Loading top navigational menu, please wait ......
Here you can view your subscribed threads, view your private messages and edit your profile and preferences Registration is FREE! Calendar Find other Sanguo ONline Members here!! Avatar!! Frequently Asked Questions Search Home Logout
Sponsored Advertisement Banners
Earn $$ with your site and support SOC at the same time
Members Log In
Members Login
Password
New users sign up!
Members Benefits


Partner Sites
Romancing Cathay
Simaqian Studio Kongming's Archives
Century of Three Kingdoms
More Info ...
Add your site here?

Sanguo ONline Community Polls
Rate our site
Excellent
Good
Average
Fair
Poor

[ results | polls ]

Cao Cao Self Profile

CAO CAO (155 AD - 220 AD)
Brief Introduction
After reading the Arthurian Companion by Phyllis Ann Karr, I am very interested in doing similar work with respect to the Romance of Three Kingdoms. The original text of Three Kingdoms or San-guo Zhi was very comparable in format as the Arthurian Companion in the way that each character was described succinctly. Unfortunately, it is not translated into English. I am taking on this as one of my many labors of love. However, with so many things need to be done, this may take a while to complete. Until then, I will share with you what I have so far.

Careful reader may found that much of works are translated from Mr. Chen Wen- dé's work of the Historical Record of Cao Cao Bid for Hegemony

Childhood Life
Cao Cao (childhood name - Ah-mán; given name - Mèng-dé) was born on the East Han Dynasty Heng Emperor's Third Year of Perpetual Prosperity (155 AD) at Yù State Pèi-guo county (in modern day An-hui Province Qiáo County ). He died on the East Han Dynasty Xian Emperor's Twenty-five year of Rebuilding Peace (220 AD) at the army base near Lùo-yáng. He lived sixty-five years and in the most interesting time of Chinese History. His original family name is Xià-hóu. However, his father was adopted by the Palace Eunuch, Cao Téng, and became known as Cao Song. His family was very wealthy. In fact, his father was able to purchase the position of Tài-wèi or minister of war for one hundred million coins.

There were many stories of Cao Cao youth that reflected his eventual behavior and attitude. At age five, several friends and him went to swim at a nearby lake. Appearance of river snake frightened all but Cao Cao who fought with it and drove it away. At age twelve, Cao Cao enjoyed hunting but was forbade by his father. While sneak out one day to hunt, his uncle spotted him. Acting quickly, he fell down and had a seizure. His uncle ran to inform Cao Song. By the time his father arrived, he was acting normally and joking with his friends. When inquired by his father, Cao Cao replied that the uncle had never likes him, and he must have spread such nonsense. From that on, Cao Song never believed in any words from his brother, Cao Cao was pretty much free to do as he pleased. Cao Cao and Yuán Shào were closed friends in their youth. Together they acted many mischief. Despite having such adventurous activities, Cao Cao was also an avid reader, especially on various Arts of War. Of all books, he favored Thirteen Chapters of Sun Tzu Bing Fâ and make numerous commentaries that eventually made into a book called Mèng-dé Bing Fâ.

Despite his family wealth and connection and of his personal talents, Cao Cao was still insecure and unsure about himself. During that period of time, it is popular to have a noted person to appraise and comment on a younger person in order for the later to gain recognition and connection. Being a wild and carefree youth, not many have good opinion of Cao Cao. However, at age fifteen, he received appraisal of two noted gentlemen. Hé Yo of Nán-yáng, a very respectable minister, saw Cao Cao and sighed to his friends, "Royal Han Household would be soon extinct; to pacify the world will be someone like him." Qiáo Xuán of Liáng-guo was a minister who had helped pacified barbarians and known for his righteousness, humble, and incorruptible. To a such young man and unknown, Qiáo Xuán said to Cao Cao, "Heaven Below would soon fall into chaos, many would attempt to cause confusion in order to enrich their own fiefdom, only you can help the people and provided a safe haven." With two recommendations from such famous individuals, Cao Cao was still unsure of himself. He sought the appraisal of Xû Shào from Rú-nán. He was very prestigious appraiser of character. Many came from thousands of miles just to have him evaluate their characters. Cao Cao sought after Xû Shào's assessment in order to gain more recognition and entry into the Clear-Flowing Political Group, whose goal is to end government corruption. Xû Shào's comment was, "You are an able minister in time of peace but a crafty hero in time of chaos." Upon hearing that, Cao Cao laughed and went his way.

