Cao Cao engages in the decisive Battle of Guandu with Yuan Shao along the shores of the Yellow River in the year 200, leaving the capital and his base city Xuchang poorly guarded.

Sun Ce is said to have then plotted to attack Xuchang under the banner of rescuing Emperor Xian, a figurehead held under Cao Cao's control.

Preparations are underway for the military excursion when Sun Ce runs into three former servants of Xu Gong during a solo hunting trip.

One of them manages to plant an arrow into Sun Ce's cheek before Sun Ce's men arrive and slay the assassins.

Many differing accounts of Sun Ce's death exist; one generally accepted scenario is that he died that same night.

Although he is survived by a posthumous son, Sun Shao (as well as at least two, possibly three, daughters, married to Gu Shao and later Zhu Ji, and Lu Xun respectively, Sun Ce passes his legacy to his younger brother Sun Quan.

When Sun Quan declares himself the first emperor of the state of Eastern Wu in 222, he bestows upon Sun Ce the posthumous title of Prince Huan of Changsha.

Sun Shao will bear one son, Sun Feng, who will be executed by Sun Hao for alleged treason due to his popularity.