««« Chapter 4 »»» Deposition Of The Emperor: The Prince Of Chenliu Gets The Throne; Schemes Against Dong Zhuo: Cao Cao Presents A Sword.

Web   ThreeKingdoms

1 Dong Zhuo was on the point of slaying Yuan Shao, but Li Ru checked him, saying, "You must not kill rashly while the business hangs in the balance."	» deadboy -- im not too sure -- I simply would like to know why Dong Zhuo is giving off such a crazy bastard aura. He obviously would like to take the empire for himself and has serious issues with his sexuality but my god he is just so random. Not to mention he's lucky Zhang Fei and Guan Yu didn't cut him like a fish after disrespecting Liu Bei. I don't understand the whole reason he feels he must ruin everything and just be a big blister of the ass of the Han. » _Shige -- Dong Zhuo -- One word - AMBITION. » _Kev Yu -- I'd say Cao Cao was more ambitious. » SleepingDragon -- Ambition -- As much as I hate to admit, at this point Dong Zhuo had the ambition thing down... he knew when to do what and how... if that makes sense... » MaChaChao -- Dong Zhuo -- Someone should have killed him a long time ago. They would have saved everyone a lot of trouble. He's such a pain in the ass » SkyAnimal -- Notice Li Ru's Actions -- Whenever Dong Zhou gets ready to put someone to the sword, Li Ru stops him. I take this to mean that "blood must answer for blood." Literally, if Dong kills anyone then he will be accused and that will greatly incense the populace against him. Death will simplify things, but not in Dong's favor. » AdelbertSteiner -- Not Just Ambition -- Dong Zhuo isn't just ambitious - He is a megalomaniac. I think that's how you spell megalomaniac anyway. » Shokyo -- We at least know what you mean, and that's the important bit -- But I guess the "drive" is there, so on some levels, it could be labelled as ambition.
2 Yuan Shao, his sword still unsheathed, left the assembly. He hung up the seals of his office at the east gate and went to Jizhou Region.
3 Dong Zhuo said to Imperial Guardian Yuan Wei, "Your nephew behaved improperly, but I pardon him for your sake. What think you of my scheme?"
4 "What you think is right," was the reply.
5 "If anyone opposes the great scheme, he will be dealt with by military law!" said Dong Zhuo.	» drunkmastrZhangFei -- Dong Zhuo says "Rarr! bow before my might or I kill you!! rarr!" » fallon -- that's right -- seeming as the army is his, whatever he wants will become military law.
6 The ministers, thoroughly dreaded, promised obedience, and the feast came to an end.	» Stylonious -- feast -- oh... why did it have to end?
7 Dong Zhuo asked Counselor Zhou Bi and Commander Wu Qiong what they thought of the flight of Yuan Shao.
8 Zhou Bi said, "He left in a state of great anger. In such a state of excitement much harm may ensue to the present state of affairs, especially as the Yuan family have been noted for their high offices for four generations, and their proteges and dependents are everywhere. If they assemble bold people and call up their clients, all the valiant warriors will be in arms, and the whole Shandong Mountains will be lost. You had better pardon Yuan Shao and give him a post. He will be glad at being forgiven and will do no harm."	» Ultima -- I mean really!! -- Reading this far ya all know they always sucked up to people to get what they want or say stuff to redeem themselves with the person who hates him (usually somone in high ranking), and I think it's sad how they always did that, but hey thats how you live and have a better life » Patricoo -- of course we need to remember how important honor was to these people back then. -- At least it wasn't as much as the suicidal japanese.
9 Wu Qiong said, "Yuan Shao is fond of scheming, but he fails in decision and so is not to be feared. But it would be well to give him rank and thus win popular favor."	» guanping -- good advice from this one
10 Dong Zhuo followed this advice, and within that day sent a messenger to offer Yuan Shao the governorship of Bohai.	» LordYuanShao -- It´s simply incredible how the lands and governments were given and robbed only with a simple word. » RaymondSmith -- great job there buddy -- now Cao Caos gotta put up with your mistake » guanping -- Um well Yuan Shao had pretty much power there anyway -- so it didn't do anything but make it official » MaTseng -- yeah. -- this just amde him the official governer.
11 On the first day of the ninth month, the Emperor was invited to proceed to the Hall of Virtue where was a great assembly of officials.
12 There Dong Zhuo, sword in hand, faced the gathering and said, "The Emperor is a weakling unequal to the burden of ruling this land. Now listen ye to the document I have prepared!"
13 And Li Ru read as follows:
14 "The dutiful Emperor Ling too soon left his people. The emperor is the cynosure of all the people of this land. Upon the present Emperor Bian, Heaven has conferred but small gifts: In dignity and deportment he is deficient, and in mourning he is remiss. Only the most complete virtue can grace imperial dignity. Empress He has trained him improperly, and the whole state administration has fallen into confusion. Empress Dong died suddenly and no one knew why. The doctrine of the three bonds---Heaven, Earth, and Human---and the continuity of Heaven and Earth interdependence have both been injured.
15 "But Liu Xian, Prince of Chenliu, is sage and virtuous beside being of handsome exterior. He conforms to all the rules of propriety: His mourning is sincere, and his speech is always correct. Eulogies of him fill the empire. He is well fitted for the great duty of consolidating the rule of Han.
16 "Now therefore the Emperor is deposed and created Prince of Hongnong, and Empress He retires from the administration.	» Solace -- I'd been wondering why Li Ru was so insistent about deposing the emperor -- I think perhaps it was more to get rid of the Empress He than her son. She had proven before to be a schemer and a dangerous sort of woman to have as enemy. Xian's mother however is dead, and without the direct influence of a parent, perhaps Li Ru felt that Xian would be easier to manipulate than Bian. That and he wouldn't have to worry about a person who has power scheming to undo Dong Zhuo, who's reason for wanting the deposition are a little clearer. I think Dong simply felt that Xian would make a better emperor, just as he states. » StormRunner -- Very good! I think that's exactly why they wanted Bian gone.
17 "I pray the Prince of Chenliu to accept the throne in conformity with the decrees of Heaven and Earth, the desires of people, and the fulfillment of the hopes of humankind."
18 This having been read, Dong Zhuo bade the officials lead the Emperor down from the throne, remove his seal, and cause him to kneel facing the north, styling himself faithful servant of the Throne and requesting commands. Moreover Dong Zhuo bade Empress He strip off her royal dress of ceremony and await the imperial command. Both victims of this oppression wept bitterly, and every minister present was deeply affected.	» Solace -- It is ironic though -- that even though the eunuchs have all been slain, their goal to see Xian on the throne is reallized by Dong Zhuo. I suppose corrupt minds think alike. » Ultima -- Thats sick!! -- He told Empress He to take off her royal dress since her son isn't emeperor anymore!?!? Man just let her keep it on for god sakes!! That sick messed up man » Kelpie -- Empress He -- I think when it says Dong Zhou made Empress He strip off her royal dress, it means simply she could no longer wear her royal clothing and was forced to dress more simply. » SkyAnimal -- Emperor's clothes -- When you realize the outfits these people wore were layers of clothes, the royal garment is simply a mantle worn over the shoulders. The request for her to strip is a symbolic gesture, that done before the crowd is meant to drive home the idea that she is removed from power. » Shokyo -- Basically Dong Zhuo's very rude.
19 One minister put his discontent into words, crying, "The false Dong Zhuo is the author of this insult, which I will risk my life to wipe away!"	» fallon -- aahhh the infamous -- It would seem to me, as to liken this paragraph to modern day movies, that when one is intent upon the death of another, that one should do first talk later. screaming your intent and then charging never seems to have a very good effect.
20 And with this he rushed at Dong Zhuo threatening with his ivory baton of office.
21 It was Chair of the Secretariat Ding Guan. Dong Zhuo had Ding Guan removed and summarily put to death. Before his death, Ding Guan ceased not to rail at the oppressor, nor was he frightened at death.	» darkknight -- relations -- is he related to Ding Yuan. » Explainer -- If the book does not say it, nor hint it, maybe they are not related. » Diabolos -- courageous -- Well, he sure was brave
22 The rebel Dong Zhuo conceived the foul design To thrust the King aside and wrong his line. With folded arms the courtiers stood, save one Ding Guan, who dared to cry that wrong was done.
23 Then the emperor designate, Prince of Chenliu, went to the upper part of the hall to receive congratulations. After this the former Emperor---now Prince of Hongnong---, his mother, and the Imperial Consort, Lady Tang, were removed to the Palace of Forever Calm. The entrance gates were locked against all comers.	» Explainer -- post -- Palace of Forever Calm is a feature of Chinese dynasties. It could be any palace within the Forbidden City (the palace complex of the emperor) or even outside. Those who lived in the Palace of Forever Calm were, in effect, under house arrest. It was also usually the place where an emperor’s consorts, who were out of favor, spent the rest of their lives. The number of such palaces varied from time to time.
24 It was pitiful! There was the young emperor, after reigning less than half a year, deposed and another put in his place. The new Emperor was Liu Xian, the second son of the late Emperor Ling. He was nine years of age, five years younger than his deposed brother. The new reign-style was changed to Inauguration of Tranquillity, the first year (AD 190).	» _Sam B. -- Pitiful -- Pitiful doesn't seem like the right word for this. The word should be disgraceful. BTW, is this new ruler the child emperor that the DW3 mentions in the preview? » _Mujdamasta -- inaugration of tranquillity -- what's 'inaugration of tranquility'? some sort of system of rule, or something? » _Kazar Yoran -- post -- Kazar Yoran- I think it's just the name of the era, like we call different time periods the renaissance, the middle ages, and whatnot, they just have ames for shorter periods of time. » _anonymous -- post -- You see, in ancient China the calendar was restarted as a new age with each Dynasty and it is called the inaugration of tranquility like an inaugration of an US president.
25 Becoming the Prime Minister, Dong Zhuo was most powerful and arrogant. When he bowed before the throne, he did not declare his name. In going to court he did not hasten. Booted and armed he entered the reception halls. He amassed a wealth exceeding any other's.	» MaChaChao -- Dong Zhou -- I think powerful and arrogant is putting it mildly.
