Death of Che Zhou and Liu Bei’s Capture of Xu Province

The Death of Che Zhou and Liu Bei’s Capture of Xu Province marks a sharp reversal: Cao Cao’s governor attempts to ambush Liu Bei, but advance warning allows Liu Bei and his two sworn brothers to seize the initiative and enter Xu Province. The victory brings Liu Bei back into control of the city, yet it also heightens Cao Cao’s concern about his growing popularity and is followed by an act of retaliation that threatens to undo the advantage.

Background and the Ambush

After Liu Bei defeats Yuan Shu, he reports Yuan Shu’s defeat and death to the emperor. Cao Cao becomes increasingly alarmed by Liu Bei’s popularity and orders Che Zhou, the governor of Xu Province, to conspire against him. Che Zhou’s plan is to ambush Liu Bei as he returns to the city, turning the journey home into a trap.

The plot fails because Liu Bei is forewarned. Rather than fall into the ambush, Liu Bei and his two sworn brothers prepare a counter-trap. The attempted attack therefore reverses direction: Che Zhou’s conspiracy becomes the occasion for Liu Bei’s return to Xu Province.

The Seizure of the City

In the ensuing mêlée, Guan Yu kills Che Zhou. With the governor dead, Liu Bei and his brothers gain entry to Xu Province. The episode’s decisive change is political as well as tactical: Liu Bei moves from being the target of Cao Cao’s local plot to regaining control of the city.

The account links the capture to the brothers’ coordinated response to the warning, but distinguishes their conduct afterward. The successful counterattack secures entry; it does not settle the conflict with Cao Cao or ensure that Liu Bei’s position will remain safe.

Retaliation and Its Consequences

Zhang Fei is angered by what he regards as Che Zhou’s betrayal and kills Che Zhou’s entire family. Liu Bei is deeply troubled by this impetuous act. He anticipates that Cao Cao will seek revenge for the killing of his governor, so the victory immediately carries a new political risk.

The episode thus closes on an unstable gain. Liu Bei has taken Xu Province, but Zhang Fei’s retaliation gives Cao Cao further cause to act against him. Chen Deng then offers another plan, believing that he can save Liu Bei after having succeeded in capturing Lü Bu. The capture of the city is therefore both a recovery of power and the beginning of another attempt to protect it.