Xun Yu
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Xun Yu (荀彧) was one of Cao Cao's greatest advisors during the Three Kingdoms period in ancient China.
Xun Yu was responsible for much invaluable advice given to Cao Cao. He joined Cao Cao's service with his relative Xun You; both were recruited and became advisors. Xun Yu gave much good advice at the Battle of Guandu against Yuan Shao, ultimately leading to the great leader's defeat. Cao Cao praised him heavily.
Xun Yu met an untimely end when he became ill in the established kingdom of Wei. He was suspicious of Cao Cao's motives when the leader summoned Xun Yu to court one day. Xun feigned illness and stayed home, whereupon Cao Cao sent him a 'gift'. When Xun Yu opened the box, he found it to be empty. The great advisor took the hint, drank poison and died.