In the sixth month of the sixth year of the Jian'an Era, in Hedong Commandery, the war between Cao Cao and Yuan Shao had gradually settled into a stalemate.
Long before the war began, both Cao Cao and Yuan Shao had brimmed with confidence, believing that this battle would decide the supreme ruler of the realm.
Yet neither side had expected the war to drag on for nearly two years without a victor.
In the early stages, Cao Cao had held the initiative, intending to seize key strategic ground before Yuan Shao returned.
But because of the disparity in their strength, Cao Cao's advantage was gradually overturned, until the Battle of Guandu erupted.
During the Battle of Guandu, Cao Cao unexpectedly suffered defeat, losing Yanzhou. Yuan Shao gained the upper hand and continued pressing south.
Just when everyone in the realm believed Cao Cao would never recover, he carved out a new world for himself from Bing Province.
Thus, when Liu Bei's army seized Jing Province, Cao Cao and Yuan Shao were in fact locked in a tug-of-war over Yanzhou and Bing Province.
Harassed by Cao Cao, Yuan Shao was unable to stabilize Yanzhou for a long while, and repeatedly sought the counsel of Ju Shou and Tian Feng.
In the end, persuaded by the two men, Yuan Shao left generals such as Zhang He and Gao Lan to defend Yanzhou, then personally led his army back to resist Cao Cao.
By then, Cao Cao had already crushed Gao Gan's forces beyond recognition and had nearly taken the two great commanderies of Shangdang and Taiyuan.
But with Yuan Shao's return, the Southern Xiongnu suddenly rebelled against Cao Cao. They emerged from places such as Puzi, cutting off Cao Cao's retreat.
This move nearly brought Cao Cao another crushing defeat. Fortunately,