26 His adviser, Li Ru, impressed upon Dong Zhuo constantly to employ people of reputation so that he should gain public esteem. Therefore, Dong Zhuo restored many offices of those who had been victims of the eunuchs. For those who had died, he gave ranks and positions to their progeny. When they told him Cai Yong was a man of talent, Dong Zhuo summoned him. But Cai Yong would not go. Dong Zhuo sent a message to him that if he did not come, he and his whole clan should be exterminated. Then Cai Yong gave in and appeared. Dong Zhuo was very gracious to him and promoted him thrice in a month. Cai Yong became Court Counselor. Such was the generosity of the Prime Minister.	» _Deruki -- Somehow, generosity doesn't seem an apt term for him, to me at least. » _Shige -- "Generosity" -- I think that may be an ironic statement more than anything... although, saying that, three promotions sounds pretty generous to me, no matter what the motivation behind it. » moogles -- Simply expanding on Shige's post... -- The irony in the statement is likely because his generosity is purely motivated by ambition. The paragraph makes it sound as though he was only generous because Li Ru told him his "generous" acts would gain him public support. The author may have been trying to impress that even in his good and generous acts his own greed was the only motivation. » moogie -- Writing device -- The author's use of irony in the passage amplifies the reader's emotions, in this case, hatred towards Dong Zhuo. (P.S. I'm not the same person as moogles above.)
27 Meanwhile the deposed ruler, his mother, and his consort were immured in the Palace of Forever Calm and found their daily supplies gradually diminishing. The deposed Emperor wept incessantly. One day a pair of swallows gliding to and fro moved him to verse:
28 "Spring and the green of the tender grass, Flushes with joy as the swallows pass; The wayfarers pause by the rippling stream, And their eyes will new born gladness gleam; With lingering gaze the roofs I see Of the Palace that one time sheltered me. But those whom I sheltered in all righteousness, Let's not stay in silence when the days pass useless?"	» moogie -- a question -- I would assume ROTK was first written in Chinese. Would it also ryhme like the passage? » Explainer -- It should rhyme in Chinese. -- Chinese poems often follow strict writing rules. But we must remember this: What rhyme in one dialect does not mean they will rhyme in another dialect. The characters are the same, but the pronunciations differ. Hence, poetry is not only difficult to translate, it is also difficult to adapt to different dialects. Basically, loosely translated poems sound better than closely translated poems. An example is this poem.
29 The messenger, sent by Dong Zhuo from time to time to the palace for news of the prisoners, got hold of this poem and showed it to his master.
30 "So he shows his resentment by writing poems, eh! A fair excuse to put them all out of the way," said Dong Zhuo.	» _Deruki -- Thought I'd point this out as a backup to my dislike of Dong Zhuo. -- Koei games aside, he isn't a exactly loveable. » SleepingDragon -- Well -- I quite frankly admire his... uhhh... way of thinking. I wish I could be more ambitious... » Super Dian Wei -- More ambitious?! -- He controls the emporer. What else do you want from him. » DSPaul -- I know angst-ridden teenage poetry can be painful... -- but isn't execution a bit excessive? » CaoCaoForever -- Uh... -- there are two things that confuse me. One, so it's saying that if you write poetry against someone as a way to release frustration and anger, you get executed? And two, what the heck is angst?!?! » LiaoHua -- Execution -- Back then there was no freedom of speech, so people could get punished for something like this, so people wouldn't rebel against the person in power. As for angst I have no idea... » JiaGai -- Angst -- (ängkst) n. A feeling of anxiety or apprehension often accompanied by depression. A favorite emotion of moody and whiny teenagers. Oh, and goths. » dgr81 -- however this isn't normal whiny teenage angst poetry. -- it's pretty good allusional poetry. » fallon -- treason -- i would think now that he has been removed and is no longer emperor and his mother too stripped of rank that writing of their discontent would be in a way committing treason upon the new emperor, and therefore giving Dong a reason to finish them off. And there's also the small detail that since they were deposed Dong Zhuo is now considerably higher in rank and station than them. but you can't blame the kid, to be deposed from emperor then being locked away, must have seemed almost like the world has ended.
31 Li Ru was sent with ten men into the palace to consummate the deed. The three were in one of the upper rooms when Li Ru arrived. The Emperor shuddered when the maid announced the visitor's name.	» iamnick -- friends -- maybe i was looking at it wrong, but when Bian and Xian had escaped from the eunuchs and were going to the farm, it struck me that the two of them were like friends. Also, Xian did call him a brother, and even though by blood they were, it seemed to me that he meant it as a friend too. Maybe i was just hoping to see it that way, or maybe it was just because of the fact that they were both in danger of their lives, and so they clung to each other. If they were though, then this is made even more tradgic... two brothers that were happy where they were, and then Dong Zhuo comes with his own plans and kills one so that the other one could gain power, when it seemed he was content just being a prince. » Patricoo -- I doubt Dong Z really cared what happened to them. -- I bet he thought of them as disposable. Never really caring what they wanted. You make a good point though. Maybe they would have worked well together had it not been for this evil man.
32 Presently Li Ru entered and offered a cup of poisoned wine to the Emperor. The Emperor asked what this meant.
33 "Spring is the season of blending and harmonious interchange, and the Prime Minister sends a wine cup of longevity," said Li Ru.
34 "If it be the wine of longevity, you may share it too," said Empress He.	» darkknight -- He family -- She's smart considering she's related to He Jin » SkyAnimal -- Women rule the world -- Well, they are so intelligent, if allowed to excersize that. It just gets to people when a woman becomes more than a servant, and has some brains and ambition of her own. The other thing is that a woman's place correlates with the man in her life. So the Empress needs her son to be alive and well.
35 Then Li Ru became brutally frank.
36 "You will not drink?" asked he.
37 He called the men with daggers and cords and bade the Emperor look at them.
38 "The cup, or these?" said he.
39 Then said Lady Tang, "Let the handmaid drink in place of her lord. Spare the mother and her son, I pray!"	» guanping -- trade -- one maid for a scheming former empress and an former emperor whom rebels will rally round. Not going to work...
40 "And who may you be to die for a prince?" said Li Ru.
41 Then he presented the cup to the Empress once more and bade her drink.
42 She railed against her brother, the feckless He Jin, the author of all this trouble. She would not drink.	» darkknight -- Empress He -- That's it! Blame it on the dead guy. » Solace -- Well in her defense -- If He Jin had listened to Lu Zhi and not invited Dong Zhuo to the capital, his relatives would not be about to die. » guanping -- She was involved though and mucked up some plans of He Jin -- she wouldn't give He Jin permission to destroy the eunuchs and lead him to his death... » JohnnyBlood -- Stupid empress... -- Blame He Jin, sure. You're the one who wouldn't let him kill the Eunuchs in the first place. » Tiamatty -- I blame the Swiss. It's Switzerland's fault. Damned Swiss. -- Besides, what's wrong with her blaming He Jin? It's not like the guy could've come up with a good defense even if he was alive. He Jin: "Uh, those guys told me to do it." Empress He: "And if they told you to jump off a cliff, would you do that, too?" He Jin: "Jump off a cliff? Sounds like a good idea to me. I'll be right back." So, in closing, He Jin's best moment is having his head chucked over a wall.
43 Next Li Ru approached the Emperor.
44 "Let me say farewell to my mother," begged he, and he did so in these lines:
45 "The heaven and earth are changed, Alas! the sun and the moon leave their courses, I, once the center of all eyes, am driven to the farthest confines, Oppressed by an arrogant minister my life nears its end, Everything fails me and vain are my falling tears."	» _Morter -- Wow -- Thats a gifted 9 year old... » _TheNovak -- Liu Bian's age -- Actually, it says in paragraphg 24 that the new Emporer (Liu Xian) is 9 -- five years younger than the deposed Liu Bian. Still, he was a pretty gifted 14-year-old :-D » SkyAnimal -- Poetry -- Because all the young emperor would have been doing is studying poetry and reflecting in his many gardens and such. Essentially, he would have been given tons of intellectual material, the sign of learning and status.
46 Lady Tang sang:
47 "Heaven is to be rent asunder, Earth to fall away, I, handmaid of an emperor, would grieve if I followed him not. We have come to the parting of ways, the quick and the dead walk not together; Alas! I am left alone with the grief in my heart."
48 When they had sung these lines, they fell weeping into each others' arms.
49 "The Prime Minister is awaiting my report," said Li Ru, "and you delay too long. Think you that there is any hope of succor?"	» robert -- Wow... so kind. -- Nevermind that they're about to die. Li Ru is basically saying, "Hurry up, you two, I have a schedule here!" If I knew nothing else about him, that alone would be enough. honorless bastard. » darkknight -- he's not honorless, just busy » JiaGai -- No, Li Ru is a ruthless bastard. -- He has a job to do and doesn't want to waste time exchanging words when he has no intention of showing mercy, so he speeds things along. He's... not a terribly nice guy. » Manji -- Ching Ching -- You know what they say, time is money! » Patricoo -- it's his job. -- Li Ru is never evil, but a smart man. He is evil when need be, and vice versa. He is one of the best advisors in the entire story. » chrisdalby -- Sorry patricoo -- Li Ru is evil. He is ruthless and pitiless. He is very smart but so were many others. Li Ru is Dong Zhuo's evil right hand man.
50 The Empress broke into another fit of railing, "The rebel forces us to death, mother and son, and Heaven has abandoned us. But you, the tool of his crime, will assuredly perish!"
51 Thereupon Li Ru grew more angry, laid hands on the Empress and threw her out of the window. Then he bade the soldiers strangle Lady Tang and forced the lad to swallow the wine of death.	» Da Qiao worshipper -- Throw the Empress out the window -- Really! this is the second time someone has thrown some woman out the window! this is hilarious, but kinda odd. » _me -- very funny yes but also very cartoonic » beefyolafboy -- jeez....... -- didn't kno li ru could be so cruel » SleepingDragon -- Li Ru's utter coolness -- Cut him some slack! So far Li Ru has been the only decent strategist around (I've only read this far)... » drunkmastrZhangFei -- Funny -- Li Ru was a great strategist, probably the only one I like of Dong Zhou's court, I even don't like Lu Bu, probably because of my morals again... » darkknight -- Out tha window -- you've gotta give him 10 out of 10 for originality » Koren -- Damn it! -- The only decent strategist I've read so far just lost my respect for him by throwing a woman out the window. That's just great...... » XiaoQaio -- Death -- Geez.. couldn't they have picked a more peaceful death? » Shokyo -- Apparently not o.o » atomicwillie -- decent strategist hahaha -- how is he "decent strategist" if hes chuckin chicks out windows? that womanizer. » JiaGai -- Eh... what does throwing women out windows have to do with womanizing? -- To be a womanizer, one would have to philander and use women to gratify sexual desires. Li Ru is merely offing the former empress, not bagging her. » Super Dian Wei -- uh... banging is the word, my sex-depraved friend.... not bagging.... HARHARHAR! » WUuuu -- LMAO -- and how do you know he is sex-depraved, friend? HoHo » Super Dian Wei -- ...Because he didn't even know the use of the word "banging"... duh. » JiaGai -- I know what "banging" means. -- However, I intentionally said "bagging." To "bag a chick" is pretty much to get her in bed with you. It's probably slang older than you're used to seeing, but it's accurate. » Super Dian Wei -- ............I hate you so much. So very, very, much. » lordhuangzhong -- super dian wei is 10 years old he told me » Ragnarok -- That's rich.... -- Coming from someone who can't grasp the use of capital letters. » Thwart -- Li Ru just showed a cruel side -- He chucks a women out the window, then strangles another, and finally forces the emporer to drink poisoned wine. Couldn't he just stab them all and make it quick for them? » TheYellowDwarf -- Emperor Xian -- Sigh... How many empresses and concubines died for Emperor Xian...
