Biography
Early life and recognition
Jia Xu was born in 147 CE in Guwei, Wuwei Commandery (present-day Wuwei, Gansu). He came from a distinguished family descended from Jia Yi, the famous Western Han writer and Grand Tutor to the King of Changsha. His great-grandfather Jia Xiuyu served as Administrator of Wuwei, and his grandfather Jia Yan was Inspector of Yan Province.
When Jia Xu was young, his reputation was not widely known, but the famous scholar Yan Zhong recognised his exceptional talent, saying he had the wisdom of Zhang Liang and Chen Ping.
Escaping the Di rebels
Jia Xu was recommended as Filial and Incorrupt and served as a Gentleman, but resigned due to illness. While returning west to his hometown, he reached Qian and encountered rebellious Di people. Jia Xu and several dozen companions were captured.
Jia Xu said: “I am Duan Gong’s (Duan Jiong’s) grandson. Do not harm me—my family will certainly pay a heavy ransom for me.” At that time, Duan Jiong, as Minister over the Masses, had long served as a border general and awed the western regions. Jia Xu thus falsely claimed to be Duan Jiong’s grandson to intimidate the Di. The Di indeed did not dare harm him, made an alliance with him, and escorted him back. The others all died.
Jia Xu was not actually Duan Jiong’s grandson—he could adapt to circumstances to survive danger, and this was typical of his methods.
Service under Dong Zhuo
In 189 CE, Dong Zhuo seized power. Jia Xu served as Clerk to the Minister over the Masses, then Commandant of Pingjin, and later Colonel Who Attacks Rebels. He served under Niu Fu, Dong Zhuo’s son-in-law, who was stationed at Shan.
”Wenhe’s chaos”
In 192 CE, Dong Zhuo was killed, and Niu Fu also died. Dong Zhuo’s remaining forces were deeply fearful. The colonels Li Jue, Guo Si, Zhang Ji, and others wanted to disband their armies and flee home separately.
Jia Xu stopped them, saying: “I have heard that in Chang’an they are discussing exterminating all Liangzhou people. If you gentlemen abandon your troops and go alone, even a village head can capture you. It would be better to lead your troops west, gathering soldiers along the way, then attack Chang’an to avenge Duke Dong. If you are fortunate enough to succeed, you can honour the state’s command to attack the realm. If you do not succeed, you can flee afterward.”
This plan was adopted. Li Jue and others led their forces west, gathering scattered soldiers along the way. By the time they reached Chang’an, their forces numbered over one hundred thousand. They joined with Dong Zhuo’s old subordinates Fan Chou, Li Meng, and Wang Fang to besiege Chang’an. After ten days, the city fell. Li Jue and others fought Lü Bu in the city, and Lü Bu was defeated and fled.
Li Jue and others allowed their soldiers to plunder Chang’an’s people, killing them all. The dead lay everywhere. All who had participated in killing Dong Zhuo were executed, and Wang Yun’s body was displayed in the marketplace.
This event became known as “Wenhe’s chaos” (文和乱武), referring to Jia Xu’s courtesy name and the chaos he helped unleash.
Service under Li Jue and Guo Si
Later, Jia Xu served as Administrator of Zuofengyi. Li Jue and others, controlling the court, wanted to enfeoff Jia Xu as a marquis for his merit. Jia Xu declined: “This was only a plan to save our lives—what merit is there?” He firmly declined and did not accept.
Li Jue and others then wanted to make him Director of the Imperial Secretariat. Jia Xu said: “The Director of the Imperial Secretariat is the leader of the hundred officials, what the realm looks up to. My name has never been weighty—this is not enough to make people submit. Even if I were ignorant of honour and profit, what good would it do the state?”
The court then made Jia Xu Director of the Imperial Secretariat, in charge of selecting talent. He often corrected errors and saved the situation. Li Jue and others were both close to him and feared him.
