Cao Zhi: Saved by Zhen Mi I Will Take Her as My Empress

During the second year of Jian’an, a modern man transmigrates into the body of twelve-year-old Cao Zhi, the third son of warlord Cao Cao, during the chaotic Battle of Wancheng. Zhang Xiu’s rebellion has turned the city into a slaughterhouse, and Cao Zhi is left for dead after his loyal bodyguard, Dian Wei, sacrifices himself to save him. Starving and freezing in the snow, he is discovered by Zhen Mi, the wife of Yuan Xi, who hides him in her carriage and shields him from Zhang Xiu’s pursuers using her noble status. She nurses him back to health in Ye City, where he recovers under her care, forming a deep emotional bond with her while hiding his true identity as Chen Zhi. After recovering, Cao Zhi departs secretly, promising to return and change her tragic fate, before making his way to Xuchang to reunite with his father.

Upon returning to Xuchang, Cao Zhi finds himself in a precarious position within the Cao family. His elder brother, Cao Pi, views him with intense jealousy and hostility, while Cao Cao is initially distant but gradually recognizes Cao Zhi’s extraordinary talent. Cao Zhi quickly establishes himself as a capable strategist by proposing the tuntian system, a military farming policy that allocates unclaimed land to refugees and retired soldiers. This policy revitalizes the war-torn economy, increases grain production, and stabilizes the region, earning him the respect of advisors like Xun Yu and Guo Jia, as well as the wary admiration of his father. His success, however, deepens the rift with Cao Pi, who feels his own status threatened.

Cao Zhi’s military prowess is further demonstrated during the campaign against Lu Bu. He devises a plan to flood Xiapi by diverting rivers, minimizing civilian casualties through careful evacuation while crushing the enemy. During the aftermath, he boldly confronts the captured Lu Bu, exposing his treachery and preventing Liu Bei from attempting to recruit him. He also persuades the formidable general Zhang Liao to surrender to Cao Cao, significantly strengthening his father’s military forces. These victories elevate Cao Zhi’s prestige, making him a key figure in the Cao camp and a primary rival to Cao Pi.

As the threat of Yuan Shao grows, Cao Zhi anticipates the Edict of the Clothes-and-Belt conspiracy. He secretly recruits Sima Yi, rescuing him from political disgrace and securing a brilliant strategist for his future. Cao Zhi then warns Cao Cao about the plot, leading to the swift arrest and execution of Dong Cheng and his co-conspirators. The incident forces Emperor Xian to order the death of his own consort, Consort Dong, breaking the emperor’s spirit and consolidating Cao Cao’s control. Meanwhile, Yuan Shao, ignoring the prudent advice of Ju Shou and Tian Feng, launches a massive invasion southward, setting the stage for the Battle of Guandu.

During the early stages of the war, Cao Zhi accompanies Zhang Liao on a reconnaissance mission near Baima. They encounter and rescue Zhao Yun, who is single-handedly holding off nearly a hundred Xiongnu cavalry to protect captured Han women. Cao Zhi successfully recruits Zhao Yun into his father’s army. During this mission, Cao Zhi also notices a disguised woman among the rescued captives who displays exceptional literacy and composure. Suspecting her to be the famous scholar Cai Wenji, he treats her with kindness and respect, though she conceals her identity. The narrative sets the stage for the impending clash between Cao Cao and Yuan Shao, with Cao Zhi having secured key allies and established his position as a rising power within the Cao faction.