Biography
Early life
Cheng Yu was born in 141 CE in Dong’e, Dong Commandery (present-day Dong’e County, Shandong).
His courtesy name was Zhongde.
His original name was Cheng Li.
According to the Records of the Three Kingdoms, Cheng Yu was “eight chi three cun tall, with a beautiful beard.”
Defence against the Yellow Turbans
During the Yellow Turban Rebellion, Wang Du, Assistant Magistrate of Dong’e County, responded to the rebels and rebelled locally.
He burned the county’s granaries.
The Magistrate of Dong’e abandoned the city and fled.
The officials and people, carrying the old and young, fled east to Mount Qiuqiu.
At that time, Cheng Yu was still in his hometown, so he was also among the refugees.
He sent people to spy on Wang Du’s actions.
He discovered that Wang Du and others, because the county city’s supplies were empty and could not be defended, went out and stationed five or six li west of the city.
The plan to retake the city
Cheng Yu said to Xue Fang and others, wealthy families in the county: “Now Wang Du has obtained the city walls but cannot station there. The situation is clear. They only want to take advantage of the opportunity to plunder property. They do not have the intention to strengthen military preparations for attack and defence. Why do we not return to the city and defend it? Moreover, the city walls are high and thick, and there is much grain. If we return to the city now, find the magistrate, and defend together, Wang Du will certainly not be able to stay long. When we attack him then, we can defeat Wang Du.”
Xue Fang and others agreed.
However, many officials and people at that time were unwilling to follow Cheng Yu’s suggestion.
Cheng Yu sighed helplessly: “Foolish people cannot be consulted about great matters.”
The ruse
To make all the county people willing to act, Cheng Yu secretly sent several cavalrymen to raise banners on Mount Dongshan.
He had all the county people see them.
He then ordered Xue Fang and others to shout loudly: “The bandit troops have already arrived.”
They then took advantage of the situation and went down the mountain to take the city.
The officials and people thought the Yellow Turban rebels had really arrived.
In their urgency, they followed Cheng Yu and Xue Fang back to the city.
The crowd finally found the magistrate.
They entered the city and defended together.
The victory
Soon after, Wang Du and others came to attack the city.
They could not capture it.
They were about to withdraw.
At that time, Cheng Yu led the county people to open the city gates and pursue.
Wang Du was defeated and fled.
Dong’e County was therefore preserved.
Service under Liu Dai
During the Chuping era (190-193), Liu Dai, Inspector of Yanzhou, wanted to summon Cheng Yu to serve.
Cheng Yu refused to accept.
At that time, Liu Dai was friendly with Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan.
Yuan Shao had his wife and children stay in Liu Dai’s territory.
Gongsun Zan also sent Fan Fang, Attendant, to lead troops and help Liu Dai defend his territory.
The advice to Liu Dai
However, Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan later broke relations.
In the early stage, Gongsun Zan had defeated Yuan Shao’s army.
He took advantage of the situation and demanded that Liu Dai present Yuan Shao’s wife and children.
He also forced him to break relations with Yuan Shao.
On the other hand, Gongsun Zan also ordered Fan Fang: “If Liu Dai does not present Yuan Shao’s family, lead troops back first. After I deal with Yuan Shao, I will certainly come to attack Liu Dai.”
Liu Dai was troubled by this dilemma.
He could not decide for several days.
Biejia Wang Yu advised Liu Dai: “Cheng Yu is a man with strategy. He can decide great matters.”
Liu Dai therefore summoned Cheng Yu with courtesy and asked for advice.
Cheng Yu’s analysis
Cheng Yu said: “If you abandon Yuan Shao, this nearby aid, and make friends with Gongsun Zan as a distant aid, this is like asking someone from Yue to save a drowning child in front of you. Moreover, Gongsun Zan will certainly not be Yuan Shao’s enemy. Although he has slightly defeated Yuan Shao’s army now, he will certainly be captured by Yuan Shao in the end. If you are purely shaken by the situation of one morning and one evening and do not consider long-term plans, General, you will certainly fail.”