52 Li Ru reported the achievement to his master who bade them bury the victims without the city. After this Dong Zhuo's behavior was more atrocious than before. He spent his nights in the Palace, defiled the imperial concubines there, and even slept on the Dragon Couch.	» _Fainal -- Dragon Couch? -- Hi, i'm not a great studier of history so i don't know much, but what is the Dragon Couch? and why is it so important? » _watermelon -- dragon couch -- It's the couch where the Emperor sleeps. » Super Dian Wei -- Defiled? -- That's an interesting choice of word. » Shokyo -- Imperial concubines? -- Is that like posh mistresses? Royal hand maidens? » JiaGai -- All the women in the Emperor's harem. -- I can imagine it now "Hey, kiddo, I'ma gonna sleep with your women tonight, got any complaints? No? I didn't think so. <insert evil laughter here>" » Solace -- Well the emperor was only nine years old -- it's not like he had any use for the imperial concubines. » Super Dian Wei -- Oh, I think he used em all right. » Seraph -- Lol -- Gettin' some nine year old action? Maybe not... anyway, I think the dragon couch is simply called that because emporers are associated with dragons, which are supposed to be noble and wise... or something like that. » Shokyo -- And we have yet ANOTHER example of how Dong Zhuo is a class A nob cheese. » Seraph -- yeah, hes a jackass » Ultima -- Damn -- So he did the emperors girlz... thats just so wrong!! » Rahonavis -- Imperial Harem -- An emperor regardless of age must have handmaidens (Ladies-in-Wait) whether he can use them or not, they are his to do as his pleases. Dong Zhou saw to it that these Ladies-in-Wait serve their purpose. Hell, it's like letting good liquor go to waste. Since the young 9 year old can't use them... just yet, Dong Zhou decided he'd check them out. » nlink -- Haha, that's a very interesting viewpoint. -- Dong Zhuo was simply trying to "help" the Emperor use his resources wisely. He was being economical by not letting these ladies go to waste, not at all lusty or anything like that. » Shokyo -- The point is, the concubines are the emperor's people... -- So defiling the imperial concubines is a terrible crime. » nlink -- Yeah, that's obvious. -- Only joking around. Besides, what else would we expect of a guy like Dong Zhuo. » Rahonavis -- Lusty Dong Zhou -- It's also his way to showing off and saying, "I'm so great that I can do as I please. So what if it's the emperor's concubines." His blatant disregard of anything and anyone is what makes him such a badass. » DragonAtma -- Imperial Concubines... -- Be nice! In a few years they're scheduled to be Xian's hands-on sex ed teachers! ;) » JiaGai -- Badass? Questionable. -- Asshole? Definitely. » darkknight -- shokyo -- what region of england do you live in, cos at my school we all say nob cheese » Shokyo -- I was born in Berkshire, but I've lived in Devon for five years. » darkknight -- i live in hertfordshire, near london » toocold -- um... question -- i'm not down with all that crazy english slang, so what exactly is a "nob cheese"? » Shokyo -- Just a general insult. -- If you're me anyway. » darkknight -- nob cheese -- just a funny thing to call someone » WuTugu -- hahaha -- yeah, they said some pretty funny words then » Pluvius -- Knob cheese (n.) -- Slang for "semen." (And yes, that is the proper way to spell it. Americans sometimes use it too.) » Thwart -- Never heard knob cheese before -- I just call it jizz or jizm » Yunsung -- Can we... change the subject? -- Anyway, back to the topic. The Dragon couch was a ceremonial bed, reserved only for the Emperor. Usually, if anyone but him or his partner for the night slept on it, they were subjected to death. Sleeping with the concubines was also a capital offense, because anything the Emperor touched was considered sacred. So, Zhuo was getting frisky with goddesses, basically. » guanping -- I can't see why Xian was upset. Most of his life, well from Cao Pi onwards, ok I understand. -- but he had several women at his beck and call. I could live with that. I'm guessing that Dong obeyed orders in battle or from people he respected but genrally went straight for what he thought was best, rules or no rules. » Stylonious -- me too -- i could definitely live with that... no questions asked...
53 Once he led his soldiers out of the city to Yangcheng when the villagers, men and women, were assembled from all sides for the annual spring festival. His troops surrounded the place and plundered it. They took away booty by the cart loads, and women prisoners and more than one thousand severed heads. The procession returned to Capital Luoyang and published a story that they had obtained a great victory over some rebels. They burned the heads beneath the walls, and the women and jewelry were shared out among the soldiers.	» Ultima -- OMG!! -- I am really getting tired of how Dong Zhuo did this to women!! I can't get started on tellin ya how much I hate rape and bastards who do stuff like Dong does » LordSunQuan -- yes me too -- i also hate the thought of a man like Dong Zhuo do that to a bunch of women, but he is a nasty bastard though » Koren -- eeewww damn it!! why doesn't someone bribe Lu Bu to shoot this sicko » LiaoHua -- Dong Zhuo -- Usurper, Tyrant, Jackass, and now rapist?!? Man, I'm hating this guy more with every paragraph » iamnick -- I couldn't agree more with you LiaoHua. This guy is a fuck. » MaxBrains -- Any kind men among them? -- The women were shared to the soldiers. I would think at least one or a few would opt to release the women "given" to them back to Yangcheng? Or would their superiors forbid that? » HeroOfChaos -- Dong Zhuo -- I can't find enough words to describe him: dipshit, fucktard, you name it; the only good thing about his presence is that he makes the story go forward. » Tiamatty -- He had plenty of good qualities if you served him. -- Good pay, easy rewards, women to rape... Being a soldier in Dong Zhuo's army definitely had its perks. » chrisdalby -- Dear God! -- I think Dong Zhuo is being portrayed more and more and more and more of a sicko so that when he finally gets it in the neck, you go collectively YAAAAAAAAAAAAY! But yes, you can understand why his army liked being in his army.
54 A general named Wu Fu was disgusted at this ferocity and sought a chance to slay Dong Zhuo. Wu Fu constantly wore a breastplate underneath his court dress and carried in conceal a sharp dagger. One day when Dong Zhuo came to court, Wu Fu met him on the steps and tried to stab him. But Dong Zhuo was a very powerful man and held Wu Fu off till Lu Bu came to his help. Lu Bu struck down the assailant.	» _Zhou yu -- powerful?? -- when they say powerful i am assuming he was a husky man not one great strength like zhang fei or lu bu, I assume this because i see very few images of dong zhuo that haven't been done by koei. I add that koei does a great job of portraying people » _lNegativel -- re:powerful -- I'm guessing that Dong Zhuo was at the top of the steps so he did not have to put a lot of effort into overpowering Wu Fu. I guess he crushed Wu Fu because Wu Fu would have to work uphill. Even though it's 3 ft, there is a difference. » Yorak -- Dong Zhuo's strength -- I dunno. Keep in mind that he was a general, and formerly had a post on the frontier, dealing with rather fierce tribes. Later, even Lu Bu himself seems hesitant to fight with him. He may well have had a great deal of physical strength. » Solace -- Just because the dude was fat doesn't mean he wasn't strong -- he could have been like a sumo wrestler. » darkknight -- dong zhuo -- i've been on this site where all the charachters get fighting, intelligence, honor... and dong zhuo got 70 war, which is almost as good as zhou yu, lu meng and ma dai. » XiaoQaio -- Failed Attempt -- sulk... sulk... I wanted to see Dong Zhuo die already... » DragonAtma -- strength -- Strong or not, would you want to be holding up a 300-pound (and that's most likely an underestimate) man while trying to stab him?
55 "Who told you to rebel?" said Dong Zhuo.
56 Wu Fu glared at him and cried, "You are not my prince, I am not your minister: Where is the rebellion? Your crimes fill the heavens, and every person would slay you. I am sorry I cannot tear you asunder with chariots to appease the wrath of the world!"	» guanping -- nice reply by Wu Fu
57 Dong Zhuo bade the guards take him out and hack him to pieces. Wu Fu only ceased railing as he ceased to live.
58 That loyal servant of the latter days of Han. His valor was high as the heavens, in all ages unequaled; In the court itself would he slay the rebel, great is his fame! Throughout all time will people call him a hero.
59 Thereafter Dong Zhuo always went well guarded.	» _Darklord -- aha! -- so the bastard is a coward! he was so afraid of one attack that he had to go heavily guarded? wat a retard » SleepingDragon -- What the... -- Ok... how about this, Mr. Darklord face... one assailant... can turn into two... then three... then next thing ya know you gotta another Yellow Scarf / turban / bandana / whatever rebellion. Dong Zhou was looking out for his own needs... that's what a leader does. » Super Dian Wei -- You could say he's doing it for his followers. -- If he were killed, where would they go, and who would they look up to? I'm just kidding... he's a swine. In order to truly make the big Dong suffer in the underworld, I believe we have to criticize him at every turn. While what you say is obviously a good reason, and anybody else WOULD do the same, we are just pouring salt on the dead guy. » Speaker -- Put yourself in his position. -- He was almost killed so he would, of course, increase his guard. You would do the same. » Super Dian Wei -- I understand that. But the masses of people in this book HATE the man. -- While I could sympathise with what he is doing, I too am a member of the masses, and I do not see this as an issue that I feel strongly about, so like a member of the masses, I have decided to take cheap shots like everyone else. Speaker, You present an obvious arguement, but Dong Zhuo IS evil, and he deserves all the abuse he is now getting. So therefore, let the verbal beatings continue! » Speaker -- Indeed, Dong Zhou did horrible acts... -- and I have no problem with everyone's "verbal beatings." However, increasing his guard is an act that anyone in his position would do. There is no need to call him a "retard" or "swine" for simply doing that. If you want to critize him, do it for a better reason, such as his countless amounts of murders! » Shokyo -- I agree with Speaker and Sleepy Dragon. -- Anyone would protect himself and there are plenty of opportunities to insult him. » Koren -- Hmm he's evil but he isn't an idiot. -- I'll give him if you can throw the entire land in chaos you have to be pretty smart.... uh wait a second he's dumb. the smart one is his stradegist » moogie -- lol -- Dong Zhuo is anything but smart. Anybody who challenges him intellectually, he, like a brute, chops their heads off. » Shokyo -- You're right in saying he's not a big fan of the intellectual approach... -- but he is quite smart. He's not exactly a genius, but he knows when to start taking guards with him everywhere. » darkknight -- i would have guards if i was a target -- and everyone had guards, he just increased his. he was smart, but only got that far, because of Li Ru » Pluvius -- Yeah, Dong Zhuo did become pretty powerful -- but he would've died a long time ago with nothing if not for Li Ru. Li Ru was the brains behind the operation, while all Dong Zhuo was good at doing was having people put to death and defiling the concubines. Of course, that's not necessarily an insult. As Gordie Howe said when asked why he wore a cup but not a helmet, "I can always get someone to do my thinking for me." » iamnick -- Slanted -- This book is slanted, and as such, maybe the atrosicities are exagerated? After playing the games i disliked him, and having read this i hate him even more. He is like all of the Eunuchs put into one person. However, is it possible that the writer needed to blame someone for the destruction of the han, and as such, decided to turn Dong Zhuo in too such a demon? I hope not, i love hating Dong Zhuo, but it's just a thought. » fallon -- Hmmm, I really have not read anything that has seemed to make Dong Zhuo dumb. -- true he has done things that would look dumb to us, but you must realize that we are seeing the big picture, Dong Zhuo is only seeing his part of it, he's not the one reading the story. as for Li Ru doing everything, i disagree. There are many times where Li Ru simply Enhances or touches up so to speak Dong Zhuo's Ideas. true Li Ru is a very smart man, more intelligent than Dong, but then again Liu Bei, Cao Cao, Sun Jian, hell every leader i've seen so far had an advisor. it does not mean Dong Zhuo is stupid because his advisor comes up with all these great ideas. it means to me that he was very smart in just the simple fact that he employed Li Ru amongst other things, evil, cruel, barbaric, not stupid, i really don't believe he ever could have got where he is if he was slow.
