Xuchang Shelu Terrace

Xuchang Shelu Terrace

Introduction:　

Located about 25 kilometers northeast of Xuchang City, west of Xutian Village, the terrace is approximately 10 meters high and covers an area of 1,500 square meters. In front of the terrace stand two stone tablets: one inscribed with "Shelu Terrace" by Teng Zhihu, an official from Xuzhou during the Qing Dynasty's Kangxi era, and another erected in the 12th year of the Qianlong reign, which records the historical event of the Xutian hunting expedition. After Cao Cao welcomed Emperor Xian of Han to establish the capital in Xuchang, he often accompanied the emperor on hunting trips around Xutian, building pavilions and terraces, which became known as the "Shelu Terrace." In the third year of the Jian'an era during the Eastern Han Dynasty (198 AD), after Cao Cao returned victorious from his eastern campaign against Xuzhou and executed Lü Bu at the Baimen Tower, Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei sought refuge in Cao Cao’s camp. Emperor Xian acknowledged Liu Bei as an uncle and appointed him General of the Left and Marquis of Yicheng Ting. The strategist Xun Yu warned Cao Cao: “The Emperor recognizing Liu Bei as an uncle may pose a threat to you.” This caused Cao Cao some concern, so he accepted Cheng Yu’s suggestion to invite the Emperor, along with Liu Bei, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and other civil and military officials, to go hunting at Xutian in order to observe their behavior. At that time, Cao Cao shot a deer with the Emperor’s golden token arrow, and everyone thought it was the Emperor’s remarkable archery skill, cheering...

Henan Xuchang