Early Political Life
Cao Cao entered politic by age of twenty. He has been selected into Xiào-lián or the Filially Pious and Incorrupt, candidates for commissioned civil services. This was no doubt due to his grandfather, Cao Téng, connection. His first post was Lùo-yáng Bêi-du-wèi or the security chief of northern Lùo-yáng district. Upon arriving to his post, he instructed men to repair four gates of northern district. Numerous Five Color Poles were set by each gate. Anyone caught trespass these gates without proper pass would be beaten to death with the Five Color Poles, no exception. Few months later, the first offender is the granduncle of Jian Shùo, a favorite eunuch of Emperor Líng, who attempted to leave the city in midst of night and was caught by Cao Cao. He was beaten to death at the spot with the Five Color Poles. The act shocked Lùo-yáng and order was restored in the northern district. Cao Cao legalistic nature stayed much the same throughout his lifetime.

Though Eunuch Jian Shùo and Emperor Líng were angry at such act, they still have to congratulate and awarded Cao Cao in public. They wanted to remove him away from the capital so the privileged would not be harmed. Cao Cao was then assigned to Ní-zhou northern province to be Dùn-qiu County Zhâng (Chief). And he was called back to the capital to be Advisory Gentleman with no actual power. A year later, due to reversal of political fortune, Cao Cao was forced to retire. After two years, Chóa-tíng (the imperial court) needed someone who is versed in classics and knew the system. After much deliberation, they chose Cao Cao to resume his position as Advisory Gentleman. By then he was twenty-five of age. It was during this period, of many poems Cao Cao had written, two were best reflected his ambition and dream.

Ode to Wine
Ode to wine, in time of peace, officials knock no door.
King is Virtuous and Enlightened, ministers are loyal and conscience.
Respect, polite and yielding, people have no need to complaint.
Three years farming nine years harvests; storage are full, elderly needed not worry.
Rain are plenty, hundred crops are grown.
Horses released from military duty and return to work on farms.
Noble baron, viscount, count, marquise and duke, they loved people like their children and guide them to Enlightenment.
Son raised with father and brother.
Lawbreakers are punished accordingly.
People do not pick up dropped purses.
Jails are empty and winter season continued.
Everyone lived to full extend of his life.
Even grass and insects are benefited from such reign.

Pass Mount Guan
Between Heaven and Earth, Men are most precious.
Lord shepherded his people, led them to Enlightenment.
Chariot tracks horses prints, Four Corners they appeared
Moved out of darkness, people prospered and rested
Let sagacity and virtuosity, governed within and without
Charged five ranked nobilities, established land law punishment.
Peruse through red book, erase those served crime
Nobles preach and guide, not one is derelict
Woe to later generation, changed laws on whim
Mobilized people for lords, sacrificed money and service
Shùn elaborated eating utensils, ten nations rebelled against
Not like Táng-yáo, had unmarked palace pillars
World longed Bó-yí, his principles are exemplified
Excess is worst sin, thrifty is a Virtue
Xû-yóu humble modesty, are mentioned in songs
Broad love upheld all, strangers treated as relatives

Yellow Turbans
During East Han seventh year of luminous peace or first year of central pacification (184 AD), the worst civil unrest, the Yellow Turbans, of East Han Dynasty had occurred. To officials, this was recorded as rebellious peasants. In actuality, this was the culmination of government's erroneous policies and corruption. Chóa-tíng (the imperial court) was more interested in the struggling between eunuchs and ministers or to enjoy debauch lifestyle. No much thoughts and concerns were given to people. Led by dáoist priests like Zhang Jiâo and his brothers, people attempted to overthrow government. Though they were put down within a year, the civil unrest was never disappeared or resolved until after the battle of Guan-dù when Cao Cao spent time and effort to stabilize the Central Plain.

Cao Cao was thirty when the Yellow Turbans Rebellion occurred. This also marked the event where his name appeared in official historical records. He served under Huáng Fu-song as Qí-du-wèi or Calvary Commander. He was credit for valiant charges against Zhang Jiâo troops that effective demoralized them at the battle of Cháng-shè.

