Xu Chu
Encyclopedia
Xu Chu was a warrior who lived during the late Han Dynasty
and Three Kingdoms
era of Chinese history
. He served as a bodyguard to the warlord Cao Cao
. Gigantic and strong, yet simple-minded and honest, Xu Chu was referred to as "Dumb Tiger" by his fellow men. He continued to serve under Cao Cao's successors, Cao Pi
and Cao Rui
, until his own death, upon which he was given the posthumous title of "Marquis Zhuang" (壯侯), literally meaning "robust marquis".
, Anhui
). According to Chen Shou
's Records of Three Kingdoms
, he was over eight chi
tall (about 190-200cms) with a waist circumference of ten wei (approximately 52 inches or 132 centimeters).
Towards the end of the Han Dynasty, Xu Chu rallied thousands of clan members maka , shoka, jigo and constructed a fortress to fend off the Yellow Turban rebels
. An army of rebels from Runan, numbering more than 10,000, once attacked Xu Chu's fortress. The defenders were outnumbered and worn out as the battle dragged on. When the arrows were used up, Xu Chu told all within the fortress to gather stones the size of chess pieces and place them in the four corners of the fortress. He then hurled the stones at the enemies, crushing the bones of all those who were hit into powder. The rebels then kept a distance away and dared not come close. When the food stock was exhausted, Xu Chu negotiated a truce with the rebels as well as a deal to exchange an ox for food. When the rebels came to collect the ox, the animal would always run back. Then Xu Chu, holding on to the ox's tail, pulled it along for more than a hundred steps. Seeing this, the startled rebels took off without the ox.
, Xu Chu was at the forefront of the battle, and was promoted to a colonel for his valor in battle.
, during which Xu Ta and fellow conspirators plotted to assassinate Cao Cao. Fearing Xu Chu, they waited until he went back to rest before entering Cao Cao's tent with swords hidden in their robes. Xu Chu, however, felt uneasy and returned. Xu Ta and others, not expecting to find Xu Chu there, could not hide their astonishment. Xu Chu then discovered their intent and killed the would-be assassins. Following this incident, Cao Cao trusted him even more and would go nowhere without Xu Chu by his side. After assisting Cao Cao to conquer Ye
in 203, Xu Chu was conferred the title of "Marquis of Guannei" (關內侯).
During the Battle of Tong Pass
against Ma Chao
and Han Sui
in 211, Cao Cao led his troops north across the Ji River (濟河) in an attempt to circle to the rear of the enemy. The bulk of Cao Cao's troops had already crossed the river, leaving Cao and his Tiger Guards to bring up the rear, when Ma Chao and his 10,000 horsemen caught up with them. As the enemies were approaching fast, Cao Cao's soldiers rushed to get onboard the ferry, which was on the verge of sinking under the weight. Holding up a saddle with his left hand to shield Cao Cao from the enemies' arrows, Xu Chu slashed those who were trying to clamber onto the vessel. By then the boatman was also shot dead. Still holding up the saddle, Xu Chu pushed the ferry away from shore and to safety with a bargepole. Later, Cao Cao, bringing along no one but Xu Chu, met with Ma Chao and Han Sui for a negotiation. Ma Chao intended to nab Cao Cao but suspected that the man beside him was Xu Chu, whose name he had heard for long. Ma Chao then asked Cao Cao, "Where is your Tiger Marquis"? Cao Cao pointed at Xu Chu, who stared at Ma Chao. Fearing the mighty man, Ma Chao then gave up his idea.
also favored Xu Chu greatly and further promote him to General of Military Might and placed him in charge of the palace guards. When it came to Cao Rui
's reign, Xu Chu was made the Marquis of Mouxiang. After his death, Xu Chu was conferred the posthumous title of "Marquis Zhuang", literally meaning "robust marquis".
Xu Chu's son, Xu Yi (許儀), was ordered by Zhong Hui
later to taking charge in road construction in Cao Wei's campaign against Shu Han
in 263. However, the road was poorly built and as result, Zhong Hui had Xu Yi beheaded. By doing so, Zhong Hui established his authority and the road was rebuilt.
