Cao Cao, also known as Meng De, was an outstanding politician, strategist, writer and calligrapher at the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, and the founder of the Cao Wei regime in the Three Kingdoms period. Born in Peiguoqiao County, an official's family, his adoptive father was eunuch Cao Teng, with a high reputation, and he was made a fee by Emperor Huan of the Han Dynasty.
Cao Cao's father Cao Song is Cao Teng's adopted son. When Emperor Ling of the Han Dynasty was Guan Ju, The History of the Three Kingdoms recorded that Cao Cao's distant ancestor was Cao Can, the prime minister of the early Han Dynasty. Cao Jiahe Xiahou family is closely related, and Xia Houhe Cao Shi is in-laws. Later, he became Cao Teng's adopted son and changed his surname to Cao. Actually, he was Xiahou's, and He, Xia and Cao Cao were cousins.
Cao Cao's achievements
1. Through a series of military actions, Cao Cao gradually unified the chaotic northern region at that time and ended the warlord regime since the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty. Defeated Yuan Shao, Yuan Shu, Lu Bu and other forces, and established its dominant position in the north. Cao Cao carried out a series of political reform measures, including severe punishment and strict laws to curb the mighty, the system of reclaiming farmland to restore agricultural production, and the selection of talented officials to strengthen centralization. These measures are conducive to stabilizing social order and restoring and developing the economy.
2. Cao Cao is proficient in the art of war, and his military talents have been reflected in many battles. For example, the battle of Guandu defeated Yuan Shao and established his dominance in the north. His military works "A Brief Explanation of Sun Tzu" and "Collection of Military Books" have far-reaching influence on later generations.
3. Cao Cao is one of the advocates of Jian 'an literature. His poems, such as Short Songs and Watching the Sea, have high literary value and have a far-reaching influence on later literature.