60 At Bohai, Yuan Shao heard of Dong Zhuo's misuse of power and sent a secret letter to Minister of the Interior Wang Yun:
61 "That rebel Dong Zhuo outrages Heaven and has deposed his ruler. Common people dare not speak of him: That is understandable. Yet you suffer his aggressions as if you knew naught of them. How then are you a dutiful and loyal minister? I have assembled an army and desire to sweep clean the royal habitation, but I dare not lightly begin the task. If you are willing, then find an opportunity to plot against this man. If you would use force, I am at your command."	» Tiamatty -- So much for reconciliation -- Yeah, looks like giving Yuan Shao a post hasn't helped Zhuo any. All it did was give him an opportunity to build an army. And you people accuse Li Ru of being a great strategist. He dropped the ball on this one! » guanping -- If he had killed Yuan Shao, what would have happpend? » Tiamatty -- Potentially, it could've made Dong's rule rock-solid. -- Without Yuan Shao, would the coalition ever have lifted off the ground? It could also, however, have angered even more people, leading to Dong Zhuo having to kill more people, making more enemies...
62 The letter arrived but Wang Yun could see no chance to plot against Dong Zhuo.
63 One day while among the throng in attendance, mostly people of long service, Wang Yun said to his colleagues, "This is my birthday, I pray you come to a little party in my humble cot this evening."
64 "We certainly will," they cried, "and wish you long life."
65 That night the tables were spread in an inner room, and his friends gathered there. When the wine had made a few rounds, the host suddenly covered his face and began to weep.
66 The guests were aghast.
67 "Sir, on your birthday too, why do you weep?" said they.	» DSPaul -- Birthday -- It's my party and I'll cry if I wanna, cry if I wanna, cry if I wanna... » guanping -- lol » XiaoQaio -- Aww.... boo frickety hoo!
68 "It is not my birthday," replied Wang Yun. "But I wished to call you together, and I feared lest Dong Zhuo should suspect, so I made that the excuse. This man insults the Emperor and does as he wishes so that the imperial prerogatives are in imminent peril. I think of the days when our illustrious founder destroyed the Qin, annihilated Chu, and obtained the empire. Who could have foreseen this day when that Dong Zhuo has subjugated all to his will? That is why I weep."	» Drunken Master -- not your birthday? -- Awww, man, and I got you that awesome spear and the new consorts and I was so ready for cake, man! Not your birthday... » TomMurch -- I'm glad I kept the receipt for this new crown... or maybe I'll keep it for myself.
69 Then they all wept with him.	» Banedon -- bunch of wussies » Ultima -- lol -- lol man come on if you were servin a man like that and couldn't do or say anything wrong to him without gettin your girl thrown out the window (lol) or just put to death, you would cry. plus he be doin all them virgins so no ass for you, then i would really cry badly » Patricoo -- This happens alot. Someone says something sad and everyone breaks down.
70 Seated among the guests, however, was Cao Cao, who did not join in the weeping but clapped his hands and laughed aloud.	» SkyAnimal -- Yay Cao Cao! -- "Where you guys see doom, I see opportunity!" For some reason, I'm seeing Cao Cao like Skeletor in the (new) He-man cartoons. » HeroOfChaos -- There are no good or bad people -- In this book everyone fights for what they believe in; the only real villain I can think of is Dong Zhuo, I don't remember him doing anything good, only things to hurt people and/or for his own pleasure. » Tiamatty -- By the power of Grey-Skull! -- I have the power! I used to love He-Man. I'm glad it's back. it was always an awesome series. And Dong Zhuo thought he was doing good in his mind. We think of him as an evil tyrant, oppressing the people, but he likely believed he was helping by restoring peace to the land and replacing an ineffectual Emperor with a brilliant young one. » IloveNDfootball -- Just wait for the real hero of this novel, the mighty HE-MAN
71 "If all the officers of the government weep till dawn, and from dawn weep till dark, will that slay Dong Zhuo?" said Cao Cao.	» _Notorious -- Cao Cao seen here as a man of "Action". -- He does not dwell in his emotion. It's a very interesting character that even among same ranked people, Cao Cao does not show what he is feeling. » RoninDragon -- post -- Cao Cao in this passage is basically just showing that he's a leader, in my opinion. It's not that he's not showing what he's feeling, but he is making an attempt to drive them to action. » Brother Dun -- Cao Cao -- I think that this just shows that Cao Cao is the best leader in this time period. He is still young at this time, and his words stir the heart, and he is a man of action who will not let tyranny reign. That is, at this time.... » _Wu Han Tian -- Cao Cao -- I think this quote describes Cao Cao to the letter : "In peace you are an able subject; in chaos you are a crafty hero!" --from chapter 1 » Super Dian Wei -- Cao Cao -- I think it's rather fitting that Cao Cao, the one in the book represented as bad (though I do not feel that way) is laughing at other guys crying. » Koren -- Go Cao Cao get them to kill Dong Zhuo » DragonAtma -- Cao Cao is interesting.... -- It seems as if he's actually a good guy at the beginning, but gets slowly corrupted by ambition and/or power. » RoninDragon -- Corrupted? -- He wasn't corrupted, he was just playing on the opportunities presented him, as was his nature being a "Crafty Hero." » chrisdalby -- How come Cao Cao never ever takes initiative on his own? -- Against the eunuchs, he waited for Yuan Shao to lead the way. For He Jin, he supported him but ended up masterless. And now Wang Yun starts the ball rolling. DUH!
72 Wang Yun turned on him angrily.
73 "Your forbears ate the bounty of the Hans. Do you feel no gratitude? You can laugh?"	» SkyAnimal -- Cao Cao was raised by a eunuch. » iamnick -- but... -- But in chapter 1, p 76, it says "He was Cao Cao, a Beijuo man, holding the rank of Cavalry Commander. His father was Cao Song, but he was not really a Cao. Cao Song had been born to the Xiahou family, but he had been brought up by Eunuch Cao Teng and had taken this family name." Doesn't this say that his father was adopted by the Eunuch Cao Teng, and that Cao Cao was born with the name Cao? » HeroOfChaos -- thats right -- sky animal made an error here. » TsaoWei -- You're kidding? -- I seriously went through my entire book thinking he had been raised by a eunuch.
74 "I laughed at the absurdity of an assembly like this being unable to compass the death of one man. Foolish and incapable as I am, I will cut off his head and hang it at the gate as an offering to the people."	» SkyAnimal -- Describing self -- Cao Cao displays the qualities of an advisor, a warrior, and a leader. He displays many admirable qualities. This passage illustrates himself rather well.
75 Wang Yun left his seat and went over to Cao Cao.
76 "These later days," Cao Cao continued, "I have bowed my head to Dong Zhuo with the sole desire of finding a chance to destroy him. Now he begins to trust me, and so I can approach him sometimes. You have a sword with seven precious jewels which I would borrow, and I will go into his palace and kill him. I care not if I die for it."	» Notorious -- Cao Cao demonstrate braveness as a General that want to uproot corruption. -- As before this, I was not a fan of Cao Cao and regard him as rebel but here I am captured by him saying "I don't care if I die". He seem to have a heart after all despite his mask of showing emotions. » _Kev Yu -- Cao Cao -- Cao Cao has a notorious reputation which many agree with, but he also has a reputation of great leadership, courage and ambition. » drunkmastrZhangFei -- Cao Cao's Honor -- I believe Cao Cao has great honor, his leadership is phenomenal. I believe there's more to Cao Cao than most people give him credit for. » Koren -- Cao Cao -- the start of Cao Cao's legacy » darkknight -- in SGZ (wei biased) -- cao cao is the good guy and liu bei bad. the battle of chang ban would be like cao cao, trying to save all those people and liu bei and the evil zhuge liang trying to lure him into a trap » RoboSSS -- Cao was somewhat ambiguous -- He'll have moments where he shows his bravery, skill, intelligence and compassion and others where he shows his selfishness, malice and paranoia. I guess it's up to individuals how they decide to look upon Cao Cao (though I can personally see why some choose not to like him :P (not to give anything away)) » JohnnyBlood -- SGZ -- darkknight, incorrect. The SGZ (San Guo Zhi), is not Wei bias, but Historically correct. » JiaGai -- Can you say that with absolute certainty? -- Historical accounts are always biased, somehow. There are reasons why historians research many different sources when trying to determine fact. Each writer has his own slant on events and people. The SGZ is the closest thing we have to historical fact on the Three Kingdoms era, but because it's basically the only factual source, no one can say for sure how biased it really is. » laughlin -- History and Bias -- It's true that histories are more reliable sources of information because their authors intended to get at the truth, but this does not and cannot eliminate bias (nor is bias necessarily a bad thing). Chinese history in particular tends to be biased toward who the author thought was "righteous." In the case of official histories, which were usually written in the dynasty following the one depicted, tended to put everything in a light that made their own conquest look just and inevitable. I talk about this in a 20th century context in my _Chinese Reportage: The Aesthetics of Historical Experience_ (Duke, 2002).
77 "What good fortune for the world that this is so!" said Wang Yun.
