The story of Cao Cao killing Lü Boshe took place in the late Eastern Han Dynasty, during the time when Dong Zhuo held absolute power. Dong Zhuo deposed Emperor Shao, installed Emperor Xian, declared himself Chancellor, and secretly plotted to seize the Han throne. Determined to eliminate Dong Zhuo, Cao Cao once drew his sword and sneaked into Dong Zhuo’s bedroom to assassinate him, but the attempt failed. Cao Cao fled in panic toward Qiao County.
On his way, passing through Zhongmu County, he was captured by border guards and brought before the county magistrate. The magistrate, Chen Gong, recognized Cao Cao’s loyalty and righteousness. Instead of handing him over to Dong Zhuo, he resigned from office and fled with Cao Cao.
They arrived in Chenggao as evening fell. Cao Cao said, “There is a man here named Lü Boshe—he is my father’s sworn brother. Shall we stay at his house for the night?” Chen Gong replied, “That would be best.”
The two dismounted before the estate and went in to see Lü Boshe. Lü warmly welcomed them and said to Chen Gong, “I have no fine wine at home. Let me go to the village west to buy some for our guests.” With that, he hurried off on a donkey.
After a while, Cao Cao and Chen Gong suddenly heard the sound of a knife being sharpened from the back of the estate. Cao Cao said, “Lü Boshe is not a close relative. His going out like this seems suspicious. We should go and eavesdrop on what they’re saying.” The two stealthily crept behind the main hall and overheard someone say, “How about tying them up and killing them?”
At once, Cao Cao turned pale with alarm. Drawing his sword, he rushed into the house and began slashing indiscriminately—killing everyone he saw, man or woman, eight people in total. When they searched the kitchen, they found a pig tied up, ready to be slaughtered—realizing too late that it had all been a misunderstanding.
The two quickly mounted their horses and fled the village. After riding less than two li, they saw Lü Boshe returning with wine, food, and fruit. He called out, “Nephew, why are you leaving so soon with your guest?”
Cao Cao replied, “A wanted man—I dare not stay long.”
Lü Boshe said, “I’ve already told my family to slaughter a pig for you. Please come back. You can leave tomorrow.”
Cao Cao ignored him and spurred his horse forward. But after only a few steps, he suddenly turned back, drew his sword, and killed Lü Boshe.
Chen Gong was shocked. “We killed the others by mistake—why kill him now?”
Cao Cao replied, “When Lü Boshe returns home and finds so many dead, how could he let it go? If he gathers people to pursue us, we’ll be in grave danger.”
Chen Gong sighed, “To know the truth and still kill him—this is a great injustice!”
That night, staying at an inn, Chen Gong reflected: “Cao Cao is cunning and ruthless—I cannot serve such a man.” And so, without a word, he left Cao Cao.
>> Later stories about Cao Cao and Chen Gong can be found in this post.
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