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In Chapter 23 of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, a haunting scene unfolds: Imperial Physician Ji Ping, determined to rid the Han court of its greatest threat, attempts to poison Cao Cao. But Cao Cao, ever vigilant, has already uncovered the plot. He feigns ignorance, lures Ji Ping into action—and catches him red-handed.
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The late Eastern Han dynasty was a time of chaos, corruption, and moral crisis. As peasant uprisings like the Yellow Turban Rebellion shook the foundations of imperial rule, ambitious men emerged to shape the future.
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Luo Guanzhong, author of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, crafted a dramatic “assassination attempt against Dong Zhuo” specifically to highlight Cao Cao’s boldness, cunning, and adaptability. Although unsuccessful, Cao Cao’s spirit in attempting to eliminate a traitor for the nation is highly commendable.
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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…
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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…
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Dong Zhuo’s arrogance, arbitrariness and cruelty ignited widespread fury across the empire. First, he deposed Emperor Shao of Han (Liu Bian), then had him murdered—along with his mother, Empress He and his wife. During the enthronement of the new emperor, Liu Xie, he executed any minister who dared to oppose him.
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Why would Cao Cao risk his life to assassinate Dong Zhuo? Was it merely to prove himself a loyal and righteous hero? Today, let’s delve deep into the motivations behind Cao Cao’s attempt on Dong Zhuo’s life, a pivotal event in Romance of the Three Kingdoms.
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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…
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In Chapter 4 of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, the incident in which Cao Cao kills the entire family of Lü Boshe stands as one of the darkest stains on his legacy. Many readers, upon encountering this episode, condemn Cao Cao for his suspicious nature and ruthless cruelty.