeling overwhelmed. Thus, he can only assign you a task that is fundamentally unsuitable for you—defending against Liu Bei on the western front. No matter how provocatively Liu Xuande, who has just occupied the Shu territory, behaves, you can only defend and hold your ground until he is free to concentrate his forces for a counterattack.
In the second year after Han Xin was demoted from the King of Chu to the Marquis of Huaiyin, Liu Bang and you reaped the bitter fruits of your actions, as they were surrounded by the Xiongnu army at Mount Baideng. After much difficulty, relying on bribery and deception, they managed to escape with their lives. However, Liu Bang fell back into his old habits, eager to flee for his life. Fortunately, you were more reliable, allowing the troops to cover their retreat with crossbowmen. Otherwise, if the ranks had been thrown into chaos, even if the Xiongnu kept their promise not to pursue, the sheer number of non-combat casualties from trampling each other would have been significant.
Your descendants, including your grandchildren and great-grandchildren, maintained a prominent status during the Western Jin dynasty due to their connections with the Sima family. After the fall of the Western Jin, the founding emperor of the Eastern Jin, Sima Rui, was the son of your great-granddaughter, Lady Xiahou Guangji. Many years later, the Eastern Jin also fell, and history entered the period of the Southern and Northern Dynasties. However, whether in the Southern or Northern Dynasties, your descendants remained active and prominent.
Your faithful, Iron-backed Canglong Liu Xuanhong
Certainly, the general is not a perfect person, and attitude does not always determine everything. Although the general has a very proper attitude towards the education of his children, investing considerable effort in hiring talented individuals and renowned teachers, and placing significant importance on enhancing his children's cultural quality, the fact remains that his family education has been extremely unsuccessful. Your son, Xiahou Mao, is notorious for his greed, lust, and incompetence, and no one in the Wei court takes him seriously; however, Wei Yan from Shu has been concerned about him throughout his life. The strategy of the Ziwugu Valley was formulated with the premise of Xiahou Mao guarding Chang'an, perhaps because Wei Yan felt that not taking a risk would be an affront to Xiahou Mao's incompetence. ... Your son, Xiahou Mao, is notorious for his greed, lust, and incompetence, and no one in the Wei court takes him seriously; however, Wei Yan from Shu has been concerned about him throughout his life. The strategy of the Ziwugu Valley was formulated with the premise of Xiahou Mao guarding Chang'an, perhaps because Wei Yan felt that not taking a risk would be an affront to Xiahou Mao's incompetence. ... In the enemy state, there are those who understand him, while in his own country, no one pays him any mind; perhaps this is due to the meager inheritance you left behind, as his only talent lies in commerce ...
The eastern front is garrisoned by your brother Xiahou Dun, defending against Sun Quan
You yourself were killed by Huang Zhong in the Battle of Dingjun Mountain, becoming the highest-ranking general to fall under the command of Cao Gong
Your son and grandson enjoy the honors bestowed by the title you left behind. When your great-grandson, Xiahou Po, married a princess, it brought glory to the family. However, in the nineteenth year of Xiahou Po's inheritance of the title, he committed suicide out of fear of punishment for maintaining an improper relationship with his father's "personal maid." Such matters are not uncommon in large families; they can be significant or trivial. Yet, Liu Che, the Emperor Wu of Han and a great-grandson of Liu Bang, took an excessively corrective stance on the issue of weakening hereditary nobility. By using this trivial matter, he permanently reclaimed the long-term benefits that you had painstakingly secured for your descendants over half a lifetime. From that point on, the Xiahou family fell into decline.
There is no need to feel disheartened; rather, consider the opposite. Such unworthy descendants can still enjoy wealth and prosperity for generations. The state of Wei has fallen, yet the Sima family of the Jin dynasty continues to provide them with a long-term livelihood. These unfilial descendants are able to lead a comfortable life that many can only dream of, entirely thanks to the general's remarkable influence
These three pieces of advice are like three knives, each aimed directly at the prominent families. In order to gain the support of Sima Yi, who at that time had a harmonious relationship with the Cao Shuang faction, Xiahou Xuan wrote to Sima Yi to elaborate on his reform proposal. Sima Yi replied with a light-hearted tone, suggesting that these matters were too grand and difficult, and should be left to capable individuals in the future. It must be said that Xiahou Xuan was indeed candid, never engaging in pretense, as he clearly expressed his disappointment and dissatisfaction in his reply.
