Cao Cao's Story of a Castrated Son-in-Law's Comeback in a Chaotic Age

As a young man, Cao Cao studies at the Imperial Academy in Luoyang. He is a freewheeling chivalrous rogue, hates the shameful legacy of his eunuch ancestry, and befriends Yuan Shao, a member of the gentry. After he saves the emperor, the emperor nearly has him castrated; then his father drives him out of the house for stealing a bride. Back in his hometown, he combats an epidemic and stands up to powerful nobles, while becoming both rival and friend to Zhang Jue of the Way of Great Peace.

After making his mark, he is recommended for his filial piety and integrity and appointed commandant of the Northern District. But when he beats Jian Tu to death for saving Bian Rou, the love of his life, he is exiled to serve as magistrate of Dunqiu. He cleverly recruits the bandit Dian Wei and introduces a system of state-managed farming, turning Dunqiu into a granary where the people can live in peace and prosperity.

When the Yellow Turban Rebellion breaks out, he takes part in suppressing it. Zhang Jue recognizes a kindred spirit in him, and they part ways at the Zhang River. As chancellor of Jinan, Cao Cao eliminates illicit temple worship and investigates Liu Kang’s treason. Rivalry for favor in the imperial harem and the appointment of a crown prince put Cao Cao’s life at risk several times.

When Dong Zhuo usurps power, Cao Cao rescues Cai Wenji. He raises troops in Chenliu, and the warlords form an alliance to campaign against Dong Zhuo. He appoints people solely on merit, with Xun Yu, Xu You, Chen Gong, and others helping him defeat and win over the Black Mountain Army and form the Qingzhou Corps.

Cao Cao is conscientious and driven in every post he holds, yet powerful nobles often hound him until he is at his wit’s end. Still, the more he fights, the braver he becomes. Loyal to the emperor, devoted to his country, and concerned for all the people of the land, he joins his wife Bian Rou in striving to end the wars and secure the people’s well-being. Thus begins a life both turbulent and glorious.