Cao Cao was treacherous and heroic, and he was generally referred to as a "treacherous hero". Everyone is familiar with the comment: "A capable minister in times of trouble is a traitor in troubled times."

The so-called "treacherous hero" refers to "the person who is traitorous and yet masculine". Like Yan Song and Qin Hui, those who are sneaky, sneaky, treacherous but not treacherous can only be called "traitors"; like Dong Zhuo, who are domineering, unreasonable, virtuous but not treacherous, can only be called "heroes". The word "hero" also has many interpretations. The original meaning of "Owl" is an owl, which is extended to mean leader, leader, and majestic, such as salt owl and drug lord; it is also extended to mean brave, heroic, and rebellious, such as owl cavalry and owl general. Therefore, the "Modern Chinese Dictionary" explanation of "hero" is "a strong and ambitious person; a person with outstanding wisdom and courage; a leader". Lu Su said that "Liu Bei is a powerful hero in the world" ("Three Kingdoms? Biography of Lu Su"), and Huang Quan said that "Liu Bei is a powerful hero in the world" ("Book of the Later Han Dynasty? Biography of Liu Yan"), both of which indicate that Liu Bei is "a man of outstanding wisdom and bravery". , brave, heroic, and rebellious; and when we regard Dong Zhuo as a hero, we refer to him as "tyrannical and ambitious." The hero is "tyrannical and ambitious", the traitor is "treacherous and ambitious", and the traitor is "treacherous and ambitious". A traitor is both treacherous and heroic.

The following is "as detailed as possible":

1. Atmosphere.

Cao Cao is real and true to himself. Including his treachery, cunning, cruelty, and tyranny, they all appeared calm, generous, sincere and calm. This is really an "atmosphere". "Only great heroes can show their true colors, and they are true celebrities." From this perspective, Cao Cao is a hero, and a great hero.

Cao Cao's temperament is a kind of "generosity", a kind of open-mindedness that disregards life and death, success or failure, advancement and retreat, honor and disgrace, and a heroic nature that goes his own way and is proud of the world.

Cao Cao is indeed very generous. Reading his poems and articles, one can often feel his heroic spirit. Even if it is a short chapter that you can pick up at your fingertips, laugh and curse, and do whatever you want, it is not vulgar because of its atmosphere. Especially his "Viewing the Sea" is so powerful: "To the east is the Jieshi to view the sea. Where is the water, the mountains and islands are standing there. There are thick trees and luxuriant grass. The autumn wind is bleak, and the torrents are rising. The journey of the sun and the moon , If it comes out of it; if the stars are brilliant, it will come out of it. "Such a poem cannot be written without great effort. Zhong Rong said: "Cao Gong is ancient and honest, and he has very sad words." This kind of sadness, as Liu Xie said, is "the good things are caused by the chaos and separation of the world, the decline of customs and resentment, and the deep ambition and long pen, so the story is full of emotion." In addition to "many qi", it is also related to Cao Cao's philosophical thinking about the universe and life. After all, Cao Cao was a hero in troubled times, and he saw more destruction of life than anyone else. His emotion has a hint of ultimate concern.

Perhaps, it was this thorough understanding of the universe and life that enabled Cao Cao to face hardships and twists and turns with a smile from beginning to end. If we read "The Chronicles of the Three Kingdoms? Emperor Wu Ji", we will find that the words "laugh, laugh and say, Taizu laughed" will appear frequently. Of course, Cao Cao's smiles were of various kinds. There are loud laughs, hearty laughs, self-deprecating wry smiles, ridicules, sneers, sneers, and even murderous sneers. However, Cao Cao was always smiling. Cao Cao also cried. When his comrades die, his friends die, and his relatives die, he will cry loudly. But if he did something wrong, lost a battle, or was humiliated by others, Cao Cao would never cry, he would definitely laugh. Because Cao Cao is open-minded and majestic, he is a gentle man and a true hero.

2. Cute

Cao Cao is very cute. In daily life, Cao Cao often wore clothes made of thin silk, with a leather pouch hung around his waist to hold handkerchiefs and other odds and ends. Sometimes he also wore a silk hat to meet guests. When talking to others, I don’t have any scruples. I can say whatever I want and say whatever I want. Talking about her happiness, she bent over with a smile and buried her head in the cup and plate, making her hat covered with soup and water. These details are told to us by "The Biography of Cao Cao", which is not very friendly to Cao Cao. Its original intention is to label Cao Cao as a "little man with no authority" (light prisoner). However, what I read from it was Cao Cao's frankness, fun, free and easy-going.