, a cousin and much trusted general of Cao Cao, came from Jing Province to see Cao Cao. Running into Xu Chu outside the hall, Cao Ren called for him to go inside together for a talk. However, Xu Chu declined, saying, "The king will soon be out". This made Cao Ren very unhappy. When criticized for turning down the eminent man, Xu Chu replied, "Though Cao Ren is favored, he is an external official, whereas I am an internal official. We could talk among others. Why enter the hall and talk in private"? When Cao Cao heard of this, he began to favor Xu Chu even more and promoted him to General of the Center (中間將軍).
Xu Chu appears in Luo Guanzhong
's historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms
. To further pronounce the bravery and strength of Xu Chu, Luo Guanzhong added a fictional battle between Xu and Ma Chao in Chapter 59 – Xu Chu Strips for a Fight with Ma Chao.
During the confrontation between the armies of Cao Cao and Ma Chao, Xu Chu challenged the latter to a duel. Ma Chao took up the challenge and the pair rode forth to engage in a battle on horseback. Neither Xu Chu's sword nor Ma Chao's spear could get an upper hand after over a hundred bouts. By then, both of their steeds were spent, so each retired to their own lines to change a fresh mount before renewing the contest.
Hundred more bouts elapsed and still neither man could triumph over the other. Suddenly, Xu Chu galloped back to his own side, stripped off his heavy armor, and rode back to battle bare-chested. 30 bouts later, Xu Chu plunged towards his foe with sword held high to strike, but Ma Chao evaded the strike and rode in with his spear pointing at Xu Chu's heart. Discarding his sword, Xu Chu clamped the spear firmly under his left arm.
A struggle for the spear then ensued. With his enormous strength, Xu Chu snapped the spearshaft into two such that each were holding on to one half. The duel then continued, with each man assailing the other with the splintered rod. Cao Cao, fearing for his champion warrior, ordered Xiahou Yuan
and Cao Hong
to flank the enemy. Seeing this, Ma Chao's aides also rushed out with their troops. In the chaos Xu Chu received two arrow wounds on the arm and Cao Cao's force retreated to its temporary fortress.
and Warriors Orochi
video game series. His name is spelled as "Xu Zhu" in the games.
Han Dynasty
The Han Dynasty was the second imperial dynasty of China, preceded by the Qin Dynasty and succeeded by the Three Kingdoms . It was founded by the rebel leader Liu Bang, known posthumously as Emperor Gaozu of Han. It was briefly interrupted by the Xin Dynasty of the former regent Wang Mang...
and Three Kingdoms
Three Kingdoms
The Three Kingdoms period was a period in Chinese history, part of an era of disunity called the "Six Dynasties" following immediately the loss of de facto power of the Han Dynasty rulers. In a strict academic sense it refers to the period between the foundation of the state of Wei in 220 and the...
era of Chinese history
History of China
Chinese civilization originated in various regional centers along both the Yellow River and the Yangtze River valleys in the Neolithic era, but the Yellow River is said to be the Cradle of Chinese Civilization. With thousands of years of continuous history, China is one of the world's oldest...
. He served as a bodyguard to the warlord Cao Cao
Cao Cao
Cao Cao was a warlord and the penultimate chancellor of the Eastern Han Dynasty who rose to great power during the dynasty's final years. As one of the central figures of the Three Kingdoms period, he laid the foundations for what was to become the state of Cao Wei and was posthumously titled...
. Gigantic and strong, yet simple-minded and honest, Xu Chu was referred to as "Dumb Tiger" by his fellow men. He continued to serve under Cao Cao's successors, Cao Pi
Cao Pi
Cao Pi , formally known as Emperor Wen of Wei, was the first emperor of the state of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. Born in Qiao County, Pei Commandery , he was the second son of the late Han Dynasty warlord Cao Cao.Cao Pi, like his father, was a poet...
and Cao Rui
Cao Rui
Cao Rui , formally known as Emperor Ming of Wei, was the second emperor of the state of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. He was a son of Cao Wei's first emperor Cao Pi according to Liu Song dynasty historian, Pei Songzhi, but was a son of Yuan Xi according to modern...
