After his defeat at the Battle of Red Cliffs, Cao Cao spent years rebuilding his forces and restoring his influence. By 216 CE, he had ascended to the title of King of Wei, establishing his capital city in Ye. His reputation in the north was so formidable that the Chanyu (leader) of the Southern Xiongnu, Hu Chuquan, traveled to Ye to offer his respects. Cao Cao treated him as an honored guest, keeping him in Ye while appointing the Xiongnu’s Right Virtuous King to oversee their homeland in his stead.
This renewed alliance between the Southern Xiongnu and the Han reminded Cao Cao of an old friend, Cai Yong, who had passed away. He recalled that Cai Yong’s daughter, Cai Wenji, was still in the Xiongnu territory, and he resolved to bring her back.
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