Cao Cao started. "Yuan Xi? The one who subdued Liaodong with a single cavalry force and destroyed Zhang Jiao in open battle?"
"The very same!"
Cao Cao sighed deeply. "Yuan Shao is mediocre and incompetent. How did he come to have a son like that? If I had such a son, I could die without regret!"
After that outburst, Cao Cao calmed down completely.
Then another report came: his fourth son, Cao Xiong, had arrived with troops to aid the fighting at Guandu.
Cao Cao summoned him and demanded at once, "Why are you here instead of defending Xudu?"
Cao Xiong—Richard—knelt and reported, "After defeating Liu Biao, I pursued his routed troops all the way to Qiao Commandery before turning back. With Liu Biao beaten, your home territory is secure, Father. So I brought three hundred of my personal guards to help you at Guandu."
Cao Cao erupted. "Wretched boy! Do you know that while you were away, Yuan Xi captured Xudu?"
Cao Xiong stared in shock. "How could that be? Yuan Xi was so far from Xudu..."
"Had one more capable general been there to defend Xudu, it would never have fallen so quickly. Pass down my order! Cao Xiong disobeyed orders and moved troops without permission. Behead him before the army to uphold military discipline!" Cao Cao roared.
Cao Xiong hurriedly dropped to his knees and begged for mercy, while those around them rushed to intervene.
Cao Cao pointed at him. "Your head may stay on your shoulders for now. Defy orders again, and I'll have it!"
Cao Xiong bowed his head and repeatedly acknowledged the order. Then he said, "Father, please allow me to redeem myself."
Cao Cao waved him away impatiently, and Cao Xiong took his place at the end of the line of generals.
Perhaps