, until his own death, upon which he was given the posthumous title of "Marquis Zhuang" (壯侯), literally meaning "robust marquis".
Early life
Xu(Tamriko) Chu was born in Qiao county (present day BozhouBozhou
Bozhou is a prefecture-level city in northwestern Anhui province, People's Republic of China. It borders Huaibei to the northeast, Bengbu to the southeast, Huainan to the south, Fuyang to the southwest, and the province of Henan to the north.-Administration:...
, Anhui
Anhui
Anhui is a province in the People's Republic of China. Located in eastern China across the basins of the Yangtze River and the Huai River, it borders Jiangsu to the east, Zhejiang to the southeast, Jiangxi to the south, Hubei to the southwest, Henan to the northwest, and Shandong for a tiny...
). According to Chen Shou
Chen Shou
Chen Shou was a historian during the Jin Dynasty period of Chinese history. He is best known as the author of Records of Three Kingdoms, a historical account of the late Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms period.-Biography:...
's Records of Three Kingdoms
Records of Three Kingdoms
Records of Three Kingdoms , is regarded as the official and authoritative historical text on the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history covering the years 184-280 CE. Written by Chen Shou in the 3rd century, the work combines the smaller histories of the rival states of Cao Wei , Shu Han and...
, he was over eight chi
Chi (unit)
The chi is a traditional Chinese unit of length, approximately equal to one foot. Its length is derived from the length of human forearm and has first appeared during the Shang Dynasty approximately 3000 years ago. Since then it has spread to and adopted by other East Asian cultures, such as...
tall (about 190-200cms) with a waist circumference of ten wei (approximately 52 inches or 132 centimeters).
Towards the end of the Han Dynasty, Xu Chu rallied thousands of clan members maka , shoka, jigo and constructed a fortress to fend off the Yellow Turban rebels
Yellow Turban Rebellion
The Yellow Turban Rebellion, also translated as Yellow Scarves Rebellion, was a peasant revolt that broke out in 184 AD in China during the reign of Emperor Ling of the Han Dynasty...
. An army of rebels from Runan, numbering more than 10,000, once attacked Xu Chu's fortress. The defenders were outnumbered and worn out as the battle dragged on. When the arrows were used up, Xu Chu told all within the fortress to gather stones the size of chess pieces and place them in the four corners of the fortress. He then hurled the stones at the enemies, crushing the bones of all those who were hit into powder. The rebels then kept a distance away and dared not come close. When the food stock was exhausted, Xu Chu negotiated a truce with the rebels as well as a deal to exchange an ox for food. When the rebels came to collect the ox, the animal would always run back. Then Xu Chu, holding on to the ox's tail, pulled it along for more than a hundred steps. Seeing this, the startled rebels took off without the ox.
Service under Cao Cao
In 197, Xu Chu led his militia to join the warlord Cao Cao. Seeing the strength of Xu Chu, Cao Cao exclaimed, "This is my Fan Kuai!" He then appointed Xu Chu as a captain of his close guards, who were known as Tiger Guards. During Cao Cao's campaign against Zhang XiuZhang Xiu
Zhang Xiu was a minor warlord during the late Han Dynasty era of Chinese history. He eventually surrendered to Cao Cao in 200. Having contributed greatly to the decisive Battle of Guandu and subsequent campaigns against the heirs of Yuan Shao, Zhang Xiu died en route Liucheng on a campaign to...
, Xu Chu was at the forefront of the battle, and was promoted to a colonel for his valor in battle.
As a bodyguard
In 200, Xu Chu followed Cao Cao to the Battle of GuanduBattle of Guandu
The Battle of Guandu was a military conflict between the warlords Cao Cao and Yuan Shao in 200 during the prelude to the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. The battle, which concluded with victory for Cao Cao, was a turning point in the war between the two warlords...