Liu Dai suddenly understood and followed his advice.
He declined Gongsun Zan’s request.
Fan Fang led troops and returned.
However, before he could join Gongsun Zan’s army, Gongsun Zan had already been defeated by Yuan Shao.
Refusal to serve
After this battle, Liu Dai deeply admired Cheng Yu’s insight.
He therefore memorialized the court to appoint Cheng Yu as Commandant of Cavalry.
Cheng Yu, however, declined on the grounds of illness.
Joining Cao Cao
Later, Liu Dai was killed by Yellow Turban rebels.
Cao Cao’s army reached Yanzhou.
He summoned Cheng Yu to serve.
Cheng Yu did not refuse at all and agreed immediately.
When Cheng Yu was about to take office, his fellow villagers were very puzzled.
They said to Cheng Yu: “Why did you, who have always been unwilling to serve as an official, agree to serve this time?”
Cheng Yu only laughed and did not answer.
First meeting with Cao Cao
When Cheng Yu first arrived at Cao Cao’s camp, Cao Cao discussed great matters with him.
He was very pleased.
He appointed Cheng Yu as Magistrate of Shouzhang.
Defence of the three cities
Later, Cao Cao campaigned against Xuzhou.
He ordered Cheng Yu and Xun Yu to remain behind to guard Juancheng.
At that time, Zhang Miao and other armies rebelled.
They welcomed Lü Bu into Yanzhou.
This caused the surrounding commanderies and counties to respond.
Only Juancheng, Fan County, and Dong’e County, which Cheng Yu and others were guarding, did not move.
The threat
At that time, there were soldiers who had surrendered from Lü Bu’s army.
They said that Chen Gong and Fan Yi, generals under Lü Bu, were about to lead troops to capture Dong’e and Fan County.
The people in Juancheng were all very afraid.
Xun Yu said to Cheng Yu: “Now Yanzhou has rebelled. Only these three cities have been preserved. Chen Gong and others are approaching the cities with heavy troops. If we cannot unite our hearts and strength, the three cities will certainly be shaken. You are the person most trusted by the local officials and people. Now please go and persuade them to hold firm. We will certainly succeed.”
The defence
Cheng Yu agreed and immediately set out.
He first went to Fan County.
At that time, Fan Yi’s army had already reached Fan County.
Jin Yun, Magistrate of Fan County, was encouraged by Cheng Yu.
He arranged an ambush and assassinated Fan Yi, achieving success in one move.
Cheng Yu also sent people to occupy the ferry at Cangting.
This prevented Chen Gong’s army from crossing the river and advancing.
Securing Dong’e
Cheng Yu then left Fan County and came to Dong’e.
At that time, Zao Zhi, Magistrate of Dong’e, had already led the local officials and people to defend the city.
There was also Xue Ti, Attendant of Yanzhou, who cooperated with Cheng Yu.
They finally preserved the three cities.
Cao Cao’s gratitude
When Cao Cao returned to Yanzhou, he learned of this.
He personally held Cheng Yu’s hand and said: “If it were not for your strength, I would have nowhere to return.”
He therefore memorialized the court to appoint Cheng Yu as Chancellor of Dongping.
He stationed at Fan County.
Advising against alliance with Yuan Shao
When Cao Cao and Lü Bu fought at Puyang, Cao Cao was defeated several times.
At that time, there was also a locust disaster.
Both sides therefore temporarily withdrew their troops.
Yuan Shao took advantage of the opportunity and tried to persuade Cao Cao to move his family to Yecheng to live (as hostages).
He also promised to form an alliance with him.
Cheng Yu’s remonstrance
At that time, Cao Cao saw that Yanzhou had just been lost and military grain was about to run out.
He was about to agree to Yuan Shao’s request.
Cheng Yu saw this and immediately remonstrated with Cao Cao: “I have heard that the general wants to send his family to move to Yecheng and form an alliance with Yuan Shao. Is there such a thing?”
Cao Cao said: “Yes.”
