Buzz
Ultimately, 'truth' lies in being unashamed of one's heart. In his lifetime, Tao Thao, in some aspect, attained a rare 'truth' of that era.
In the spring of 220 AD, the city of Luoyang was engulfed in sorrow.
An old man nearing seventy calmly arranged his funeral rites upon his sickbed.
In his final moments, he did not portray the death lightly like a feather, but rather methodically settled affairs for his kin, until he closed his eyes and let go.
That old man was none other than the 'hero' Tao Thao.
Speaking of Cao Cao, the renowned Chinese poet, Tao Dong Pha once remarked: 'In life, he was a hero; in death, he is remembered as genuine.'
Posterity often only sees the artifice, associating Cao Cao solely with 'heroism' while overlooking his 'genuineness', his 'truthfulness' in his dealings with others.
Much like in the historical drama 'Coalition of Advisors', Cao Cao laments: 'The world, misunderstanding my true virtue!'
01
'True' with friends: the best friendship is one of complete understanding
Mencius once said: 'True friends cherish each other, understanding each other deeply.'
Perhaps, for Quan Vu, Tào Tháo still hasn't been considered a bosom friend.
But for Tào Tháo, Quan Vu is the very person Tào Tháo wishes to be close friends with.
In the fifth year of Kiến An, Tào Tháo personally led the attack on Từ Châu.
The weather has not yet turned warm, but the morale of Tào's troops has not diminished.
The battle went smoothly, Tào's army took control of Hạ Bì City, drove away Liu Bei, and captured Guan Yu alive.
Although Guan Yu is a captive of Tào Tháo, Tào Tháo has never regarded him as a prisoner.
He bestowed upon Guan Yu the highest honors, appointing him as a general, rewarding him with countless gold and silk, and granting him swift horses, showing his generosity and trust in him.
Yet deep down, Cao Cao knew that he could only retain Guan Yu temporarily, not indefinitely.
Their paths were destined to diverge.
And the day arrived sooner than expected, when Guan Yu learned of Liu Bei's whereabouts, he resolutely left Cao Cao and joined his elder brother, Liu Bei.
Cao Cao's subordinates, filled with anger, wanted to obstruct Guan Yu, but were restrained by Cao Cao himself.
He simply nodded gently, saying, 'Everyone has their rightful place to belong, there's no need to chase after.'
Tao Thao and Guan Yu, they are the epitome of camaraderie between two nations.
Above all interests, it is a definite show of respect.
Tao Thao admires Guan Yu, showering him with lavish gifts despite prior doubts, from titles, positions, money to fine steeds.
These things hold great value, yet they are not the rarest.
The rarest of all is Tao Thao granting Guan Yu 'complete fulfillment.'
What is complete fulfillment?
Giving you what you truly desire, not everything I possess, defines my affection. I steer you where your heart truly inclines.
Completeness lies in the purest friendship, in utmost sincerity.
Tao Thao's genuine treatment of others also secured his livelihood.
On the path of Hoa Dung, Guan Yu, he too values camaraderie and righteousness, repaying Tao Thao's past kindness in his own way.
Understanding completeness, embracing non-attachment, embodies generosity of soul, the pinnacle of sincerity.
02
Being true to one's enemies: the highest form of self-respect.
Tran Cung once illuminated Tao Thao's path.
He was one of Tao Thao's most important strategists. With his assistance, Tao Thao seized Duyen Chau and triumphed over the Yellow Scarves rebellion.
He even saved Tao Thao's life.
But later, each went their separate ways, leaving Tran Cung a void in Tao Thao's life.
Not only did he encourage Truong Mac and others to revolt against Tao Thao, but he also conspired with Lu Bu. At a critical moment when Tao Thao attacked Xia Pi, he advised Lu Bu to ambush Tao Thao for personal gain.
Unfortunately, it wasn't Tào Tháo but Lữ Bố.
Lữ Bố rejected many plans proposed by Trần Cung, eventually meeting his demise at Bạch Môn Lầu.
As for Trần Cung, he was also bound and brought before Tào Tháo.
Indeed, once again Tào Tháo faced a former acquaintance. However, this time the acquaintance had become a prisoner.
Faced with that situation, Tào Tháo experienced a whirlwind of emotions.
Much later, Tào Tháo spoke: 'Cung Đài, still in good health?'
Trần Cung understood what Tào Tháo wanted to convey and replied, 'People's hearts are deceitful, that's why I had to leave.'
'Oh? My heart is deceitful? Then why did Cung Đài choose to assist Lữ Bố?'
'Lữ Bố may lack cunning, but he's not as deceitful as you.'
'Cung Đài considers himself cunning and strategic, so why did he end up as a prisoner like today?'
'I only regret that Lữ Bố didn't trust me. If he had listened, I wouldn't be captured. There's no need for many words; ultimately, it's just death.'
'Once you're gone, what will become of your elderly mother, wife, and children at home?'
'If you've shaken hands, then let me die swiftly, as for family matters, it's up to you to handle.'
The dialogue between the two was decisive.
Cao Cao refrained from being ruthless, yet Tran Cung was determined to die.
With no other choice, Cao Cao instructed his subordinates: 'Immediately take Tran Cung's mother and wife back to Hua Do for care. If delayed, show no mercy.' After speaking, tears couldn't be held back.
After hearing this, Tran Cung said no more, closed his eyes, awaiting the mercy of death.
'Take them back to Hua Do, for proper burial.' Finally, Cao Cao uttered these words.
In terms of emotions, Trần Cung once played a pivotal role in Tào Tháo's life. However, when it comes to interests, Trần Cung becomes Tào Tháo's ultimate adversary.
This showcases the level of respect Tào Tháo holds for a complex relationship with his adversary, which reflects the true essence of Tào Tháo.
He respects Trần Cung's decisions, acknowledges his actions even when allied with Lữ Bố, and admires his unwavering determination towards death.
A true warrior would prefer death over dishonor.
Respect, on a personal level, signifies equality, devoid of flattery or disdain.
Respecting both friends and foes epitomizes the highest level of spiritual cultivation.
What defines falsehood? It's the misalignment of words and deeds, it's the breach of promises, the failure to uphold one's word.
And what is truth? It's honesty, it's saying what one means, it's being forthright, it's honoring integrity.
Ultimately, 'truth' boils down to being honest with oneself.
In the saga of Tao Thao, he, in some aspect, attained a rare form of 'truth' in his time.
As for the flaws and controversies, posterity shall be the judge.
