事实上，罗贯中在《三国演义》中把曹操塑造成了一个“治世之能臣，乱世之奸雄”。
“曹操大宴铜雀台”，说：“诸公佳作，过誉甚矣。孤本愚陋，始举孝廉。后值天下大乱，筑精舍于谯东五十里，欲春夏读书，秋冬射猎，以待天下清平，方出仕耳。不意朝廷徵孤为典军校尉，逐更其意，专欲为国家讨贼立功，图死后得题墓道曰：‘汉故征西将军曹侯之墓’，平生愿足矣。念自讨董卓、剿黄巾以来，除袁术、破吕布、灭袁绍、定刘表，遂平天下。身为宰相，人臣之贵已极，又复何望哉？如国家无孤一人，正不知几人称帝，几人称王。或见孤权重，妄相忖度，疑孤有异心，此大谬也。孤常念孔子称文王之至德，此言耿耿在心。但欲孤委捐兵众，归就所封武平侯之国，实不可耳：诚恐一解兵柄，为人所害；孤败则国家倾危；是以不得慕虚名而处实祸也。诸公必无知孤意者。”（第五十六回）这听来像是真话。但我们如何能知道这是不是曹操的真心话呢？咱们去读一读第七十八回吧！“却说曹操自杀华佗之后，病势愈重，又忧吴、蜀之事。正虑间，近臣忽奏东吴遣使上书。操取书拆视之，略曰：‘臣孙权久知天命已归于王上，伏望早正大位，遣将剿灭刘备，扫平两川，臣即率群下纳士归降矣。’操观毕大笑，出示群臣曰：‘是儿欲使吾居炉火上耶！’侍中陈群等奏曰：‘汉室久已衰微，殿下功德巍巍，生灵仰望。今孙权称臣归命，此天人之应，异气齐声。殿下宜应天顺人，早正大位。’操笑曰：‘吾事汉多年，虽有功德及民，然位至于王，名爵已极，何敢更有他望？苟天命在孤，孤为周文王矣。’……操病势转加……操召曹洪、陈群、贾诩、司马懿等，同至卧榻前，嘱以后事。操曰：‘孤纵横天下三十余年，群雄皆灭，止有江东孙权，西蜀刘备，未曾剿除。孤今病危，不能再与卿等相叙，特以家事相托……惟长子曹丕，笃厚恭谨，可继我业。卿等宜辅佐之。’嘱毕，长叹一声，泪如雨下。
须臾，气绝而死。寿六十六岁。”曹操的一生证明他没有篡夺王位。我们没有理由怀疑上述引用他所说的话不是真心的，但他确实是“功首罪魁非两人，遗臭流芳本一身”。
In fact， Luo Guanzhong has portrayed Cao Cao as“an able statesman in a time of peace or atreacherous villain in a time of chaos”.“Cao Cao Feasts at Bronze Bird Tower”， saying：“Gentlemen，your praise goes beyond the measure. I am but a crude and simple man who began his official career by beingcited for filial devotion and integrity. Later on， because of the disorder in the realm， I built a retreat fifty li eastof the fief at Qiao， where I wished to devote myself to reading in spring and summer and hunting in autumnand winter until tranquility returned to the world and I could enter public life. Beyond all my expectationsthe court assigned me to serve as commandant for Military Standards， and so I forsook my life as a recluseand dedicated myself to achieving distinction by punishing the rebels in the Emperor’s behalf. If after I diemy tombstone reads‘Here Lies the Late Lord Cao， Han General Who Conquers the West，’my lifelongambition will have been fulfilled. Let it be remembered that since bringing Dong Zhuo to justice and rootingout the Yellow Scarves， we have eliminated Yuan Shu， defeated Lü Bu， wiped out Yuan Shao， and won overLiu Biao. Thus peace has been restored in the realm. I have become the Emperor’s highest servant， the chiefsteward of his realm. What greater ambition could I have？ If not for me， who knows how many would havedeclared themselves emperor， or prince of a region？ There are those who have drawn unwarranted conclusionsconcerning my power， suspecting me of imperial ambitions. This is preposterous. I remain constantly mindfulof Confucius’ admiration for King Wen’s‘ultimate virtue.’His words burn bright in my heart. I longonly to relinquish my armies and return to my fief as lord of Wuping. But practically speaking I cannot； foronce I relinquish power， I might be murdered—and that would imperil the house of Han. I cannot exposemyself to real dangers for the sake of reputation. So it seems， gentlemen， that not one of you understands mythinking.”(Chapter 56) This sounds true. How can we know they are Cao Cao’s sincere words？ Let’s readChapter 78！“Cao Cao’s condition worsened after he had killed Hua Tuo， and he was depressed over hisproblems with the Southland and the Two Plain. As he pondered the situation， an attendant brought a letterfrom Sun Quan. Cao Cao opened it and studied the contents：‘Your subject， Sun Quan， recognizing that theMandate of Heaven has come to Your Highness， humbly anticipates your early ascension to the imperialthrone. If you would dispatch your generals to destroy Liu Bei， I will forthwith lead my subordinates intendering our lands in loyal submission.’Cao Cao laughed aloud and showed the note to his courtiers.‘Thebastard wants to roast me on the fire！’