For his valor, Cao Cao was promoted to Jî-nán Xiang (Chancellor of Southern Rescue). Within a year, he had ended government abuse and corruption and removed inefficient ministers. People loved him, those with political-ties hated him. He was to be promoted again to Bêi-jùn Tài-shôu or Northern County Grand Administrator. However, suspecting an entrapment by palace eunuch, Cao Cao declined and decided to retire from political arena. At age thirty-two, he reasoned that he still could offer his service to Chóa-tíng (the imperial court) by age fifty. This would give him plenty of time to read. Even in his retirement, he could not escape from political machination. Xû Shào from Rú-nán had solicited him to join the rebellion. Cao Cao refused because he did not believe that regional armed military campaign would be the answer. He still believed that the reform ought to work internally started at the capital.

The Year of Luminous Joys (184 AD)
Prior years, Chóa-tíng (the imperial court) summoned Cao Cao back to the capital to be Diân-jun Du-wèi or Commander of Ceremonial Troops. At first, he had hoped that it was a chance for him to help put down rebellions or repelled barbarian troops. Instead, he found himself sucked into struggling between the Imperial Relatives Faction and the Palace Eunuch Faction within the capital. Despite his background, he sided with the Imperial Relatives Faction in an attempt to curtail the power of eunuch. He also had hoped by siding with them that he could help reduce damages or killing of palace eunuchs.

By then, the Palace Eunuch Faction had waned from what it used to be of ten years ago. The Imperial Relative Faction had the supports of majority ministers and commanded greater troops. Still, its leader, Hé Jìn, was both indecisive and artlessness. He wanted to bring more troops from outside and not listened to advice of Cao Cao and other ministers. Cao Cao sighted and stated privately, "The origin of chaos is none other than the Great General, Hé Jìn."

Once the Palace Eunuch Faction had found out about the Imperial Relative Faction who had brought in the outside force, namely Dông Zhúo, they had to act. They set up an ambush for Hé Jìn and asked the Dowager Empress Hé to summon the Great General. When Hé Jìn received the summon, others begged him not to go, he did not listen and believed that his military power would be sufficient to awe the Palace Eunuch Faction. He was assassinated.

Yuen brothers (Shào and Su) led the Imperial Relative Faction and assaulted the palace. Cao Cao stayed and limited fighting strictly within the palace proper and to prevent any escape of the Palace Eunuch Faction. In midst of chaos, both young emperor and prince were spirited out of the capital and, unfortunately, into Dông Zhúo's grasp. By early morning, Dông Zhúo entered the capital as the Emperor's Protector. The reign of terror began.

Contrary to the Romancing Novel, Cao Cao did not attempt any assassination against Dông Zhúo. He simply waited to see what kind of government would result from the Emperor's Protector. Once he realized that it would be a tyrannical, he started discharged his clan from the capital to return to hometown or anywhere but Lùo-yáng. When he was summoned, Cao Cao claimed severe headaches and requested few more days of rests before meeting Si-kong, Dông Zhúo's new rank. This buy more time for his father to pack everything up and leave. On the night before, he told his servants that he would going to rest early so he would be ready to meet with Si-kong tomorrow. When he got to his room, he changed quickly and sneaked out. He purchased a horse outside the city and make his way toward Chen-líu Province where Cao Hóng had already sold off family belongings and awaited for him.

Next day, when Dông Zhúo realized Cao Cao trickery, he immediately issued warrant for his arrest and hired killers to hunt him down. That noon, Cao Cao ditched his horse and traveled by foot. A day and a night later, he reached the border of Si-lì region of Zhong-móu Province. Due to hunger, he sneak out at night and was caught by the patrols. He did not resist, however, he insisted on seeing the county chief. The county chief had received Dông Zhúo's warrant for Cao Cao and recognized the person stood before him. The night secretary believed that Dông Zhúo had usurped his position and the world would be on the brink of chaos; a hero like Cao Cao was not to be killed on whim. County chief agreed to his suggestion and released Cao Cao. Furthermore, he had given him some traveling expanses and fresh horses to better escape Si-lì region at night. This incident later became the fame Capture and Released of Cao which Chen Gong played the role of Zhong-móu Province county chief. According to historical records, Chen Gong was not Zhong-móu Province county chief.