78 With this Wang Yun himself poured out a goblet for Cao Cao who drained it and swore an oath. After this the treasured sword was brought out and given to Cao Cao who hid it under his dress. He finished his wine, took leave of the guests, and left the hall. Before long the others dispersed.	» blackdagger -- Dutch Courage -- Could cao cao have drunk so much that he had no idea what he was saying? I mean it was noble and everything, but its already been said dong Zhuo had body guards around at all times, and cao cao would have known that. One against 4, 5+ including Lu Bu? he wouldn't get close...
79 The next day Cao Cao, with this short sword girded on, came to the palace of the Prime Minister.
80 "Where is the Prime Minister?" asked he.
81 "In the small guest room," replied the attendants.
82 So Cao Cao went in and found his host seated on a couch. Lu Bu was at his side.
83 "Why so late, Cao Cao?" said Dong Zhuo.
84 "My horse is out of condition and slow," replied Cao Cao.
85 Dong Zhuo turned to his henchman Lu Bu.
86 "Some good horses have come in from the west. You go and pick out a good one as a present for him."	» SkyAnimal -- Lu Bu has shown he has a good eye for horses. » Shokyo -- And archery. -- It was one of the things he was famous for. » Thwart -- That is what was confusing -- I first knew Lu Bu was an awesome archer. It should be what he was famous for. But he is potrayed with his halberd all the time. » HeroOfChaos -- You will see later an amazing display of his archery skill. Don't worry.
87 And Lu Bu left.
88 "This traitor is doomed!" thought Cao Cao. He ought to have struck then, but Cao Cao knew Dong Zhuo was very powerful, and he was afraid to act. He wanted to make sure of his blow.	» Notorious -- post -- I wonder whether Cao Cao really thought that as we know not everything in this Romance is fact. But I thought Cao Cao is also tough General (in Games...), what is he to be afraid of ? » _mujdamasta -- at the time it was required for all generals to have some skills at fighting... -- but i think Cao Cao was more the scheming sort :) » _KeeruuHiroshi -- I think he wants a chance to strike a mortal wound... -- because he probably wouldnt be able to have a second chance » dgr81 -- hey, even lu bu was afraid of the sight of a halberd-twirling dong zhuo. -- anyway cao is not reknowned for his courage. » Brother Dun -- Cao Cao is very courageous. -- But, as was said earlier, he wants to be sure of his strike. If it was not a mortal wound at that moment, he knew he would not get another chance, for Dong Zhuo was a very strong man, which is why he was able to out last Wu Fu. So, he is going to get as sure a swing as possible. » Nosyt -- Lu Bu -- I would be paranoid also if Lu Bu has recently left the room. Yes he had been told to go to the stables but he may have stayed outside to keep a watchful eye on Dong. » ManicManchu -- how to kill dong -- if I was CaoCao, I would have got Dong Zhuo drunk. then, when he is passed out, I would throttle him in his sleep... » HeroOfChaos -- Impossible -- Cao Cao had to act fast because Lu Bu could come back anytime.
89 Now Dong Zhuo's corpulence was such that he could not remain long sitting, so he rolled over couch and lay face inwards.
90 "Now is the time," thought the assassin, and he gripped the good sword firmly.	» Koren -- Kill Him! » guanping -- Go Cao Cao Go Cao Cao
91 But just as Cao Cao was going to strike, Dong Zhuo happened to look up and in a mirror he saw the reflection of Cao Cao behind him with a sword in the hand.	» atomicwillie -- mirrior mirror on the wall -- whos that guy behind me whos gona decapitate me and make my corrupt empire fall? » guanping -- Unlucky Cao Cao -- Intresting to see Cao Cao being cautoius but would it have been bettr to have hit once to injure then go for a second shot?
92 "What are you doing, Cao Cao?" said Dong Zhuo turning suddenly. And at that moment Lu Bu came along leading a horse.	» darkknight -- time check -- Cao Cao and Dong Zhuo must have been moving very slow if Lu Bu came back with a horse before Cao Cao could kill him. » XiaoQaio -- Assasination Attempt -- sulk... sulk... I wanted to see Cao Cao kill Dong Zhuo...
93 Cao Cao in a flurry dropped on his knees and said, "I have a precious sword here which I wish to present to Your Benevolence."	» _mujdamasta -- Cao Cao ...a coward? -- i thought cao cao "cared not if he died" . how come he didn't kill dong zhuo?lu bu would probably have killed cao cao, but he could have at least tried! » RoninDragon -- Caring whether you die or not is different than throwing your life away. -- I believe Cao Cao would rather have killed Dong Zhuo and gotten away with it if he could have...but since he was caught and had to give up his sword, there really wasn't any way for him to do so. » Keeruu-Hiroshi -- Cao Cao -- I think that if I saw Lu Bu come in, I would have done the same thing. » _anonymous -- Lu Bu could have prevented Cao Cao from killing Dong Zhuo... -- and not only would Cao's life be forfeit, it would have been for nothing. » Brother Dun -- post -- Yes, if Lu Bu had not entered at that moment, Cao Cao would've surely struck down Dong Zhuo, whom had left himself wide open. But, since Lu Bu had entered, he could've prevented Cao Cao from killing him. Lu Bu could've A) Thrown his sword and killed Cao Cao with it B) Rushed over and grabbed Cao Cao. C) jabbed Cao Cao in the back. Cao Cao would only act if he surely knew he could kill Dong Zhuo, instead of throwing his life away for nothing. » _zhou yu -- all possible -- all that is possible, but i believe that it was cao cao's inexperience and youth that caused him to back out of his assassination. cao cao was not a cowardly man but he wasn't very experienced at the time.. » SleepingDragon -- Strategy -- Wow... that was impressive... I think Cao Cao knew exactly what he was doing... perhaps even he had planned it as a back up plan... he wasnt stupid, even if a little inexperienced. » Laguna Cottage -- Since Dong Zhuo is well guarded, as mentioned earlier -- Cao Cao would be lucky if he could strike him and exit safely, even without Lu Bu's presence. He would have to stab Dong Zhuo and prevent him making noise. That could be why he waits for Zhuo to fall asleep. The wait is so long that Lu Bu has returned. So making plan B is cunning, indeed. I guess when he approaches Zhuo in order to strike, Cao already appears like he is presenting a gift, albeit unsheathed. » Solace -- whether or not you consider Cao Cao a coward -- there is no doubt about one thing, he is certainly not a man of his word. » Koren -- What happened to "I care not if I die for it"? -- He has the element of surprise and could have killed Dong even if Lu Bu fries him. Sigh oh well I guess I have to wait a little longer to see the perverted guy get killed » ScottieTheNerd -- "I care not if I die for it" -- He kept true to his word. He swore that he would gladly give his life to slay Dong Zhuo. With that act being impossible, Cao Cao had no choice but to live to die another day. Like the others said, sacrificing your life for a cause is different from throwing it away. Surprise or not, remember that Dong Zhuo is still a powerful man. Cao Cao would have had a hard time with Dong Zhuo, even if he had the element of surprise, and with Lu Bu staring at his back, striking would have been very difficult. » Michael M. Pettit -- Yup. -- And keep in mind that he probably figured that they caught on to him, meaning a) no surprise, and b) having to go against both Dong Zhuo and Lu Bu. He doesn't care if he dies to succeed, but he darn well isn't going to die to fail, if that makes any sense. » Flying Flash Swallow -- His guard was down! -- I don't care how much muscle you have, without some weapon or a good warning you can't block a sword to the chest. And what's Lu Bu gonna do? Teleport in front of the bullet. Cao Cao does not have the honor others do in this novel <cough>Tong Gate<cough>, and, ultimately, he is a coward in person, but strategically is willing to take great risk. » darkknight -- cao cao -- he was very smart, why did he choose the beautifully crafted sword? to eradicate suspicion in case he was caught and FFS I am not a particuliar Wei lover, but Cao Cao was honourable, just not stupid » HeroOfChaos -- Well, Cao Cao aint a coward... -- Any one of you would have done the same thing; and as mentionned earlier Dong Zhuo was very strong, Cao Cao couldnt have had the time to kill him before Lu Bu stopped him. And what about Dong Zhuo, you think he'd just lay there, motion less while someone strikes him with a sword? if Cao Cao had struck now, Dong Zhuo would probably not even die and Cao Cao would have thrown his life away for nothing. You guys say he's a coward, but I'd like to see what you would do in his place. » KuroKitsune -- You at least have to give Cao Cao points on his cover-up. -- Even if he didn't kill Dong Zhuo right away, he was able to smoothly get out of what would otherwise be a deadly predicament. He kept his cool, and that's respectable. » LuBoyan -- Yeah, just like I give my props to Clinton for not getting caught (that was sarcasm) -- He should have gone down fighting like Ji Peng or any of a hundred would be honorable assasins in this novel. He is a coward, with moral beyond his own success. » Seraph -- Ouch Boyan! That hurts. -- Though his actions at the time were indeed very cowardly, he really did not have a choice. You can say "he should have sacraficed himself"; but honestly, would you expect anyone to do that, except someone with an extraordinary morality? Besides, to reiterate a thousand other posts, there was really no chance that Cao Cao could get away with this, and there was a good chance he might fail! To try and strike Dong down under those conditions is just... really stupid. » DongDal -- And here it is -- The event that paved the way for the Three Kingdoms. If Cao Cao had killed Dong Zhuo there and then, the Han would have been restored. » WUuuu -- there are quite a few events you can point to and say the same thing -- like He Jin not inviting Dong Zhuo's army into the city. » TaDun -- "snort" -- Cao Cao cares for no one but himself, and isn't about to give his life for the greater good. » fallon -- I would agree with the opinion of Cao Cao not being a coward... -- it takes a lot of guts to even think about doing what he almost did and to almost pull it off. basically it sounds to me that Cao Cao had told one little fib, that he cares not if he dies; this is a thing called boasting; now most people would boast but never try; Cao Cao did try; and then again maybe he truly did believe at the time that he was not afraid to die until the very moment he realized he would die; yes i believe that may be it, but that does not make him a coward. Though i'm pretty sure he could have killed Dong then and there, it wasn't that he thought Lu Bu would stop him, he just did not want to die. » cFodder -- The Ceremonial Blade Assassination... -- Was probably simply an excuse to be able to bring a weapon into Dong Zhuo's presence - I don't think just anyone was permitted to walk into the court wearing military gear. A ceremonial blade on the other hand is another matter - these were generally important gifts and given for the express purpose of being worn by the owner to court. They were not, however, of military quality - made more for aesthetics than battleworthiness. Most were not made to carry a proper edge, and many were never sharpened(though some, especially among professional soldiers, no doubt were). It is highly unlikely that Cao Cao, a professional soldier, wielding a true and proper weapon could not have failed to strike down Dong Zhuo before he was interfered with. And herein lies a potential explanation of Cao Cao's uncharacteristic hesitancy. Killing a man with ceremonial blade that has no edge is a little more challenging. Using the point to stab a man unawares is a very real and deadly possibility, though a wary opponent - and a physically powerful one at that - can still make something of a stand, even if the outcome is eventually clear. If this were the case - as soon as Dong Zhuo awakes, even before Lu Bu entered the room, Cao Cao would have a very difficult task set out for himself in killing Dong Zhuo before guards arrived to stop him. With Lu Bu in the room it becomes a futile - to say nothing of fatal - endeavor. » TsaoWei -- Cao Caos "Cowardice" -- DW players can think of it this way. If you were caught between Lu Bu and Dong Zhuo with noone to help either side and the victory objective was to kill Dong, would you take your chances surviving Lu Bus assault in hopes of killing Zhuo (Judging his strength at Hu Lao, that's about nil) or retreat to your forces, heal at a stronghold and kill him the old fashioned way, by hacking through hundreds of his soldiers while Lu Bu busies himself doing the same to your forces.
