Tao Qian, a native of Danyang, became the secretariat of Xuzhou in 188. Because Tao Qian is not a local, he also needs to rely on the local strongmen in Xuzhou, so there are two powerful factions in Xuzhou, one is the local strongmen headed by Chen Deng, and the other is Cao Bao, a confidant of Tao Qian who is in charge of the relieving. Although there are two forces, the power is basically in the hands of Tao Qian.
Xuzhou, which was originally calm, was broken by an emergency. That is, Cao Cao's father was suddenly killed while passing through Xuzhou. This incident is still a mystery, but Cao Cao decided that it was Tao Qian's responsibility. Therefore, in 193, Cao Cao, then the national shepherd, sent his troops to attack Tao Qian. Because Tao Qian had allies such as Gongsun Zan and Yuan Shu at that time, Cao Cao returned in vain. The following year, Cao Cao attacked Xuzhou again. At this time, Tao Qian was terminally ill, and his death was coming. He had to hand over Xuzhou to a suitable person. After careful consideration, he gave Xuzhou to an outsider Liu Bei.
So, why did Tao Qian choose Liu Bei? Is it really just because Liu Beimin has a good voice? Of course not. Please listen to the analysis.
First of all, generally speaking, it is natural to inherit the father's career. Tao Qian has two sons, so he should give the estate to his son. He didn't choose his son because Tao Qian's two sons didn't deserve it. In this case, giving Xuzhou to them will not only lose Xuzhou, but also harm them. Secondly, there are two major forces in Xuzhou, Chen Deng and Cao Cao. Chen Deng and Cao Bao have been at odds. If Xuzhou is ceded to one of them, I'm afraid there will be a civil war. In this way, people who can take over Xuzhou from inside are excluded, and finally they can only be selected from outside. There are Tao Qian's allies Gongsun Zan and Yuan Shu outside. Gongsun Zan is in Youzhou. At that time, Gongsun Zan was too busy to take care of Xuzhou. What about Yuan Shu? Yuan Shu is even worse. Because Chen and Cao Bao don't want to! Yuan Shu's strength is too strong. Chen Deng was afraid that Yuan Shu would harm the interests of other local strongmen after he took over. Cao Bao was also afraid that the Danyang army in his hand could not suppress the powerful Yuan Shu, so Yuan Shu ruled it out.
Only Liu Bei took over Xuzhou. For Cao Bao, Liu Bei's strength is not as good as his own, holding the relieving. If Liu Bei wants to make a difference, he will eventually need the Danyang army in his hand. For Chen Deng, Liu Bei, who is not strong enough, also needs the support of local strongmen. Liu Bei will eventually find his local representative to cooperate. Therefore, it is in everyone's interest for Liu Bei to take over Xuzhou.
Therefore, Tao Qian's third mission to Xuzhou had little to do with Liu Bei's identity and reputation. He can finally take over Xuzhou because the interests of Chen Deng and Cao Bao are balanced. In troubled times, fame is worth a few dollars, and interests are always the last word!