Guo Si, Fan Chou, and Li Jue were often at odds with each other and nearly fought several times. Jia Xu often reproached them with reason and principle, and they often accepted his words.
Later, Jia Xu left office due to his mother’s death, then was appointed Palace Attendant.
In 195 CE, Li Jue sent Colonel of the Rapid Cavalry Hu Feng to assassinate Fan Chou. The conflict between Li and Guo intensified, and they began fighting. Li Jue appointed Jia Xu as General Who Spreads Righteousness to help himself.
When Li Jue gathered several thousand Qiang and Hu people and wanted them to attack Guo Si, Emperor Xian was worried and ordered Jia Xu to devise a plan. Jia Xu secretly summoned the Qiang and Hu chieftains, feasted them, and promised them noble titles and valuable treasures. They all then led their forces away. Li Jue’s power thus declined.
After Emperor Xian left Chang’an, Li Jue pursued and the imperial army was defeated. The Minister over the Masses Zhao Wen, Grand Master of Ceremonies Wang Wei, Commandant of the Guards Zhou Zhong, and Colonel-Director of Retainers Rong Shao were all suspected by Li Jue, who wanted to kill them. Jia Xu said to Li Jue: “These are all important ministers close to the Son of Heaven—why would you harm them?” Li Jue then desisted.
After Emperor Xian left, Jia Xu returned his seal and ribbon to the court.
Service under Duan Wei and Zhang Xiu
At that time, General Duan Wei was stationed at Huayin. Because Duan Wei was from the same commandery as Jia Xu, Jia Xu left Li Jue and joined Duan Wei.
Jia Xu had always been famous, and Duan Wei’s officers respected him. Duan Wei feared that Jia Xu would seize his military power, but on the surface treated Jia Xu with great courtesy. Jia Xu thus grew increasingly uneasy.
At that time, Zhang Xiu was stationed at Nanyang. Jia Xu secretly made friends with him, and Zhang Xiu sent someone to welcome Jia Xu. Someone asked Jia Xu: “Duan Wei treats you well—why are you leaving?”
Jia Xu said: “Duan Wei is suspicious by nature and actually fears me. Though he treats me courteously on the surface, I cannot rely on him. If I stay long, I will be in danger. When he sees me leave, he will be happy and will hope I can bring him powerful allies. He will certainly treat my wife and children well. Zhang Xiu lacks a strategist and will welcome me. Thus, my family and person can both be preserved.”
Jia Xu then went to Nanyang. Zhang Xiu treated him with the respect of a son or grandson. Duan Wei, after Jia Xu left, indeed treated Jia Xu’s family well.
Defeating Cao Cao twice
In 197 CE, Zhang Xiu led his forces and stationed them at Wancheng, allying with Liu Biao. Cao Cao campaigned south and stationed his army at the Yu River. Zhang Xiu led his entire army to surrender.
Cao Cao took Zhang Xiu’s uncle Zhang Ji’s wife Lady Zou as his own. Zhang Xiu was resentful. Cao Cao heard he was unhappy and secretly planned to kill Zhang Xiu. The plan leaked, and Zhang Xiu led his forces to attack Cao Cao. Cao Cao’s army was defeated, and his eldest son Cao Ang and nephew Cao Anmin were killed. Zhang Xiu retreated to Rangcheng and defended it.
In 198 CE, Cao Cao campaigned south against Zhang Xiu and besieged Rangcheng. Soon, Cao Cao heard that Yuan Shao wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to attack Xuchang and immediately withdrew from Rangcheng.
Liu Biao sent troops to rescue Zhang Xiu, stationing them at Anzhong County and occupying strategic positions to cut off Cao Cao’s retreat. Cao Cao secretly opened a strategic passage at night, pretending to flee. Liu Biao and Zhang Xiu led their entire armies in pursuit. Cao Cao sent out an ambush, and infantry and cavalry attacked from front and rear, achieving a great victory.
