Chapter 3: Why Did Zhang Miao Betray Cao Cao?
Chen Zhou began his explanation, saying, “This question can be analyzed from two perspectives.”
After recalling the events in this period of Cao Cao’s life, he continued, “First, why was Cao Cao able to become the Governor of Yanzhou? And second, what conflicts arose between Cao Cao and the local aristocracy after his appointment? Combining these two aspects should answer your question.”
Cao Ang, full of interest, responded, “Please elaborate, sir!”
Chen Zhou then asked, “Do you know, young master, whom Cao Cao is relying on right now?”
“Yuan Shao,” Cao Ang answered without hesitation.
Cao Cao, who was secretly eavesdropping, sighed inwardly.
Though it wasn’t something he was proud of, it was undeniable that he was under Yuan Shao’s protection at the time.
“We’ll start with the first point,” Chen Zhou continued. “Cao Cao’s opportunity to become Governor of Yan Province came when the Yellow Turban rebels killed the former governor, Liu Dai.
“Zhang Miao and others recognized Cao Cao’s abilities, and with Yuan Shao’s backing, Cao Cao was chosen. At that time, Yan Province was ravaged by the Yellow Turban rebels, and someone was needed to quell the chaos. This is how Cao Cao smoothly ascended to the position.”
“Have you ever wondered, young master, why Zhang Miao and the others didn’t choose one of their own as governor?” Chen Zhou asked.
After thinking for a moment, Cao Ang replied, “According to Han Dynasty regulations, local officials could not serve as the top official in their own region. This is one of the rules of the Han Dynasty’s ‘Three Prohibitions.’ Zhang Miao and the others were all locals of Yan Province.”
This was a strict rule of the Han Dynasty. Besides avoiding local appointments, the “Three Prohibitions” also dictated that officials must avoid serving in regions where they had close family ties.
Chen Zhou nodded approvingly. “Exactly. In a time of crisis, someone from outside the region, like Cao Cao, was the most suitable candidate. And since Cao Cao had the ability to quell the rebellion, he was their best choice.”
“Yuan Shao strongly supported Cao Cao’s appointment, and Zhang Miao and the others had no choice but to give face to the Yuan family, who had served as high-ranking officials for four generations.”
“At this time, Yuan Shao had already taken control of Ji Province and defeated Gongsun Zan, making him very powerful.”
“With Cao Cao as his subordinate and now the Governor of Yan Province, Yan Province became Yuan Shao’s largest foothold south of the Yellow River.”
“This region would soon become the main battleground in the conflict between Yuan Shao and his brother, Yuan Shu.”
“Tao Qian, whom Cao Cao attacked, was actually under Yuan Shu’s protection.”
“So, from another angle, Cao Cao’s attack on Xu Province could be seen as part of the internal strife between the Yuan brothers.”
Cao Cao, listening intently, nodded in agreement. Chen Zhou had managed to clearly explain the complex relationships in just a few sentences.
Cao Ang was deep in thought before suddenly realizing, “Zhang Miao and the others appointed Cao Cao as Governor to deal with the Yellow Turban rebels.”
“But once the rebels were defeated, Yan Province, through Cao Cao, became part of Yuan Shao’s territory and could eventually become a battleground between the Yuan brothers.”
“Would Zhang Miao and the local aristocrats be happy with that?”
“Certainly not.”
“Zhang Miao and the local nobles did not want to side with Yuan Shao. They didn’t want to accept Yuan Shao’s rule, and perhaps they didn’t want to align with anyone—they just wanted to remain loyal to the Han court.”
“The officials of Yan Province were appointed by the court and had no direct connection with Yuan Shao. Their resistance was natural.”
“And Yuan Shao’s relationship with Zhang Miao wasn’t particularly good either.”
Chen Zhou continued, “Indeed, young master. Zhang Miao was terrified, and so were the local aristocrats. For example, the death of Bian Rang, a well-known official, served as a warning to Yanzhou’s officials.”
“Bian Rang’s death created fear among Yan Province’s bureaucrats, and Zhang Miao was no exception.”
“Moreover, Yuan Shao repeatedly tried to sow discord between Cao Cao and Zhang Miao. For instance, when Wang Kuang wanted to defect to Zhang Miao after becoming disillusioned with Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, following Yuan Shao’s advice, killed him.”
“At that point, anti-Cao sentiment had spread throughout Yan Province. The officials no longer wanted Cao Cao to remain as governor, nor did they want to be subordinate to Yuan Shao.”
“To make matters worse, Cao Cao’s attack on Xu Province used up Yan Province’s resources.”
“Zhang Miao and the others couldn’t just sit back and watch as Cao Cao drained Yan Province’s manpower and supplies. With Chen Gong’s encouragement, Zhang Miao rebelled.”
Chen Zhou’s analysis of how Cao Cao came to power and Zhang Miao’s betrayal had almost come full circle.
Cao Ang was captivated, realizing how complex the situation had been.
Cao Cao also sighed. No wonder his relationship with Zhang Miao had become strained after taking over Yan Province. The dynamic was no longer harmonious.
Although during his first attack on Tao Qian, Cao Cao had declared, “If I don’t return, you may rely on Meng Zhuo (Zhang Miao),” it was merely a formality to reassure Zhang Miao while Cao Cao was off at war.
Furthermore, the Yan Province officials frequently ignored his orders, following them in name only.
It turned out that the Yan Province officials didn’t want to be under Yuan Shao’s control. They still considered themselves Han loyalists and did not wish to be associated with Yuan Shao.
“If only I had seen through this sooner, Zhang Mengzhuo would never have revolted,” Cao Cao lamented.
At the same time, his interest in Chen Zhou deepened. If this man could analyze things so thoroughly, and since he referred to Zhang Miao by name with little respect, Cao Cao thought there might still be a chance to win him over.
With his son’s connection to Chen Zhou, Cao Cao was sure he could recruit him. But for now, he decided to wait and learn more about Chen Zhou’s intentions before making any decisions.
Cao Ren asked, “Brother, if this teacher is so brilliant, why did Zhang Miao still fail?”
“Indeed!” Cao Cao echoed, now even more curious.
With such a capable individual advising him, it seemed unlikely that Zhang Miao should have failed. Yet he did, which puzzled Cao Cao.
“Could it be that this teacher didn’t want to help Zhang Mengzhuo?” Cao Cao speculated.
This possibility struck Cao Cao as very likely. Chen Zhou had spoken without much respect for Zhang Miao, and it made sense that he might not have been fully committed to aiding him. However, Cao Cao also felt a bit uneasy, as Chen Zhou showed no special regard for him either, referring to him by name directly.
“If this teacher genuinely has no ill intent and is just teaching my son, I’m sure I can find a way to win him over,” Cao Cao thought to himself. After a moment, he added, “Zixiao, arrange for someone to investigate everything about him.”
Cao Ren immediately set about making the arrangements.
Meanwhile, from inside, Cao Ang’s voice rang out again, “Sir, what about the second aspect?”
Cao Cao also wanted to hear more about the conflict between him and the Yan Province aristocracy.
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