In this regard, Cao Cao buried it as a vassal, and the battle of Xiangfan ended. As we all know, Guan Yu's official position before his death was nothing more than a former general and a prefect of Xiangyang. Moreover, Guan Yu attacked Xiangfan, forcing Cao Cao to almost move the capital to avoid its sharpness. But Cao Cao still buried Guan Yu's head as a vassal, which was obviously a reburial. So, here's the problem. Why did Cao Cao bury Guan Yu? In addition to long-standing friendship, there is this reason!
one
First of all, the direct reason why Cao Cao buried Guan Yu deeply is their old love. In 200 AD, Cao Cao personally led an army to conquer Liu Bei, and Liu Bei fled to Yuan Shao. Guan Yu was captured alive after defeat and had to surrender. Cao Cao received a generous gift and was appointed as a partial general. In the face of Cao Cao's kindness, Guan Yu naturally thought of making contributions to repay the kindness. In the battle of Guandu, Guan Yu killed Yuan Shao's general Yan Liang and helped Cao Cao solve the siege of the White Horse. In the long run, Cao Cao naturally appreciated Guan Yu more. Even though Guan Yu finally bid farewell to himself and continued to follow Liu Bei, Cao Cao spoke highly of him, that is, "a gentleman never forgets his roots, and a man of righteousness is also in the world."
So judging from the past friendship, Cao Cao did have a reason to bury Guan Yu. However, being able to be buried according to the etiquette norms of the princes can be described as a thick burial. After all, Guan Yu, no matter how capable he is, is only a valiant soldier, not a vassal like Liu Bei and Sun Quan.
two
Moreover, Cao Cao's treatment of Guan Yu is obviously inspiring his subordinates, or setting a good example, that is, I, Cao Cao, appreciate this loyal man very much, and I, Cao Cao, will still respect him even if I am my opponent. Such an example will undoubtedly make Cao Wei's soldiers more loyal. Just like after the Three Kingdoms, Guan Yu was honored as Guan Yu by the people and praised and sealed by the imperial courts. In the Qing Dynasty, Guan Yu was regarded as "loyal SHEN WOO, showing Guan Sheng with spirit and courage" and was honored as "warrior sage" and "Wen Sheng"
Confucius is equally famous. For the feudal dynasty in the ancient history of China and the constant pursuit of Guan Yu, it is also a tribute to Guan Yu's loyalty.
On the other hand, back in the Three Kingdoms period at the end of Han Dynasty, after Guan Yu was killed, Liu Bei naturally wanted to avenge his brother. What's more, the loss of Jingzhou three counties also made Liu Bei unable to stay put. So it is obvious that Sun Quan gave Guan Yu's head to Cao Cao, probably blaming Cao Cao for killing Guan Yu.
three
For Sun Quan, he not only bowed to Cao Cao, but also gave Guan Yu's head to Cao Cao to send a signal to Liu Bei that Cao Cao wanted me to kill Guan Yu. On this basis, Liu Bei may turn his spear to attack Cao Wei, let Wu Dong fish in troubled waters, or watch the fire from the other side. Of course, the wily Cao Cao will naturally not be fooled by Sun Quan. Therefore, Cao Cao gave Guan Yu a deep burial as a vassal to show his respect for Guan Yu, so as to dispel Liu Bei's intention to crusade against Cao Wei, and then let Shu Han and Wu Dong fight, giving Cao Wei an opportunity.
Therefore, after Guan Yu's death, Cao Cao and Sun Quan intrigued with each other in order to stay out of it and gain greater benefits. In addition, in addition to sending Guan Yu's head to Luoyang, Sun Quan later persuaded Cao Cao to proclaim himself emperor. In this regard, Cao Cao said that Sun Quan wanted to roast himself on the fire, that is, Sun Quan's series of actions were aimed at promoting the war between Shu Han and Cao Wei.
Finally, in the eyes of many historians, besides choosing to bury Guan Yu, Cao Cao could actually give Guan Yu's head to Shu Han. If Cao Cao really did this, then Liu Bei's hatred for Wu Dong will definitely increase as long as he sees Guan Yu's head. That is to say, the war between Shu Han and Wu Dong is likely to be more than one battle of Yiling. Of course, because after Huang Zhong killed Xia in the battle of Dingjun Mountain, Liu Bei did not send Xia's body back to Cao Wei. If Cao Cao did, he would probably be opposed by Xiahou Shi.
In addition, Cao Cao's burial of Guan Yu actually sent a signal to Liu Bei: You can attack Wu Dong with confidence, and we will definitely stay out of it. On this basis, Liu Bei proclaimed himself emperor in 22 1 and formally established Shu Han. A year later, Liu Bei led about 50,000 troops and launched the Yiling War, not only to avenge Guan Yu, but also to recapture Jingzhou from Soochow. Of course, the fiasco of Yiling directly fixed the pattern of Wei, Shu and Wu, that is, Shu Han became the weakest party. What do you think of this?