he said. But a group around Chen Qun petitioned him：‘The houseof Han has long been declining， while Your Majesty’s merits and virtues mount ever higher. All living soulslook up to you. Now Sun Quan declares his allegiance—a human reflection of the divine， different orderswith corresponding signs. You should respond to Heaven and accord with men， Your Majesty， and quicklyassume the dynastic throne.’Cao Cao smiled and said，‘Many years have I served the Han， and perhapssome merit or virtue of mine has benefited the people. When I was raised to the status of King of Wei， myname and position reached their peak. What further dare I dream of？ But if somehow the Mandate of Heavenshould come to rest with me， I would remain loyal to the dynasty nonetheless， like King Wen of the Zhou.’...
Cao Cao’s condition worsened. Cao Cao called for Cao Hong， Chen Qun， Jia Xu， and Sima Yi； when they wereat his bedside， he instructed them on the matter of the succession.‘I have made conquests the length andbreadth of the realm these thirty years， and all manner of heroes have eliminated. There remain but Sun Quanof the Southland and Liu Bei of the West Sichuan to be removed. But I will not be able to remain among you，and I shall have to entrust my house to you... Only the eldest， Pi， is reliable， generous， respectful to others，and scrupulous in word and deed—fit， therefore， to succeed to my estate. I hope you will give him all supportand assistance.’... Shortly afterward， with a long sigh and copious tears Cao Cao passed away at the age ofsixty-six.”Cao Cao’s whole life proves that he has not usurped the throne. We have no reason to suspectwhat is quoted above is not Cao Cao’s sincere words. But he is really of“high merit and great evil—from asingle hand， fair honors with foulest crimes conjoined.”
曹丕：曹操长子，“字子桓，时年十八岁……丕八岁能属文，有逸才，博古通今，善骑射，好击剑。时操破冀州，丕随父在军中，先领随身军，径投袁绍家，下马拔剑而入。有一将当之曰：‘丞相有命，诸人不许入绍府。’丕叱退，提剑入后堂。”（第三十二回）“曹丕见二妇人啼哭，拔剑欲斩之。忽见红光满目，遂按剑而问曰：‘汝何人也？’一妇人告曰：‘妾乃袁将军之妻刘氏也。’丕曰：‘此女何人？’刘氏曰：‘此次男袁熙之妻甄氏也。’丕拖此女近前，见披发垢面。丕以衫袖拭其面而观之，见甄氏玉肌花貌，有倾国之色。遂对刘氏曰：‘吾乃曹丞相之子也。愿保汝家。汝勿忧虑。’遂按剑坐于堂上……操至绍府门下，问曰：‘谁曾入此门来？’守将对曰：‘世子在内。’操唤出责之。刘氏出拜曰：‘非世子不能保全妾家，愿献甄氏为世子执箕帚。’操教唤出甄氏拜于前。操视之曰：
‘真吾儿妇也！’遂令曹丕纳之。”（第三十三回）
Cao Pi： Cao Cao’s eldest son，“Pi (Zihuan)， was now eighteen... At the age of eight Cao Pi couldwrite literary compositions that showed outstanding talent. He was knowledgeable about things ancient andmodern， excelled in horsemanship and marksmanship， and was fond of sword fighting. In the conquered cityof Ji， Cao Pi approached the residence of Yuan Shao with a few guards. A commander posted at the buildingwarned him that the prime minister had banned entry， but Cao Pi brushed past and went into the privatechambers wearing a sword.”(Chapter 32)“As Cao Pi bared his sword before the sobbing women， a redlight flashed before his eyes. Putting up his weapon， he asked，‘Who are you？’One of them replied，‘Iam Lady Liu， wife of the late General Yuan Shao.’‘And her？’Cao Pi said.‘Lady Zhen，’was thereply，‘the wife of Yuan Xi， General Yuan Shao’s second son. Cao Pi drew Lady Zhen toward him， lifted herdisheveled hair， and wiped her soiled face with his sleeve. With a face fair as jade， her skin flower-fresh， shewas a beauty whose glance could topple Kingdoms. Cao Pi said to her，‘As the son of Prime Minister CaoCao， I shall protect your family. Set your mind at ease.’So saying， he posted himself inside the chamber，his hand on his sword... Cao Cao rode first to the residence of Yuan Shao and asked the guard，‘Has anyoneentered？’‘The young master is within，’was the reply. Cao Cao scolded Cao Pi for violating his ban， butLady Liu bowed and appealed to the prime minister，‘If not for your son， our family would have perished.
