Biography
Early life
Xu Chu was born around 169 CE in Qiao, Qiao Commandery (present-day Bozhou, Anhui).
His courtesy name was Zhongkang.
According to the Records of the Three Kingdoms, Xu Chu was “more than eight chi tall, with a waist ten spans wide, with a heroic appearance and extraordinary strength.”
Defending against bandits
When Xu Chu was young, he gathered several thousand households in his hometown.
Together, they built fortifications to resist bandits.
At that time, bandits from Runan and Gebei, including He Yi, Huang Shao, He Man, Liu Pi, and Gong Du, led more than ten thousand men to attack Xu Chu.
Xu Chu’s group was outnumbered and fought until exhausted.
They even ran out of arrows.
Xu Chu therefore ordered the men and women in the fortification to collect stones as large as buckets and place them at the four corners.
Xu Chu threw the stones at the enemy.
Those hit were all shattered.
The bandits therefore did not dare to approach.
The story of the ox
Later, when they ran out of grain, Xu Chu negotiated with the bandits to exchange an ox for grain.
After the ox was taken by the bandits, it ran back.
Xu Chu went to the front of the formation and pulled the ox’s tail, walking more than one hundred paces.
The bandits were greatly shocked and did not dare to take the ox again.
From then on, in the lands of Huai, Ru, Chen, and Liang, people feared Xu Chu’s name.
Joining Cao Cao
In the autumn of 198 CE, the third year of Jian’an, after Cao Cao occupied Huai and Ru, Xu Chu led his followers to submit.
Cao Cao praised Xu Chu: “This is my Fan Kuai.”
He immediately appointed him Commandant and brought him into the palace guard.
He served as Commandant of the Palace Guard, responsible for Cao Cao’s security work.
Because of his great strength, few words, and loyalty, he was called “Tiger Fool.”
The members of the guard unit he led were all called “Tiger Warriors.”
Campaign against Zhang Xiu
In 198 CE, the third year of Jian’an, Xu Chu followed Cao Cao in campaigning against Zhang Xiu.
Xu Chu was the first to climb the city wall and beheaded more than ten thousand bandits.
He was promoted to Commandant.
In the subsequent Battle of Wancheng, Dian Wei died in battle.
From then on, Xu Chu took over as Cao Cao’s bodyguard.
The assassination attempt
In 199 CE, the fourth year of Jian’an, Cao Cao again stationed troops at Guandu.
At that time, Xu Ta and others, followers, plotted to rebel.
However, because Xu Chu was always guarding Cao Cao, they were afraid and did not dare to act.
When Xu Chu left to rest, Xu Ta and others entered with hidden knives.
When Xu Chu returned home, he suddenly felt uneasy.
He immediately returned to Cao Cao’s tent to guard.
Xu Ta and others did not know this.
When they entered the tent and saw Xu Chu, they were all greatly shocked, and their faces changed colour.
When Xu Chu saw this, he immediately killed Xu Ta and others.
From then on, Cao Cao trusted him even more.
They went in and out together, and Cao Cao did not let him leave his side.
Enfeoffment
In 204 CE, the ninth year of Jian’an, Xu Chu followed Cao Cao in besieging Yecheng.
He fought with great strength and achieved merit.
He was enfeoffed as Marquis Within the Passes.
Campaign against the Wuhuan
In 207 CE, the twelfth year of Jian’an, Xu Chu followed Cao Cao in campaigning against the Wuhuan.
They encountered them at Mount Bailang and fought.
The Cao army discovered that the Wuhuan army was in disorder.
Cao Cao immediately ordered Cao Chun and Zhang Liao to lead troops in a charge.
Zhang Liao divided his troops into three routes.
Xu Huang, Yu Jin, and Xu Chu each led one route.
They defeated the Wuhuan.
The Battle of Tong Pass
In 211 CE, the sixteenth year of Jian’an, Xu Chu followed Cao Cao in campaigning against Han Sui and Ma Chao at Tong Pass.
In this battle, Cao Cao ordered the great army to cross the river.
He himself only left several hundred Tiger Warriors and Xu Chu on the south bank as a rearguard.
Ma Chao’s great army approached, and the situation was critical.
Soldiers competed to cross the water.
Saving Cao Cao
Xu Chu protected Cao Cao and helped him board a ship.
He killed any Ma Chao soldiers who dared to climb onto the ship.
He used his left hand to hold a saddle as a shield to block arrows.
After the boatman was hit by an arrow and died, Xu Chu used his right hand to steer the ship.
Finally, Cao Cao safely crossed the river.
On that day, if it had not been for Xu Chu, Cao Cao would likely have fallen into Ma Chao’s hands.
The meeting with Ma Chao
Later, Cao Cao met with Ma Chao and Han Sui alone on horseback.
He only brought Xu Chu.
Ma Chao had originally wanted to take this opportunity to attack Cao Cao personally.
However, he had always known of Xu Chu’s bravery.
He suspected that the general accompanying Cao Cao was Xu Chu.
He therefore asked Cao Cao: “Where is your Tiger Marquis?”