, during which Xu Ta and fellow conspirators plotted to assassinate Cao Cao. Fearing Xu Chu, they waited until he went back to rest before entering Cao Cao's tent with swords hidden in their robes. Xu Chu, however, felt uneasy and returned. Xu Ta and others, not expecting to find Xu Chu there, could not hide their astonishment. Xu Chu then discovered their intent and killed the would-be assassins. Following this incident, Cao Cao trusted him even more and would go nowhere without Xu Chu by his side. After assisting Cao Cao to conquer Ye
Ye, China
Ye or Yecheng was an ancient Chinese city located in what is now Linzhang County, Hebei and the neighbouring Anyang County, Henan....
in 203, Xu Chu was conferred the title of "Marquis of Guannei" (關內侯).
Incident of Ma Chao
During the Battle of Tong Pass
Battle of Tong Pass (211)
The Battle of Tong Pass was fought between the warlord Cao Cao and a coalition of forces from Guanxi from March to September 211 during the prelude to the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. The battle was initiated by Cao Cao's western expansion, which triggered uprisings in Guanxi...
against Ma Chao
Ma Chao
Ma Chao was the oldest son of Ma Teng and a military general during the late Han Dynasty and early Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history. In Luo Guanzhong's historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, he received the nickname "Ma Chao the Splendid" due to his elaborate armour and grand skill...
and Han Sui
Han Sui
Han Sui was a warlord during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. For most of his life he was active in Liang Province and was involved in several rebellions against the Han Dynasty and against the warlord Cao Cao.-Biography:With the backing of the Qiang people who populated much of...
in 211, Cao Cao led his troops north across the Ji River (濟河) in an attempt to circle to the rear of the enemy. The bulk of Cao Cao's troops had already crossed the river, leaving Cao and his Tiger Guards to bring up the rear, when Ma Chao and his 10,000 horsemen caught up with them. As the enemies were approaching fast, Cao Cao's soldiers rushed to get onboard the ferry, which was on the verge of sinking under the weight. Holding up a saddle with his left hand to shield Cao Cao from the enemies' arrows, Xu Chu slashed those who were trying to clamber onto the vessel. By then the boatman was also shot dead. Still holding up the saddle, Xu Chu pushed the ferry away from shore and to safety with a bargepole. Later, Cao Cao, bringing along no one but Xu Chu, met with Ma Chao and Han Sui for a negotiation. Ma Chao intended to nab Cao Cao but suspected that the man beside him was Xu Chu, whose name he had heard for long. Ma Chao then asked Cao Cao, "Where is your Tiger Marquis"? Cao Cao pointed at Xu Chu, who stared at Ma Chao. Fearing the mighty man, Ma Chao then gave up his idea.
Death
When Cao Cao died, Xu Chu was so overwhelmed with sorrow that he wailed and vomited blood. Cao Cao's successor Cao PiCao Pi
Cao Pi , formally known as Emperor Wen of Wei, was the first emperor of the state of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. Born in Qiao County, Pei Commandery , he was the second son of the late Han Dynasty warlord Cao Cao.Cao Pi, like his father, was a poet...
also favored Xu Chu greatly and further promote him to General of Military Might and placed him in charge of the palace guards. When it came to Cao Rui
Cao Rui
Cao Rui , formally known as Emperor Ming of Wei, was the second emperor of the state of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. He was a son of Cao Wei's first emperor Cao Pi according to Liu Song dynasty historian, Pei Songzhi, but was a son of Yuan Xi according to modern...
's reign, Xu Chu was made the Marquis of Mouxiang. After his death, Xu Chu was conferred the posthumous title of "Marquis Zhuang", literally meaning "robust marquis".
Xu Chu's son, Xu Yi (許儀), was ordered by Zhong Hui
Zhong Hui
Zhong Hui was a military general of the state of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history. He was the son of Zhong Yao, a calligrapher and politician of Wei....
later to taking charge in road construction in Cao Wei's campaign against Shu Han
Conquest of Shu by Wei
The conquest of Shu by Wei was a military campaign launched by the state of Cao Wei against its rival Shu Han in 263 during the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. The campaign culminated in the fall of Shu and the tripartite equilibrium maintained in China for over 40 years since the end of...
in 263. However, the road was poorly built and as result, Zhong Hui had Xu Yi beheaded. By doing so, Zhong Hui established his authority and the road was rebuilt.