Allow me to offer Lady Zhen to serve in his household.’Cao Cao summoned the woman， who prostratedherself. Cao Cao looked at her and said，‘The perfect wife for my son！’and gave Cao Pi permission to takeLady Zhen as his wife. (Chapter 33)
长子曹丕，恐不得立，乃问计于中大夫贾诩。诩教如此如此。自是但凡操出征，诸子送行，曹植乃称述功德，发言成章；惟曹丕辞父，只是流涕而拜，左右皆感伤。于是操疑植乖巧，诚心不及丕也。丕又使人买嘱近侍，皆言丕之德。操欲立后嗣，踌躇不定，乃问贾诩曰：“孤欲立后嗣，当立谁？”贾诩不答，操问其故。诩曰：“正有所思，故不能即答耳。”操曰：“何所思？”诩对曰：“思袁本初、刘景升父子也。”操大笑，遂立长子曹丕为王世子。（第六十八回）
“The eldest son， Pi， who had been discouraged， asked Imperial Mentor Jia Xu for a plan to improvehis prospects. Jia Xu gave him certain advice. From that day forward， whenever Cao Cao went on a campaignand his sons saw him off， Cao Zhi would celebrate his achievements and his virtue in long rhapsodies. CaoPi alone would bid his father good-bye， prostrate and weeping. Cao Cao’s attendants were deeply movedby this， and soon Cao Cao began to compare his favorite， Zhi， to his son Pi and to suspect Zhi of cunningand insincerity. Cao Pi reinforced his father’s inclination by bribing Cao’s close attendants to sing Pi’spraises. As a result， Cao became torn over whom to name as heir. He took the matter to Jia Xu.‘I want toestablish my successor，’he said.‘Who should it be？’Jia Xu did not answer. Cao Cao asked why.‘I amthinking，’replied Jia Xu.‘I cannot answer right away.’‘What are you thinking？”Cao asked.‘I amthinking of Yuan Shao and Liu Biao and of their sons，”said Xu. Cao Cao laughed and subsequently namedCao Pi， his eldest son， heir apparent.”(Chapter 68)
曹丕闻知父丧，放声痛哭，率大小官员出城十里，伏道迎榇入城，停于偏殿。中庶子司马孚曰：“魏王既薨，天下震动；当早立嗣王，以安众心。何但哭泣耶？”群臣曰：“世子宜嗣位；但未得天子诏命，岂可造次而行？”兵部尚书陈矫曰：“王薨于外，爱子私立，彼此生变，则社稷危矣。”遂拔剑割下袍袖，厉声曰：“即今日便请世子嗣位。众官有异议者，以此袍为例！”百官悚惧。忽报华歆自许昌飞马而至，众皆大惊。歆曰：“吾已于汉帝处索得诏命在此。”众皆踊跃称贺。原来华歆谄事魏，故草此诏，威逼献帝降之；帝只得听从，故下诏即封曹丕为魏王、丞相、冀州牧。丕即日登位，受大小官僚拜舞起居。正宴会庆贺间，忽报鄢陵侯曹彰，自长安领十万大军来到。丕大惊、遂问群臣曰：“黄须小弟，平日性刚，深通武艺。今提兵远来，必与孤争王位也。如之奈何？”忽阶下一人应声出曰：“臣请往见鄢陵侯，以片言折之。”（第七十八回）众视其人，乃谏议大夫贾逵也。曹丕大喜，即命贾逵前往。逵领命出城，迎见曹彰。彰问曰：“先王玺绶安在？”逵正色而言曰：“家有长子，国有储君。先王玺绶，非君侯之所宜问也。”……“君侯此来，欲奔丧耶？欲争位耶？”彰曰：“吾来奔丧，别无异心。”逵曰：“既无异心，何故带兵入城？”彰即时叱退左右，只身入内，拜见曹丕。兄弟二人，相抱大哭。曹彰将本部军马尽交与曹丕。丕令彰回鄢陵自守，彰拜辞而去。于是曹丕安居王位，改建安二十五年为延康元年；封贾诩为太尉，华歆为相国，王朗为御史大夫；大小官僚，尽皆升赏。谥曹操曰武王，葬于邺郡高陵。却说华歆奏曹丕曰：“临淄侯植，萧怀侯熊，二人竟不来奔丧，理当问罪。”丕从之，即分遣二使往二处问罪。不一日，萧怀使者回报：“萧怀侯曹熊惧罪，自谥身死。”丕令厚葬之，追赠萧怀王。曹植入见，惶恐伏拜请罪。丕曰：“吾与汝情虽兄弟，义属君臣，汝安敢恃才蔑礼？吾今限汝行七步吟诗一首。若果能，则免一死；若不能，则从重治罪，决不姑恕！”植行七步，其诗已成。曹丕及群臣皆惊。丕又曰：“七步成章，吾犹以为迟。汝能应声而作诗一首否？”植略不思索，即口占一首曰：“煮豆燃豆萁，豆在釜中泣。本是同根生，相煎何太急！”曹丕闻之，潸然泪下。于是贬曹植为安乡侯。植拜辞上马而去。（第七十九回）就这样，曹丕巩固了他的地位。
