In Chapter 4 of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, the episode of Cao Cao’s attempted assassination of Dong Zhuo stands as one of the most pivotal and dramatic moments in the early narrative. This event not only establishes Cao Cao’s image as a courageous “loyalist and righteous hero” but also sets the stage for the coalition of warlords against Dong Zhuo and the ensuing chaos that would engulf China.
The rise of a usurper
In the late Eastern Han Dynasty, the imperial court was plagued by corruption and eunuch domination. General He Jin plotted to eliminate the eunuchs but was instead murdered by them. Seizing the opportunity, the warlord Dong Zhuo from Liang Province led his troops into Luoyang and seized control of the government.
Dong Zhuo deposed Emperor Shao (Liu Bian) and installed Prince Chenliu, Liu Xie, as the new emperor—later known as Emperor Xian of Han. He appointed himself Chancellor, monopolized power, and ruled with cruelty and arrogance. He executed the innocent, terrorized the people, and provoked widespread resentment among the populace and regional governors.
Even before Cao Cao, another officer, Wu Fu, attempted to assassinate Dong Zhuo but failed and was executed. Though many high-rank officials in the court opposed Dong Zhuo, most were too afraid to speak out. Yuan Shao secretly sent a letter to Wang Yun, plotting to unite against Dong Zhuo. Wang Yun and Cao Cao then conspired to assassinate the tyrant.
Borrowing the Seven-Star Sword
At the time, Cao Cao was serving under Dong Zhuo and had gained his trust. However, Cao Cao had already recognized him as a treacherous minister and seen through Dong Zhuo’s ambition to usurp the throne. Determined to save the Han dynasty, Cao Cao resolved to eliminate Dong Zhuo.
He borrowed a precious sword known as the “Seven-Star Sword” from Wang Yun, planning to use it for the assassination.
The assassination attempt
One day, Cao Cao deliberately arrived late for an audience with Dong Zhuo. When questioned about his tardiness, Cao Cao replied that his horse was weak and could not run fast. Dong Zhuo then ordered his trusted bodyguard, Lü Bu, to select a better horse for Cao Cao.
Seeing this as the perfect moment, Cao Cao prepared to draw the sword and assassinate Dong Zhuo. But at the critical instant, Dong Zhuo caught sight of Cao Cao slowly drawing the blade from the reflection in a bronze mirror.
In that life-or-death moment, Cao Cao reacted swiftly. He instantly abandoned the assassination and instead claimed he was presenting the sword as a gift, not attempting murder. He said:
“I have a precious sword to offer Your Excellency as a token of gratitude.”
Dong Zhuo, pleased with the sword’s exquisite craftsmanship, accepted it without suspicion.
The plot exposed
Meanwhile, Lü Bu returned with a fine steed. Cao Cao seized the opportunity, asking to test-ride the horse.
No sooner had Cao Cao left than both Lü Bu and Dong Zhuo found his act of presenting the sword highly suspicious. Why had he waited until Dong Zhuo was lying down to offer the gift? Why not present it earlier when Dong Zhuo was awake and seated?
Just then, Dong Zhuo’s strategist Li Ru arrived. After hearing the account, he suggested summoning Cao Cao immediately for an audience.
“If Cao Cao dares to come without hesitation, then perhaps he truly meant to present the sword. But if he makes excuses and refuses to come, it will prove he attempted assassination—and we can then arrest and interrogate him.”
However, when the order was sent, they discovered that Cao Cao had already fled beyond the city gates. Realizing the truth, Dong Zhuo flew into a rage and issued wanted notices throughout the land, offering a reward for Cao Cao’s capture.
The beginning of a fugitive’s journey
When Lü Bu returned with a fine steed. Cao Cao seized the opportunity, asking to test-ride the horse. Dong Zhuo agreed, and Cao Cao mounted the horse and galloped away from Luoyang, beginning his perilous journey as a fugitive.
Cao Cao fled toward his hometown, Qiao County. Along the way, he was recognized and captured in Zhongmu County by local guards and brought before the magistrate, Chen Gong.
Chen Gong, deeply impressed by Cao Cao’s courage in attempting to assassinate a tyrant, not only released him but also resigned from his post to join Cao Cao in his escape.
Later, the two sought shelter at the home of Lü Boshe, a sworn brother of Cao Cao’s father. However, due to a tragic misunderstanding—believing Lü Boshe’s family was plotting to kill them—Cao Cao slaughtered Lü Boshe’s entire household. When they later encountered and killed Lü Boshe himself, Chen Gong, horrified by Cao Cao’s ruthlessness, ultimately abandoned him.
Historical vs. fictional accounts
It should be noted that there is no historical record of Cao Cao attempting to assassinate Dong Zhuo. According to official histories like Records of the Three Kingdoms (Sanguozhi), Cao Cao simply fled Luoyang in secret due to his opposition to Dong Zhuo’s tyranny, then returned to his homeland to raise an army and join the coalition against Dong Zhuo.
Presenting the Sword to Assassinate Dong Zhuo is a fictional invention by Luo Guanzhong. This dramatic episode greatly enhances the narrative’s tension and the legendary aura of Cao Cao’s character. It highlights his early bravery, quick thinking, and strategic cunning, laying the foundation for his complex portrayal as both a hero and a villain in the epic tale.
The true figures who dared to raise arms against Dong Zhuo—Wu Fu, Xun You, Zheng Tai, He Yong, Zhong Ji, Wang Yun and Lü Bu —have been largely forgotten by time. Their stories, though more tragic and noble, were overshadowed by the novel’s dramatization.
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