At the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, heroes rose together, and heroes emerged. Under Cao Cao, there were two fierce generals - Dian Wei and Xu Chu, who were brave and loyal, and made great contributions to Cao Cao. However, Dian Wei died on the battlefield, and Xu Chu suddenly disappeared after Cao Cao's death. Why is this? Is it because he lost the protection of his lord that Xu Chu retired from the rivers and lakes? Or is there some unknown secret behind it? Let us go into history together and uncover this mystery.
1. Xu Chu's early experience
Xu Chu, the word Zhongkang, is a native of Peiguo County. He was born in an ordinary farming family, and he was strong and brave from an early age. It is said that Xu Chu once killed a tiger with his bare hands when he was young, so he was given the title of "Tiger Idiot".
Xu Chu lived in the late Eastern Han Dynasty, when wars were frequent and the people were struggling to make a living. In order to defend his hometown, Xu Chu led the villagers to organize a militia team to fight against the robbers who were looting everywhere. They ploughed the fields during the day, took turns to keep watch at night, and as soon as they discovered the enemy, they immediately gathered and fought bravely. Under the leadership of Xu Chu, they defeated one bandit after another and defended the peace of their homeland.
Xu Chu's brave deeds soon spread throughout the nearby states and counties. In the second year of Jian'an (197), Cao Cao conquered Xuzhou and passed through Qian County. When he heard about Xu Chu's prestige, he sent someone to invite Xu Chu over and wanted to recruit him as a subordinate.
Xu Chu had already heard of Cao Cao and knew that he was a talented military strategist, so he happily went to defect. After seeing Cao Cao, Xu Chu fell to the ground and said: "Villain Xu Chu, I am willing to serve the work of dogs and horses for Ming Gong, bow and do your best, and die!"
Cao Cao was very happy to see that Xu Chu was burly, magnificent, and loyal to him, and immediately named Xu Chu a lieutenant and asked him to follow him to fight on the battlefield.
Since then, Xu Chu has become Cao Cao's confidant. He followed Cao Cao to fight in the south and the north, was invincible, and made great achievements. Every time he went on an expedition, Cao Cao asked Xu Chu to break off the rear to prevent the enemy from sneaking up. Xu Chu was brave and invincible, often alone, he could block hundreds of enemy troops and protect Cao Cao's retreat.
Once, Cao Cao led an army to conquer Zhang Xiu, and was ambushed by Zhang Xiu and besieged in Julu. The situation was extremely critical, and Cao Cao ordered a breakthrough. Xu Chu pulled out his halberd, rushed into the enemy formation, rushed left and right, killed the enemy and abandoned his armor, and the blood flowed like a river. Cao Cao was overjoyed when he saw Xu Chu so brave, and gave him the title of "Tiger Idiot" in recognition of his achievements.
Since then, Xu Chu has become Cao Cao's personal bodyguard. He never left Cao Cao's side and night, never leaving an inch, ready to sacrifice for the Lord at any time. Every time Cao Cao went on an expedition, he made Xu Chu stubborn and pioneering. Xu Chu has experienced a hundred battles, is proficient in archery and horseback riding, and is invincible, and the enemy army is like seeing a ghost when he sees him, and he is terrified.
In this way, Xu Chu followed Cao Cao to fight for many years and laid down most of the world for Cao Cao. With his superhuman strength and fierce loyalty, he won Cao Cao's trust and appreciation, and became the first fierce general of Cao Ying. However, there are unforeseen circumstances in the sky, and people have good and bad luck. In the twenty-fifth year of Jian'an (220), Cao Cao died of illness in Luoyang at the age of sixty-six. Xu Chu was grief-stricken, crying and fainting. When he awoke, he found that his shirt had been stained red with blood.
