Battle of Ruxu (222–223)

The Battle of Ruxu, also known as the Battle of Ruxukou, took place in 222-223 between the forces of Cao Wei and Eastern Wu during the Three Kingdoms period. The battle was the third battle taking place between the Cao and Sun clan at Ruxu, but this particular conflict was the only of the three to take place actually during the Three Kingdoms period, as the other two took place in 213 and 217.

Background
Following the Shu Han defeat at the Battle of Xiaoting, the alliance between Cao Pi and Sun Quan was tested, because the protection the agreement held was no longer needed as the Shu forces reestablished their own relations with the Sun clan. After Sun Deng, the crown prince and eldest son of Sun Quan, was demanded by Cao Pi as hostage, Sun Quan's relations with Wei ultimately plummeted. However, Cao Pi was trying to sour diplomatic relations between the Liu clan and the Sun clan. In November 222, Sun Quan declared himself independent once again from Wei, and Cao Pi responded with force.

The plan for Wei was to strike Wu in three different ways along the Yangtze River. Wei generals Xiahou Shang and Cao Zhen attacked Jiangling and Nan commandery, Cao Xiu and Zang Ba attacked Dongkou, and Cao Ren attacked Ruxu.

The battle
The defense of Ruxu was under the command of Wu general Zhu Huan, who had a much smaller force than the Wei invaders.

Cao Ren sent his son Cao Tai (曹泰) to attack Ruxu. He also sent Chang Diao (常雕) to supervise Zhuge Qian (諸葛虔) and Wang Shuang to attack an island on the river. The defenders wives and children were there, but the Wei forces were quickly defeated at the island. The battle was not in favor of the Wei forces, so they later burnt their camps and retreated.

Aftermath
Cao Ren died after the battle ended in 223. He was posthumously named "Marquis Zhong" (忠侯).

Wei forces

 * Minister of War (大司马) Cao Ren
 * Chang Diao
 * Wang Shuang

Wu forces

 * Area Commander of Ruxu Zhu Huan
 * Zhou Shao, Zhou Tai's son
 * Luo Tong
 * Yan Gui