Zhang Xiu wanted to pursue personally. Jia Xu said to Zhang Xiu: “Do not pursue—pursuit will certainly result in defeat.” Zhang Xiu did not listen and attacked, resulting in a great defeat.
Jia Xu then said to Zhang Xiu: “Quickly pursue again—this time you will certainly win.” Zhang Xiu apologised: “I did not listen to your words and came to this. Now that we are already defeated, how can we pursue again?”
Jia Xu said: “The military situation has changed. Pursuing now will certainly be to our advantage.” Zhang Xiu believed him, gathered his scattered soldiers, and pursued. He indeed achieved victory.
Zhang Xiu asked Jia Xu: “I used elite soldiers to pursue a retreating army, and you said I would certainly be defeated. Now I use defeated soldiers to attack a victorious army, and you say I will certainly win. Everything was as you said, but why were these opposite results both correct?”
Jia Xu said: “This is easy to understand. Although you, General, are skilled at using troops, you are not Cao Cao’s match. Although the army had just retreated, Cao Cao would certainly personally guard the rear. Although your pursuing troops were elite, our general was no match, and their soldiers were still sharp. Therefore, I knew you would certainly be defeated.
“Cao Cao attacked you without error, yet withdrew before his strength was exhausted—this must mean there was a change at home. Having already defeated you, Cao Cao would certainly advance quickly with light forces. Even if he left some generals to guard the rear, those generals, though brave, are still no match for you, General. Therefore, using defeated soldiers to fight will certainly result in victory.”
Zhang Xiu was convinced.
Surrendering to Cao Cao
In 199 CE, Cao Cao was defending against Yuan Shao at Guandu. Yuan Shao sent someone to recruit Zhang Xiu and wrote to Jia Xu requesting an alliance. Zhang Xiu wanted to agree, but Jia Xu publicly said to Yuan Shao’s envoy at Zhang Xiu’s banquet: “Go back and decline Yuan Benchu for me. He cannot even tolerate his own brothers—how can he accommodate the realm’s worthy talents?”
Zhang Xiu was shocked and afraid: “How could you do this?” He privately asked Jia Xu: “If this is so, whom should we submit to?”
Jia Xu said: “It would be better to submit to Duke Cao.”
Zhang Xiu said: “Yuan Shao is strong and Cao Cao is weak. I have also had enmity with Cao Cao. Can I submit to him?”
Jia Xu said: “This is precisely why you should submit to him. Duke Cao has welcomed the Son of Heaven to command the realm—this is the first reason to submit. Yuan Shao is strong—if we submit to him with few troops, he will certainly not value us. Duke Cao is weak—if he gets us, he will certainly be overjoyed. This is the second reason to submit. Those with ambition to rule the realm will naturally put aside private grudges to display virtue to the realm. This is the third reason to submit. I hope you, General, will not doubt further!”
Zhang Xiu followed Jia Xu’s advice and led his forces to submit to Cao Cao. When Cao Cao met Jia Xu, he was very pleased and grasped his hand, saying: “You are the one who made me trusted and respected throughout the realm.”
Cao Cao appointed Jia Xu as Colonel of the City Gates and enfeoffed him as Marquis of Duting. He was later promoted to Governor of Ji Province. At that time, Ji Province was not yet pacified, so he remained to participate in military planning for the Minister over the Masses’s office.
Service under Cao Cao
In 200 CE, Yuan Shao besieged Cao Cao at Guandu. Cao Cao’s army was running low on supplies, and he asked Jia Xu for advice.
Jia Xu said: “You are superior to Yuan Shao in clarity, courage, employing men, and decisive timing. With these four advantages, yet you have not pacified him in half a year—this is only because you seek complete security. If you decisively seize the opportunity, you can settle it in a moment.”
Cao Cao said: “Well said.” Soon after, Xu You came to surrender and offered a plan. Cao Cao attacked Yuan Shao’s supply depot at Wuchao and achieved a great victory, causing Yuan Shao’s defeat.
