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Xun Yu (163–212), courtesy name Wenruo, was a Chinese military official and politician who served as an adviser to the warlord Cao Cao during the late Eastern Han dynasty of China.
Xun Yu proved to be a talented youth and was evaluated by the scholar He Yong as "someone capable of assisting kings" (王佐之才). In 189, he was nominated as a xiaolian (civil service candidate) and began his career in the civil service. When the warlord Dong Zhuo seized control of the capital Luoyang, Xun Yu feared for his safety and resigned, returning to Ji Province (present-day Hebei).
In the subsequent years, warlords quickly rose in each region; Xun Yu first served Yuan Shao, whose power base was in Ji Province, but later left him and went to serve Cao Cao in 191. Cao Cao recognised Xun Yu's talent and he exclaimed, "Here comes my Zifang!"Zifang" was the courtesy name of Zhang Liang, a prominent advisor to Emperor Gao. Zhang Liang contributed greatly to the founding of the Han dynasty." When Xun Yu arrived, he appointed Xun as an army commandant.
In 194, as Cao Cao led a campaign against Tao Qian in Xu Province, his home base at Yan Province was suddenly attacked by Lü Bu. Two of Cao's officials, Chen Gong and Zhang Miao, chose to defect to Lü Bu. At that time Xun Yu was in charge of the defences of Juancheng (鄄城), and his firm actions saved the city from capture, allowing Cao Cao's armies to return and drive away Lü Bu. Subsequently, on the death of Tao Qian, Cao Cao was tempted to turn around and move to Xu Province before returning to deal with Lü Bu; it was Xun Yu who dissuaded him from this, reminding him that Yan Province was his heartland and power base and should be secured first before launching campaigns abroad.
It was also at Xun Yu's suggestion that Cao Cao chose to escort Emperor Xian, who was then living in the ruins of Luoyang, to his base at Xu (present-day Xuchang, Henan) in 196, taking on the role of protecting the emperor. Xun Yu's plan was to "control the insubordinate in the name of the emperor" (奉天子以令不臣); the 14th-century historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms subtly distorts this to "hold the emperor hostage to control the nobles" (挾天子以令諸侯). In the long run, this strategy would give Cao Cao a considerable political advantage over his rivals, allowing him to legitimise his actions by taking them in the emperor's name.
In 200, Cao Cao was locked in a stalemate against Yuan Shao at the Battle of Guandu for months, eventually exhausting his food supply; while contemplating retreat he sent a letter to Xun Yu (who was then defending Xu) for advice. Xun Yu dissuaded Cao Cao with a letter, highlighting several advantages that his army held over Yuan Shao's forces and urging him to stand fast; the eventual result was a decisive victory for Cao Cao, which was crucial to his domination of northern China.
Knowing that Dong Zhao was probably a conduit for Cao Cao when approached by the former for his support, Xun Yu told Dong that Cao's personal mission was one of restoring the Han dynasty and would not approve of such a move – thus possibly hinting to Cao that he should abandon the idea. Xun Yu's remarks greatly displeased Cao Cao.
Following this, Xun Yu was sent to Qiao to reward the soldiers who took part in a military campaign against Sun Quan in November 212. While there, Xun Yu was said to have fallen sick and was brought to Shouchun (寿春; present-day Shou County, Anhui) for treatment and recuperation. He died later that year (late 212 or early 213). The circumstances of his death aroused great suspicion and is a matter of debate as it came closely after his opposition towards Cao Cao's ascension to duke.Eventually, Cao Cao was made Duke of Wei on 16 Jun 213 in the Julian calendar. (建安十八年五月丙申，天子使御史大夫郗虑持节策命公为魏公.) Sanguozhi, vol.01. The annals of Emperor Xian in Houhanshu also recorded the same date.
Xun Yu was given the posthumous name "Jing" (敬). More than 50 years after his death, in 265, he was posthumously granted the title of Grand Commandant.(咸熙二年，赠彧太尉。) Wei Shi Chun Qiu annotation in Sanguozhi, vol.10. In the 12th month of that year (Feb 266 in the Julian calendar), Cao Huan was forced to abdicate by Sima Yan, who founded the Jin dynasty.
In Koei's Kessen II, Xun Yu plays a prominent role, although the character is portrayed as a woman who harbours a requited love for Cao Cao. In the visual novel and anime series Koihime Musō, Jun'iku (Xun Yu's Japanese name) also serves as a strategist to Sōsō (Cao Cao) and has a Lesbianism on her.
In Wizards of the Coast's Magic the Gathering Card Game, Xun Yu has a Magic Card "Xun Yu, Wei Advisor" from a set called Portal Three Kingdoms. He is shown opening a container in his artwork and wearing traditional clothing for an advisor from the Han dynasty. His quote says, "A splendid talent, admired of all men! His folly lay in serving Cao Cao's Power."
Xun Yu appeared in , serving under Han Fu before joining Cao Cao.
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