94 Dong Zhuo took it. It was a fine blade, over a foot in length, inlaid with the seven precious signs and very keen---a fine sword in very truth. Dong Zhuo handed the weapon to Lu Bu while Cao Cao took off the sheath which he also gave to Lu Bu.	» SkyAnimal -- The blade -- "Over a foot in length" is a long dagger or a short sword. It is a stabbing weapon, not made for exchanging blows, and definitely something close range. The Romans had such short swords, and used them for such purposes. This could easily explain why Cao Cao had to wait for the right moment to strike. » Francis -- Precious blade -- We now know why Cao Cao wanted that much a precious dagger when any rusted blade could have done the trick... Very cunning...
95 Then they went out to look at the horse. Cao Cao was profuse in his thanks and said he would like to try the horse. So Dong Zhuo bade the guards bring saddle and bridle. Cao Cao led the creature outside, leapt into the saddle, laid on his whip vigorously, and galloped away eastward.	» RedHare -- Thief -- Notice that they haven't realized that Cao Cao just stole one of their horses. » guanping -- i think they were in shock » Patricoo -- A few lines earlier Dong Zhuo said "Go pick out a horse." And I guess Lu Bu got one. » TsaoWei -- It's a gift. Cao Cao owns the horse now.
96 Lu Bu said, "Just as I was coming up, it seemed to me as if that fellow was going to stab you, only a sudden panic seized him and he presented the weapon instead."	» MaChaChao -- Lu Bu -- So Lu Bu has a brain after all! And he figured that out all by himself! I'm very impressed (as if it wasn't obvious to the rest of us). » Koren -- I agree -- I thought Lu Bu was an idiot that couldn't even plan a ambush and could only control people through fear » SkyAnimal -- Lu Bu is a warrior -- Warriors, especially experienced ones, can see well enough to know what's really going on. » ScottieTheNerd -- Signs of the obvious -- It doesn't take a Zhuge Liang to tell if someone is going to stab you. » RedHare -- Point -- You guys have to remember, Lu Bu was a very high ranking officer so he most likely had to have intelligence on the battlefield and backstabbing (probably because Lu Bu's done that before). » atomicwillie -- well you have to keep in mind guys -- cao cao used a smart way of covering up the atempted murder by giving himn the sword, so maybe they didnt think at the exact moment what his real intentions were
97 "I suspected him too!" said Dong Zhuo.	» Manji -- Sigh... -- Zhuo Zhuo Zhuo. Always taking credit from your vassals! » LiaoHua -- Liar -- If he really suspected this, wouldn't he have killed Cao Cao for doing this?
98 Just then Li Ru came in and they told him.
99 "Cao Cao has no family here in the capital but lodges quite alone and not far away," said Li Ru. "Send for him. If he comes forthwith, the sword was meant as a gift. But if he makes any excuses, he had bad intentions. And you can arrest him."
100 They sent four prison warders to call Cao Cao.
101 They were absent a long time and then came back, saying, "Cao Cao had not returned to his lodging but rode in hot haste out of the eastern gate. To the gate commander's questions he replied that he was on a special message for the Prime Minister. He went off at full speed."
102 "His conscience pricked him and so he fled. There is no doubt that he meant assassination!" said Li Ru.
103 "And I trusted him so well!" said Dong Zhuo in a rage.	» Tiamatty -- Awww. Dong Zhuo's heart-broken. The bastard. -- Serves you right, doughboy! Lay off the cake, and maybe people will like you more!
104 "There must be a conspiracy afoot. When we catch him, we shall know all about it," said Li Ru.
105 Letters and pictures of the fugitive Cao Cao were sent everywhere with orders to catch him. A large reward in money was offered and a patent of nobility, while those who sheltered him would be held to share his guilt.	» Creslin -- Sounds like the Wild West.
106 Cao Cao traveled in hot haste toward Qiao, his home county. On the road at Zhongmou, he was recognized by the guards at the gate and made prisoner. They took him to the Magistrate. Cao Cao declared he was a merchant, named Huang Fu. The Magistrate scanned his face most closely and remained in deep thought.
107 Presently the Magistrate said, "When I was at the capital seeking a post, I knew you as Cao Cao. Why do you try to conceal your identity?"
108 The Magistrate ordered Cao Cao to the prison till the morrow when he could send Cao Cao to the capital and claim the reward. He gave the soldiers wine and food as a reward.	» _Wei Yan Yan -- Lol! -- Once again, the nobility get away with the prize while the real winner gets wine and food for everyone... What a time this was! » drunkmastrZhangFei -- Drunk -- Of coarse, everyone loved to get drunk! Even in Rome about this time it was all about getting drunk » Shokyo -- Well, I suppose they didn't know how much damage drinking did. -- Plus it was just THE way to chill. » JiaGai -- Wine -- The Chinese were a very different culture and I don't know enough about Chinese culture or history to comment on why they liked wine so much. Maybe the just liked to party, like the Greeks did. I mean any culture that creates a god of debauchery and drink likes a good party. » Banedon -- drinking -- considering that drinking is much more preferable to drinking water (would you drink river water that has been shitted, peed, wash clothes by a few thousand people?) i am not really surprised
109 About midnight the Magistrate sent a trusty servant to bring the prisoner into his private rooms for interrogation.
110 "They say the Prime Minister treated you well. Why did you try to harm him?" said Magistrate.	» atomicwillie -- i could think of a few reasons -- KILLING THE EMPERESS AND THE PRINCE AND CORRUPTING THE HAN DYNASTY FURTHER
111 "How can swallows and sparrows understand the flight of the crane and the wild goose? I am your prisoner and to be sent to the capital for a reward. Why so many questions?"	» dgr81 -- cao has nerve -- see, if cao was a REAL coward, he could have begged for life here, or at least tried to justify/explain himself. instead, he chooses not to say anything but a few poetic lines--damn cool! » fallon -- seems to me he was just being evasive and wanted to know his warden's mind. » guanping -- I'm going with fallon on this one -- He tells him nothing and tries to get info from the magistrate. Great line. » cFodder -- This one remark shows much about the very embodiment of Cao Cao's character... -- Cao Cao is an astute reader of men - the magistrate, in questioning Cao Cao about his motives is showing hesitancy and Cao Cao has picked up on the magistrate's dithering resolve. The comment itself is as you say - a subtle attempt by Cao Cao to draw his captor's intent out into the open. The interesting part about this potential interpretation is that it shows one side of Cao Cao that shall become more and more prevalent throughout the book: in sensing hesitancy or weakness, Cao Cao immediately pounces upon it. Whether that weakness be Dong Zhuo's inability to rule, the indecisiveness of Yuan Shao, the foolishness of Yuan Shu or Lu Bu, the military inferiority of Wu before Chi Bi. Cao Cao is the personification of singleness of purpose and resolve - wherever these qualities are not in abundance Cao Cao conquers.
112 The Magistrate sent away the attendants and turning to the prisoner said, "Do not despise me. I am no mere hireling; only I have not yet found the lord to serve."
113 Said Cao Cao, "My ancestors enjoyed the bounty of Han, and should I differ from a bird or a beast if I did not desire to repay them with gratitude? I have bowed the knee to Dong Zhuo that thereby I might find an opportunity against him, and so remove this evil from the state. I have failed for this time. Such is the will of Heaven."	» WenChoung -- Yea right... -- O yea, Cao Cao, blame it on Heaven cause it sure wasn't YOUR fault. LoL » Shokyo -- Well... -- Looking through the book, a lot of the characters trace their failures to "the will of Heaven." If God doesn't want it that way, it won't be that way: Ancient Chinese belief. » Laguna Cottage -- Yeah, and the winners think about God too... -- The winners thank God for defeating the losers. The losers blame God for their defeat. For this reason, the Daoists (Taoists) prefer life in retirement. They see no point for strife, since everything is pre-determined by fate. The non-Daoists understand this belief; obviously they don't practice it. After victory or defeat, they still talk about Heaven, but they only believe themselves. » moogie -- kupo! -- fate was a huge deal in Chinese History.
114 "And where are you going?"
115 "Home to my county. Thence I shall issue a summons calling all the bold people to come with forces to kill the tyrant. This is my desire."	» drunkmastrZhangFei -- Is he serious? -- Wouldn't have Dong Zhou expected this? I mean come on he just tried to kill him, did he not send assassins to kill Cao Cao or at least prepare for the revolt? » robert -- no other choice. -- Such is the way of war. Cao Cao made the first move, so his hand is forced. He cannot retreat forever, even if he could succeed in getting away. The assassination bit failed, so he must resolve to raising an army and taking the capital by force. Regardless of whether or not Dong Zhou is ready for him, Cao Cao has no other choice. » Explainer -- Furthermore, Dong Zhuo does not rule all regions... -- His armies just control the capital and a northwest territory. Local support is all Cao Cao needs. A court official often has clouts in his hometown. It's like today Senators and Representatives.
116 Thereupon the Magistrate himself loosened the bonds of the prisoner, led him to the upper seat, and bowed, saying, "I am called Chen Gong. My aged mother and family are in the east county of Dongjun. I am deeply affected by your loyalty and uprightness, and I will abandon my office and follow you!"	» RoboSSS -- Chen Gong -- Great judge of character, he is =s
117 Cao Cao was delighted with this turn of affairs. Chen Gong at once collected some money for the expenses of their journey and gave Cao Cao a different dress. Then each took a sword and rode away toward Qiao.	» Banedon -- Shouldn't it be? -- Cao Cao was delighted with this turn of affairs. Chen Gong at once collected some money for the expenses of their journey and gave Cao Cao a different set of CLOTHES. Then each took a sword and rode away toward Qiao. » JiaGai -- Choice of words -- Nowadays we associate "dress" with the skirted outfits that women wear, but the word "dress" is just another word for "clothing." Even today, men say "get dressed" when they're going to put on some clothes. » Ragnarok -- Or it can also mean a robe. » iamnick -- or he could be wearing a dress... there's noting wrong with that... :) » Shokyo -- As long as it be a pretty dress... » Thwart -- Very pretty -- It would have to be pink with cute little flowers on it.... LoL! » Seraph -- Pink with flowers? -- very becoming to a power hungry warlord. That is sure to strike fear into his enemies. Or at least those sitting near him.