The next fame incident involved Cao Cao was the Massacre of Lü Family. In the actual San-gúo-zhì, there was no record of such incident. There were three other records that mentioned this incident. The first was the official historical record, Book of Wei. Cao Cao visited Lü Family in middle of the night, Master Lü was not home, his son and others threatened Cao Cao because he was alone. During struggle, Cao Cao slew some of them in order to escape. The second was Shì Shuo Xin Yû written by Liu Yì-qìng of Sung Dynasty. Cao Cao visited Lü Family. Master Lü led entire household to welcome him. Cao Cao became suspicious due to Master Lü's over-enthusiasm and thought they were to take him in for rewards. He wanted to leave and conflict ensured. Cao Cao killed entire Lü Family before making his escape. The third was urban myth like Romancing of Three Kingdoms. Cao Cao and Chen Gong sought refuge at Lü Family. Cao Cao misunderstood the meaning of the family servants who were sharpened knives to carve up pigs. He thought his life was in danger and acted first. Only after killing everyone did he realized that they were to prepare a feast for him. Both escaped from Lü household. On route, they met Master Lü who was on the way back for the village with fresh wine. Fearing that he would found out about the massacre and reported them in, Cao Cao killed Master Lü. Chen Gong criticized Cao Cao's behavior who uttered such villainous phase, "T'is better for me to wrong the world than to have the world wrong me." Cao Cao's blackguard reputation stemmed from this comment.

Of these three sources, the urban myth was discarded out right. Lü Family located within Si-lì region where the security was the heaviest. Master Lü could not made such big production of treating Cao Cao the wanted criminal of imperial court to a feast, nor would he dare to leave to another village for wine. In addition, the very inclusion of Chen Gong in this incident invalidated this theory.
For Cao Cao to seek refuge at Lü Family spoke a lot of Master Lü personality as being trustworthy and man of principle. It would be unlikely as mentioned in Shì Shuo Xin Yû for Cao Cao to suspect Master Lü's betrayal. Nor was it likely for Lü Family to make such elaborate display of welcoming the wanted criminal of imperial court. This does not make Shì Shuo Xin Yû a true representation of that incident.

The most likely event would be in according with the Book of Wei. Though Master Lü may have known Cao Cao well, rest of family did not have close tie with him. In absent of Master Lü, some tension may have occurred and Cao Cao may result in violence to make good of his escape.

Cao Cao met up with Cao Hóng at Chen-líu Commandery. There, using the money from their selling their household, they raised troops for the inevitable war against Dông Zhúo. Due his passion, other wealthy families helped contribute to his cause. During this time, Cao Cao practically lived among his troops to train and to prepare weapons of war. Many heroes like Yuè Jìn (name: Wen-qian) from Yáng-ping-wèi-gúo, Lî Diân (name: Màn-chéng) from Shan- yáng-jù-lù, Xià-hóu Dun (name: Yuán-ràng), and his brother Xià-hóu Yuan (name: Miào-cái) from Pèi-guo Qiáo County flocked to his banner. Few days later, Cao Rén joined them after safeguard Cao Song safely to Xú-zhou. And just when the fund had been used up, Cao Cao met his first benefactor, Wèi Guan, a Filially Pious and Incorrupt of Chen-líu Commandery. Wèi Guan came from a rich and powerful family who valued righteousness over wealth. Upon introduced to Cao Cao, Wèi Guan told his friends that, "This is the man who would pacified Heaven Below." So he helped by contributed his family wealth and raise additional funding money to help support Cao Cao's force. On the twelve month of East Han Emperor Ling's sixth year of Central Pacification or Emperor Xiàn's first year of Perpetual Han (189 AD), Cao Cao was the first to raise his troops of righteousness against Dông Zhúo.

Alliance
Eastern Commandery Grand Administrator Qiáo Mào disgusted at Dông Zhúo's behavior. He forged a decree from Three Grands accused Dông Zhúo of tyranny and usurped Emperor. He asked other leaders to raise arm to rescue Emperor. There were total of seventeen leaders and warlords answered his call. North, South, and East of Lùo-yáng have been blockade with Alliance troops. Among them, they have elected Yuán Shào to be their leader. The lone dissent was Bào Xìn of Jì-beî. He predicted that the Alliance would fall apart and Cao Cao would be a better leader than Yuán Shào.