Cao Cao pointed at Xu Chu.
Xu Chu glared angrily at Ma Chao.
Ma Chao therefore did not dare to act.
Both sides returned.
Promotion
A few days later, the Cao army defeated Ma Chao’s army.
In the battle, Xu Chu personally beheaded enemy soldiers.
Xu Chu was therefore appointed General of the Household for the Martial Guard for his merit in protecting and fighting.
The title “Martial Guard” began with Xu Chu.
In the army, because Xu Chu was strong as a tiger but foolish, they called him “Tiger Fool.”
Because Ma Chao asked about the Tiger Marquis, the name “Tiger Fool” became known throughout the realm.
Some people even thought this was Xu Chu’s name.
Campaign against Zhang Lu
In 215 CE, the twentieth year of Jian’an, Xu Chu followed Cao Cao in campaigning against Zhang Lu.
When they reached Yangping Pass, the battle situation was unfavourable, and they withdrew.
Cao Cao sent Xiahou Dun and Xu Chu to recall the troops attacking the mountain.
However, Cao Cao’s vanguard got lost at night and mistakenly entered Zhang Wei’s camp.
Xin Pi, Palace Attendant, Liu Ye, and others were behind.
They informed Xiahou Dun and Xu Chu of this situation.
The two generals did not believe it.
After Xiahou Dun saw it personally, he told Cao Cao.
Liu Ye advised Cao Cao to counterattack.
Cao Cao therefore counterattacked and greatly defeated Zhang Lu.
Avoiding private conversation with Cao Ren
Xu Chu’s personality was cautious and law-abiding, honest and few words.
Once, Cao Ren, a general of Cao Cao’s clan, came from Jing Province to pay respects.
Cao Cao had not yet come out of his bedchamber.
Cao Ren met Xu Chu outside the hall and invited him to sit and talk in a side room.
Xu Chu only said: “The King of Wei will come out soon.”
He then turned and returned to the hall.
This caused Cao Ren to bear a grudge.
Xu Chu’s explanation
Someone asked Xu Chu: “General Who Conquers the South Cao Ren is an important minister of the imperial clan. He humbled himself to speak with you. Why did you refuse?”
Xu Chu replied: “Although he is an important minister of the imperial clan, he is a general guarding the outer borders. I, Xu Chu, am responsible for internal defence. If we want to speak, we should do so in a public place. Why must we speak privately?”
After Cao Cao heard of this, he liked Xu Chu even more.
He promoted Xu Chu to General of the Central Army.
Cao Cao’s death
When Cao Cao died, Xu Chu wept bitterly and vomited blood.
Service under Cao Pi
In 220 CE, the first year of Yankang, Cao Pi declared himself emperor.
He enfeoffed Xu Chu as Marquis of Wansui and promoted him to General of the Martial Guard.
He was Commander of the Central Army’s palace guard.
Xu Chu deeply gained the trust of Cao Cao’s family.
After Cao Cao’s death, he continued to be responsible for Cao Pi’s security work.
Among Xu Chu’s subordinate guard troops, many were swordsmen.
Several tens of them were enfeoffed as generals.
Several hundred were enfeoffed as Commandants and Commandants of the Capital.
Service under Cao Rui
In 227 CE, the first year of Taihe, after Cao Rui, Emperor Ming of Wei, succeeded to the throne, Xu Chu was advanced to Marquis of Muxiang.
His fief was seven hundred households.
At the same time, one of his sons was granted the rank of Marquis Within the Passes.
Death
Xu Chu died of illness.
He was posthumously titled Marquis Zhuang.
His son Xu Yi succeeded to the marquis title.
Afterward, Cao Rui remembered Xu Chu’s loyalty and enfeoffed two more of his descendants as Marquises Within the Passes.
Personality
Xu Chu was described as “cautious and law-abiding, honest and few words.”
He was known for his great strength and loyalty.
He was called “Tiger Fool” because he was strong as a tiger but foolish.
Military achievements
Defence against bandits
Xu Chu successfully defended against bandits in his hometown, throwing stones and pulling an ox’s tail.
Campaign against Zhang Xiu
Xu Chu was the first to climb the city wall and beheaded more than ten thousand bandits.
Preventing assassination
Xu Chu successfully prevented Xu Ta and others from assassinating Cao Cao.
Saving Cao Cao at Tong Pass
Xu Chu successfully protected Cao Cao at Tong Pass, helping him cross the river safely.
Intimidating Ma Chao
Xu Chu successfully intimidated Ma Chao, preventing him from attacking Cao Cao.
Relationships
With Cao Cao
Xu Chu served as Cao Cao’s bodyguard after Dian Wei’s death.
Cao Cao trusted him deeply and compared him to Fan Kuai.
With Cao Pi and Cao Rui
Xu Chu continued to serve as bodyguard for Cao Pi and Cao Rui after Cao Cao’s death.
With Cao Ren
Xu Chu avoided private conversation with Cao Ren, showing his understanding of proper boundaries.
With Dian Wei
Xu Chu took over as Cao Cao’s bodyguard after Dian Wei died at Wancheng.