118 Three days later at eventide they reached Chenggao. Cao Cao pointed with his whip to a hamlet deep in the woods and said, "There lives my uncle, Lu Boshe, a sworn-brother of my father. Suppose we go and ask news of my family and seek shelter for the night?"	» SkyAnimal -- This tale is questionable in its validity. -- Why has the narration gone from the capital and the fate of the empire to this one lowly guy and his mis-adventure? In other words, this tale was probably added after the fact, and therefore is not likely to be true. » WenChoung -- Whether or not it is a true account, it is not surprising to see the story make a shift here. -- Looking at the whole novel, Cao Cao is a VERY important character. Even much more important than Dong Zhuo is. This tale, IMO, is included to illustrate what kind of person Cao Cao was. » RoboSSS -- Well, he has just failed in assassinating a usurper to the throne... -- and is now being hunted on his way to gather an army... I wouldn't just call this a "mis-adventure" » HeroOfChaos -- What the fuck -- A lowly guy???? Cao Cao is one, if not the most important character in this whole story! WTF is wrong with you skyanimal.... » Super Dian Wei -- Uh...let me explain "what the fuck is wrong with skyanimal,"...... -- At this point, Cao Cao is a somewhat recognizable subject of the Han. He is only a mere individual who crosses Dong Zhuo, and is now running away. He does not gain the fame I am sure you are referring to until much later, and thus, SkyAnimal makes a good point, while at the same time, calling him a lowly guy, which at this time, is true. Watch out for your foot, cause you just stuck it in your mouth. » Yunsung -- Lmao -- That's great. In fact, SDW is right. Try to focus on what's happenening now in the book instead of looking to the future. Kinda spoils it for first timer's, doncha know. » HeroOfChaos -- Sorry. I had a bad day... Sorry if I spoiled... Or insulted anyone...
119 "Excellent!" said his companion Chen Gong, and they rode over, dismounted at the farm gate and entered.
120 Lu Boshe greeted them and said to Cao Cao, "I hear the government has sent stringent orders on all sides to arrest you. Your father has gone into hiding to Chenliu. How has this all come about?"
121 Cao Cao told him and said, "Had it not been for this man here with me, I should have been already hacked to pieces."
122 Lu Boshe bowed low to Chen Gong, saying, "You are the salvation of the Cao family. But be at ease and rest, I will find you a bed in my humble cottage."
123 Lu Boshe then rose and went into the inner chamber where he stayed a long time. When he came out, he said, "There is no good wine in the house. I am going over to the village to get some for you."
124 And he hastily mounted his donkey and rode away. The two travelers sat a long time. Suddenly they heard at the back of the house the sound of sharpening a knife.
125 Cao Cao said to Chen Gong, "He is not my real uncle. I am beginning to doubt the meaning of his going off. Let us listen."	» atomicwillie -- why did he say that -- why did cao cao even mention this? it has nothing to do with what they are trying to do and its just kinda selfish to say that "oh yea hes not my dad anymore" just like lu bu said before » Pluvius -- To justify his paranoia. -- Cao Cao is afraid that someone will catch him before he can get to Qiao, so he interprets the sharpening of the knife as something sinister. A surrogate uncle is more likely to betray you than a natural uncle is, blood being thicker than water and all, so he points it out so his fear will sound logical.
126 So they silently stepped out into a straw hut at the back.
127 Presently someone said, "Bind before killing, eh?"	» TingFeng -- Let's get real here. -- Evidence. 1)Do you ask someone if he want to bind the pig before killing? Isn't this common sense? 2)And if Cao Cao killed everyone right after that sentence, who bound the damn pig? 3) Why did it take a long time for Lu Boshe to realize there isn't any wine (paragraph 123)? First, the pig was already bound for a feast after capturing Cao Cao. Second, He must had taken time to instruct his family to kill Cao Cao, while he go out and inform the authority. In conclusion, the family could ACTUALLY be planning to turn Cao Cao over to the authority. Cao Cao overheard their plan. Lu Boshe insisted Cao Cao go back and drink with him to buy some time for the authority to arrive. » JiangWeiWarrior -- Cao Cao is innocent??? Not really. -- Why would Lu Boshe leave his entire family with a convict? If he wanted to catch Cao Cao, all he needed is to send a messenger out. Even a kid will do. » TingFeng -- Who has more credibility? -- A kid playing prank, a senior with potential paranoia and alzheimer, or the head of the family?
128 "As I thought," said Cao Cao. "Now unless we strike first, we shall be taken!"
129 Suddenly Cao Cao and Chen Gong dashed in, sword in hand, and slew the whole household male and female, in all eight persons.	» robert -- WARNING! -- Do not say hello to Cao Cao. Do not be Cao Cao's enemy. Do not be Cao Cao's friend. Do not try to help Cao Cao. Do not invite Cao Cao into your home, do not offer Cao Cao a place to sleep. Do not look at Cao Cao. Do not surpise Cao Cao with a well-cooked home meal. Failure to comply with these rules will result in the deaths of you and your family, perhaps also all those on your region as well. » Shokyo -- Also, DO NOT PREPARE A BANQUET! -- At least one person will be killed. (And some people have the job of cleaning it up) » darkknight -- or the worst one -- do not deliver a message at a banquet, between cao cao and dong zhuo » Shokyo -- Really scarey thought... -- It's actually understandable why some people choose to kill others in a banquet. If you recieve an invititation to a banquet, it would look innocent enough (unless you know better), then you'd think of the possibility of fine foods and whatnot. And let's say you knew the host was going to kill you; it would be really rude to decline the invite, so you'd have to go anyway, unless you're willing to have the world look at you like you're a paranoid wreck; you might know of a murder attempt, but unless other people read quite deep into it, it's not likely to be obvious to them. My thoughts on The Banquet ladies and gentlemen. Sorry for occupying your screen space. » WUuuu -- LMAO -- Scrummy? » Shokyo -- Oranges send me hyper, and it's not quite as bad as yummy. -- Maybe it is but I'm attempting to take the focus of my use of vocabulary ^-^;;
130 After this they searched the house. In the kitchen they found a pig bound ready to kill.	» _Sam B. -- lol -- Oops. Just pretend it didn't happen. Cao Cao, RUN!!!!!! » Keeruu-Hiroshi -- whoopsies.....Run B****!!!! Run!!!!! » MaChaChao -- Cao Cao -- Look before you leap.... er..... kill. That's all I'm saying. » drunkmastrZhangFei -- lmao -- Dang, I hate when that happens. » Nosyt -- Oops -- Well... he shouldn't have... acted... suspiscious... » DSPaul -- whoops -- Sounds like a scene out of a Tarantino movie... » Shokyo -- Question -- What's so suspicious about "a pig bound ready to kill"? (please don't call me stupid) » JiaGai -- It isn't the pig they found suspicious. -- It's what they were eavesdropping on that was. It was only after seeing the trussed up pig that they realized they screwed up. » ScottieTheNerd -- When in doubt, kill. -- Cao Cao is a fugitive. Almost everyone is out to get him. Although Cao Cao wasn't paranoid (he still trusted his uncle), being in a house surrounded with sounds of sharpening knives and talks of slaughter is more than enough to set off his nerves. Like JiaGai said, Cao Cao thought that the people in the house were actually talking about how they should kill Cao Cao, rather than the pig. So when he saw the pig, he realized they were innocent. » Flying Flash Swallow -- Hehe -- Are you actually trying to justify this action? It was a huge mistake based on a rash and stupid impulse. » Super Dian Wei -- Justify it? -- We're just trying to sort out what happened. I understand it, but SO many people don't. » Ragnarok -- Justify it? -- Yes. Yes we are. This was a mistake on Cao Cao's part. But it certainly wasn't rash and stupid. "Bind before killing" and the "sharpening knives" are extremely suspicious things to hear. Especially to a man with a bounty on his head.
131 "You were too suspicious," said Chen Gong, "and we have slain honest folks!"	» _TheNovak -- Hey, it was their fault. -- You'd think with eight people in the house, one of the Lus would have mentioned the upcoming pork dinner, eh? When you're playing host to an armed convict wanted for attempted murder, it's probably not a good idea to kill anything without warning him first... ;-) » JiangWeiWarrior -- Their Fault??? Roasted pigs were a VERY COMMON choice of feast back then. -- It's just that some people would go ahead and do things without telling others. Who would expect an well-mannered Cao Cao holding them 100% accountable for their words? People like him are just of the extraordinary. » WuMing -- Well... -- If I'd just failed in assassinating someone, saw wanted posters with my face on 'em all over the place, heard a knife being sharpened while my 'host' just left the house, and then heard someone talking about tying something up and killing it, I would've done the exact same thing. It's just a pure matter of survival. Ever played 'Hitman: Contracts' and had to kill some security guy just doing his job because you accidentally stepped on a glass shard? Same logic.
132 Cao Cao and Chen Gong at once mounted and rode away. Soon they met their host Lu Boshe coming home, and over the saddle in front of him they saw two vessels of wine. In his hands he carried fruits and vegetables.
133 "Why are you going, Sirs?" Lu Boshe called to them.
134 "Wanted people dare not linger," said Cao Cao.
135 "But I have bidden them kill a pig! Why do you refuse my poor hospitality? I pray you ride back with me."	» guanping -- poor guy » iamnick -- wow, i really feel bad for this man » ZhiRu -- indeed... imagine returning to a dead family... -- well, not that he is given the chance to return..
136 Cao Cao paid no heed, urging his horse forward. But he suddenly drew his sword and rode back after Lu Boshe.
137 "Who is that coming along?" called Cao Cao.	» Gan Ning supporter -- Oldest Trick in the Book -- Look!! A Diversion » _Morter -- Gotcha! -- Well, now we know what book everyone got it from... » Koren -- Look over there *hits him* » capgun -- well, it still seems to work
138 Lu Boshe turned and looked back, and Cao Cao at the same instant cut Lu Boshe down.	» SkyAnimal -- Geez -- Well, even if he is not his actual uncle, Cao Cao has slain a relative, and gotten more blood on his hands then he should have. But talk about covering his tracks.
