Qiao Jingjing returned to Jiangdong under the escort of Lu Xun, Ling Tong, and others.
en route.
Suddenly, news arrived that Cao Cao had died.
After Cao Cao's death, Cao Pi succeeded Cao Cao as prime minister.
Cao Cao left behind a last message that was shocking and unconventional, yet it was largely despised by feudal literati.
Although Qiao Jingjing personally disliked Cao Cao and hated his oppression of Jiangdong over the years, she praised his dying words for touching the soul and calling him a true man.
It is said that when Cao Cao was dying, his biggest worry was the group of concubines around him.
Cao Cao thoughtfully devised a plan for his young concubines to make a living: they could support themselves by doing needlework, making clothes, and making shoes and socks.
How could the military and civil officials of that time understand the reasons behind this!
The brothers Cao Pi and Cao Zhi stayed by their father Cao Cao's side, weeping bitterly.
Cao Cao said:
"I once wielded a spear, defeated the Yellow Turbans, captured Lü Bu, destroyed Yuan Shu, subdued Yuan Shao, penetrated deep into the northern frontier, reached Liaodong, and roamed the world! If the country had no me, I wonder how many would have claimed the title of emperor, how many would have claimed the title of king!"
The first part is full of boldness, and the second part is full of deep affection.
"After I die, you brothers only need to wear mourning clothes for fifteen days."
The generals stationed at the border do not need to rush back for my funeral.
After I die, bury me on the small hill west of Ye City. Do not bury me with gold or silver treasures!
My concubines have served me very well. After I die, let them continue to live in the Bronze Sparrow Terrace. Do not mistreat them, do not drive them away or abuse them. In their spare time, they can learn to do needlework and make straw sandals to sell. You must support them until they die of old age.”
At this point, Cao Cao took a breath.
"Also, I've always regretted not getting a certain woman in my life, but now I don't regret it anymore."
"If I, Cao Cao, had defeated Sun Quan and Liu Bei at the Battle of Red Cliffs and brought the two Qiao sisters back to the Bronze Sparrow Terrace, I would now be worried about what would become of Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao, and how they would spend the rest of their lives after my death!"
Cao Cao looked at his two sons, his eyes already cloudy.
He was still conscious.
“Zihuan, Zijian, Ziwen, only now do I understand that some things are simply unattainable. Perhaps not being able to obtain them is the best arrangement. Da Qiao has her own world! She... remains the woman I cherish most in my heart throughout my life.”
Cao Cao gave his two sons a series of instructions before passing away.
Cao Pi and his brothers, including Cao Zhi, wept bitterly before their father, their grief overwhelming.
The talented sons of the Cao family never understood why their father, Cao Cao, was so attached to Da Qiao in Jiangdong. Even on his deathbed, he would still mention Da Qiao, and in the end, he even let go of his resentment!
It also gave him the most tragic and painful defeat of his life, the Battle of Red Cliffs, and found the most perfect explanation: what you don't get is the best arrangement.
Cao Cao's dying words to his brothers Cao Pi and Cao Zhi were not understood by Cao Pi and Cao Zhi.
Cao Zhi had already lost the competition for the position of heir apparent.
Cao Cao chose Cao Pi, who was more cunning and skilled in both literature and military affairs.
Only when he reached the last train of his life did Cao Cao become more like a father, worrying about the future safety of his son Cao Zhi.
Cao Cao took Cao Pi's hand and told him to treat his younger brothers well.
Cao Pi agreed with tears in his eyes, but that wasn't what he really thought.
Baidi City.
Zhuge Liang rushed over with A Dou in a great hurry, while Liu Bei had been lying in bed for many days.
The last time Zhuge Liang met Liu Bei, Liu Bei was leading an army of 100,000, at the height of his power, and was furiously attacking Eastern Wu. In less than two years, Liu Bei had already declined so drastically, appearing to be terminally ill.
This was completely unexpected by Zhuge Liang.
This greatly exceeded Zhuge Liang's prediction.
Zhuge Liang boasted of his divine wisdom and ingenuity, yet in the end, he could not predict the unpredictable changes of the world.
Holding the young A Dou's hand, Liu Bei reflected on his life. So much for starting a business, so much for conquering territory—it was all just that. Liu Bei had indeed conquered territory, but his heir was still so young and weak.
A Dou was only a few years old.
And she had no mother to take care of her.
Liu Bei finally made a trip to Jiangdong and married Lady Sun. A Dou grew up under Lady Sun's care to this age, and a bond developed between mother and son. But Lady Sun was a woman from Jiangdong, and she left again, only to be taken away by Da Qiao!
When Liu Bei thought about it, his eyes filled with tears.
Liu Bei's tumultuous and difficult life was one in which he did right by many people, but he failed his son above all others.
And at this very moment, he still had to say this to Zhuge Liang:
"I may not make it this time; I don't have much time left! Ever since I visited you three times to persuade you to join me, you have diligently assisted Liu Bei. Our shared ideal is to restore the Han Dynasty, drive out Cao Wei, and resist Eastern Wu. I must retreat halfway through this journey. I'm sorry to leave such a heavy burden for you to shoulder!"
And then there's my child, sir. Please take good care of him and teach him well. From now on, A Dou will acknowledge you as his father and you as the prime minister of Shu Han.
If A Dou is capable of being assisted, then assist him; if he is mediocre and cannot be helped, then you shall replace him.
Then Liu Bei gave A Dou a famous saying that has been passed down through the ages:
"Your father will not be able to teach you as often as he does now, so listen to your father's words! Remember, never do evil because it is small, and never neglect good because it is small. Also, when you marry, marry a virtuous and gentle woman, and don't be fooled by Li Sa's beautiful appearance."
In the final moments of his life, Liu Bei finally uttered the most profound words about self-cultivation.
This is a father's helplessness.
Even the strongest person, at the moment of death, will worry about what will happen after they die.
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