Your untimely death can be regarded as a tremendous disaster for the Cao Wei Empire, marking the end of the monopoly on the highest military positions by the Cao and Xiahou families. From the moment you were unable to manage affairs due to excessive grief, Sima Yi transitioned from Right Minister to General of the Army, gaining control over military power. Ultimately, it was due to the fact that there were too few individuals whom Mr. Cao Pi could trust.
Throughout his life, Cao Gong was often suspicious, yet he placed immense trust in the general, allowing him to disregard any rules and regulations, as long as the general deemed it necessary to act as he saw fit. With a cold and detached nature, Cao Pi only trusted a small circle around him, maintaining a respectful distance from the esteemed figures of his predecessors. At the general's funeral, however, he was genuinely sorrowful, as if mourning his own parents.
In the five thousand years of Chinese history, you are the only one who rose from the ranks of a driver to oversee the nation's vehicles. Countless families have become victims of the imperial power's supremacy. When the glory of ancestors has faded into legend, and the family has fallen into decline, only Liu Bang and your descendants have managed to achieve a remarkable turnaround. Three hundred years later, your descendants, the brothers Xiahou Dun and Xiahou Yuan, met a young man named Cao Cao. They engaged in a tumultuous relationship of love and conflict with the descendants of Liu Bang, staging a series of stirring and timeless performances, reclaiming the debts owed by the Liu family to the Xiahou family with both principal and interest.
You have shown great kindness to Han Xin, and even saved his life. However, Han Xin does not owe you anything, because the Liu San'er, who later became Emperor Liu Bang, was thoroughly a power-hungry individual. He fabricated charges against Han Xin based on baseless rumors in order to deceive and capture him, and you were complicit in this disgraceful act. If it were not for your trust, how could Han Xin have been so easily captured? Truly, it was a case of success and failure both stemming from Xiahou. Of course, you were also left with no choice, so I merely state that Han Xin does not owe you anything, without intending to cast blame on you. You were complicit in this disgraceful act. If it were not for your trust, how could Han Xin have been so easily captured? Truly, it was a case of success and failure both stemming from Xiahou. Of course, you were also left with no choice, so I merely state that Han Xin does not owe you anything, without intending to cast blame on you.
The good news is that based on the DNA sample of you discovered in Cao Cao's tomb, the research team at Fudan University officially announced in 2013 that you do not have a blood relationship with the Xiahou family. This scientific achievement has, to some extent, cleared your name. It is important to note that due to the accounts in "The Biography of Cao Man," "A New Account of Tales of the World," and "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," it is stated that your father originally bore the surname Xiahou before becoming an adopted son of the eunuch Cao Teng. Consequently, your trust and esteem for the Xiahou family, along with the intermarriage between the two families over generations, have brought you countless criticisms. They say that Cao Mengde only values talent in words, yet in the most critical leadership positions, he relies solely on his own brothers, and the descendants of the Cao family are merely products of close kin marriages.
Cao Ren of the Southern Line remained on high alert due to the threat posed by Guan Yu's forces in Jingzhou
The Qiang people, whom the Eastern Han government could not subdue for a hundred years, now bow at your feet
Although at that time the number of people you had by your side was merely four hundred, there was still an opportunity to retreat at the first moment, after all, you were famously known as a swift general. If a renowned warrior like Guan Yu or Zhang Fei were to attack, you should have been able to remain calm. However, the one coming to carry out the beheading was precisely an old man like Huang Zhong. Your military career had always been too smooth; how could you possibly regard such an opponent with any seriousness? Yet, you did not retreat or yield, but instead chose to confront the challenge head-on, planning for a counterattack. Thus, your soul was lost on the battlefield, and your lifetime of glory was destroyed in an instant. In order to stabilize the morale of the army, Cao Cao had no choice but to use you as a scapegoat, making a big deal out of it, claiming that he had long known you were incapable and had warned you not to act recklessly. Using the dead for his own purposes was his usual tactic, and it is likely that you would not mind.
