Cao Cao

Cao Cao, also known by the name Mengde, was a Chinese warlord who became very strong during the final years of the Eastern Han Dynasty. He served as the penultimate Chancellor of the dynasty and was widely regarded as one of the greatest Generals of the Han dynasty towards its end. After the Han dynasty lost its powers, the Three Kingdoms period was ushered in by the formation of the state of Wei. Cao Cao was a very prominent figure of that period and played a key role in laying the foundations for the state of Cao Wei. He was the adopted grandson of the favourite eunuch of the Imperial court and showed signs of aggression and cunningness from an early age. Even as an adolescent he was known to be sly and manipulative. He was made the Captain of Cavalry when the Yellow Turban Rebellion broke out and was assigned the task of suppressing the rebels which he did successfully. He proved to be a bold, shrewd and domineering leader who gradually rose to great powers. He was a skillful general and one of the most popular figures of Chinese legend. Regarded as a military genius, he was posthumously honoured as "Emperor Wu of Wei".