The Story of Cao Cao

Hold power over all under heaven while alive, and lie among beauties in drunken slumber. Five thousand years of splendor and turmoil, of right and wrong, of success and failure, all vanish in the end!

The strange tales of Cao Cao during the Three Kingdoms period, his rise from nothing, and his struggle to conquer the realm...

Cao Cao was born into a family of eunuch officials. His ancestor Cao Shen had won great military honors and made the family name renowned for generations. Yet Cao Cao, son of a grand commandant, was no obedient, pampered young master. Clever and perceptive, he could weigh a situation and adapt on the spot. He was headstrong, chivalrous, unruly, and unconcerned with proper conduct or scholarly pursuits. As a result, people of the time did not think he had any particular talent.

But Qiao Xuan and He Yong saw things differently.

Qiao Xuan said to Cao Cao, “The realm is on the brink of chaos. None but a man of exceptional ability can save it. Perhaps you are the one who can bring it peace.” Cao Cao was rather pleased with himself at these words, but merely smiled and did not take them to heart.

He Yong also believed in Cao Cao's potential. He told him, “The Han dynasty is doomed. This is surely the man who will bring peace to the realm!” Cao Cao was startled. Looking at He Yong, he thought, “How does this guy know I'm going to be the boss one day?”

One day, while chatting with Xu Shao, Cao Cao spoke of his ambitions and ideals. “I want to serve my country and protect the people. I will make this age of chaos my proving ground, honing my resolve and abilities.” Xu Shao fell silent for a long while. At last, he clapped his hands and laughed. “Cao, your ambition gives me great comfort.”

Determined to rise from nothing and compete for the realm during the Three Kingdoms period, Cao Cao began his struggle against the many warlords...