After Cao Cao pacified Hebei and became Governor of Ji Province, he transferred Jia Xu to Grand Master of Remonstrance.
Campaign against Sun Quan
In 208 CE, after Cao Cao had captured Jing Province, he planned to advance east along the Yangtze River. Jia Xu advised: “Duke, you previously defeated the Yuan family and have now recovered the lands south of the Han River. Your reputation is far-reaching and your military power is already strong. If you rely on the rich lands of old Chu, reward your officers and soldiers, and comfort the people so they can live in peace, then without labouring your forces, Jiangdong will come to submit.”
Cao Cao did not follow this advice, and the army was defeated at the Battle of Chibi.
Campaign against Ma Chao and Han Sui
In 211 CE, Ma Chao and Han Sui, along with Yang Qiu, Li Kan, and Cheng Yi, rebelled and defended Tong Pass against Cao Cao. In the seventh month, Cao Cao campaigned west. Ma Chao was defeated and stationed south of the Wei River. He sent someone with a letter requesting to cede the lands west of the Yellow River in exchange for peace. Cao Cao refused.
In the ninth month, Cao Cao’s army advanced and crossed the Wei River. Ma Chao and others repeatedly came to challenge, but Cao Cao always refused battle. Ma Chao and others requested to cede land in exchange for peace and to send sons as hostages. Jia Xu thought they could pretend to agree.
Cao Cao again asked Jia Xu for strategy. Jia Xu said: “Just divide them.” Cao Cao said: “I understand.”
Han Sui requested to meet Cao Cao. Cao Cao and Han Sui’s father had been recommended as Filial and Incorrupt in the same year, and Cao Cao and Han Sui were of the same generation. They rode side by side and talked for a long time, not discussing military matters at all, only talking about old friends and old events in the capital, clapping and laughing.
After the meeting, Ma Chao and others asked Han Sui: “What did Cao Cao say?” Han Sui replied: “Nothing important.” Ma Chao and others became suspicious.
A few days later, Cao Cao again wrote a letter to Han Sui, with many places crossed out, as if Han Sui had edited it himself. Ma Chao and others became even more suspicious.
Cao Cao then set a date with the enemy for a decisive battle. He first sent light forces to challenge, and after fighting for a long time, sent elite cavalry to attack from both sides, achieving a great victory over the Guanzhong alliance, killing Cheng Yi, Li Kan, and others. Han Sui and Ma Chao fled to Liang Province, and Yang Qiu fled to Anding. Guanzhong was pacified—all due to Jia Xu’s strategy.
Supporting Cao Pi
At that time, Cao Cao had not yet established an heir. Cao Pi was Colonel of the Five Offices, while Linzi Marquis Cao Zhi’s talent and reputation were flourishing. Each had their own faction, and there was discussion of competing for succession.
Cao Pi sent someone to ask Jia Xu for a method to secure his position. Jia Xu said: “I hope you, General, will expand your virtue and measure, personally practice the work of ordinary scholars, be diligent day and night, and not violate the way of a son. That is all.”
Cao Pi followed his advice and deeply cultivated himself.
Cao Cao once dismissed his attendants and asked Jia Xu alone about establishing an heir. Jia Xu was silent and did not answer. Cao Cao said: “I am speaking with you, yet you do not answer—why?”
Jia Xu said: “I was just thinking about something, so I did not immediately answer.”
Cao Cao said: “What were you thinking?”
Jia Xu said: “I was thinking about Yuan Benchu and Liu Jingsheng and their sons.” (Yuan Shao and Liu Biao both wanted to depose their eldest sons and establish younger ones, leading to conflict between their sons and contributing to their failures.)
Cao Cao laughed heartily and understood. In 217 CE, he established Cao Pi as Heir Apparent.
Jia Xu considered himself not an old retainer of Cao Cao, yet his strategies were deep and far-reaching. He feared Cao Cao’s suspicion, so he adopted a strategy of self-preservation: “closing his gate and guarding himself, withdrawing without private associations, not marrying his children to high families.” Throughout the realm, those who discussed strategy and planning all looked to him.
