Guan Yu Releases Cao Cao At Huarong Trail
Guan Yu was sent to guard Huarong Trail (believed to be near Dongshan Town, Huarong County, Hunan) and intercept Cao Cao when the latter was retreating after his defeat at the Battle of Red Cliffs. Initially, Zhuge Liang was reluctant in allowing Guan Yu to take up that responsibility, since he was worried that Guan might take into account the kindness Cao Cao showed towards him when he temporarily served Cao years ago, and release Cao as a result. Guan Yu insisted, claiming that he had already repaid Cao Cao's kindness by slaying Yuan Shao's generals Yan Liang and Wen Chou and lifting the siege on Boma. He made a military pledge not to let Cao Cao off, while Zhuge Liang also stated that he would give up his head to Guan Yu if Cao Cao did not pass through Huarong Trail. As Zhuge Liang predicted, Cao Cao did reach Huarong Trail and encountered Guan Yu there. However, Guan Yu decided to spare Cao Cao in consideration of their past dealings, and after taking pity on the plight of Cao Cao's men and Zhang Liao, whom he saved from death earlier after the Battle of Xiapi. He allowed Cao Cao and his men to pass through Huarong Trail unharmed. When he returned to camp he confessed the truth to Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang. Zhuge Liang ordered Guan Yu to be executed for failing in his mission and agreed to pardon Guan when Liu Bei intervened.
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