Cao Cao

Cao Cao (Chinese: 曹操; Hanyu pinyin: Cáo Cāo) was a Chinese warlord during the 1st century AD. He tried but failed at reuniting China during the civil war that was documented by several people and later written about by Luo Guanzhong. Though he failed at reuniting the country but he did conquer a huge area that became the kingdom of Wei.

History

Under the Han

At the end of the Han, Cao Cao was the Duke of Wei, a high position though he held little actual power. He lost his position and his land after Dong Zhuo seized the throne. Cao Cao led the effort to defeat Dong Zhuo, and succeeded. He was reinstated as Duke and regained his land.

At the end of the campaign, Cao Cao assembled a large army. He was made Prime Minister and made to defend the Emperor Xian. Using his authority, he invaded various warlords in North China, taking their land as his own and recruiting their officers. After his defeat of Lu Bu, he became famous for his skill as a general and ruler. In the summer of 194, there were a series of rebellions in nearby counties as the people demanded to join with Cao Cao.

Gaining Power

In the year 201, he faced his greatest rival, Yuan Shao. Cao Cao feared that Yuan Shao was gathering too much power in the court, and would attempt to seize the throne. Cao Cao moved his men to Yuan Shao's fief in 200, and the two faced off at the Battle of Guandu, where Yuan Shao was totally defeated. By defeating Yuan Shao, Cao Cao became the ruler of the north.

With his new power, Cao Cao set his sights on the south. He took his army down the Yangtze to defeat Liu Bei and Sun Quan. Although his army was massive, he lost at Chi Bi and retreated to the north. By this time, Liu Bei and Sun Quan declared themselves emperor. At first, Cao Cao did not wish to follow suit. However, he was very well-respected by the people in the north, and most of them called him "Emperor Cao" anyway. In light of this, he wished to step down, but the people in the capital refused to acknowledge it. According to a popular legend, Cao Cao stood before a crowd in Chang'an and said, "Who dares address such a lowly official by the Heavenly title?" to which one man replied "We address a man not by his worldly title, but by his character." He was later given the title Peacemaker of Wei (调解人魏) by his officers.

Three Kingdoms

During the age of Three Kingdoms, Cao Cao gained support from refugees defecting from Shu and Wu. However, there was dissension in his family and in his court that made it difficult to command his men. As a result, he was forced to fight defensively. His only major victory was at the Battle of Fancheng.

Cao Cao died in 220, allegedly killed by the physician who treated him for migraines. He was succeeded by his son, Cao Pi, who declared himself emperor of the Cao Wei dynasty.

Like most lords of the time, Cao Cao's remains were hidden by his family. In 2009, his tomb was finally found in Henan province. The archaeologists believe that they can officially prove the cause of his death.[1]

Rulership

Agriculture

In 194, there was a terrible famine. To prevent future famines, Cao Cao put refugees and unused soldiers to work in large farms. These farms supplied soldiers in the field and gave poor refugees an opportunity to work.

Law

Cao Cao and his advisors wrote a new code of laws which is sometimes known as the Wei Constitution, though it was not called that at the time. These laws defined the powers held by the Prime Minister and his officers. Although far ahead of his time, it is likely that Cao Cao ignored parts of it during his campaign. Only parts of the code exist today.

Romance of the Three Kingdoms

In the Romance of the Three Kingdoms Cao Cao is shown at times to be extremely cruel but at other times very merciful and forgiving. He is meant to be viewed as the moral opposite of another warlord Liu Bei who until his death was always merciful. Cao Cao is also shown to be very intelligent and also had great skill in resource management, battle strategy, and politics.

Quotes

"I'd rather betray the world than let the world betray me."

• Yelled at Chen Gong after killing his own uncle under false pretense.

"What is at a peak is certain to decline. He who shows his hand will surely be defeated. He who can prevail in battle by taking advantage of his enemy's doubts is invincible."