Service as Grand Commandant
In 220 CE, Cao Pi succeeded Cao Cao. In the second month, Jia Xu was made Grand Commandant. That winter, Jia Xu and the Wei dukes and ministers together urged Cao Pi to take the imperial throne.
Later, Jia Xu was promoted to Marquis of Weishou, with his fief increased by three hundred households, making eight hundred in total. Two hundred households were separated to enfeoff his youngest son Jia Fang as a marquis. His eldest son Jia Mu was appointed Colonel of the Rapid Cavalry.
Cao Pi asked Jia Xu: “I want to attack those who do not obey orders to unify the realm. Which should I attack first—Wu or Shu?”
Jia Xu replied: “Those who attack and seize first value military power. Those who establish foundations value virtue and transformation. Your Majesty has responded to the mandate and accepted the abdication, ruling the realm. If you comfort them with civil virtue and wait for changes, then pacifying them will not be difficult.
“Wu and Shu, though small states, rely on mountains and rivers. Liu Bei has heroic talent, Zhuge Liang is skilled at governing the state, Sun Quan recognises the real and false, and Lu Xun understands military affairs. They occupy strategic positions and defend them, and travel by boat on rivers and lakes. All are difficult to quickly plan for.
“The way of using troops is to ensure victory first, then go to war; measure the enemy and evaluate the general, so that actions have no miscalculations. I privately estimate that among your ministers, none can match Liu Bei and Sun Quan. Even with Your Majesty’s heavenly authority, I do not see a completely secure situation.
“Long ago, Shun danced with shield and axe, and the Miao submitted. I believe that now we should put civil matters first and military matters second.”
Cao Pi did not accept this advice. Later, he campaigned against Wu and returned without achievement.
Death
On the Jiashen day of the sixth month of 223 CE (August 11), Jia Xu died at the age of seventy-seven. He was posthumously titled Marquis Su, and his son Jia Mu inherited the title.
Later, Jia Xu was honoured with sacrifice in Cao Pi’s temple, along with Wang Lang, Cao Zhen, and Xin Pi.
Personality
Jia Xu was known for his strategic brilliance and ability to adapt to circumstances. He was described as “calculating without omission” and “adapting to circumstances.” He was extremely cautious and self-preserving, recognising that he was not an old retainer of Cao Cao and that his strategies were deep and far-reaching, which could lead to suspicion.
He maintained a low profile, avoiding private associations and not marrying his children to high families. Despite this, he was highly respected throughout the realm for his strategic thinking.
His early advice to Li Jue and Guo Si to attack Chang’an, which led to great chaos, earned him both criticism and recognition for his strategic insight. He was pragmatic and focused on survival and success rather than loyalty to any single lord.
Military achievements
”Wenhe’s chaos”
Jia Xu’s advice to Li Jue and Guo Si to attack Chang’an after Dong Zhuo’s death led to the fall of Chang’an, the death of Wang Yun, and great chaos in the capital. While this caused suffering, it also demonstrated Jia Xu’s strategic thinking and ability to turn desperate situations to advantage.
Defeating Cao Cao twice
Under Zhang Xiu, Jia Xu twice helped defeat Cao Cao, demonstrating his tactical brilliance. His analysis of when to pursue and when not to pursue showed deep understanding of military psychology and timing.
Advising surrender to Cao Cao
Jia Xu correctly identified that Cao Cao, though weaker, was the better choice because he would value Zhang Xiu’s forces more and would put aside past enmity. This proved correct, as Cao Cao welcomed Zhang Xiu warmly.
Strategy at Guandu
Jia Xu’s advice that Cao Cao should seize the opportunity decisively rather than seeking complete security helped Cao Cao achieve victory at Guandu.