Cao Cao is indeed funny. He likes to joke and often jokes about serious things. According to the "Three Kingdoms - Mao Jie Biography", during the organizational reform in the 17th year of Jian'an, some people demanded that Dong Cao be eliminated and merged. The intention was to squeeze out Dong Cao and Mao Jie, who acted impartially and did not show favoritism. Cao Cao's answer was very humorous. He said that the sun rises in the east and the moon rises in the east. East and West, people always talk about East first and then West. Why should we divide and merge Dongcao? As a result, it was Xicao who was axed and merged. This not only reformed the institution, but also protected Mao Jie.

Cao Cao on the battlefield is also very cute. According to the "Book of Wei" cited by Pei Songzhi in the "Three Kingdoms? Chronicles of Emperor Wu", in the 16th year of Jian'an, when Cao Cao went west to conquer Ma Chao and Han Sui, he met Han Sui on the battlefield. When Han Sui's soldiers heard that Cao Cao had appeared in person, they all stretched their necks to see him. Cao Cao then said loudly: Do you want to see Cao Cao? Let me tell you, I am a human being just like you. I don’t have four eyes and two mouths, but I just have a little more wisdom! This is very true, very cute, and very free and easy.

Cao Cao is cuter as a friend. Cao Cao likes to joke, and he also likes friends who can joke. Taiwei Qiaoxuan was the first person to appreciate Cao Cao, and he and Cao Cao were considered "friends for many years".

According to Pei Song's annotation in "The Chronicles of the Three Kingdoms? Emperor Wu", Cao Cao told a joke in his article to worship Qiao Xuan, saying that Qiao Xuan once "calmly made a vow" with him: After I die, if you pass by my tomb, if you don't take a Let's have a wine fight and a chicken as a sacrifice. Don't blame me if your stomach hurts after three steps of the car. This is much more lovely than those official eulogies, and the emotions are much more real.

3. Tell the truth

The most lovable and at the same time the most jealous thing about Cao Cao is that he tells the truth. Originally, when engaging in political struggles and getting involved in official circles, it was inevitable to tell some lies, or at least official clichés, not to mention that Cao Cao was a "treacherous hero". But whenever possible, he told the truth, or told it as if it were the truth, without any formality. His "Let County Self-Ming Benzhi Ling" (also known as "Shu Zhi Ling") was originally an extremely important political statement. It can be called a "political program", but it was written in a down-to-earth manner. It is clear and clear, spoken in plain language throughout, without any official accent at all.

Cao Cao is really smart. In an era where everyone tells lies, the best weapon is to tell the truth. This is not only because the truth itself has the power of eloquence, but also because as soon as you tell the truth, the peep show is revealed, and the person who told the lie has nothing to do, and their play cannot continue. Of course, Cao Cao said this not entirely because of his struggle strategy, but also because he naturally loved to tell the truth. Even these truths have lies behind them, there are also false intentions behind the truth, and there are ulterior things hidden behind them naturally and without revealing the truth. Even if you tell lies, say half-truths, or hide lies behind the truth, you still speak frankly, smoothly, and confidently. It can be said that even when Cao Cao lies, he lies with great force.

4. Tolerance.

Cao Cao was a man who took revenge, but he was also a magnanimous man. He spared many of his enemies and those who betrayed him.

Wei Zhong was originally the person Cao Cao trusted most. When Zhang Miao rebelled, many people defected and followed Zhang Miao, but Cao Cao said confidently: Only Wei Zhong would not betray me. Unexpectedly, Wei Zhong also ran away with Zhang Miao. Cao Cao was so angry that he gritted his teeth: What a shame, Wei Zhong! Even if you run to the end of the world, I won't be able to spare you! But when Wei Zhong was indeed captured, Cao Cao sighed and said: Wei Zhong is a talent! He was also appointed as the governor of Hanoi. Bi Zhan's mother, brother, wife, and children were detained by Zhang Miao. Cao Cao said to him: Your Majesty is at Zhang Miao's place, so you should go to him! Bi Zhan knelt down and kowtowed, saying that he had no objections, which moved Cao Cao to tears. Unexpectedly, Bi Zhan turned around and betrayed Cao Cao and went to Zhang Miao without even saying hello. Later, Bi Zhan was captured, and everyone believed that he would definitely die this time. Unexpectedly, Cao Cao said: How can a person who fulfills his filial piety fail to be loyal? This is exactly the person I'm looking for everywhere! Not only was Bi Zhan not punished for his crime, but he was also asked to go to Qufu, the hometown of Confucius, to become the Prime Minister of the State of Lu. These two events are both recorded in the main text of "Three Kingdoms Chronicles of Emperor Wu" and should be credible.

Even for friends who betrayed him, Cao Cao valued the friendship back then. Chen Gong and Cao Cao had an unusual relationship. It was Chen Gong's contribution to Cao Cao's appointment as the shepherd of Yanzhou. Later, Chen Gong was determined to help Lu Bu fight Cao Cao, and even after being captured, he refused to surrender. Cao Cao called him by his name and said: Gongtai, it doesn't matter if you die, what will happen to your old mother? Chen Gongchang sighed and said: "Chen has heard that those who govern the world with filial piety do not harm others' relatives. Whether my mother lives or dies, it all depends on you, Ming Gong." Cao Cao asked again: What about your wife and children? Chen Gong added: I heard that after countless people brought benevolent governance to the world, it was up to Duke Ming to decide whether his wife and children lived or died. After saying that, without looking back, he held his head high and went to execution. Cao Cao shed tears as he saw him off. After Chen Gong's death, Cao Cao supported his old mother and helped marry his daughter. He was even better to their family than when they were friends. There is no biography of Chen Gong in "Three Kingdoms". This is recorded in "The Biography of Lu Bu". Pei Songzhi quoted from Dianlue and explained it in more detail.

5. The hero is helpless and sentimental

Cao Cao is a man who loves his children. Cao Cao spent his whole life fighting in the north and south, and he didn't have much time to enjoy his family, so he cherished the feelings of his family. According to "Wei Lue" cited by Pei Songzhi in "The Biography of the Concubines in the Chronicle of the Three Kingdoms", Cao Cao also said this before his death. He said: I have nothing to regret about what I have done in my life, and I don't feel sorry for anyone. The only thing I don't know is how I should answer if Zixiu asks me for my mother. Zixiu is Cao Ang, the eldest son of Cao Cao. Cao Ang's biological mother, Mrs. Liu, died young, so she was raised by the childless royal wife, Mrs. Ding, who regarded her as her own. Later, Cao Ang was killed in battle, and Mrs. Ding cried her heart out. She often cried and scolded Cao Cao: "You don't care if I kill my son." Cao Cao was annoyed and sent her back to her parents' home, so she said this before her death.

In fact, Cao Cao still made efforts. He personally went to pick up Mrs. Ding from her parents' house, but Mrs. Ding was sitting in front of the loom weaving her cloth, motionless and paying no attention to her. Cao Cao stroked her back and said gently: "Let's go home in the car together, okay?" Mrs. Ding ignored him. Cao Cao walked outside the door, turned around and asked, "Can you go back with me?" Mrs. Ding still ignored him. Cao Cao had no choice but to break up with her. With Cao Cao's violent temper and cruelty, it was not easy to achieve this step. What's more, Cao Cao also asked Mrs. Ding to remarry and prevent her from becoming a widow, but Mrs. Ding refused, and neither did her parents.

6. Reformer

Cao Cao, like Zhuge Liang, was both a builder of the new order and a reformer of the old system. Mr. Fan Wenlan's "General History of China" said that Cao Cao in the north and Zhuge Liang in Shu "removed some of the evil policies of the Eastern Han Dynasty."

In my opinion, the most commendable thing about Cao Cao is that he wanted to establish a new order. In terms of class relations, this new order belongs to the common people; in terms of ideology, it belongs to Legalism. Therefore, like Cao Cao, it also needs to be discounted. Because history has proven that the ruling class that is most suitable for the empire is the common landowners; the ideology that is most suitable for the empire is not Legalism. The political line after the Sui and Tang Dynasties was neither Yuan Shao's "gentry Confucianism" nor Cao Cao's "common legalism", but "common Confucianism." But this can only be achieved after 369 years of trial and error in the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties. The gentry regime represented by the Sima family is also a historical necessity. How could Cao Cao be undefeated if he was both ahead and wrong?

7. A rare genius in ancient and modern times

For thousands of years, Cao Cao may be one of the most discussed historical figures. Some people still argue about him to this day, and he is famous all over the world. Also slandered all over the world. However, no one doubted Cao Cao's talents.

Cao Cao is one of the few great military strategists in history. Cao Cao's military tactics and strategies are comparable to those of Han Xin and Bai Qi, so there is a saying that "no one can talk about war better than Sun Wu, and no one can use war better than Han Xin and Cao Gong" (see He Qufei's "Dr. He's Preparation"), and he created his own military art. , wrote the "New Book of Meng De" and annotated "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu. It can be said that he was both civil and military, integrating theory with practice.