139 Chen Gong was frightened.	» heartofbattle -- In my eyes -- To let everyone know, Cao Cao is my favorite character in this whole novel. At this particular moment, I believe that he shouldn't have killed those innocent people because they were innocent. However, I do not fault him at all. His reason for killing them was understandable. Consider all what happened, 1. Cao Cao is a fugitive on the run and a reward is placed on him for anyone who turns him in to the capital, 2. He goes to his "so called" relative's place to seek shelter, 3. His relative leaves rather hastily and says he's going to get wine, 4. He hears the carving of a sharp object. No doubt Cao Cao made a wrong choice to kill those people. But I can understand why he did it. He was very paranoid and all the things that happened (in the steps above^^^) certainly didn't help his paranoia. Cao Cao is portrayed as the villain in this novel, but I see beyond that display. I can tell Cao Cao wanted the best for the empire.:) » RoboSSS -- Too bad -- This isn't the last time Cao's paranoia leads to a lot of innocent peoples deaths... *cough*
140 "We were wrong enough before," cried Chen Gong. "What now is this?"	» darkknight -- Cao Cao -- cao cao's feelings for killing are similiar to mine for Springles... once you pop you can't stop.
141 "When he got home and saw his family killed, think you he would bear it patiently? If he had raised an alarm and followed us, we should have been killed."	» robert -- Duh -- And you would have deserved it, dumass. » dgr81 -- crafty hero -- it's almost superhuman how quick-witted he is
142 "To kill deliberately is very wrong," said Chen Gong.	» brentbradly -- Chen Gong thinks he made a mistake -- Chen Gong was looking for a lord to serve and thought Cao Cao was that man. The killing of the innocent people before was a mistake, and now killing this man (his very uncle) for poor reason. You may think Cao Cao is taking the best course of action here, but really he is dodging his responsibility for his earlier mistake of killing 8 people. If he would have told his uncle then the uncle attacked Cao Cao then Chen Gong would have been better pleased. Liu Bei is a Dragon, and Sun Jian is a Tiger, and I think Cao Cao is a snake. » Pluvius -- To brentbradly -- What else could he have done? If he had told his uncle what happened, his uncle would have ran away and told the authorities, and Cao Cao would've been completely screwed. As Cao Cao himself says in the next passage (which is his most famous quote), "Better that I betray the world than let the world betray me." Cao Cao is by no means happy about what he's done, but he knows that he's the only one with the power and ambition to save China, and even killing his own uncle is not too much of a price to pay for that. This is very much unlike Dong Zhuo or Lu Bu, who kill for petty desires. Cao Cao may desire the world, but he also desires peace and prosperity for his people.
143 "Rather we let down the world than the world let us down!" was the reply.	» _Karl -- post -- True, true.... Cao Cao has to do what he can to preserve the life of his saviour [Chen Gong], and continue the grand task, which is much more important than the lives of a few friends of his father. More lives will be lost in affairs of the state. Cao Cao is realistic, logical. Throughout the story, he just demonstrates the most appropriate path, for the grander purposes. » _Matteo -- I think that Cao Cao is the Machiavelli's Prince... -- We cannot say he is cruel or evil... He is, and Luo Guanzhong said the same in the first chapter of the book, the man for this moment of war and revolt... that's all. » Na Wu Tang -- post -- Although Cao Cao is portraid as a mean cruel guy somthing makes me think that side of him is just a bit distorted. I think I would trust him more then Liu Bei or other generals » _pizzlet -- post -- As mentioned in the 1st chapter, reading this book is a test of faith because of biases. In all actuality Cao Cao could've been the sweetest person on earth who was kind to everyone and Liu Bei could've been an A-Hole. » _mujdamasta -- post -- dude, i wholeheartedly agree with you. however, he was a bit of an idiot to kill a load of innocents in the first place, wasn't he? » _Kazar Yoran -- not really -- he wasn't really an idiot to kill the innocents, he didn't think they were innocent. If he was right and didn't act he would've been dead. » dgr81 -- essentially, cao is saying 'every man for himself'. -- and i think every warlord of the time felt that way (with the possible exception of liu bei) but only cao was honest enough to admit it. » _Deruki -- post -- I have to say that in reading this book, instead of taking a leap of faith, for predjudices and such, I'm just going through assuming Cao Cao and Liu Bei as the same level of virtue, but with different approachs to it. Given the authors prejudice, more than likely, Liu Bei wasn't as good, and Cao Cao wasn't as bad. » _Kev Yu -- Valuable posts... -- But the big difference of Liu Bei and Cao Cao (apart from the thin chance i might be related to Liu Bei) is their priorites, Liu Bei is regarded as 'the lover of the people' while Cao Cao is known as very ambitious and would do ANYTHING to reach his goal. » beefyolafboy -- post -- even tho i'd hafta say dis book wus biased towards shu and sorta made cao cao look bad, but really, dis quote of his just sounds sooo.... u kno :p » Reboot -- I interpret this scenario as Cao Cao's sense of destiny. -- And yes, I agree with Matteo that Cao Cao here is pretty much the Machiavellian Prince. His way of doing things works, but its not going to be very pretty from the moral standpoint. » Vortex -- For Cao Cao, aim justifies measure -- The judgement of Cao Cao’s deeds depends on which paradigm we used to think. From political military prespective (Machiavelli’s or more recent Clausewitz), Cao Cao’s has taken the correct action. He has a greater aim than to save some commoners. We may also refer to Sun Tzu’s War Manual, a commander should not too easily be touched by such humane feelings (which would contaminate his decision, particulary in critical situation). However, if we use humanistic perspective (in this case, Luo Guanzhong also looked from this point of view since he’s a Confucian scholar), Cao Cao’s deeds (not limited to this incident, but also covers his whole actions) would surely regarded as a barbaric act.
144 Chen Gong only thought. They rode on some distance by moonlight and presently knocked up an inn for shelter. Having first fed their horses, Cao Cao was soon asleep, but Chen Gong lay thinking.
145 "I took him for a true man and left all to follow him, but he is as cruel as a wolf. If I spare him, he will do more harm later," thought Chen Gong.	» ManicManchu -- I don't think that CaoCao was cruel -- If his uncle went and seen what he did, he would tell Dong of Cao's where abouts, and have all of china on his ass. Think about it. You can either kill your uncle, or you can be hunted down by everyone. Sometimes that's how life works. It was a wise decision and I would have done the same. Cowardly? You could have not killed your uncle out of honor, however it is not wise just to be honorable when you die for doing so and failed your other tasks. » DragonAtma -- Bah. Sucks to be Chen Gong. -- He tries to find a good lord to follow, and fails. » HeroOfChaos -- Actually, he finds a good lord, but he fails to follow him... -- Yeah, sucks to be Chen Gong. » guanping -- I don't think Cao Cao gave a good impression on Cheng Gong -- what with all the paranoid killing and all
146 And Chen Gong rose intending to kill his companion.	» drunkmastrZhangFei -- silly Chen Gong -- Cao Cao just saved Chen Gong's arse, and now he wants to kill Cao Cao? » JiaGai -- Well... -- ... seeing as Chen Gong just witnessed a brutal massacre on the part of Cao Cao, he's got to feel both terrified and threatened by the man. Even if it was completely unintentional, Cao Cao feels no remorse for what he's done, which to Chen Gong only proves this man is a villain. » drunkmastrZhangFei -- True... -- ..But even so Chen Gong also participated in the murder. » JiaGai -- Chen Gong -- Participated only so far as watched in jaw dropping shock while Cao Cao did the dirty work. Cao Cao is a trained soldier, there's no way in hell Chen Gong is going to stop him physically. » Super Dian Wei -- Chen Gong probably DID help. -- Cao Cao convinced him that these people are out to get em, so Chen Gong would have thought he was fighting the army of the Dongs (hehehe) » Koren -- Poor Chen he must be so confused » Ragnarok -- Quote. -- "Suddenly Cao Cao and Chen Gong dashed in, sword in hand, and slew the whole household" Point proven. Chen Gong was involved. » Reboot -- Chen Gong -- He's disillusioned by the murder he participated in, and he realised that Cao Cao isn't what he hoped he was (virtuous leader ala Liu Bei). It is conceivable for him to consider killing Cao Cao. What I felt odd was Cao Cao not anticipating that, and sleeping through the entire thing.
147 In his heart lie cruelty and venom, he is no true man; In nought does he differ from his enemy Dong Zhuo.	» lunar anubis -- cao cao -- Once again this book implies Cao Cao was cruel and evil. I'm allowing myself to make my own inferences and I say Cao Cao was a clear-thinker. He didn't know Lu Zhonge's family wasn't going to kill him. Heck, if I had a bounty on my head and I heard a knife sharpening and people talking about killing, then I would have slaughtered them too. And Lu Zhonge would have undoubtedly gone ape-crap on Cao Cao when he found his family. I would have killed him too. » _Xtreme -- I agree completely Cao Cao is doing the most logical thing is all. » _Kev Yu -- post -- When Cao Cao killed the 8 people who he thought were assassins he would have seen them face to face and fought them. If he was a deep thinker he would have noticed they did not fight well and probably suprised looks on their faces which does not fit an assassin at all. Even Lu Bu (not well known for inteligence) saw the difference of someone trying to kill or offer a sword. Also how many assassins talk in a room next door to the victim they are about to kill? Cao Cao should have noticed that too. » drunkmastrZhangFei -- Candle Light -- Could it possibly be only lit by a candle and was very hard to see and notice that they where innocents? » Nosyt -- Cao Cao -- In any sense, the murder of the people was a wrong by Cao Cao. I agree I would be paranoid also but it seems Cao Cao is a bit anxious to do away with people... » DSPaul -- It's not just that Cao Cao killed innocents by accident... -- it's that he didn't seem to feel the least bit guilty about it. Most people would have been all, "My God, what have I done?" but he just treats it as no big deal. » Pluvius -- Two possibilities there -- 1. He hid his remorse, probably because he thought of it as a weakness. 2. This book (with its pro-Han bias) omitted any remorse he may have expressed. As for how he didn't know that these people weren't assassins: Paranoia and adrenaline got the better of him. It can happen to the best of people. Besides, Chen Gong is no dummy either; why didn't he alert Cao Cao to the situation? » Reboot -- poem -- I really have a bone to pick with this poem depicting Cao Cao and Dong Zhuo as similar... its obviously a sweeping statement. Stupid pro-Shu propaganda. :) » HeroOfChaos -- Right, there's no way Cao Cao is as bad as Dong Zhuo. -- Maybe Cao Cao did not show remorse this time, but I'm sure he didn't feel good about killing his uncle and his whole family...
148 The further fortunes of Cao Cao will be told in later chapters.

Back to Chapter 3   |   Home   |   Next to Chapter 5

Copyright © 1997 - 2005 by ThreeKingdoms.com