Cao Cao's death hit Xu Chu very hard. He felt the loss of his backbone, and he was at a loss for a moment. In addition, he fought for many years and suffered a lot of injuries on his body, so Xu Chu wanted to return to his hometown and spend his old age in his hometown. However, after Cao Pi succeeded to the throne, he still trusted Xu Chu very much, entrusted his safety to him, and let him continue to serve as the commander of the Praetorian Guard to guard the safety of the capital.
Xu Chu was grateful for Cao's kindness and couldn't bear to leave. So he reluctantly agreed and continued to do his best for the Cao Wei Dynasty. After that, Xu Chu, although he no longer went to the battlefield to charge, was still conscientious, loyal to the lord, and did his best for the stability of Cao Wei. Until Xu Chu's death, Emperor Cao Wei also remembered his exploits, gave him the nickname "Marquis Zhuang", and was buried in Luoyang.
Although Xu Chu disappeared after Cao Cao's death and was no longer active in the military arena, his reputation for loyalty and courage has been passed down through the ages and has been praised by future generations.
Second, Xu Chu's loyal and brave deeds
After Xu Chu defected to Cao Cao, he soon won Cao Cao's appreciation and trust with his bravery and loyalty. Every time he went on an expedition, Cao Cao asked Xu Chu to break off the rear to prevent the enemy from sneaking up. Xu Chu was brave and invincible, often alone, he could block hundreds of enemy troops and protect Cao Cao's retreat.
In the fifth year of Jian'an (200 years), Cao Cao and Yuan Shao confronted each other in Guandu. One day, a man suddenly came to Cao's camp, claiming to be Yuan Shao's subordinate general Xu Rong, who was willing to surrender to Cao Cao. Cao Cao saw that his words were earnest, so he allowed him to enter the account to meet him. Unexpectedly, Xu Rong was ordered by Yuan Shao to assassinate Cao Cao.
When Xu Rong saw Cao Cao, he took out a dagger and stabbed at Cao Cao. At the last moment, Xu Chu flew up, grabbed Xu Rong's wrist, grabbed the dagger, and grabbed him. After interrogation, Xu Rong confessed to the plot of the assassination. Cao Cao was furious, immediately beheaded Xu Rong, and praised Xu Chu for his alertness and loyalty, and trusted him even more.
In the sixteenth year of Jian'an (211), Cao Cao conquered Ma Chao and Han Sui. When crossing the river, the boat was overloaded and it was about to capsize. Seeing this, Xu Chu jumped off the boat without hesitation, supported the side of the boat with his arms, and let the soldiers land safely. After everyone went ashore, Xu Chu climbed onto the boat, soaking wet but unscathed.
Cao Cao was very moved when he saw Xu Chu so loyal and brave, and immediately gave him a mink fur in recognition of his merits. Xu Chu politely declined and said: "It is the duty of a courtier to be loyal to the country. This mink fur is still reserved for the soldiers who need it more. After Cao Cao heard this, he admired Xu Chu's high style and bright festival even more.
In the twenty-second year of Jian'an (217), Cao Cao conquered Sun Quan in the south. On the way, he passed through Hanshui and encountered an ambush by the Wu army. The Wu army fired rockets at Cao's army, and the fire was so fierce that it was about to burn Cao Cao's ship. Seeing this, Xu Chu pulled out his double halberd, jumped into the water, swam to the side of the Wu army's boat, and killed dozens of Wu soldiers in a few ups and downs, and the fire was extinguished.
Cao Cao saw Xu Chu so brave, and exclaimed: "Gongtai is really a tiger idiot!" Since then, "Tiger Idiot" has become Xu Chu's code name, and it is powerful in the rivers and lakes.
In addition to fighting bravely, Xu Chu often solved problems for Cao Cao and resolved crises. Once, Cao Cao wanted to kill Chen Gong, but Xu Chujin persuaded him, saying that Chen Gong was a talent and should not be dealt with hastily. Cao Cao followed Xu Chu's advice, and finally opened the net and spared Chen Gong.