In addition, Cao Cao is a statesman, strategist, and writer. He is the leader of the "Three Cao and Seven Sons" in Jian'an. His political ambitions, direct expression of feelings, and majestic poetry and prose, etc., have been matched by few other than Mao Zedong throughout the ages.

Even the literati who do not like Cao Cao have to admit that "Cao Cao's soldiers are resourceful and can hardly defeat the enemy. Therefore, he can create a foundation and act as a prime minister. He is truly a hero." (Yu Shinan said (See Volume 13 of "Tang Wen Supplements"); even his enemies Zhuge Liang and Liu Bei had to say, "Cao Cao's wisdom is second to none, and his military use is just like that of Sun and Wu." To be able" (see "Execution"); and the great leader Mao Zedong even said frankly: "My heart is connected with Cao Cao", "Majestic in spirit, generous and sad, he is a real man, generous"...

Mr. Lu Xun also said in the article "The Relationship between Wei and Jin Styles and Articles and Medicine and Wine": "Cao Cao is a very capable person, at least a hero. Although I am not a party to Cao Cao, but no matter what, I always I admire him very much."

8. A versatile and all-round talent

"Three Kingdoms" evaluated Cao Cao as: "an extraordinary person, a transcendent hero"; later generations praised him as the Chinese An outstanding statesman, military strategist, and writer in the history of the nation, a man of both civil and military skills, as well as literature and art. Cao Cao's talents are diverse. "Three Kingdoms" records that "when he climbs high, he must compose poems, and compose new poems, which are orchestrated and orchestrated, and they are all turned into music. He is extremely talented, shooting birds with his hands, hunting wild beasts with his hands... He can also build palaces, repair equipment, All laws are followed and all are fulfilled according to their intentions." In addition to being a literary master, Cao Cao was also a calligrapher of his generation and also had profound attainments in music.

Those who have seen Cao Cao’s calligraphy works in history all praise his calligraphy for its “golden flowers falling thinly, and exquisite objects everywhere; Absolutely beautiful. At the end of the Han Dynasty, calligraphy critics identified five masters of Zhangcao, namely Cui Yuan, Cui Shi, Zhang Zhi, Zhang Chang and Cao Cao. Liang Yujian, a calligraphy critic of the Southern Dynasty, in his "Shupin", divided the calligraphy works of ancient celebrities into three grades: upper, middle and lower grades, and each grade was divided into upper, middle and lower grades, with nine grades in total; he List Cao Cao's calligraphy works among the best. Zhang Yuguan, a calligrapher and critic in the Tang Dynasty, divided the calligraphers of the past dynasties into three categories: Shen, Miao and Neng according to their artistic achievements: outstanding ones are called Gods, those who use exquisite techniques are called Miao, and those who are unconventional and unconventional are called For Neng; in his calligraphy review monograph "Shuguan", he called Cao Cao's calligraphy works wonderful works. From this point of view, although Cao Cao's calligraphy works cannot be classified as divine or top-grade, they are among the most famous calligraphers in the country. It stands to reason that he is also a master of calligraphy.

Zhang Hua's "Natural History" said: "Hengtan and Cai Yong are good at music,... Taizu is both as capable as Qi." This shows that Cao Cao's musical talent has reached a very high level. level. Cao Cao loved music: "Advocating excellence is always on the side, and the sun often reaches the evening." What kind of music does he like? It is said that he does not like dull and less varied elegant music, but prefers secular music with various forms, liveliness and uniqueness: that is, one person leads the singing, three people sing in harmony, or one person plays the pipe, one plays the strings, and one plays the rhythm. At the same time, the lead singer... "Emperor Wu of Wei is particularly fond of it"; this fresh, melodious, swaying and changeable music stimulated Cao Cao's creative desire. Therefore, "Cao Cao created a large number of folk music lyrics and became the first literati poet in the history of literature to vigorously write folk music lyrics." Based on Cao Cao's musical talent and the quality and quantity of his lyrics, we deserve to call him an outstanding musician!

Cao Cao created a lot of things in his life: Hu Yinglin of the Ming Dynasty said in "Shisou·Zabian": "Since the Han Dynasty, there are no more rich articles than those of the Wei Dynasty. It has been collected in thirty volumes, and "Yi" There are ten volumes of "Collection" and ten volumes of "New Collection". This is the most abundant collection of ancient and modern works." According to relevant research, "there are as many as nineteen kinds of Cao Cao's works that have been handed down by later generations.

", "The number of Cao Cao's creations is greater than that of a generation, so it has given full play to its role of shocking and influencing a generation."