Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature
This article tells the tragic story of Chao Cuo. To strengthen Western Han’s central power, he advised Emperor Jing to reduce feudal lords’ territories, triggering the Seven Kingdoms Rebellion. The rebels demanded his death; the emperor betrayed and executed him. Though peace returned later, Chao paid the ultimate price for his loyalty.
The year 196 AD stands as a critical turning point in the collapse of the Eastern Han Dynasty and the dawn of the Three Kingdoms era.