Jia Xu - Serving Cao Cao

Serving Cao Cao

In 199, Yuan Shao, a major warlord at the time, sent a request for Zhang Xiu to join him in his fight against Cao Cao. Zhang Xiu wanted to accept the request; however, Jia Xu turned away the messenger and told Zhang Xiu that Yuan Shao was not worth serving. Ultimately Jia Xu advised Zhang Xiu to surrender to Cao Cao, a surrender which was well received by Cao. Jia Xu then became an advisor to Cao Cao and later Cao Pi.

Jia Xu helped Cao Cao defeat Yuan Shao in the Battle of Guandu by advising Cao Cao to cut off Yuan Shao's grain supply, which succeeded and became an important factor of the decisive victory of Cao Cao, and eventually his unification of Northern China.

In 208, after Cao Cao took Jing province from Liu Biao, Jia Xu suggested Cao Cao not to attack Eastern Wu, an advice which was rejected, and Cao Cao soon regretted the decision when his entire army was demolished at the Battle of Red Cliffs. Soon afterwards, Cao Cao was attacked by an army led by Han Sui and Ma Chao in the Battle of Tong Pass. Jia Xu laid out a plan which turned Han Sui against Ma Chao and ensured victory for Cao Cao.

Jia Xu was a major supporter of Cao Pi, the eldest son of Cao Cao, in his conflict with Cao Zhi for the succession of Cao Cao, and successfully talked Cao Cao into selecting Cao Pi.