The Battle of Guandu was a decisive battle in the fifth year of Jian 'an in the Eastern Han Dynasty (AD 200). At that time, Cao Cao commanded 30,000 to 40,000 troops and defeated Yuan Shao's 100,000 troops in Guandu (now Zhongmou, Henan). This is a famous battle in history.

In January of the fifth year of Jian 'an (AD 200), Yuan Shao, who already owned Hebei, Qinghai, Youzhou and Hebei, relied on many soldiers, generals and food. In order to wipe out Cao Cao, who is increasingly powerful in Yanzhou and Henan, 654.38+ 10,000 elite troops were mobilized to the south. Yan Liang, the general of Yuan Dynasty, crossed the Yellow River and attacked Baima (now hua county, Henan Province).

In April, Cao Cao adopted Xun You's transfer strategy and took some troops to Yanjin (now northwest of Yanjin, Henan Province) to pretend to cross the river to attract the main force of Yuan Jun. Then, Cao Cao personally led a Qingqi to attack Baima and beheaded Yan Liang.

Yuan Shao learned that Cao Cao had saved the white horse, ordered the whole army to cross the river in pursuit of Cao Jun, and sent general Wen Chou to lead five or six thousand cavalry. Wen Chou's cavalry rushed to the south slope and saw Cao Jun's weapons and armor scattered all over the floor, thinking that Cao Jun had escaped, and told the soldiers to tidy up those weapons left underground. Six hundred jun, who had already been ambushed, rushed out together. Yuan Jun was killed and defeated, and Wen Chou lost his head.

Yuan Jun lost in the first battle one after another, and his spirit was greatly depressed. Yuan Shao changed his attack strategy and changed the short radius attack into a joint venture. The two armies fought fiercely against Guandu for several months, and Cao Cao wanted to defend Xuchang (now Xu Changdong, Henan) for lack of food and soldiers. Consultant Yu Xun thinks that Cao Jun is weak and the enemy is strong. Withdrawing troops will be taken at this time; On the other hand, Yuan Jun underestimated his enemies, and the internal division and stalemate will change after a long time, which is a surprise victory.

Cao Cao accepted his words. When Cao Wen learned that thousands of wagons were carrying grain, he entered Yuan Shaozhai and ordered to rob and burn the grain. At this time, Yuan Shao's counselor Xu You told Cao Cao that Yuan Shao now had more than 10,000 wagons of food and grass lying in the Wu Dynasty. The garrison commander there is Chunyu Qiong, and his defense is very loose. He suggested that Cao Cao take a light cavalry to attack the Wu Dynasty, where Yuan Shao hoarded food, and burn all the food and grass of Yuan Shao. Within three days, Yuan Jun will be defeated without a fight.

Cao Cao was overjoyed and immediately adopted Xu You's suggestion. He arranged the Guandu camp, personally led five thousand Qingqi, and set off for Wu Chao non-stop. Under the banner of Yuan Jun, they claimed that they were ordered by Yuan Shao to strengthen the Bird's Nest, and deceived the Yuan Jun sentry they met along the way. Cao Cao led his troops to Wu Chao, set a fire, burned more than 10,000 wagons of grain and grass, and the garrison commander Chunyu Qiong was killed by Cao Jun. ..

Yuan Jun, who was in Guandu, heard that Wu Chao's grain and grass were burnt out, panicked, and his morale was shaken, and he surrendered in succession. Cao Cao seized the opportunity and ordered an all-out attack. Yuan Jun was immediately defeated and more than 70,000 people were wiped out. Yuan Shao and his son Yuan Tan only led more than 800 people to flee to the north in panic.

After this war, Yuan Shao's main force was hit hard and almost lost. Two years later, Yuan Shao also died of illness. Later, it took Cao Cao seven years to destroy the remnants of Yuan Shao and unify the north.