Dividing Ma Chao and Han Sui
Jia Xu’s strategy of dividing Ma Chao and Han Sui through psychological warfare rather than direct confrontation led to the pacification of Guanzhong with minimal losses.
Supporting Cao Pi
Jia Xu’s subtle hint about Yuan Shao and Liu Biao helped Cao Cao decide to establish Cao Pi as heir, avoiding the succession conflicts that had plagued other warlords.
Relationships
With Cao Cao
Cao Cao greatly valued Jia Xu, saying: “You are the one who made me trusted and respected throughout the realm.” Despite Jia Xu having twice helped defeat Cao Cao under Zhang Xiu, Cao Cao welcomed him warmly and trusted his strategic advice.
With Cao Pi
Jia Xu helped Cao Pi secure his position as heir through subtle advice. After Cao Pi became emperor, he made Jia Xu Grand Commandant, one of the Three Dukes, showing his high regard for Jia Xu.
With Zhang Xiu
Jia Xu served Zhang Xiu loyally and helped him achieve victories against Cao Cao. When the time came, he correctly advised Zhang Xiu to surrender to Cao Cao, ensuring both their futures.
With Li Jue and Guo Si
Jia Xu served under Li Jue and Guo Si after Dong Zhuo’s death, advising them to attack Chang’an. However, he also tried to moderate their behaviour and protect officials. He left when he recognised the danger of staying.
Anecdotes
”Wenhe’s chaos”
Jia Xu’s advice to Li Jue and Guo Si to attack Chang’an after Dong Zhuo’s death became known as “Wenhe’s chaos” (文和乱武), referring to his courtesy name and the chaos that resulted. While this caused great suffering, it also demonstrated his strategic thinking.
The false grandson
When captured by Di rebels, Jia Xu falsely claimed to be Duan Jiong’s grandson to save his life. This demonstrated his ability to adapt to circumstances and use deception when necessary.
Understanding pursuit
Jia Xu’s explanation of why Zhang Xiu should not pursue Cao Cao’s retreating army, but should pursue after being defeated, demonstrated his deep understanding of military psychology and timing.
The subtle hint
When Cao Cao asked about establishing an heir, Jia Xu’s subtle reference to Yuan Shao and Liu Biao, who had both suffered from succession conflicts, helped Cao Cao decide to establish Cao Pi without directly stating his preference.
Self-preservation
Jia Xu’s strategy of maintaining a low profile, avoiding private associations, and not marrying his children to high families allowed him to survive and thrive despite not being an old retainer of Cao Cao.
Achievements
- Advised Li Jue and Guo Si to attack Chang’an, leading to the fall of the capital
- Helped Zhang Xiu defeat Cao Cao twice
- Advised Zhang Xiu to surrender to Cao Cao, ensuring both their futures
- Provided strategic advice at Guandu
- Advised against hasty campaign against Sun Quan (not followed, leading to Chibi defeat)
- Devised strategy to divide Ma Chao and Han Sui, pacifying Guanzhong
- Helped Cao Pi secure his position as heir
- Served as Grand Commandant under Cao Pi
- Lived to age 77, achieving high rank and good end despite serving multiple lords
Behind the scenes
Historical sources
Jia Xu’s biography appears in Records of the Three Kingdoms by Chen Shou, where he is grouped with Xun Yu and Xun You. Chen Shou praised Jia Xu and Xun You as “nearly calculating without omission, adapting to circumstances—they are the equals of Zhang Liang and Chen Ping.”
Criticism of “Wenhe’s chaos”
Pei Songzhi criticised Jia Xu’s advice to Li Jue and Guo Si, saying: “When the great evil was eliminated and heaven and earth began to open, this caused the steps of disaster to be retied and great obstacles to flow again. The state encountered the sorrow of destruction and decline, and the common people suffered the cruelty of Zhou’s remnants. Was this not due to Jia Xu’s few words? Jia Xu’s crime—how great it was! Since ancient times, there has never been such a great source of chaos.”
