Looking at the official history and many works left by Cao Cao, I believe that Cao Cao's character can be summarized in sixteen words. That is: resourceful, perseverant, fearless, tolerant, open-minded, talented, studious, thrifty; neither cunning nor evil-doing. He has done many commendable things in his life; he was indeed an all-rounder in civil and military affairs who was in charge at that time; he made outstanding contributions to the unification of the Central Plains, the stability of people's livelihood, and the establishment of the character of the Wei and Jin Dynasties. It's a pity that all these were ruthlessly obliterated by the brilliant writing of "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms".