Cao Cao is a representative poet in the Wei and Jin Dynasties.
Cao Cao (155-220), whose courtesy name was Mengde and whose last name was Geely and whose nickname was Amo, was from Qiao County, Peiguo (now Bozhou, Anhui Province). He was an outstanding statesman, militarist, writer and calligrapher in the late Eastern Han Dynasty, and the founder of the Cao Wei regime in the Three Kingdoms.
Cao Cao has profound knowledge in literature, calligraphy, music, etc. His literary achievements are mainly reflected in poetry, and his prose is also very distinctive.
There are more than 20 of Cao Cao's poems in existence today, all of which are in Yuefu style.
The main works include "A Walk on the Dew", "A Walk in the Artemisia", "A Walk in the Bitter Cold", and "A Walk Out of the Summer Gate".
"Stepping out of Xiamen" is a series of poems composed by Cao Cao, a writer in the late Han Dynasty, using old Yuefu titles. It was written in the twelfth year of Jian'an (207) when the author was victorious in the northern expedition to Wuhuan. This group of poems is divided into five parts, starting with the overture "Yan", followed by four chapters: "Viewing the Sea", "Winter October", "The Soil is Different" and "The Turtle Lives Longevity". The whole poem describes the customs and scenery in the Heshuo area, expresses personal ambitions, and reflects the poet's ambitious and dominating heroic spirit. The artistic conception of the work is broad and powerful.
"Viewing the Sea" and "The Turtle Lives Longevity" in "Stepping out of Xiamen" are widely circulated poems.
Original text of "Viewing the Sea"
To the east is Jieshi to view the sea. Where is the water? The mountains and islands are standing tall.
There are many trees and lush grass. The autumn wind is bleak and the waves are rising.
The movement of the sun and the moon can be seen in it; the stars are shining brightly, just as they can be seen in it.
Fortunately, I sing to express my ambition.
Original text of "The Turtle Lives Long"
Although the turtle lives long, it still has its time. A soaring snake rides on the mist, but ends up in ashes.
(Teng's first work: 螞) The old man is brave and aims for a thousand miles. In his old age, the martyr is full of ambition.
The period of profit and contraction is not only in heaven; the blessing of nourishing happiness can lead to eternal life.
Fortunately, even singing praises one's aspirations.