As a young man, Cao Cao studies at the Imperial Academy in Luoyang. He is a freewheeling swordsman who despises his own background as the disgraceful descendant of a eunuch, and he becomes close friends with the aristocrat Yuan Shao. After saving the emperor, he narrowly escapes being castrated by the ruler. Then, after stealing a bride, he is driven back home by his father. In his hometown, he fights epidemics and powerful gentry, while maintaining a relationship of both rivalry and friendship with Zhang Jiao of the Way of Great Peace.
After first making a name for himself, Cao Cao is recommended for office on the basis of his filial piety and integrity, becoming commandant of the northern district. He is then banished to serve as magistrate of Dunqiu after beating Jian Tu to death for the sake of Bian Rou, the love of his life. He cleverly recruits the strongman Dian Wei and introduces the tuntian farming system, turning Dunqiu into a granary where the people can live in peace and prosperity.
When the Yellow Turban Rebellion breaks out, Cao Cao takes part in suppressing it. Zhang Jiao and Cao Cao recognize each other as kindred spirits before bidding farewell at the Zhang River. Cao Cao later becomes chancellor of Jinan, where he tears down temples and bans obscene rites, then investigates Liu Kang for treason. As the empresses in the imperial harem vie for favor and a crown prince is chosen, Cao Cao narrowly escapes death several times.
When Dong Zhuo seizes power, Cao Cao rescues Cai Wenji. He raises an army in Chenliu, and the warlords form an alliance to campaign against Dong Zhuo. Cao Cao judges people by talent alone, and with the help of Xun Yu, Xu You, Chen Gong, and others, he defeats and wins over the Black Mountain Army, forming the Qingzhou Army.
Cao Cao discharges every post with diligence and ambition, yet powerful figures often leave him in dire straits. Still, he grows stronger with every battle, remains loyal to the emperor and serves his country, with the people of the realm always in his heart. Together with his beloved wife Bian Rou, he sets out to end the wars and secure the people's well-being, embarking on a life of twists and turns that will become a glorious legend.
Great book, wonderful!