In the turbulent era of the Three Kingdoms, where loyalty and treachery were often indistinguishable, power struggles never failed to captivate. In Chapter 23 of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, “Mi Heng Strips Naked and Reviles the Enemy; Ji Ping Is Tortured for Attempting to Assassinate Cao Cao,” how did the fates of two heroes stir the tides of the time?
The defiant scholar: Mi Heng
The renowned scholar Mi Heng, though immensely talented, possessed an unyielding and fiery temperament. When Kong Rong recommended him to Cao Cao, Mi Heng responded with arrogance. Seeking to humiliate him, Cao Cao assigned him the lowly role of a drumming official. During a banquet, Mi Heng stripped off his clothes while beating the drums, vehemently denouncing Cao Cao and his subordinates, showcasing his indomitable spirit. Though enraged, Cao Cao, unwilling to bear the infamy of killing a virtuous scholar, sent him to Liu Biao. Mi Heng’s defiant demeanor remained unchanged, and Liu Biao, in turn, sent him to Huang Zu, where he ultimately met his end for insulting Huang Zu, leaving behind endless regrets.
The Loyal Physician: Ji Ping
The other hero was Ji Ping, the imperial physician. When Dong Cheng and others conspired to assassinate Cao Cao, Ji Ping learned of the plot and resolutely decided to assist, planning to poison Cao Cao while treating his illness. However, Dong Cheng’s servant, Qing Qingtong, betrayed them due to a personal grudge. Cao Cao feigned illness and summoned Ji Ping for treatment. Unaware of the trap, Ji Ping fell into it and was captured on the spot. Despite severe torture, Ji Ping refused to yield and chose to die by dashing his head against the steps, remaining loyal to the Han court and never betraying his co-conspirators—a testament to his unwavering righteousness. Based on Qing Qingtong’s testimony, Cao Cao followed the clues, executing Dong Cheng and his entire family, and even entering the palace to strangle the pregnant Consort Dong. Emperor Xian’s pleas fell on deaf ears, revealing Cao Cao’s ruthless nature.
The iron fist of power: Cao Cao
Mi Heng’s unbridled defiance and Ji Ping’s peerless loyalty stood in stark contrast, while Cao Cao’s cunning and cruelty sent chills down the spine. The resistance of the Han loyalists crumbled under Cao Cao’s iron fist, plunging the realm into further turmoil and uncertainty.
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