Another time, Cao Cao wanted to abolish the crown prince Cao Pi and replace Cao Zhi. Xu Chuli admonished: "Pi is the eldest son, has been established as the prince, benevolent, filial piety and obedience, and has won the hearts of the people. If it is abolished, I am afraid that the people of the world will not be convinced, and there will be chaos. Cao Cao thought about it again and again, and finally adopted Xu Chu's opinion.
In this way, Xu Chu followed Cao Cao to fight in the south and the north, solved problems for Cao Cao, and made great achievements. He was not only brave in martial arts, but also loyal, and became one of Cao Cao's most trusted confidants. Every time he went on an expedition, Cao Cao asked Xu Chu to protect him closely, and he also asked him to stay in front of the tent at night to prevent assassination.
According to the history books, Cao Cao once said to Xu Chu: "My life depends on the protection of Qing." It can be seen that Xu Chu's status in Cao Cao's mind is so high that no one can say it. And Xu Chu is also loyal to Cao Cao and swears to follow him.
Once, Cao Cao wanted to test Xu Chu's loyalty, so he asked: "Gongtai, if you are Lu Bu and I am Liu Bei, how will you deal with me?" Xu Chu replied without hesitation: "If that is the case, I will kill Liu Bei to repay Lu Bu's kindness!"
Cao Cao was overjoyed and said: "Gongtai is really my loyal minister!" Xu Chu bowed to the ground and said: "The lord's kindness is as heavy as a mountain, Chu is willing to serve the lord and serve the dogs and horses, bow to the end, and die!"
It was with this unswerving loyalty and fearless courage that Xu Chu won Cao Cao's trust and appreciation, and became the mainstay of Cao Wei. His loyal and brave deeds have also become a good story for later generations.
3. Xu Chu's situation after Cao Cao's death
In the first month of the twenty-fifth year of Jian'an, Cao Cao died of illness in Luoyang at the age of sixty-six. When Xu Chu heard the news, he cried loudly, grief-stricken, and fainted, and woke up to find that his clothes had been stained red with blood. Cao Cao's death hit Xu Chu very hard. He felt the loss of his backbone, and he was at a loss for a moment.
Cao Cao's eldest son, Cao Pi, succeeded to the throne and became King of Wei. According to the usual practice, the important ministers of the DPRK and the central government must submit a petition to return to the government to show their loyalty. Xu Chu was no exception, he asked Cao Pi to resign as a general of the forbidden army, expressing his willingness to retire to the countryside and spend his old age in his hometown.
However, Cao Pi did not approve Xu Chu's resignation. He valued Xu Chu very much, and thought that Xu Chu was more than loyal and brave enough to take on great responsibilities. Therefore, Cao Pi issued an edict to promote Xu Chu to the rank of general Wei, responsible for the defense of the capital, and at the same time named Xu Chu as the marquis of the Long Live Pavilion.
Xu Chu was grateful for Cao's kindness and couldn't bear to leave. He reluctantly accepted this appointment and continued to do his best for the Cao Wei dynasty. After that, Xu Chu, although he no longer went to the battlefield to charge, was still conscientious, loyal to the lord, and did his best for the stability of Cao Wei.
In the first year of the early Huang Dynasty, Cao Pi was proclaimed emperor, and Xu Chu's position was more stable. He was named General Zuo, ranked as the third duke, and became an important minister in the court. Every time there is a court meeting, Xu Chu stands beside the emperor, his eyes are like a torch, and he is majestic, so that people dare not make mistakes easily.
Once, the general Cao Ren came to Beijing to meet him and met Xu Chu in the palace. Cao Ren heard of Xu Chu's prestige for a long time and wanted to invite him to the side hall to speak. Unexpectedly, Xu Chu politely declined and said, "King Wei is about to come out, and the ministers dare not leave." ＂
Cao Ren was very annoyed when he saw Xu Chu so faceless. He complained to Cao Pi, saying that Xu Chu had no one in his eyes and despised the clan. After hearing this, Cao Pi did not blame Xu Chu, but praised him for being loyal to his duties and not being moved by personal feelings. Cao Pi said to Xu Chu: "Gongtai is really the minister of the society, and I am also the shareholder!"