However, others recognised that Jia Xu was acting to save his own life and the lives of his companions in a desperate situation.
Comparison with Xun Yu and Xun You
While Xun Yu and Xun You were primarily Han loyalists who served Cao Cao, Jia Xu was more pragmatic, serving multiple lords and focusing on survival and success. His inclusion with the two Xuns in the same biography has been criticised by some historians.
Longevity and success
Jia Xu’s ability to serve multiple lords, adapt to circumstances, and achieve high rank while maintaining a low profile demonstrates his exceptional strategic thinking and self-preservation skills. His long life (77 years) and good end despite the turbulent times is remarkable.
Historical evaluations
Contemporary
Cao Cao praised Jia Xu: “You are the one who made me trusted and respected throughout the realm.”
Yan Zhong said: “Jia Xu has the wisdom of Zhang Liang and Chen Ping.”
Later historians
Chen Shou wrote: “Xun You and Jia Xu were nearly calculating without omission, adapting to circumstances—they are the equals of Zhang Liang and Chen Ping.”
Pei Songzhi criticised Jia Xu’s role in “Wenhe’s chaos” but also recognised his strategic brilliance.
Zhu Jingze included Jia Xu among the “finest talents of the realm” alongside Zhang Liang, Chen Ping, Xun Yu, and others.
Legacy
Jia Xu is remembered as one of the most brilliant strategists of the Three Kingdoms period, known for his ability to adapt to circumstances and achieve success despite serving multiple lords. His “Wenhe’s chaos” remains controversial but demonstrates his strategic thinking.
His ability to survive and thrive in turbulent times, achieving the rank of Grand Commandant and living to age 77, makes him a symbol of strategic brilliance and self-preservation. His inclusion among Cao Cao’s “Five Great Strategists” reflects his importance despite his late arrival to Cao Cao’s service.
Timeline
- 147 CE: Born in Guwei, Wuwei Commandery
- c. 170 CE: Recommended as Filial and Incorrupt; served as Gentleman; resigned due to illness
- c. 180 CE: Escaped Di rebels by falsely claiming to be Duan Jiong’s grandson
- 189 CE: Served under Dong Zhuo as Clerk to the Minister over the Masses, then Commandant of Pingjin, then Colonel Who Attacks Rebels under Niu Fu
- 192 CE: Advised Li Jue and Guo Si to attack Chang’an after Dong Zhuo’s death (“Wenhe’s chaos”); served as Administrator of Zuofengyi, then Director of the Imperial Secretariat
- c. 195 CE: Left Li Jue and joined Duan Wei; later left Duan Wei and joined Zhang Xiu
- 197 CE: Helped Zhang Xiu defeat Cao Cao (first time)
- 198 CE: Helped Zhang Xiu defeat Cao Cao again; correctly predicted when to pursue and when not to pursue
- 199 CE: Advised Zhang Xiu to surrender to Cao Cao; appointed Colonel of the City Gates and Marquis of Duting; later Governor of Ji Province
- 200 CE: Advised Cao Cao to seize opportunity at Guandu
- 204 CE: Transferred to Grand Master of Remonstrance after pacification of Hebei
- 208 CE: Advised against hasty campaign against Sun Quan (not followed)
- 211 CE: Devised strategy to divide Ma Chao and Han Sui, pacifying Guanzhong
- 217 CE: Helped Cao Pi secure position as heir through subtle hint
- 220 CE: Made Grand Commandant by Cao Pi; promoted to Marquis of Weishou
- 223 CE: Died on August 11, age 77; posthumously titled Marquis Su
See also
- Cao Cao
- Cao Pi
- Zhang Xiu
- Battle of Guandu
- Wuwei Jia clan
References
- Chen Shou. Records of the Three Kingdoms, Volume 10, Biography of Jia Xu.
- Pei Songzhi. Annotations to Records of the Three Kingdoms.
- Fan Ye. Book of the Later Han.
- Sima Guang. Zizhi Tongjian, various volumes.