Anecdotes
Throwing stones
When defending against bandits, Xu Chu threw large stones at the enemy, shattering those hit.
Pulling the ox’s tail
Xu Chu pulled an ox’s tail and walked more than one hundred paces, shocking the bandits.
The assassination attempt
Xu Chu felt uneasy and returned to Cao Cao’s tent just in time to prevent an assassination.
Saving Cao Cao at Tong Pass
Xu Chu protected Cao Cao, killed soldiers climbing the ship, blocked arrows with a saddle, and steered the ship.
The meeting with Ma Chao
When Ma Chao asked about the Tiger Marquis, Xu Chu glared at him, preventing an attack.
Avoiding private conversation
Xu Chu refused to speak privately with Cao Ren, showing his understanding of proper boundaries.
Achievements
- Successfully defended against bandits in his hometown
- Successfully campaigned against Zhang Xiu
- Successfully prevented assassination attempts
- Successfully protected Cao Cao at Tong Pass
- Known for great strength, loyalty, and few words
Behind the scenes
Historical sources
Xu Chu’s biography appears in the Records of the Three Kingdoms by Chen Shou, grouped with Li Dian, Li Tong, Zang Ba, Wen Pin, Lü Qian, Dian Wei, Pang De, Pang Yu, and Yan Wen.
The name Tiger Fool
Xu Chu was called “Tiger Fool” because he was strong as a tiger but foolish.
The name became famous throughout the realm after Ma Chao asked about the Tiger Marquis.
Comparison to Fan Kuai
Cao Cao compared Xu Chu to Fan Kuai, showing his importance as a bodyguard.
Not enshrined in Cao Cao’s temple
Despite his achievements, Xu Chu was not enshrined in Cao Cao’s temple, while Dian Wei was.
Pei Songzhi criticized this, saying Xu Chu’s achievements exceeded Dian Wei’s.
Historical evaluations
Contemporary
Cao Cao said: “This is my Fan Kuai.”
Ma Chao asked Cao Cao: “Where is your Tiger Marquis?”
Later historians
Chen Shou wrote: “Xu Chu was cautious and law-abiding, honest and few words. Xu Chu and Dian Wei protected the left and right. They were also the Fan Kuai of the Han.”
Pei Songzhi wrote: “Xu Ta plotted rebellion, and Xu Chu felt uneasy. His loyalty was as great as Jin Midi’s. Moreover, the danger at Tong Pass would not have been resolved without Xu Chu. Xu Chu’s achievements exceeded Dian Wei’s. Now Dian Wei is enshrined but Xu Chu is not. This is incomprehensible.”
Legacy
Xu Chu is remembered as Cao Cao’s loyal bodyguard, known as Tiger Fool.
His protection of Cao Cao at Tong Pass is famous.
His great strength and loyalty are praised.
Timeline
- c. 169 CE: Born in Qiao, Qiao Commandery
- ?: Gathered several thousand households; built fortifications; defended against bandits; threw stones; pulled ox’s tail
- 198 CE, autumn: Led followers to submit to Cao Cao; appointed Commandant; appointed Commandant of the Palace Guard; called Tiger Fool; followed Cao Cao in campaigning against Zhang Xiu; first to climb city wall; beheaded more than ten thousand bandits; promoted to Commandant; took over as Cao Cao’s bodyguard after Dian Wei’s death
- 199 CE: Prevented Xu Ta and others from assassinating Cao Cao; killed Xu Ta and others
- 204 CE: Followed Cao Cao in besieging Yecheng; fought with great strength; enfeoffed as Marquis Within the Passes
- 207 CE: Followed Cao Cao in campaigning against Wuhuan; encountered at Mount Bailang; led one route; defeated Wuhuan
- 211 CE: Followed Cao Cao in campaigning against Han Sui and Ma Chao at Tong Pass; protected Cao Cao; helped him cross river safely; killed soldiers climbing ship; blocked arrows with saddle; steered ship; met with Ma Chao; glared at Ma Chao; prevented attack; beheaded enemy soldiers; appointed General of the Household for the Martial Guard; called Tiger Fool
- 215 CE: Followed Cao Cao in campaigning against Zhang Lu; reached Yangping Pass; recalled troops with Xiahou Dun
- 220 CE: Refused private conversation with Cao Ren; promoted to General of the Central Army; Cao Cao died; wept bitterly and vomited blood; Cao Pi declared himself emperor; enfeoffed as Marquis of Wansui; promoted to General of the Martial Guard; Commander of Central Army’s palace guard
- 227 CE: Cao Rui succeeded to throne; advanced to Marquis of Muxiang; fief seven hundred households; one son granted Marquis Within the Passes
- c. 230 CE: Died of illness; posthumous title Marquis Zhuang; two more descendants granted Marquis Within the Passes
See also
References
- Chen Shou. Records of the Three Kingdoms, Volume 18, Biography of Li, Li, Zang, Wen, Lü, Xu, Dian, Er Pang, Yan.
- Luo Guanzhong. Romance of the Three Kingdoms, various chapters.