Although Xu Chu no longer goes to the battlefield, he is still loyal to the Lord. He often accompanied Cao Pi to inspect the people's situation and investigate hidden dangers. Everywhere he went, Xu Chu checked the garrison in every detail to ensure the emperor's safety.
One year, Cao Pi traveled in micro-service and visited Luoyang City. Xu Chu is closely protected and never leaves. On the way, a group of assassins suddenly rushed out and tried to assassinate Cao Pi. Xu Chu's eyes were quick, and he made a flying pounce, blocking Cao Pi with his body, and at the same time drew his sword to fight back, killing several assassins, which resolved the crisis.
Cao Pi was very moved when he saw Xu Chu so loyal and brave. He immediately gave Xu Chu a hundred catties of gold and ten brocade clothes in recognition of his merits. Xu Chu politely declined and said: "It is the duty of a courtier to be loyal to the country. These rewards should be reserved for the soldiers who need them more. ＂
After Cao Pi heard this, he admired Xu Chu's high style and bright festival even more. He issued an edict to promote Xu Chu's title to the Marquis of Guannei, ranking as the Marquis of Guannei, and at the same time gave Xu Chu ten thousand hectares of good land for his children and grandchildren to enjoy.
In the first year of Taihe, Cao Pi died and Cao Rui ascended the throne. The little emperor, who was only eight years old, also trusted and relied on Xu Chu very much. He issued an edict to make Xu Chujin a hussar general, ranked in the third division, and was in charge of the forbidden army and the defense of Gyeonggi.
Cao Rui often said to Xu Chu: "General Xu is more than loyal and brave, and I ascended the throne at a young age, thanks to the assistance of the general." The general is the pillar of the society, and he can't go without it for a day!" Xu Chu would shed tears of gratitude every time he heard these words, expressing his willingness to do his best for Cao Wei Jiangshan and die.
Although Xu Chu no longer went to the battlefield in his later years, his prestige and status did not decline because of this. He is still an old minister in the court, and is trusted by the emperor and respected by hundreds of officials. Xu Chu's descendants also received the emperor's favor, inherited the title from generation to generation, and became a big family.
In the seventh year of Taihe, Xu Chu died of illness in Yecheng at the age of 73. After Cao Rui heard the news, he was very sad, and issued an edict to mourn the whole country, posthumously awarded Xu Chu as a captain, nicknamed "Zhuang Hou", and buried in Luoyang.
Xu Chu's life is a legend of loyalty and bravery. Although he no longer went to the battlefield in his later years, he was still conscientious and dedicated to Cao Wei's country. His loyalty and courage became a model of loyalty to the monarch in later generations, and was admired by all generations. As Chen Shou commented in "Romance of the Three Kingdoms": "Chu Liang is straightforward and cautious, with the style of the ancients. ＂
Fourth, Xu Chu's historical evaluation
Although Xu Chu disappeared after Cao Cao's death and was no longer active in the military arena, his reputation for loyalty and courage has been passed down through the ages and has been praised by future generations.
During the Cao Wei period, Xu Chu was already a well-known general. He and Dian Wei are known as the two fierce generals under Cao Cao, and they are powerful in Huaxia. In the "Chronicles of the Three Kingdoms", Chen Shou compared Xu Chu with Fan Xu, a famous general in the early Han Dynasty, and praised Xu Chu as "folding and rushing left and right, and also Fan Hao of the Han Dynasty", which shows his bravery and prowess.
In later generations, Xu Chu's fame continued unabated. The Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai wrote in "Ancient Style": "Hengli Fu poems, it will be this year, Xu Chu and Qiu Lan are all my virtuous." Comparing Xu Chu with the famous generals of the Eastern Han Dynasty, Qiu Lan, he said that they were all his virtuous ministers and good generals.
