There have been many legendary figures in Chinese history, among which Cao Cao is undoubtedly one of the most representative figures of the Three Kingdoms period. During his political career, Cao Cao implemented many decisions, including marrying his seven daughters to Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty, a decision that exposed Cao Cao's scheming and profit-seeking side.
Cao Cao was a heroic figure in the late Eastern Han Dynasty, a period when the world was in turmoil and wars were frequent, and Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty became a puppet emperor who existed in name only. In order to ensure his control over Emperor Han Xian, Cao Cao adopted a series of measures, one of which was to achieve political marriage by marrying his three daughters to Emperor Han Xian.
This move is incredible, after all, one eye and ear is enough, why marry seven daughters to Emperor Xian of Han together?
What is the meaning behind Cao Cao's move? What kind of interests is he pursuing? Is he willing to sacrifice the happiness of his daughters for power and his own political cause?
Cao Cao, as the male lord of the late Eastern Han Dynasty at that time, had great ambitions and pursuits. Eager to excel in these turbulent times, he devised a plan to establish a strong bond with his seven daughters by betrothing them to Emperor Xian of Han.
The implementation of this plan not only strengthened the relationship between Cao Cao and Emperor Xian of Han, but also paved the way for his own political career. He is willing to do whatever it takes, even at the expense of his daughters' happiness, treating them as tools in a plot and completely ignoring his daughters' feelings. In Cao Cao's actions, it can be seen that his pursuit of power and status surpasses all else, while also showing his selfishness and ruthlessness.
It should be noted that before Cao Cao's three daughters entered the palace, Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty already had three concubines, including Empress Fu and the much-loved Dong Guifei. However, these concubines all suffered an unfortunate fate in the end, which also showed the cruelty of the social environment at the time and the ruthlessness of the emperor.
In order to ensure the status of his daughters, Cao Cao made his eldest daughter Cao Jie the queen, and his two daughters Cao Hua and Cao Jie as nobles.
It is worth mentioning that Cao Cao also sent his four daughters to the harem of Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty after Cao Cao's three daughters entered the palace. This move made the concubines of Emperor Xian of Han become his daughters. No matter which concubine gives birth to a prince, Cao Cao's blood flows, and the future Son of Heaven will also be Cao Cao's descendant.
However, Cao Cao did not wait for that day to come. In 220 C.E., he died of illness and was unable to witness the completion of his plan. But Cao Cao's son, Cao Pi, fulfilled his wish to a certain extent.
At the same time, Cao Jie, the eldest daughter of Cao Cao, chose to stay with Emperor Han Xian and continue to accompany him in his old age. When she was in Sanyang, she actively engaged in some charitable undertakings, providing free medical care for the people, and teaching children in a voluntary manner, leaving a beautiful legend.
In general, at the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, although Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty lost his status as emperor, he still had a certain utilization value. Cao Cao skillfully used Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty to stabilize public opinion in the world and further consolidate his dominance.
Compared to the power and status, Cao Cao's seven daughters seem insignificant. Many believe that Cao Cao's actions were too selfish and cunning, focusing only on personal interests and not caring about the feelings of his daughters.
Some believe that Cao Cao would be wise to marry his daughter to the royal family because it would benefit his political career. However, there are also those who believe that this behavior is sacrificing the happiness of their daughter, and that the pursuit of such interests is undesirable.
Cao Cao's actions were a complex political strategy that involved many factors such as power, status, and family ties. In any case, Cao Cao played a good hand with his selfish and ruthless strategy, but unfortunately he was unable to witness the end result of his plan.