Cao Cao, was descended from Cao Can, the Premier in the Western Han Dynasty.

Cao Cao was skillful in strategy and adapted himself quickly to changing circumstances. It was said of him "You are clever enough to govern the world but bad enough to upset it. "It was said this prediction gave Cao immense pleasure. At twenty, Cao Cao was recommended by his district for his piety and personal integrity and this led to his initial appointment to the court. Cao Cao was known for commanding his troops with very strict discipline. Later he fled back to his hometown when he failed in his attempt to assassinate Dong Zhuo.

At home in Chenliu, Cao Cao enlisted aid and resources to start his own military actions. He then called upon many other powerful lords to combine their strengths against Dong Zhuo. Cao Cao never stopping trying to recruit the most able and virtuous men. He was an expert in judging people's worth and knew how to employ them to the best advantage. He was also a master of military strategy. All this enabled him to have a wealth of talents, elite troops and excellent support for his armies.

Cao Cao's moment came when he was invited by the Han court to rescue the Emperor Xian who was held hostage in the bitter fighting between Dong Zhuo's generals. He defeated the rebels who were holding the Emperor and then persuaded the Emperor to move the capital to Xuchang. From then on, Cao Cao effectively held the Emperor captive and ruled in his name giving orders to all the other lords. Cao Cao successively eliminated the lords, Yuan Shao, Ma Teng, Zhang Lu and others. Finally he took complete control of the northern part of China and then established the Kingdom of Wei.