13 Facts About Xun Yu

Xun Yu, courtesy name Wenruo, was a Chinese military official and politician who served as an adviser to the warlord Cao Cao during the late Eastern Han dynasty of China.

Xun Yu was from Yingchuan Commandery, and was born into a family of government officials.

Xun Yu was described in historical records as a tall and handsome gentleman.

Xun Yu proved to be a talented youth and was evaluated by the scholar He Yong as "someone capable of assisting kings".

At that time Xun Yu was in charge of the defences of Juancheng, and his firm actions saved the city from capture, allowing Cao Cao's armies to return and drive away Lu Bu.

Subsequently, on the death of Tao Qian, Cao Cao was tempted to turn around and move to Xu Province before returning to deal with Lu Bu; it was Xun Yu who dissuaded him from this, reminding him that Yan Province was his heartland and power base and should be secured first before launching campaigns abroad.

Xun Yu's plan was to "control the insubordinate in the name of the emperor" ; the 14th-century historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms subtly distorts this to "hold the emperor hostage to control the nobles".

Xun Yu dissuaded Cao Cao with a letter, highlighting several advantages that his army held over Yuan Shao's forces and urging him to stand fast; the eventual result was a decisive victory for Cao Cao, which was crucial to his domination of northern China.

Xun Yu became a playable character in Koei's Dynasty Warriors 8: Empires.

In Koei's Kessen II, Xun Yu plays a prominent role, although the character is portrayed as a woman who harbours a requited love for Cao Cao.

In Wizards of the Coast's Magic the Gathering Card Game, Xun Yu has a Magic Card "Xun Yu, Wei Advisor" from a set called Portal Three Kingdoms.

Xun Yu is shown opening a container in his artwork and wearing traditional clothing for an advisor from the Han dynasty.

Xun Yu appeared in Total War: Three Kingdoms, serving under Han Fu before joining Cao Cao.