“Cao Pi broke into unrestrained lamentation at the news. Leading a crowd of officials of all ranks，he prostrated himself in the road ten li outside the city to receive his father’s coffin； then he had it carriedto a side chamber of the palace. Sima Fu， attendant to the heir apparent， said，‘The King of Wei is nomore， and the empire trembles. We must instate his successor as soon as possible to calm the minds of thepeople. Why are you simply wailing and weeping？’‘The heir apparent should succeed，’the courtierscried，‘but without a mandate from the Son of Heaven， we are not free to act.’Chen Jiao， minister of War，said，‘The king has died away from the capital. If his sons strive for the succession， causing dissensionamong themselves， the dynastic shrine itself could fall.’So saying， he drew his sword and slashed the sleeveof his surcoat. He cried fiercely，‘Today we beg the heir apparent to mount the throne. Any official opposingwill suffer the fate of this coat.’The assembly shook with fear. The arrival of Hua Xin， who had ridden attop speed from Xuchang， caused fresh consternation. Hua Xin said，‘I already have a mandate from theEmperor with me.’The courtiers elatedly voiced their congratulations. Hua Xin， a fawning follower of thehouse of Wei， had drafted and compelled the Emperor to issue the decree， which honored Cao Pi as King ofWei， prime minister， and protector Jizhou. That same day Cao Pi assumed his father’s position and acceptedthe fervent felicitations of the court. In the midst of the celebration feast it was reported that Cao Zhang， lordof Yanling， was bringing an army of one hundred thousand from Chang’an. In great alarm， Cao Pi turned tohis advisers：“My yellow-bearded brother has always been willful. And he knows the martial arts well. Forhim to come so far with troops means he wants to contest the kingship of Wei. What is to be done？”Belowthe dais a man came forward and said，“Let me go to see the lord of Yanling. I can turn him around with afew words.”(Chapter 78) The man who volunteered to stop Cao Zhang’s onslaught was Imperial Officer FirstGrade Jia Kui. Delighted Cao Pi ordered him to go to meet his brother Zhang. The first question Cao Zhangput to the officer was，“Where is the late king’s seal？”With a dignified expression Jia Kui replied，“Everyfamily has its eldest； every state has its appointed heir. It is not appropriate for Your Lordship to inquire aboutthe late king’s seal. Has Your Lordship come to attend the funeral or to contest the succession？”“Forthe services only，”Cao Zhang replied.“I have no hostile intentions.”“In that case，”responded JiaKui，“why have you brought an army？”Cao Zhang dismissed his guard and entered the palace alone. Hepaid his respects to Cao Pi， and the brothers embraced and wept. Cao Zhang turned his armed force over toCao Pi， who ordered his brother to return to Yanling and guard it. Cao Zhang took his leave and departed.