Cheng Yu said: “I think the general has just lost your composure. Otherwise, how could you be so unthoughtful? Yuan Shao occupies the lands of Yan and Zhao and harbours the intention to swallow the realm. However, his wisdom is not sufficient to accomplish this. Does the general think you can serve under him? The general has extraordinary prestige. Can you submit to others like Han Xin and Peng Yue? Now, although Yanzhou is damaged, there are still three cities we can defend. The soldiers who can fight number no fewer than ten thousand. With the general’s divine military ability, plus the assistance of me and Wenruo (Xun Yu’s courtesy name) and others, we can certainly complete the hegemonic enterprise. I hope the general will consider carefully.”
Cao Cao therefore abandoned the idea of forming an alliance with Yuan Shao.
Service as Director of the Imperial Secretariat
After Emperor Xian of Han established the capital at Xuchang, Cao Cao appointed Cheng Yu as Director of the Imperial Secretariat.
At that time, Yanzhou had not yet been pacified.
Cao Cao therefore also appointed Cheng Yu as General of the Household of the East.
He concurrently served as Administrator of Jiyin and Commander of Yanzhou.
Warning about Liu Bei
At that time, Liu Bei, who occupied Xuzhou, was attacked by Lü Bu.
He defected to Cao Cao.
Cheng Yu said to Cao Cao: “I observe Liu Bei and believe he is a person with great talent who is very popular. This person will certainly not be willing to be subordinate to others. It would be better to kill him as soon as possible.”
Cao Cao did not listen to his words.
He even sent Liu Bei to intercept Yuan Shu.
Cheng Yu and Guo Jia said to Cao Cao: “My lord, you did not remove Liu Bei the other day. Now you are lending him troops. He will certainly have different intentions.”
Cao Cao regretted this after hearing it, but it was already too late to pursue.
The prediction comes true
As it turned out, after Yuan Shu died of illness, Liu Bei went to Xuzhou.
He killed Che Zhou, who was guarding the city.
He raised troops and rebelled against Cao Cao.
Promotion to General Who Spreads Martial Might
Soon after, Cheng Yu was promoted to General Who Spreads Martial Might.
At that time, Yuan Shao was at Liyang and was preparing to move his troops south to cross the river.
Cheng Yu, however, only had seven hundred troops guarding Juancheng.
Cao Cao knew the situation was critical.
He sent someone to tell Cheng Yu that he wanted to add two thousand troops to help guard Juancheng.
Refusing reinforcements
Cheng Yu refused to accept.
He said: “Yuan Shao has one hundred thousand troops and believes he is invincible. If he sees that I have few troops, he will certainly despise this place and will not attack. However, if my troops are increased, having too many military supplies will attract Yuan Shao’s attention. From his perspective, Juancheng will become a place he must attack. With his army, he will certainly be able to capture this place. Therefore, adding troops here will only be harmful and not beneficial. I hope my lord will not be overly worried.”
After Cao Cao understood his analysis, he followed his words.
Later, Yuan Shao learned that Cheng Yu’s garrison had few troops.
He indeed did not advance troops to that place.
Cao Cao’s praise
When Cao Cao learned of this, he said to Jia Xu: “Cheng Yu’s courage exceeds that of Meng Ben and Xia Yu.”
Soon after, Cheng Yu gathered a group of outlaws in the wild.
He organized them into a force of several thousand elite troops.
He joined forces with Cao Cao at Liyang and campaigned against Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang.
Campaign against Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang
Cao Cao sent Li Dian and Cheng Yu and others to transport military grain by boat.
At that time, Yuan Shang ordered Gao Fan, Administrator of Wei Commandery, to lead troops and station them on the river.
He cut off the water route.
Cao Cao said to Li Dian and Cheng Yu: “If the boats cannot pass, take the land route.”
Li Dian discussed with the various generals: “Gao Fan’s troops lack armour and only rely on water. They have a mind of underestimating the enemy. If we attack them, we will certainly be able to win.”
Cheng Yu also believed Li Dian was right.
They therefore crossed the river north and attacked Gao Fan.
They achieved victory.
The water route was secured.
