Cao Cao had broken his heart over the question of who would be his successor. Whether it was Cao Pi or Cao Zhi, he was actually a little dissatisfied. Although Cao Zhi's literary talent is extraordinary, the literati have strong habits, behave in Menglang, and have a frivolous style, which is not suitable for politics. Cao Pi's personality should be a little calmer, but he is not atmospheric, his mind is not enough, and his ability is not enough. Therefore, Cao Cao was vacillating for a long time. In the end, according to the order of succession, it was decided to make Cao Pi the son of the world.
Some people may say that the reason why Cao Cao did not want to establish Cao Pi and Cao Zhi was because the person he wanted to establish was Cao Chong.
(Cao Chong stills)
This is not bad at all, Cao Cao really wants to pass on the position of the son of the world to Cao Chong.
Cao Chong has two good qualities: intelligence and benevolence.
The story of "Cao Chong calling an elephant" is a manifestation of his extreme cleverness. You know, Cao Chong is using archimedes' law here. Cao Chong did not know this law, but he only intuitively grasped this law. Smart people, in complex political struggles, can sort things out. This is certainly a basic quality of politicians.
There is also a story of Cao Chong saving the Ku official. One of Cao Cao's clothes was bitten by a rat and he was very scared. In order to help him, Cao Chong first cut his own clothes and pretended to be bitten by rats, and went to say to Cao Cao, I heard that rats bite bad clothes are unlucky, and I feel so sad in my heart. Cao Cao comforted him and said that this was nonsense, not such a thing. Then the Ku official went to Cao Cao with his clothes, and Cao Cao did not rebuke the Ku official. This point is again cao chong's "benevolence".
Because Cao Chong was intelligent and benevolent, the Romance of the Three Kingdoms commented: "(Cao Cao) has the intention of passing on the aftermath. ”
Unfortunately, Cao Chong died at the age of 13, which also forced Cao Cao to choose between Cao Pi and Cao Zhi.
Of course, Cao Cao really wanted to make Cao Chong the son of the world. However, this was actually after Cao Ang's death in battle. If Cao Ang had not been killed in battle, Cao Cao's first consideration would definitely be Cao Ang.
(Cao Ang stills)
Why does Cao Cao think about Cao Ang first?
First, Cao Ang was brave and embraced.
In his early years, Cao Ang accompanied Cao Cao in his southern expeditions to the north, and often charged forward in battle, not afraid of life and death. You know, in the turbulent years, it is often the world of warriors. If the warrior is brave, he will be respected and supported by everyone. And he is brave, so he may have made great achievements. In terms of merit, he is also suitable to be made a successor.
Second, Cao Ang is easy-going and united.
Cao Ang and the people around him have a good relationship. The most convincing is his relationship with his adoptive mother, Mrs. Ding. Cao Ang was the child of Cao Cao's wife Lady Liu, but Lady Liu died early, so Cao Ang adopted Cao Cao's wife Lady Ding.
We know that, in general, the relationship between the adopted son and the adoptive mother is not very good. But the relationship between Cao Ang and Lady Ding was very good. After Cao Ang died in the Battle of Wancheng, Lady Ding was heartbroken and said to Cao Cao, "Kill my son, and you will never think of it again!" "It means you killed my son, and I have nothing to linger on." So he resolutely left Cao Cao and returned to his hometown. Later, Cao Cao specially went to Lady Ding's hometown to ask her to come back, but she was determined not to come back.
This shows how deep her feelings for her adopted son are.
(Cao Cao stills)
Of course, feelings are both a two-way street. From this, we can know how well Cao Ang handles relationships.
Third, Cao Ang's filial piety was praised.
Cao Ang is very filial piety, and when he was 20 years old, he was "raised filial piety". You know, at that time, when recommending talents, the "inspection and lifting system" was still used. And "filial piety" is undoubtedly the highest reward.
Moreover, we all know that in the Battle of Wancheng, when Zhang Xiu raided in, it was Cao Ang who gave up his war horse to Cao Cao, and Cao Cao was able to escape from danger. Cao Ang and Dianwei and others fought to the death in the rear, giving Cao Cao time to escape. However, Cao Ang and Dianwei were unfortunately killed in battle, which is that Cao Ang used his actual performance to prove that his "filial piety" was not a waste of time.
Fourth, Cao Ang resembles the eldest son.
Cao Ang was the eldest son of Shu. However, he was raised by Lady Ding of Cao Cao's main chamber. Lady Ding had no children, which made Cao Ang the eldest son. If Cao Ang was still alive, Lady Ding would not have left Cao Cao. If Madame Ding did not leave, Madame Bian would not have the opportunity to be the main chamber. Therefore, Cao Ang is the natural eldest son.
It can be seen that if Cao Ang does not die, he is the candidate for the natural son of the world.
(Reference to Romance of the Three Kingdoms)