Xiakou is the target of Sun Quan’s campaign against Huang Zu, a conflict driven by the death of Sun Quan’s father, Sun Jian, and by the strategic aim of taking the city. Its capture shifts the immediate balance in the south: Huang Zu flees, is killed by Gan Ning, and Sun Quan turns to preparing for the next threat.

Campaign and Objectives

Sun Quan’s first objective is to avenge Sun Jian by attacking Huang Zu, whose warfare had led to Sun Jian’s death. The campaign also aims to take Xiakou. The city’s impending fall forces Huang Zu to flee, but escape does not end the pursuit.

Huang Zu’s Defeat

Gan Ning blocks Huang Zu’s road. Huang Zu asks why Gan Ning is attacking after Gan Ning had once been kind to him. Gan Ning answers that he had worked hard for Huang Zu but had been treated like a thief. As Huang Zu turns to flee, Gan Ning pursues and shoots him from his horse; he then cuts off Huang Zu’s head.

Aftermath and Significance

Gan Ning brings Huang Zu’s head in a box as a trophy to Sun Quan. Sun Quan has it offered at Sun Jian’s tomb, making the campaign’s personal purpose explicit in its aftermath: Huang Zu’s death answers the old grievance against the man associated with Sun Jian’s death. Knowing that Liu Biao will seek revenge for Huang Zu, Sun Quan consolidates his forces to the north and prepares for a possible attack from Cao Cao. The victory at Xiakou therefore serves both as vengeance and as a prelude to a broader defensive concern.