Appraisal
The Records of Three Kingdoms describes Xu Chu as a cautious and loyal man with few words. It recorded an incident where Cao RenCao Ren
Cao Ren was a military general serving under the warlord Cao Cao during the late Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history. He played a significant part in assisting Cao Cao in the civil wars leading to the end of the Han Dynasty...
, a cousin and much trusted general of Cao Cao, came from Jing Province to see Cao Cao. Running into Xu Chu outside the hall, Cao Ren called for him to go inside together for a talk. However, Xu Chu declined, saying, "The king will soon be out". This made Cao Ren very unhappy. When criticized for turning down the eminent man, Xu Chu replied, "Though Cao Ren is favored, he is an external official, whereas I am an internal official. We could talk among others. Why enter the hall and talk in private"? When Cao Cao heard of this, he began to favor Xu Chu even more and promoted him to General of the Center (中間將軍).
In fiction
Luo Guanzhong
Luo Ben , better known by his style name Luo Guanzhong , was a Chinese writer of the early Ming Dynasty period of Chinese history. He was also known as Huhai Sanren...
's historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Romance of the Three Kingdoms, written by Luo Guanzhong in the 14th century, is a Chinese historical novel based on the events in the turbulent years near the end of the Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history, starting in 169 and ending with the reunification of the land in...
. To further pronounce the bravery and strength of Xu Chu, Luo Guanzhong added a fictional battle between Xu and Ma Chao in Chapter 59 – Xu Chu Strips for a Fight with Ma Chao.
During the confrontation between the armies of Cao Cao and Ma Chao, Xu Chu challenged the latter to a duel. Ma Chao took up the challenge and the pair rode forth to engage in a battle on horseback. Neither Xu Chu's sword nor Ma Chao's spear could get an upper hand after over a hundred bouts. By then, both of their steeds were spent, so each retired to their own lines to change a fresh mount before renewing the contest.
Hundred more bouts elapsed and still neither man could triumph over the other. Suddenly, Xu Chu galloped back to his own side, stripped off his heavy armor, and rode back to battle bare-chested. 30 bouts later, Xu Chu plunged towards his foe with sword held high to strike, but Ma Chao evaded the strike and rode in with his spear pointing at Xu Chu's heart. Discarding his sword, Xu Chu clamped the spear firmly under his left arm.
A struggle for the spear then ensued. With his enormous strength, Xu Chu snapped the spearshaft into two such that each were holding on to one half. The duel then continued, with each man assailing the other with the splintered rod. Cao Cao, fearing for his champion warrior, ordered Xiahou Yuan
Xiahou Yuan
Xiahou Yuan was a military general serving under the warlord Cao Cao during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. He was killed in the Battle of Mount Dingjun against Liu Bei's general Huang Zhong in 219, and was given the posthumous title of Marquis Min , literally meaning "sympathetic...
and Cao Hong
Cao Hong
Cao Hong was a military general of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history. He started his career during the late Han Dynasty under the warlord Cao Cao, who was also his cousin.-Early career:...
to flank the enemy. Seeing this, Ma Chao's aides also rushed out with their troops. In the chaos Xu Chu received two arrow wounds on the arm and Cao Cao's force retreated to its temporary fortress.
Modern references
Xu Chu is featured as a playable character in Koei's Dynasty WarriorsDynasty Warriors
is a series of tactical action video games created by Omega Force and Koei. The award-winning series is a spin-off of Koei's turn-based strategy Romance of the Three Kingdoms series, based loosely around the Chinese classical novel of the same name. The first game titled Dynasty Warriors,...
and Warriors Orochi
Warriors Orochi
, is a PlayStation 2 and Xbox 360 hack and slash video game developed by Koei and Omega Force. It is a crossover of two of Koei's popular video game series, Dynasty Warriors and Samurai Warriors...
video game series. His name is spelled as "Xu Zhu" in the games.