To prevent the capture of Lùo-yáng, Dông Zhúo relocated almost everyone to Cháng-an. Tombs and mausoleum of rich and powerful were raided for buried treasures. The capital had been razed to the ground. Upon hearing such news, Cao Cao was angered and felt impotent about the situation. He wrote a eulogy to attribute to this tragedy.

Jîu-lù (eulogy)
Twenty generations has Han reigned, last entrusted to ill nature.
Like monkey in man's clothing, knew little but dream big.
Indecisive and afraid to commit, lord hunted by his servants.
White rainbow became endless suns, entrusted was first to suffer.
Bandit minister held nation's root, murdered lord and razed capital.
Entire dynastic foundation swept away, cremated palaces temple ancestral grounds.
Uprooted and forced march West, howls and cries along way.
Observed Lùo-yáng's lifeless husk, caused heartache and flowing tears

What's more disheartened was the fact that the Alliance's inaction. Dông Zhúo had been on the run toward the West, his troops morale was low and ill discipline. And as Bào Xìn of Jì-beî had predicted, each was reluctant to commit. Leader of the Alliance, Yuán Shào, did not react to news of Lùo-yáng's destruction. He remained prudence. Unable to stand it anymore, Cao Cao rode to the main camp and rallied.

"Is Our Alliance not form to remove tyrant? Now, our forces have gathered, what are we waiting for? It used to be hard to break through because of Dông Zhúo garrisoned imperial capital Lùo-yáng, had the beckoning of Imperial Troops, and had strong fortification on the eastern font. Now, he voluntary withdraw westward, force the emperor and the court migrate to Cháng-an, everyone was shocked at his barbaric behavior, troops morale was at the ebb, Heaven deemed his failure. All we need is one battle to break his force, why not take the initiative?"

Still Yuán Shào decided not to move, he cited of unreadiness of each warlord, problems with supply lines, and fear of ambush along the way to Lùo-yáng. Disappointed, nonetheless, Cao Cao decided to lead his own personal force of five thousand troops to march westward. His first benefactor, Wèi Guan, a Filially Pious and Incorrupt of Chen-líu Commandery, also joined forces with three thousand troops.

They met Xú Róng, a pro- Dông Zhúo Grand Administrator, at Xíng- yáng (in modern day Hé-nán Province). Cao Cao launched several attacks. However, due to lack of troop strength and insufficient training, he lost a lot of men. . His benefactor, Wèi Guan, died in that battle. Xú Róng saw the weakening of his opponent's troop strength and lunched an attack. Cao Cao counterattacked. Both troops clashed and Cao Cao's steed was shot under him. He forced to fight on foot and wounded tens of enemy troops. Despite his effort, his smaller troop strength can not break through enemy line. Cao Hóng, commander of vanguard units, rushed to Cao Cao's side and dismount to let his commander escaped.

Cao Cao spoke, "I'm prepared to die, my brother, please return to the main camp and strengthen its defense", as he wielding the twin short halberd.

Cao Hóng, with one hand held the rein and another swinging with broad blade, yelled, "Grand Cao, please mount up. Hóng would follow on foot!"

Cao Cao spoke, "Bandit troops would arrive soon in great amount, what would you do?"

Cao Hóng fervently replied, "Heaven Below can do with out Cao Hóng, but not without Grand Cao!" With that, he took off his mail shirt to give to Cao Cao and forced Grand Cao mounted up. He followed on foot back to the defensive line.

It was near dusk, Cao's force, under cover of night, fought and retreated with order. Xià-hóu brothers held the defensive perimeter steadily. Cao Rén, Yuè Jìn and Lî Diân also returned with their troops. Together, they were able to ward off the attack.

For several days and many battles later, Xú Róng saw that Cao's force was small but still had high morale. He feared that the Alliance would arrive soon with reinforcement. He withdraws his troops to next defensive position. Cao Cao also pulled out his force.

