Military Preparedness Records, Volume 26

Strategic Analysis

Three Kingdoms, Part 2

General of Chariots and Cavalry Dong Cheng A high-ranking official loyal to the waning Han dynasty plotted to execute Cao Cao, claiming he had received a secret imperial edict hidden within a belt Historically known as the "Girdle Edict" plot. He conspired with Liu Bei, but the plot was leaked. Cao Cao executed Dong Cheng and his associates, exterminating their three kindreds Three kindreds (Sanzu): A brutal collective punishment where the families of the offender's father, mother, and wife were all executed.

Liu Bei invaded the north and reached Ye. Cao Cao dispatched Li Dian to serve under Xiahou Dun to resist him. One morning, Liu Bei burned his own camp and retreated. Xiahou Dun led the various armies in pursuit. Li Dian said: "The enemy has retreated without cause; I suspect there must be an ambush. The southern road is narrow and the vegetation is dense; we must not pursue." Xiahou Dun ignored him and pursued the enemy along with Yu Jin. Li Dian remained behind to guard the camp. As expected, Xiahou Dun and the others fell into an ambush.