Enfeoffment
After Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang were defeated and fled, Cheng Yu was appointed General Who Spreads Martial Might.
He was enfeoffed as Marquis of Anguo.
Prediction about Sun Quan and Liu Bei
Later, Cao Cao campaigned against Jing Province.
Liu Bei defected to Eastern Wu and asked for help.
Some people believed that Sun Quan would certainly kill Liu Bei.
Cheng Yu, however, believed: “Sun Quan has just succeeded to the throne. He has not yet been feared throughout the realm. Duke Cao is invincible in the realm. He has just raised Jing Province. His prestige shakes Jiangbiao. Although Sun Quan has strategy, he cannot resist alone. Liu Bei has always had a famous reputation. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei are all heroes who can fight ten thousand men. Sun Quan will certainly assist them and use their strength to defend against our army. After the great difficulty is eliminated, the two sides will go their separate ways. Liu Bei will have obtained actual capital. Sun Quan will then not be able to kill Liu Bei.”
As it turned out, his insight was completely correct.
Retirement
After capturing Jing Province, the Central Plains were largely pacified.
The Cao army’s power gradually expanded.
Once, Cao Cao patted Cheng Yu’s back and said: “In the past, when Yanzhou was defeated, if I had not followed your strategy, how could I have come here?”
Cheng Yu replied: “As the saying goes, ‘knowing satisfaction avoids disgrace’ (from Daodejing Chapter 44, meaning that a person who knows satisfaction will not suffer disgrace because of excessive greed). Now is the time for me to retire from the rushing current.”
He therefore formally announced that from then on, he would return his military authority and close his door and not go out.
Service under Cao Pi
When Cao Cao campaigned against Ma Chao, Cao Pi remained behind in the capital.
Cheng Yu was responsible for participating in military affairs.
At that time, Tian Yin and Su Bo rebelled in Hejian.
Cao Pi sent General Jia Xin to campaign against them.
The case of the surrendering rebels
More than one thousand people among the rebels requested to surrender.
The ministers in the court all believed that according to the old law, all surrendering troops should be executed.
Cheng Yu, however, said: “The reason for executing those who surrendered in the past was because the situation was turbulent at that time and the realm was in great chaos. When attacking bandits, we adopted the policy of ‘those who surrender after being surrounded will not be pardoned.’ The purpose was to show other rebel groups the consequences of not surrendering early, making all enemies afraid. If they surrendered before being surrounded, then in the future, when using troops, we would not need to frequently besiege cities. Now the realm’s situation is largely stable. Moreover, this battle occurred within our territory. These are all bandits who are not a major force. Killing them has no place to demonstrate authority and fear. This loses the strategic meaning of executing surrendering troops in the past. Therefore, I believe these surrendering troops should not be executed. Even if we want to execute them, we should first ask Duke Cao’s opinion.”
However, the ministers at that time all said: “In military matters, we can decide for ourselves. We do not need to report everything to Duke Cao.”
After Cheng Yu heard this, he did not respond further.
The private conversation
After the court discussion ended, Cao Pi left the discussion hall.
He specifically summoned Cheng Yu and asked: “You seem to have more to say?”
Cheng Yu then said: “The system of ‘being able to decide for oneself’ refers to times when facing urgent situations that require rapid decisions. Now the rebels have already been subdued by Jia Xin. This matter will not suddenly change too drastically. Therefore, I, an old minister, do not want the general to rush to make decisions on his own and do autocratic things.”
Cao Pi then understood Cheng Yu’s good intentions.
He sighed: “Cheng Jun has really considered this very thoroughly.”
He immediately reported the Hejian rebellion to Cao Cao.
After Cao Cao was advised by Guo Yuan, Director of the Central Office of the Residence, he indeed ordered not to execute the surrendering troops.
Cao Cao’s praise
After Cao Cao returned to the capital and learned the whole story, he was very pleased.
He said to Cheng Yu: “Cheng Qing, you are not only clear about military strategy but also good at handling matters between others’ fathers and sons.”