Su Shi, a great writer in the Song Dynasty, also praised Xu Chu's bravery. He wrote in "Portrait of Xu Chu": "Raise your eyebrows and stand hard, draw your sword and look at the sky." The three armies crossed the river halfway, and one general took the lead. The tiger did not dare to move forward, and the pursuers did not dare to climb. Speaking to himself, he will take Cai on this day. The poem depicts the image of Xu Chu who is brave and good at fighting and loyal to the Lord, which is awe-inspiring.
In the Ming Dynasty, Xu Chu became a well-known hero. The Ming Dynasty novel "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" portrayed him as a brave and loyal image, and was known as the "Four Famous Generals of the Three Kingdoms" together with Guan Yu, Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun, and was widely circulated.
There are many popular stories in "Romance of the Three Kingdoms", all of which are related to Xu Chu. For example, the story of "Ten Thousand Arrows Piercing the Heart" is about Xu Chu in order to protect Cao Cao, facing ten thousand arrows alone, and finally the arrows rained down and shot on his armor, all of which penetrated the armor and shot into his body, and the blood flowed and stained his whole body red, but Xu Chu still remained immobile until Cao Cao crossed the river safely.
There is also the story of "passing five passes and killing six generals", which tells that Xu Chu accompanied Cao Cao to conquer Lu Bu, and outside the Tiger Prison Pass, he was alone, and he killed six generals under Lu Bu one after another, and won the three armies.
Although these stories are exaggerated and deduced, they also reflect from one side that Xu Chu's influence among the people is great and people's admiration for him is deep.
Qing Dynasty scholar Zhao Yi also spoke highly of Xu Chu in the "Twenty-two Historical Notes". He said: "The strength of Cao Cao really depends on Xu Chu and Dian Wei, but Chu has a high merit and longevity, Wei dies bravely, how can Chu not win Wei Yuanzai?" means that the reason why Cao Cao was able to gain power was actually because of Xu Chu and Dian Wei, two fierce generals. And Xu Chu is not only strong in martial arts, but also has a long life, but Dian Wei died young, Xu Chu's achievements are far better than Dian Wei?
During the Republic of China, the famous historian Jiang Tinghuang also gave a high evaluation to Xu Chu in "Modern Chinese History". He said: "Cao Cao uses soldiers like a god, but his victory over the enemy depends on Xu Chu and Dian Wei to fight to the death, both of whom are Cao Cao's henchmen, but Xu Chu is especially relied on by Cao Cao, which can be described as the pillar of Cao Wei." ＂
In modern times, Xu Chu's story has also been put on the screen many times and has become a well-known hero. In 1994, in the TV series "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" filmed by Hong Kong TVB, the famous actor Liu Jiang played Xu Chu, creating an image of bravery, good fighting, courage and loyalty, which is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people.
In 2010, in the CCTV version of "Three Kingdoms", the powerful actor Yu Hewei played Xu Chu, and vividly interpreted his image of being powerful and unyielding, loyal and courageous, which impressed the audience.
In short, although Xu Chu disappeared after Cao Cao's death, his bravery and loyalty became a model admired by later generations. As the Ming Dynasty scholar He Liangjun commented in "Siyou Zhai Cong Shuo": "Cao Zhi uses Xu Chu, there is the same management, Cai Zhi in the Han Gaozu, also known as Cao can make it dead, in order to achieve a great cause." ＂
Xu Chu's life, although there are no brilliant achievements and no outstanding fame, he uses his practical actions to interpret what loyalty is and what responsibility is. His charisma and spiritual demeanor have become a model of loyalty to the monarch and dedication to the monarch in later generations, and have been admired by all generations. It can be said: "Although the tiger idiot is gone, the loyal soul will live forever"!