Yu Jin originally served under Cao Cao's late friend Bao Xin, who died in battle while rescuing Cao Cao. Later, through the recommendation of Wang Lang, he officially joined Cao Cao's ranks.Although Yu Jin had a connection to Bao Xin, he was still considered an outsider when compared to the Cao and Xiahou families, and his status among Cao Cao's generals was not as high as those of earlier loyalists like Xu Chu and Le Jin. However, this status fueled Yu Jin's determination to prove himself.Known for his strict discipline, both in battle and in personal conduct, Yu Jin had earned Cao Cao's deep trust.
This night, Cao Cao had entrusted Yu Jin with the crucial role of leading the main assault. This not only reflected Cao Cao's belief in his ability but also served as an opportunity for Yu Jin to gain more military achievements.In addition to the troops stationed in the camp and those set to ambush at the city gates, Yu Jin had about 8,000 soldiers at his disposal.Of these, around 5,000 were Xu Zhou deserters, while the remaining 3,000 were the elite troops under Cao Cao's direct command.In such a situation, the best tactic was to use the elite troops at the front and place the Xu Zhou soldiers in the rear as support. However, Yu Jin knew very well that Cao Cao didn't want to risk his core forces. Thus, he wisely decided to place the Xu Zhou deserters at the front, with the elite soldiers in reserve to handle the assault's aftermath.
At the East Gate of Xiapi, the battle was about to begin.The enemy forces were getting closer, and Wei Xu could feel his nerves tighten.Once the Cao Cao forces entered the city, rewards would be given, but most importantly, he wouldn't have to face death alongside Lü Bu.But before the enemy could arrive, Gao Shun had already led his Xian Zhen troops to secure the East Gate.Wei Xu, with only a few hundred men under his command, was no match for Xian Zhen's fierce warriors.In mere moments, his soldiers were overwhelmed.
"General! We can't hold them off any longer! Since Cao Cao's forces have already arrived outside the city and the trap has been destroyed, we should retreat now!"Wei Xu gritted his teeth and asked, "Where are Hou Cheng and Song Xian? Why aren't they here?""General! Since Gao Shun is personally leading the charge, Hou Cheng and Song Xian must have already been killed! Otherwise, Gao Shun wouldn't have this many men under his command!"As his loyal soldiers were dying one by one, and Gao Shun's forces grew nearer, Wei Xu finally issued the order:"Retreat! All units fall back to the outer camp!"
Although Wei Xu had hoped for greater glory by opening the gates and allowing Cao Cao's troops entry, Gao Shun's forces had become too overwhelming to resist.Reluctantly, Wei Xu gave the order for everyone to flee, knowing that hesitation would only lead to death.After giving the order, those still loyal to Wei Xu quickly abandoned the city.The East Gate was once again deserted.
Lü Bu stood tall, his voice booming:"First unit, clear the battlefield! Move the bodies of the traitors out of the gate!""Second unit, prepare the charging carts! As soon as the enemy approaches, we charge!"
The bodies of traitors were quickly cleared from the gate, and six charging carts were readied.Charging carts were improvised weapons—horse-drawn carts reinforced with thick wooden boards and sharpened stakes pointing forward, resembling hedgehogs.The East Gate of Xiapi was narrow, and only two carts could pass through it at once. Thus, the carts were arranged in three rows of two.Each cart was drawn by two strong horses, protected by thick cloth armor to shield them from arrows.The six drivers were all heavily armored.
The narrowness of the terrain near the gates made it unsuitable for cavalry charges, so the carts were meant to open a path for the soldiers.
The enemy forces were getting closer. Lü Bu turned to Gao Shun:"What do you think the enemy will do next?"Gao Shun replied, "For Cao Cao, the most important task tonight is to break through the city as quickly as possible. If it were a normal attack, the elite troops would be at the front, and the ordinary soldiers would follow behind.""But with so few elite soldiers, Cao Cao likely doesn't trust the Xu Zhou deserters fully.""Therefore, the enemy will have the Xu Zhou deserters at the front, with the elite soldiers in reserve."
Lü Bu nodded, "Cao Cao doesn't distrust the Xu Zhou soldiers; he just prefers to sacrifice a few of them rather than losing a single elite soldier.""So tonight's deployment is as you predicted!"
The enemy forces were now just a few dozen paces from the gate. Yu Jin barked orders from horseback:"Shield bearers, advance with shields raised! Archers, spread out to the sides and suppress the enemy on the walls!""Spearmen, stay in the back and support them. Once the shield bearers breach the city, follow immediately!"
The Cao Cao army advanced with ease, as there were no obstacles.Yu Jin had arranged for the shield bearers to be the first line of attack, with archers and spearmen in reserve to handle any resistance.
Once the Xu Zhou deserters opened the gate, Lü Bu's men were ready for a counterattack.Lü Bu ordered:"Charge the carts! Move forward!"The six carts rumbled forward, creating a path through the gate.When the leading two carts reached the enemy, the enemy had no time to react.The carts crashed through the enemy lines, crushing soldiers in their path.The soldiers who had been guarding the gate were either impaled by the sharp stakes or knocked down by the force of the carts.In just moments, the battlefield was filled with screams of pain as the Cao Cao forces were overrun by the charging carts.
The carts continued to roll forward, pushing the Cao Cao forces back.The enemy could not hold their ground, as the carts were unstoppable.In the chaos, Lü Bu's soldiers followed closely behind, cutting down anyone who tried to resist.As the Cao Cao forces retreated, the gates were completely opened, and Lü Bu's forces surged forward.
But as they breached the gates, Lü Bu knew that this victory was only temporary. The real battle would be fought after this moment of success.