In the late Eastern Han Dynasty, Dong Zhuo wielded overwhelming power, deposing the young Emperor Liu Bian and installing Liu Xie as emperor, revealing his boundless ambition. This section delves into the fourth chapter of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, exploring the thrilling story of Cao Cao presenting a dagger as part of an assassination plot.
The Seven-Treasure Dagger Plot
At court, Dong Zhuo sought to depose the young Emperor Liu Bian and replace him with Prince of Chenliu, Liu Xie, poisoning Liu Bian, Empress He, and Lady Tang with extreme cruelty. He appointed himself Chancellor and attended court wearing a sword, displaying utter arrogance. Faced with Dong Zhuo’s tyranny, Minister over the Masses Wang Yun grew deeply concerned and invited former officials to discuss how to eliminate Dong Zhuo. While others lamented in despair, only Cao Cao stepped forward, offering to borrow Wang Yun’s precious Seven-Treasure Dagger to assassinate Dong Zhuo at his residence.
The Failed Assassination Attempt
Cao Cao, armed with the dagger, went to the Chancellor’s residence. He found Dong Zhuo lying on his side, while Lü Bu was away selecting a horse for Cao Cao. Just as Cao Cao was about to draw the dagger, Dong Zhuo noticed him in the mirror. Thinking quickly, Cao Cao lied and claimed he was presenting the dagger as a gift. Although Dong Zhuo grew suspicious, Cao Cao seized the opportunity to test the horse, received as a gift from Dong Zhuo, and fled the capital in panic.
The Escape and the Turning Point
After Dong Zhuo realized the truth, he sent troops to pursue Cao Cao and offered a hefty reward for his capture. Cao Cao was captured by guards at Zhongmou County but was spared by the magistrate Chen Gong, who admired his sense of justice. Chen Gong decided to abandon his official post and flee with Cao Cao. However, during their escape, Cao Cao, suspicious of Lü Boshe, mistakenly killed eight members of the Lü family. Upon realizing his error, he later encountered Lü Boshe returning from buying wine and killed him as well, uttering the infamous words: “Rather I betray the world than let the world betray me.” Hearing this, Chen Gong felt disillusioned and cold-hearted, ultimately abandoning Cao Cao.
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