3. Capturing and Releasing Cao Cao

Chapter summary

Dong Zhuo usurped power and threw the court into ruin, so Cao Cao entered the Chancellor's residence carrying the Seven-Star Sword, pretending to present it while plotting to assassinate Dong Zhuo. When the attempt failed, he fled the capital overnight. Passing through Zhongmou, he was recognized and arrested by Magistrate Chen Gong, who admired his purpose, resigned his office, and fled with him. But at Lü Boshe's home, Cao Cao's suspicion drove him to kill eight members of the household by mistake and then slay Lü Boshe himself upon his return, whereupon Chen Gong, seeing both loyalty and righteousness lost in him, left in anger.