Xun Yu

Xun Yu is a strategist and statesman of Wei kingdom in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

History
Xun Yu was responsible for the many valuable advice he gave to Cao Cao. He advised Cao Cao to make the existing emperor at that time become a puppet emperor so that Cao Cao had political advantage over other warlords. He also advised Cao Cao during Guandu's war, which eventually led to the defeat of Yuan Shao. For example, when Cao Cao realized his food supply was running low, Xun Yu advised him to use "unexpected tactics because major changes were waiting". This advice caused Cao Cao to launch a silent attack on the garrison Yuan Shao. This incident resulted in the beheading of general Yuan Shao, Chunyu Qiong and the surrender of Xu You to Cao Cao. All of this happened according to Xun Yu's predictions.

Xun Yu ran out of time when he fell ill when forming the Kingdom of Wei. Cao Cao wanted to become Wei's nobleman, Xun Yu opposed it. This incident offended Cao Cao. Cao Cao thought Xun Yu didn't want to help him anymore. One day Cao Cao fought with Sun Quan, Xun Yu fell ill and stayed at home. Cao Cao then sent a "gift", when Xun Yu opened the box, he found that the box was empty. The intelligent advisor grasped the hidden purpose of sending the box, he then drank poison and died. Xun Yu is 49 years old at the time of his death. Cao Cao later became Wei's nobleman the following year (Xun Yu's nephew, Xun You, died the same way). He was continued by his son Xun Han who died at the age of 30.

Trivia

 * He is a playable character in the Dynasty Warriors series.