Treatise on Armament Technology, Volume 206

Twenty-two

3

The Southern soldiers Referring to the forces of Cao Cao, who was based in the Central Plains south of the Yellow River are elite, but their reserves and stores are not equal to those of the North Referring to Yuan Shao’s massive army from the Hebei region. The South thrives on swift battles, while the North benefits from delay. The army should proceed slowly and hold its position, extending the conflict over many months. [Yuan] Shao did not follow this advice.

In the eighth month, [Yuan] Shao advanced his camp slightly forward, stretching his lines dozens of li A unit of distance; approximately 500 meters from east to west. [Cao] Cao also divided his camps to match the enemy’s deployment. He sent out troops to engage in battle but was unsuccessful, so he returned once more to hold his fortified walls.

[Yuan] Shao constructed high watchtowers and raised earthen mounds, and he dug tunnels to attack the position. [Cao] Cao’s forces were few, their grain was exhausted, and the soldiers were weary; many of the common people revolted. [Cao] Cao wrote a letter to Xun Yu Cao Cao’s primary strategist, who was managing the capital at Xuchang, discussing a plan to retreat to the capital in order to draw out [Yuan] Shao’s army.

Someone Historically, this refers to the reply sent by Xun Yu reported back, saying: "[Yuan] Shao has gathered his entire host at Guandu A strategic fortress and ferry point, desiring to decide victory or defeat with you, My Lord. You are using the extremely weak to face the extremely strong. If you cannot restrain him here, you will surely be overcome by him. This is the great turning point for the fate of the world.

Furthermore, [Yuan] Shao is merely a hero among the common folk; he is capable of gathering men but does not know how to employ them. With your divine martial prowess and brilliant wisdom, supported by Great Righteousness original: 大順 (dà shùn); referring to Cao Cao’s political legitimacy as the protector of the Han Emperor, what objective could you seek and not achieve? Now, although your grain is scarce, it is not yet as dire as the situation of Chu..." A reference to the Chu-Han Contention (206–202 BC), where the future Emperor of Han was besieged and starving but eventually triumphed over the stronger Xiang Yu