The outcome of the Battle of Guandu was nothing short of a thunderclap, shaking the entire realm. Yuan Shao’s hundreds of thousands of troops collapsed and fled north in panic, leaving only a few thousand cavalry. In this decisive battle that determined the fate of the north, Cao Cao’s son, Cao Zhi, made his first clear mark on the view of the empire’s nobles. Whether it was his early proposals like the Equal Field Policy, the burning of Wuchao, or the rapid strike at Guandu, his actions began to be scrutinized and recorded by various powers, placed on the table for political consideration.
Xuchang Imperial Palace
Emperor Xian of Han, Liu Xie, sat in the cold palace, listening as eunuchs whispered updates from outside. When he heard of Cao Cao’s overwhelming victory, and of Cao Zhi’s exploits on the battlefield, his face turned even paler, and his fingers instinctively clenched the dragon robe.
“Cao… Cao Zhi…” he murmured, his voice trembling slightly, “the same… the one at the hunting grounds in Xutian, who shot the mad beast with a single arrow… That Cao Zhi? Not only gifted in literature… but also versed in military affairs? And… so extraordinary?”
A deep sense of helplessness and fear gripped him. Cao Cao had always been like a towering mountain, suffocating him, and now his son showed the same prowess. The Cao family’s power was becoming ever more rooted; the Han dynasty’s hope for revival seemed increasingly remote. The emperor felt as though the foundation of the Cao household was cementing before his very eyes, while he himself remained trapped deeper within his royal cage.
Behind a screen, Empress Fu quietly observed, taking in the emperor’s whispered fear. Her expression was difficult to read.
When the eunuchs left, leaving only the emperor and empress, she approached slowly, her voice low and steady:
“Your Majesty, Cao Zhi’s talent is extraordinary, yet fortune often hides misfortune within it.”
The emperor looked at her, confused:
“Your meaning, Empress?”
A sharp glint appeared in Empress Fu’s eyes:
“The sons of Cao Cao are not a single, unbroken force. I have heard that his eldest, Cao Pi, is jealous, calculating, and has long been at odds with Cao Zhi. The more Cao Zhi demonstrates his abilities, the more he earns his father’s favor. Such sibling strife is bound to occur.”
She paused, lowering her voice almost to a whisper, as if wary of prying ears:
“For Your Majesty, a united Cao family is the most dangerous. Should internal conflict arise, perhaps… perhaps it could be to our advantage. Cao Zhi, though talented, seems somewhat at odds with his eldest brother; there may yet be opportunity…” She recalled the young man who had once saved her during the Xutian hunting expedition.
Yet Emperor Xian was far from comforted; his worry deepened:
“Even if the brothers quarrel, whichever prevails, the empire… will still be Cao’s!”
Empress Fu remained silent a moment, then spoke softly:
“Time is required for such strife. And time… may bring change. Your Majesty, Cao Zhi is a person who must be… watched carefully.”
In her mind, Cao Zhi had already become a highly significant and complex variable, one to be factored into future considerations.
Jiangdong
Sun Quan received a confidential report from Lu Su and read carefully about the Battle of Guandu and Cao Zhi’s actions.
“Cao Zhi, Cao Zhi…” Sun Quan set aside the silk scroll, fingers lightly tapping the desk.
Lu Su bowed:
“My lord, it is said that even before the Battle of Guandu, this son had proposed the Equal Field Policy, demonstrating exceptional insight, and gained the support of Sima Yi in Henei. Among soldiers and civilians, he had considerable influence. Later he led Zhang Liao to rescue Baima, recruited generals like Zhao Yun, and even burned Wuchao. This son, skilled in both civil and military affairs, commands loyalty—he is no ordinary heir. His ambitions are likely far greater than expected.”
Zhou Yu scoffed:
“Skilled in both civil and martial affairs? He merely rides on his father’s power. Should Cao Cao fall, even such talents are like a floating reed. Yet… he is indeed someone we must keep an eye on. Lord, we must carefully monitor Cao Cao’s sons, especially this Cao Zhi, in the future.”
Sun Quan’s gaze darkened:
“Cao Cao grows old. How his heirs conduct themselves will determine the future of the north. Cao Zhi… it seems the Cao family has a successor. This is not favorable for us in Jiangdong. Zi Jing, Gongjin, you are correct—strengthen intelligence gathering on Cao’s sons, and thoroughly investigate Cao Zhi’s temperament, preferences, and subordinates.”
ingzhou – Xinye
Liu Bei, together with Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and others, discussed the northern situation. Upon hearing of Cao Zhi’s deeds, Liu Bei stroked his beard, eyes complex.
“I sensed even at Xiapi that this son was extraordinary,” he said.
“Cao Mengde has a son like this—how fortunate! Cao Zhi, barely in his twenties, possesses such vision and boldness, skilled in both literature and war. I recall that at my age in this era, I was still weaving mats and selling shoes…”
Guan Yu’s eyes narrowed:
“Brother, why foster another’s ambition? Cao Zhi may be talented, but he deceives the emperor, and all know it. The greater his talent, the greater the potential for harm.”
Zhang Fei shouted:
“Second brother speaks the truth! A pampered beauty—afraid he only talks of strategy on paper! Face him on the battlefield, I’ll pierce him with my spear!”
Liu Bei waved them down, a trace of regret in his eyes:
“What a pity, such talent, yet he is Cao Cao’s son. Had he been ours… alas, fate mocks us.”
He reflected on his own life, wandering with no heir, no secure base, and compared himself to the well-established Cao family. Cao Zhi’s emergence only emphasized the urgency and value of capable successors.