Return to main base, Cao Cao found that the Alliance was more concern with prepare meals and entertainment. They seemed to forget the tragedy of East Han Imperial Family nor the purpose of this Alliance.
Bitterly, Cao Cao exclaimed, "Everyone, please think hard of my strategy: we have Yuán Shào troops are coming from the north; our position is secured and soldiers are well rested; and Yuán Shù's force is traveling along the river from the south. We have more than enough force to shock the government in Cháng-an.

Even if we are to build up fortification, to set up numerous phantom troops, and to engage no enemy directly; we can make ourselves more menacing and proof to the Heaven Below that we are on the righteous path. Dông Zhúo's tyranny would lose much strength. Those who went with the flow would flourish, and those who went against the flow would perish. This plan will be successful.

Presently, we are gathered under the banner of rescue our Emperor and call ourselves righteous. Yet, we hesitated and dared not advance. Everyone at Heaven Below are disappointed. Even in my heart, I felt ashamed at everyone's behavior."

His voice felt on deaf ears. Even his close friend, Zhang Mào, disagreed with him. Saw the reactions of the Alliance, Cao Cao realized that time changed and the East Han Dynasty has been over. The Time of Chaos has arrived where every lord rises and fight to control Heaven Below. Therefore, he withdrew from the Alliance and took both Xià-hóu Dun and Cao Hóng southward to Yáng Zhou to raise troops. Cao Hóng had known Chén Wen, governor of Yáng Zhou, through family connection. The governor instructed the Grand Administrator of Dan-yáng to prepare four thousand troops for Cao Cao. However, these mercenary thought they were betrayed by Chén Wen to fight in a war with little personal gain. They were discontent.

After several days of travel, on one night, these mercenaries rebelled and attempted to rush into Cao Cao main camp to rob. Cao Cao personally slew tens of them with a pair of short-halberd to chase away rebels. There were less than five hundred troops remained.

Cao Cao was disappointed and recognized that for profit troops were not dependable. To fight for Heaven Below, one must build his own personal troops. He returned to Gui (in modern An-hui Province) and Jiàn-ping (in modern boder of Hé-nán and An-hui Provinces). There, he raised over a thousand troops. He then traveled northward passed the Yellow River to Hé-nèi. Cao Cao began to raise troops at surrounding area, to make connection with local power, and to gain monetary and manpower supports. He abided his time and watched tide and ebbs of situations occurred Under the Heaven.



< Our Staffs - Contact Us - Privacy Statement - Terms Of Services>

All Rights Reserved. Copyright © 2001-2002 Sanguo ONline Community ®
Partner of Romancing Cathay ,Simaqian Studio and Kongming's Archives  
Banner designed by William

Powered by: phpweblog 0.52

Topics
  • Games Reviews (0)
  • Members Comments (2)
  • RTK News (1)
  • Site News (22)


  • Features
  • Cao Cao Self Profile
  • RTK 7
  • RTK 8
  • RTK Books
  • RTK English Novel
  • Sun Tzu Art Of War
  • The Underdogs


  • Free Email @ SOC
    Email Login
    Password
    New users sign up!


    Newsletter
    Subscribe to
    Sanguo ONline

    Powered by groups.yahoo.com


    Sponsors
    Recommend This Page To Your Friends Enter the Trivia and win $$ Webmaster : Earn $$$ with your site now !! Increase your web position now


    Search engine
    SubmitFree: Submit to 25+ Search Engines for free !!!!
    SleepyShopper.COM: Where Shopping Begins


    Top 5 Stories
  • RTK VIII Chinese Game Manual in English (17)
  • Closing down of Downlaod Sections (14)
  • Original RTK VI (english) wanted!! (19)
  • Upcoming RTK 8 (Japanese) demo (8)
  • The War has just begun.... (5)


  • Hot 5 Stories
  • Original RTK VI (english) wanted!! (19)
  • RTK VIII Chinese Game Manual in English (17)
  • Sanguo ONline Chatroom (14)
  • Closing down of Downlaod Sections (14)
  • Upcoming RTK 8 (Japanese) demo (8)


  • Older Stories
  • New Sports Hall (0)
  • New RPG system (0)
  • Partner Site (1)
  • New server (1)
  • RTK VIII Chinese Game Manual in English (17)