In the chaotic narrative of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, the encounter, companionship, and eventual separation of Cao Cao and Chen Gong resemble a brief yet profound intertwining of fate.
In the first chapter of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, the peasant rebel army advances toward Youzhou. The governor of Youzhou, Liu Yan, fearing that his forces are outnumbered, issues a notice recruiting volunteers for a righteous militia.
8.20Shun had five ministers and all that is under Heaven was well ruled.
8.6Master Zeng said, “The man to whom one could with equal confidence entrust an orphan not yet fully grown or the sovereignty of a whole State, whom the advent of no emergency however great could upset – would such a one be a true gentleman? He I think would be a true gentleman indeed.”
4.15 The Master said, “Shen! My Way (Dao) has one (thread) that runs right through it.”
3.19 Duke Ding asked for a precept concerning a ruler’s use of his ministers and a minister’s service to his ruler.
The Master said, “If a gentleman is frivolous, he will lose the respect of his inferiors and lack firm ground upon which to build up his education. First and foremost he must learn to be faithful to his superiors, to keep promises, to refuse the friendship of all who are not faithful or trustworthy.…