Not a real historical event.
According to the "Biography of the First Master", the discussion of heroes over cooking wine did not discuss heroes, but Cao Cao directly lamented to Liu Bei that the heroes in the world were only himself and Liu Bei, and people like Yuan Shao were not worthy of concern. Referring to the fact that the Battle of Guandu between Yuan Cao and Yuan Cao was approaching at that time, Cao Cao mostly considered Liu Bei's words to encourage or appease his subordinates.
And what is different from "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms" is that before this incident occurred, Liu Bei had not participated in Dong Cheng's "Belt Edict" conspiracy, as the so-called "first master has not yet issued". After this incident, Liu Bei participated in Dong Cheng's plan. From a consequential perspective, Cao Cao's words contributed to Liu Bei's determination to break away from Cao Cao's group.
Extended information:
Related figures
Cao Cao
Cao Cao (155-March 15, 220), courtesy name Mengde , an auspicious name with the diminutive name Ah Ma, was born in Peiguoqiao (now Bozhou, Anhui), Han nationality. An outstanding statesman, military strategist, writer and calligrapher in the late Eastern Han Dynasty. The founder of the Cao Wei regime among the Three Kingdoms, he conquered all directions in the name of the Emperor of Han, unified northern China, and laid the foundation for the founding of the Cao Wei state.
Liu Bei
Cao Cao is the boss, and Liu Bei is also the boss. But at this time, Liu Bei, for some reasons, had to live in Cao's camp. In order to dispel Cao Cao's doubts, Liu Bei specially planted some vegetables in Xuchang and cultivated the vegetable fields there every day.
In order to enhance his relationship with Liu Bei, Cao Cao adopted a soft policy, invited Liu Bei to drink the hero's wine, and bluntly pointed out that Liu Bei was a hero. Cao Cao's desire has been put on the table. If Liu Bei continues to grow vegetables at this time, Cao Cao won't say anything. You can go and play your role. As long as you don't go against me, you can say anything. Cao Cao knows this better than anyone else.
Baidu Encyclopedia - Discussing Heroes over Cooking Wine