In the face of danger, he charges forward without hesitation; despite his high rank and power, he cherishes the lives of his subordinates and never vents his anger on others. With a heart as fierce as a tiger and a keen sense for the delicate, this is the general's attitude towards life
To speak a truth that the general does not like to hear, throughout his life, the general has truly not achieved any notable military accomplishments. Whenever the general personally took charge, he faced defeat in every battle. Especially during the campaign against the beleaguered Liu Bei, the general disregarded the advice of his subordinate Li Dian and insisted on entering Liu Bei's ambush. Had it not been for Li Dian's vigilance, the general would have perished in flames at Mount Bowang.
Why not talk about something that brings you comfort
The good times are short-lived; this small, certain happiness has been ordered to be strangled by your friend Cao Pi due to your wife's jealousy
Your greatest strength lies in long-distance marches, achieving a marching speed of "500 in three days, 1,000 in six days" (covering 69.3 kilometers daily while carrying a load, with one li equaling 415.8 meters), which matched the record set by the military genius General Huo Qubing of the Han Dynasty. Cao Cao should have allowed you to continue to leverage your strengths and serve as an offensive general. However, the situation in the year 218 was far too complex
Cao Pi brought you to Luoyang to seek out renowned physicians for treatment, but at that time there were no psychologists, and no one could help with your condition. Cao Pi personally visited you, holding your hand and weeping bitterly, yet you showed not a trace of emotion. Less than a year after your beloved concubine was strangled, you succumbed to excessive grief and followed her.
Mr. Xiahou Shang: Are you still feeling so gloomy?
On loyalty and affection: accompany me on this journey, sincerely for you
This is you, General Xiahou Yuanrang, not the incompetent relative who relies on good fortune to elevate himself, nor the iron-willed warrior who questions the nature of love in the world. You are a good brother who shares both joys and sorrows, a good colleague who willingly plays the supporting role, a good leader who is content with simplicity, tolerant, easygoing, and exceptionally generous
The mighty Yangtze River flows eastward, its waves washing away heroes; right and wrong, success and failure, all become empty upon reflection. The green mountains remain, while the setting sun casts its glow time and again. During the late Han and Three Kingdoms period, how many legendary families that once stirred the world have now become mere remnants. However, one branch of the Xiahou family, led by Mr. Xiahou Yuan, has long remained active on the stage of the Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties with its combination of literary and martial prowess, wisdom and courage, and a plethora of talented individuals. This is indeed a cause for celebration, indeed a cause for celebration.
Although the Xiahou family comes from a prestigious lineage and has noble blood, being descendants of Dayu, the founder of the Xia Dynasty, your ancestors were still marquises of the State of Qi until the Spring and Autumn period. However, after the State of Qi was destroyed, your ancestors changed their surname to Xiahou, and this family has remained obscure, with no notable figures emerging before you
Erwa Xiahou Ba, held the position of Right General and Protector of the Army against Shu in the State of Wei. After the Gao Pingling coup, when the Sima family came to power, he feared persecution and sought refuge with his cousin's son-in-law—Emperor Liu Shan of Shu Han, where he rose to the rank of General of Cavalry. His son, who remained in Wei, was also granted leniency due to his father's outstanding achievements
Your historical achievements in assisting Cao Zhang during his expedition and eliminating the formidable external threat of the Wuhuan at its inception have been erased in the narratives. Unfortunately, your generation was courageous in taking responsibility, making significant contributions to external affairs even before stabilizing internal matters. Due to Mr. Luo Guanzhong's bias in favor of Liu Bei against Cao Cao, these contributions have long been overlooked by people
Fortunately, your niece became the wife of Zhang Fei, allowing you to rest in peace and not be subjected to the fate of being crushed to ashes by Liu Bei's faction, which believed that "the Han and the traitors cannot coexist, and the royal cause cannot be secured in a biased manner." Ultimately, your good deeds from back then have indeed been rewarded.