Service as Commandant of the Guards
Because Cheng Yu’s personality was rigid and harsh, he had many conflicts and disagreements with colleagues.
Someone once falsely accused Cheng Yu of plotting rebellion.
However, Cao Cao treated Cheng Yu even more closely.
When Cao Cao served as Duke of Wei and established the Dukedom of Wei, Cheng Yu served as Commandant of the Guards (one of the Nine Ministers).
Conflict with Xing Zhen
Later, Cheng Yu had a conflict with Xing Zhen, Commandant of the Capital, over matters of dignity.
He was dismissed from office.
Service under Cao Pi
Later, after Cao Pi, Emperor Wen of Wei, ascended the throne and established the Wei dynasty, Cheng Yu again served as Commandant of the Guards.
He was advanced to Marquis of Anxiang.
His fief was increased by three hundred households, making a total of eight hundred households.
His younger son Cheng Yan and grandson Cheng Xiao were all enfeoffed as marquises.
Death
At that time, the court was about to promote Cheng Yu to the rank of the Three Excellencies.
However, Cheng Yu died at this time (220 CE).
Cao Pi was saddened by this.
He posthumously promoted Cheng Yu to Chariot and Cavalry General.
He posthumously titled him Marquis Su.
Posthumous honours
In the fifth month of 233 CE, the first year of Qinglong, on the ren-shen day (7th day of the sixth month), Cheng Yu, together with Xiahou Dun and Cao Ren, was honoured to be enshrined in Cao Cao’s temple because of merit.
Personality
Cheng Yu was described as having a “rigid and harsh personality” and “often conflicting with others.”
He was known for his strategic ability and courage.
He was also known for being good at handling matters between fathers and sons.
Military achievements
Defence against the Yellow Turbans
Cheng Yu successfully defended Dong’e County against Wang Du’s rebellion.
Defence of the three cities
Cheng Yu successfully defended Juancheng, Fan County, and Dong’e County during the Yanzhou rebellion.
Campaign against Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang
Cheng Yu successfully campaigned against Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang and secured the water route.
Relationships
With Cao Cao
Cheng Yu served under Cao Cao and was one of his Five Advisors.
Cao Cao trusted him deeply and compared his courage to Meng Ben and Xia Yu.
With Xun Yu
Cheng Yu worked together with Xun Yu to defend the three cities.
With Guo Jia
Cheng Yu worked together with Guo Jia to warn Cao Cao about Liu Bei.
Anecdotes
The dream about holding the sun
When Cheng Yu was young, he often dreamed that he climbed Mount Tai and held the sun with both hands.
He found this strange and once told Xun Yu about it.
During the Yanzhou chaos, it was entirely due to Cheng Yu’s efforts that the three counties of Juancheng were preserved.
At that time, Xun Yu told Cao Cao about Cheng Yu’s dream.
After Cao Cao heard this, he said to Cheng Yu: “You will always be my trusted confidant.”
At that time, Cheng Yu was still called “Cheng Li.”
Cao Cao, following the dream omen, added a “日” (sun) character to his “立” character.
“Cheng Li” was therefore officially renamed “Cheng Yu.”
The ruse to retake the city
Cheng Yu used a ruse to make the people return to the city and defend it.
Advising against alliance with Yuan Shao
Cheng Yu successfully persuaded Cao Cao not to form an alliance with Yuan Shao.
Refusing reinforcements
Cheng Yu successfully refused reinforcements, reasoning that fewer troops would make Yuan Shao underestimate the place.
The case of the surrendering rebels
Cheng Yu successfully persuaded Cao Pi not to execute surrendering rebels without consulting Cao Cao.
Achievements
- Successfully defended Dong’e County against Yellow Turbans
- Successfully defended three cities during Yanzhou rebellion
- Successfully advised Cao Cao against alliance with Yuan Shao
- Successfully predicted Sun Quan would not kill Liu Bei
- Known for strategic ability and courage
Behind the scenes
Historical sources
Cheng Yu’s biography appears in the Records of the Three Kingdoms by Chen Shou, grouped with Guo Jia, Dong Zhao, Liu Ye, Jiang Ji, and Liu Fang.
