Chunyu Qiong 淳于瓊 was an officer under Yuan Shao. In the Battle of Guandu in 200 A.D. he was ordered by Yuan Shao to defend the supply base, but with only few troops under his command, he was doomed to fail.
Biography[]
Chunyu Qiong was one of Yuan Shao’s officers from the beginning of the latter’s career. During the decisive Battle of Guandu, Chunyu Qiong was commanded to guard the food depot at Wuchao. Cao Cao’s food supply was running low, so instead of a drawn out campaign, Cao Cao followed Xu You’s advice and scored victory by burning down Wuchao. Yuan Shao hadn't provided Chunyu Qiong with enough men to ever stand a chance against Cao Cao's forces and Cao Cao scored a major victory.
After his defeat and capture, Chunyu Qiong refused to join Cao Cao, and was soon executed upon Xu You's advice.
Notes[]
Fact vs. Fiction[]
- Did not fail in defending Yuan Shao's supplies at Wuchao by being drunk. He was drastically outnumbered.
- Wasn't drunk at Wuchao. He fought to the death against Cao Cao's forces.
- After his defeat, he had his nose cut off.
- He was not a heavy drinker (though there is no evidence he did not drink at all).
- Wasn't executed by Yuan Shao.
- He was executed by Cao Cao under Xun Yu's advice.