Xiahou Xuan advocated for simplicity, proposing the elimination of luxury and elaborate rituals. Naturally, the children of humble origins would not indulge in extravagance, while the intricate formalities serve as tools for the wealthy to exclude others and showcase their cultural superiority
You have defeated the renowned military figure Zhuge Jin, which, in itself, is not particularly commendable. However, Luo Guanzhong's insults are utterly limitless, as he brazenly distorts the truth, portraying you as the only subordinate of Mr. Zhuge Jin, who is said to excel in diplomacy but lacks martial prowess. This is truly an affront.
The Liu Xuanhong of the Han Dynasty clan, the Iron-Backed Azure Dragon
The general's mercy does not belong to everyone. At the age of thirteen, he had already killed someone, motivated by the fact that someone had spoken disrespectfully to his teacher. While there are those who value and respect their teachers, I have never seen such profound respect for a teacher. Even disregarding age, there is no one else in historical records who has shown this level of respect for a teacher.
Mr. Xiahou Dun: Is your right eye not overworked?
You stride with the might of a tiger, instilling fear in Longxi. Even the formidable Yangping Pass, which no one could breach, fell to your assault, leaving Zhang Da, the leader of the Five Pecks of Rice sect in Hanzhong, without hope for aid or refuge. Ultimately, he surrendered to Lord Cao
The Xiahou family was originally a prominent military family, but Xiahou Xuan not only possessed profound knowledge in Confucianism but also pioneered the metaphysical thought of the Wei and Jin dynasties, becoming a leading figure in the realm of ideas
Xiahou Xuan pointed out that the administrative unit at the level of the commandery should be abolished, and that counties should be directly governed by the provinces, in order to save financial expenditures and improve administrative efficiency. At that time, the commandery-level governments of the Cao Wei Empire were largely controlled by the prominent local families.
Mr. Cao Cao, has your headache improved?
Liu San'er is not a serious person; while he was joking around with you, he accidentally hurt you. The laws of the Qin Dynasty are excessively harsh; even though you, as the victim, were unwilling to pursue criminal charges, he still ended up in prison. At this point, you were even more anxious than he was, and after much effort and repeated appeals, you managed to rescue Liu San'er. There is no doubt about it, what a good brother.
Cao Gong lived a frugal life, and the pocket money he gave to his sons was certainly not much. However, among Cao Gong's sons, Cao Pi particularly needed money. His main rival, Cao Zhi, could compose poetry in seven steps and was exceptionally talented, able to win over a group of admirers solely through his literary skills, while Cao Pi lacked this ability and could only resort to practical means. He borrowed money from his cousin Cao Hong, who was described in historical texts as a miserly person, so much so that later, when Cao Pi ascended to the throne, he was found an excuse to be charged and imprisoned. He managed to survive thanks to the protection of Empress Bian, but all his property was confiscated. He borrowed money from his cousin Cao Hong, who was described in historical texts as a miserly person, so much so that later, when Cao Pi ascended to the throne, he was found an excuse to be charged and imprisoned. He managed to survive thanks to the protection of Empress Bian, but all his property was confiscated.
Everyone knows of Cao Gong's charm and his respect for Guan Yu. Yet, despite his high regard for Guan Yu, he still took away the person Guan Yu cherished—his wife—while generously offering beautiful women to the general. Cao Gong would kill in his dreams, and his bedroom was off-limits to others; only you could enter freely without prior notice. No other generals enjoyed such privilege.
General, your prestige in the Cao Wei Empire is greater than the heavens. Cao Pi is also extremely grateful for your life-saving grace and timely assistance, to the extent that as soon as you departed, he conferred titles of marquis upon your descendants. However, throughout the entire Cao Wei dynasty, this branch of the Xiahou family has not produced a single talent. In terms of family education, you are not at all superior to your younger brother Xiahou Yuan and your nephew Xiahou Shang.
