Mr. Chen Gong and His Condemnations of General Cao Cao

This story takes place during the Three Kingdoms Period (A.D. 220-280). Cao Cao is Prime Minister of the Han Dynasty, appointed by General Dong Zhuo, who is the Dynasty's de facto ruler, since the Emperor is still a toddler. General Dong Zhuo is a cruel dictator, and many officials of the Han Dynasty are killed under his regime. Cao Cao plans to assassinate Dong Zhuo, but the plan fails and he is caught by Dong Zhuo's guards. In court, Cao Cao claims that he was actually helping the Han Emperor to regain power. Cao Cao demonstrates that justice is on his side and asks the judge, Chen Gong, to help him escape. Chen Gong releases Cao Cao, and quits his job to follow Cao Cao. He presents his sword as a gift to Cao Cao, and they flee the capital to hide in Lu Boshe's home.

Lu Boshe is Cao Cao's uncle, and the entire family is happy to see Cao Cao again. Lu Boshe is not at home, but his servants begin sharpening their knives in the backyard to prepare for a celebratory dinner. When he hears the sound of the knives being sharpened, Cao Cao misinterprets it as a threat against him and kills the entire family without warning. Chen Gong is astonished by Cao Cao's action, and accuses him of the wanton slaughter of innocent people. Cao Cao apologizes and decides they must leave immediately. At that moment, his uncle Lu Boshe returns, and Cao Cao kills him as well.

Chen Gong is disturbed by what he has witnessed. He realizes that Cao Cao is a vicious and overly suspicious person, and gives up any further thought of following Cao Cao. Chen Gong later joins the army of General Lu Bu, and becomes his advisor. Lu Bu is a famous general with excellent martial art skills. This has also made him arrogant, and he often indulges himself in wine and women. During one battle, Lu Bu is still drunk when Cao Cao launches an attack on his encampment. Lu Bu is taken alive by his own men, who want the reward offered by Cao Cao. Instead, Cao Cao kills the men who captured Lu Bu, thereby punishing them for their betrayal of their leader. Chen Gong is also captured, and condemns Cao Cao for his capricious and bloodthirsty character. Refusing to surrender to Cao Cao, Chen Gong goes to his execution without a second thought.