Cao Pi was now secure on the throne. He changed the reign year from Jian An 25 to Yan Kang 1 (A.D. 220).
He made Jia Xu his grand commandant， Hua Xin his prime minister， and Wang Lang his chief censor. Theentire court was given promotions and rewards. Cao Cao， posthumously titled King Wu， was interred atGaoling in Ye. Hua Xin petitioned Cao Pi：“Cao Zhi， lord of Linzi， and Cao Xiong， lord of Xiaohuai， have notattended the funeral and should be called to account.”Cao Pi approved the suggestion and sent messengersto each to demand explanations. Within a day there was an answer from Xiaohuai：“Cao Xiong， lord ofXiaohuai， has hanged himself for fear of giving offense.”Cao Pi ordered his brother buried with honorsand posthumously titled king of Xiaohuai. Soon after， Cao Zhi came before Cao Pi and anxiously prostratedhimself， begging forgiveness for his offenses.“Although in private sentiment we are brothers，”Pi said，“inpublic responsibilities we are lord and vassal. How dare you presume upon your talents to set at naught theformalities of this relationship？ Here is my challenge： walk seven paces and make a poem before you finish.
If you succeed， I will spare your life； if not， your offenses will be heavily punished without the slightestmitigation. Cao Zhi took seven steps and in that time produced a poem. Cao Pi and his court were astonishedat Cao Zhi’s performance.“Still，”Pi said，“seven paces takes some time. Can you create a poem on amoment’s notice？”Without pausing to reflect， Cao Zhi spoke these lines： Beans simmer on a beanstalk flame\/ From inside the pot expressed their ire： \/“Alive we sprouted on a single root— \/ What’s your rush to cookus on the fire？”Cao Pi burst into tears. Accordingly， he reduced Cao Zhi’s position to lord of Anxiang. CaoZhi then took his leave and departed on horseback. (Chapter 79) Thus， Cao Pi has consolidated his position.
魏王曹丕，自即王位，将文武官僚，尽皆升赏；遂统甲兵三十万，南巡沛国谯县，大飨先茔。人报大将军夏侯罥病危，丕即还邺郡。时罥已卒，丕为挂孝，以厚礼殡葬，”表明他对老臣、忠臣的敬重。于是，华歆、王朗等四十余人，直入内殿，来奏汉献帝，请禅位于魏王曹丕。帝颤罥不已。只见阶下披甲持戈数百余人，皆是魏兵。帝泣谓群臣曰：“朕愿将天下禅于魏王，幸留残喘，以终天年。”帝只得令陈群草禅国之诏，令华歆赍捧诏玺，引百官直至魏王宫献纳。曹丕接诏欣喜，谓贾诩曰：“虽二次有诏，然终恐天下后世，不免篡窃之名也。”诩曰：“此事极易：可再命张音赍回玺绶，却教华歆令汉帝筑一坛，名‘受禅坛’，择吉日良辰，集大小公卿，尽到坛下，令天子亲奉玺受，禅天下与王，便可以释群疑而绝众议矣。”至期，献帝请魏王曹丕登坛受禅，坛下集大小官僚四百余员，御林虎贲禁军三十余万，帝亲捧玉玺奉曹丕。丕受之。坛下群臣跪听。“读册已毕，魏王曹丕即受八般大礼，登了帝位。贾诩引大小官僚朝于坛下。改延康元年为黄初元年。国号大魏。丕即传旨，大赦天下。谥父曹操为太祖武皇帝。丕降旨封帝为山阳公，即日便行。”（第八十回）
Cao Pi， King of Wei since assuming his father’s throne， promoted and rewarded all his civil and militaryofficials. Next， he led three hundred thousand armored troops on a southern tour of Qiao county in the fiefof Pei， where he held a magnificent feast at the ancestral graves. During the festivities， however， Regent-Marshal Xiahou Dun was reported to be ill， and Cao Pi returned early to Ye. By the time he arrived， thefamous general had already died. Cao Pi went into mourning and arranged a burial of the most elaborateceremony for the late regent-marshal，”showing his respect for the old and loyal vassals. Following this， adelegation of more than forty civil and military officials—including Hua Xin， Wang Lang， etc. went directlyinto the imperial chamber to petition Emperor Xian to yield the throne to Cao Pi， King of Wei. The Emperorshook violently. At the base of the stairs leading to his throne all he could see were hundreds of armed menof Wei. Tearfully， the Emperor addressed the assemblage：‘We intend here solemnly to abdicate our rule，transferring all under Heaven to the King of Wei. Kindly spare what breath still remains to me， that I may liveout my natural years.’The Emperor had no choice. He ordered Chen Qun to draft the edict； next， he orderedHua Xin to receive the document and the imperia seal and then to bring the whole court to the king’s palace tomake the ritual presentation. Cao Pi accepted the edict with delight. Turning to Jia Xu， he said，“Despite thissecond edict， I still fear that the world as well as future generations will condemn the usurpation.”