What goes around comes around, you should find solace in that
However, the demand must be addressed. In the identity of Cao Pi, the amount he seeks to borrow is certainly not small. Who, then, is his investor? The answer is you, General Xiahou Yuanrang. Although historical texts do not explicitly state this, among the biographies of the generals of Cao Wei, only two individuals' attitudes towards wealth are emphasized: the most miserly is Cao Hong, while the most generous is you, General. Of course, I do not believe that the general is purely engaging in political investment, as the general is not only generous to Cao Pi alone. Although historical texts do not explicitly state this, among the biographies of the generals of Cao Wei, only two individuals' attitudes towards wealth are emphasized: the most miserly is Cao Hong, while the most generous is you, General. Of course, I do not believe that the general is purely engaging in political investment, as the general is not only generous to Cao Pi alone.
Your noble sacrifice was not in vain, as you successfully protected the family of Cao Gong. However, you also fell victim to both the deception of a false surrender and the stratagem of drawing the tiger away from its mountain. Your stronghold in Puyang was captured by Lü Bu, and you yourself were bound by Lü Bu's subordinates who came under the guise of a false surrender. It is said that these incompetent bandits were truly lacking in ambition; having captured the second-in-command of the Cao Cao faction, they merely sought some financial gain, yet even this was firmly denied by your subordinate Han Hao. He stated that he would not hesitate to execute the hostage, as per the relevant regulations, there was no need to consider the safety of the hostage's life. These incompetent bandits were indeed lacking in ambition; having captured the second-in-command of the Cao Cao faction, they merely sought some financial gain, yet even this was firmly denied by your subordinate Han Hao. He stated that he would not hesitate to execute the hostage, as per the relevant regulations, there was no need to consider the safety of the hostage's life. The bandits, frightened and dumbfounded, surrendered and were completely eliminated. From that point on, no one dared to attempt kidnapping within the Cao Cao faction. The general narrowly escaped with his life, yet he never sought revenge against that scoundrel Han Hao; such a commitment to the greater good is truly rare in this world.
Introduction—A Letter to Mr. Cao Cao
First, reform the Nine Ranks System for officials
Cao Zhang of the Northern Line is currently engaged in fierce battles against the Wuhuan and Xianbei tribes
The author of "Records of the Three Kingdoms," Chen Shou, was a historian of the Jin Dynasty. He could not openly sing praises for the political enemies of the Sima family and was compelled to provide a critical summary at the end of the biography of Xiahou Xuan. However, he took the risk of subtly denigrating while actually praising throughout the main text, going so far as to meticulously include Xiahou Xuan's reform proposals in full.
There is a type of bird that has no feet and continuously flies; once it stops, it will die. The swift general, Mr. Xiahou Yuan, pat your head, you have worked hard flying all the way
The contrast between performance and treatment is too stark. Some people interpret it based on rumors, suggesting that the general is unafraid due to his blood relationship with Cao Gong, merely occupying a position without merit. However, I believe that this unique treatment should be attributed to the general's exceptional attitude in both his personal conduct and official duties
The Love and Rivalry between the Xiahou Clan and the Liu Clan—A Letter to Mr. Xiahou Ying
Mr. Xiahou Ying: Is your back pain any better?
In his later years, Cao Gong contemplated the idea of declaring himself emperor. The general, filled with ambition, advised him to wait until the world was unified before assuming the title of emperor, as there would still be time. However, Cao Gong passed away without ascending to the throne, leaving the general filled with regret and profound sorrow. This iron-willed man, in less than three months, followed him into death.
Is it or is it not, transformed into a butterfly—A letter to Mr. Xiahou Shang
Due to the diminishing prominence of "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," Xiahou Xuan's recognition in later generations is not high, and his influence is often underestimated. In fact, Xiahou Xuan's death triggered two large-scale internal conflicts in the Cao Wei Empire (the Second and Third Rebellions of Huainan), accelerated the death of Sima Shi, and delayed the Sima family's succession to Wei.