The name change
Cheng Yu’s name was changed from Cheng Li to Cheng Yu because of a dream about holding the sun.
The Five Advisors
Cheng Yu was one of Cao Cao’s Five Advisors, along with Xun Yu, Xun You, Guo Jia, and Jia Xu.
The human flesh incident
According to the Wei Jin Shiyu, Cheng Yu once supplied military grain that included human flesh, which damaged his reputation and prevented him from reaching the rank of the Three Excellencies.
Enshrinement
Cheng Yu was honoured to be enshrined in Cao Cao’s temple in 233 CE, showing his importance to the Wei dynasty.
Historical evaluations
Contemporary
Cao Cao said: “You will always be my trusted confidant. Cheng Yu’s courage exceeds that of Meng Ben and Xia Yu. You are not only clear about military strategy but also good at handling matters between others’ fathers and sons.”
Wang Yu said: “Cheng Yu has strategy. He can decide great matters.”
Xun Yu said: “You are the people’s hope.”
Later historians
Chen Shou wrote: “Cheng Yu’s personality was rigid and harsh. He often conflicted with others. Cheng Yu, Guo Jia, Dong Zhao, Liu Ye, and Jiang Ji had talent, strategy, and planning. They were extraordinary men of the world. Although their governance and virtue differed from Xun You’s, their planning and predictions were of the same class.”
Hong Mai wrote: “Cao Cao governed Yanzhou. The province rebelled and welcomed Lü Bu. Eighty cities in the commanderies and counties all responded. Only Juancheng, Fan, and Dong’e did not move. It was entirely due to the strength of Xun Yu and Cheng Yu that the three cities were finally preserved to wait for Cao Cao. The province was pacified again. The ancients turned defeat into victory and turned disaster into fortune. There were many such cases.”
Legacy
Cheng Yu is remembered as one of Cao Cao’s Five Advisors and a key strategist.
His defence of the three cities is famous.
His strategic ability and courage are praised.
Timeline
- 141 CE: Born in Dong’e, Dong Commandery
- 184 CE: Defended Dong’e County against Wang Du’s rebellion; used ruse to retake city; preserved Dong’e County
- 190-193 CE: Advised Liu Dai against breaking relations with Yuan Shao; declined appointment as Commandant of Cavalry
- 192 CE: Joined Cao Cao; appointed Magistrate of Shouzhang
- 194 CE: Defended three cities during Yanzhou rebellion; persuaded Jin Yun to assassinate Fan Yi; secured Cangting ferry; preserved Juancheng, Fan County, and Dong’e County; appointed Chancellor of Dongping
- 196 CE: Advised Cao Cao against alliance with Yuan Shao; appointed Director of the Imperial Secretariat; appointed General of the Household of the East; concurrently Administrator of Jiyin and Commander of Yanzhou; warned Cao Cao about Liu Bei
- 199 CE: Warned Cao Cao again about Liu Bei; Liu Bei rebelled
- 200 CE: Promoted to General Who Spreads Martial Might; refused reinforcements at Juancheng; Yuan Shao did not attack
- 202 CE: Gathered outlaws; organized elite troops; joined forces with Cao Cao at Liyang; campaigned against Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang; secured water route; defeated Gao Fan; appointed General Who Spreads Martial Might; enfeoffed as Marquis of Anguo
- 208 CE: Predicted Sun Quan would not kill Liu Bei; retired from military service
- 211 CE: Participated in military affairs under Cao Pi; advised against executing surrendering rebels
- 217 CE: Appointed Commandant of the Guards
- 220 CE: Advanced to Marquis of Anxiang; fief increased to eight hundred households; died; posthumous Chariot and Cavalry General and Marquis Su
- 233 CE: Honoured to be enshrined in Cao Cao’s temple
See also
References
- Chen Shou. Records of the Three Kingdoms, Volume 14, Biography of Cheng, Guo, Dong, Liu, Jiang, Liu.
- Luo Guanzhong. Romance of the Three Kingdoms, various chapters.