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Now the Nine Dignities, or signs of honor, were:

.1. Chariots: Gilded chariots drawn by eight horses;

.2. Court dresses: Dragon-embroidered robes, headdresses, and shoes;

.3. Music at banquets: By royal bands;

.4. Red doors: Symbols of wealth;

.5. Inner staircase: Protection for every step;

.6. Imperial Tiger Guard: Three hundred at the gates;

.7. Imperial axes: Commanding and ceremonial symbols;

.8. Bow and arrows: Red-lacquered bow with a hundred arrows;

.9. Libation vessels: Jade tablets and libation cups.

However, all the courtiers were not of one mind.

Said High Adviser Xun Yu, “This should not be done, O Prime Minister. You raised a force by an appeal to the innate sense of righteousness of the people, and with that force you restored the Han authority. Now you should remain loyal and humble. The virtuous person loves people with a virtuous love and would not act in this way.”

Cao Cao did not take this opposition kindly.

Dong Zhao said, “How can we disappoint the hopes of many because of the words of one?”

So a memorial went to the Throne, and Cao Cao's ambitions and desires were gratified with the title of Duke of Wei. The Nine Dignities were added.

“I did not think to see this day!” said Xun Yu, sighing.

This remark was repeated to the newly created Duke and angered him. He took it to mean that Xun Yu would no longer aid him or favor his designs.

In the winter of the seventeenth year of Rebuilt Tranquillity (AD 212), Cao Cao decided to send an army to conquer the South Land, and he ordered Xun Yu to go with it. Xun Yu understood from this that Cao Cao wished his death, so he declined the appointment on the plea of illness. While Xun Yu was at home, he received one day a box such as one sent with presents of dainties. It was addressed in Cao Cao's own handwriting. Opening it, Xun Yu found therein nothing. He understood; he took poison and died. He was fifty-two years of age.

Xun Yu's talents were to all men known,

That was sad that at the door of power he tripped.

Posterity is wrong to class him with the noble Zhang Liang,

For, nearing death, he dared not face his lord of Han.

News of Xun Yu's death came to Cao Cao in the form of the ordinary letter of mourning by his son, Xun Yun. Then Cao Cao was sorry and gave orders for an imposing funeral. He also obtained for the dead man the posthumous title of lordship.

The northern army reached River Ruxu, whence Cao Cao sent a reconnaissance of thirty thousand troops led by Cao Hong down to the river.

Soon Cao Hong reported: “The enemy's fleet blankets the river, but no sign of movements.”

Feeling suspicious, Cao Cao led his army to the river to watch the enemy and deploy his troops. On the river he saw displayed a fleet of ships all arranged in admirable order, the divisions being marked by distinctive flags. The equipment glittered in the sunlight. In the center was a large ship whereon was a huge umbrella, and beneath the shade sat Sun Quan in the midst of his staff.

“That is the sort of son to have;” said Cao Cao in admiration, “not such piglets and puppies as Liu Biao'.”

Suddenly, at the explosion of a bomb, the ships got under way and came flying toward him, while a force moved out of River Ruxu. Cao Cao's soldiers at once retired in great haste. A company led by the green-eyed, red-bearded Sun Quan made straight for Cao Cao, who hastily retreated. But Cao Cao was sore pressed by other Sun Quan's commanders, Han Dang and Zhou Tai, and it had gone hard with him but that Xu Chu came to his rescue and fought with the troops of the South Land till his master could escape. Xu Chu fought some score bouts before he could draw off and return to his own aide.