“There isa simple solution，”Jia Xu replied.“Command Zhang Yin to take the edict back once again with instructionsfor Hua Xin to have the Emperor build an Altar for Acceptance of the Abdication. Then， on a propitiousday， convene the senior and junior officials at the foot of the altar and have the Emperor personally tenderthe seal as he abdicates. That should resolve all doubts and check all criticism.”When the appointed timecame， Emperor Xian invited Cao Pi， King of Wei， to ascend the altar. Around of the base clustered a vastassemblage of four hundred officials， major and minor， as well as some thirty thousand warriors including theRoyal Guard， the Imperial Guard， and the Palace Guard. The Emperor held the jade seal in both hands andtransferred it respectfully to Cao Pi. Below， the assembly kneeled to hear the declaration of transmission. Afterthe ceremonial reading， Cao Pi understood the eight-round inauguration ceremony and ascended the imperialthrone. Below the altar Jia Xu led the body of officials in paying homage to the new sovereign. They thenchanged the reign period from Yan Kang，‘Prolonged Prosperity，”year1， to Huang Chu，“Commencementof the Yellow，”year 1 of a new dynasty called Great Wei. Next， Cao Pi issued a general amnesty. He gavehis father Cao Cao the posthumous title Great Ancestor and August Marial Emperor. ... Cao Pi directed thatthe Han Emperor be honored as lord of Shanyang and depart forthwith.”(Chapter 80)
东吴陆逊大破蜀兵于罥亭彝陵之地；黄权被吴兵隔断在江北岸，欲归无路，不得已而降魏。曹丕大喜。他问贾诩：“朕欲一统天下，先取蜀乎？先取吴乎？”诩曰：“以臣观之，诸将之中，皆无孙权、刘备敌手。虽以陛下天威临之，亦未见万全之势也。只可持守，以待二国之变。”丕曰：“朕已遣三路大兵伐吴，安有不胜之理？”尚书刘晔曰：“近东吴陆逊，新破蜀兵七十万，上下齐心，更有江湖之阻，不可卒制；陆逊多谋，必有准备。”
丕不从，引兵而去。丕听知三路兵败，乃喟然叹曰：“朕不听贾诩、刘晔之言，果有此败！”“魏调五路大兵，来取四川。”“诸葛亮安居平五路。”（第八十五回）曹丕在位七年，曾三次伐吴，都无功而返，他只是个守业者，没什么大成就。他病逝于黄初七年，享年四十岁。
Lu Xun of the Southland had decisively beaten The Shu troops at Xiaoting and Yiling. Huang Quanwas cut off by the southern army. He had no way to get back and surrendered to Wei against his will. Thispleased Cao Pi. He asked Jia Xu，“To fulfill my desire to unify the empire， should I take the Shu first orthe Southland？”Jia Xu replied，“In my view， no commanders to match those of the south or the west， noteven Your awe-inspiring Majesty can ensure success. Better to maintain a defensive position and wait fornew developments in the two Kingdoms.”Cao Pi said，“The three powerful armies we have sent southshould prevail.”However， Imperial Secretary Liu Ye said，“Recently Lu Xun has defeated seven hundredthousand Riverlands. The southern army is unified in spirit and enjoys the protective advantage of variousbodies of water. It will be quite difficult to overpower them. And Lu Xun is full of schemes and will be wellprepared for us.”But Cao Pi remained determined to proceed. His three armies defeated， Cao Pi sigheddeeply and said，“Had I only listened to Jia Xu and Liu Ye！”“The kingdom of Wei has fielded five armiesin order to conquer Sichuan.”“Zhuge Liang Calmly Holds Off Five Armies”(Chapter 85). Cao Pi hasreigned for seven years and sent his army to attack the Southland three times， and returned in vain. He hasonly safeguarded his heritage and achieved nothing important. He dies of illness in the seventh year of HuangChu， at the age of forty.
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