ht does he differ from his enemy Dong Zhuo。
The further fortunes of Cao Cao will be told in later chapters。
Main Next to Chapter 5 》》
Romance of Three Kingdoms … by Luo Guanzhong … Chapter 5
Chapter 5
Cao Cao Appeals To The Powerful Lords；
The Three Brothers Fight Against Lu Bu。
At the close of the last chapter； Chen Gong was about to slay Cao Cao。 But Chen Gong reflected； 〃I joined him to do righteous things。 Now if I killed him； I would only do unrighteousness； and the people would condemn me。 I rather leave in silence。〃
Rising from his bed before the sunrise； Chen Gong mounted his horse and rode away eastward to his home county of Dongjun。
Cao Cao awoke with the day and missed his panion。 Thought he； 〃Chen Gong thinks me brutal because of a couple of egoistic phrases I used； and so he has gone。 I ought to push on too and not linger here。〃
So Cao Cao traveled as quickly as possible toward Qiao。 When he saw his father； he related what had happened and said he wanted to dispose of all the family property and enlist soldiers with the money。
〃Our possessions are but small；〃 said his father； 〃and not enough to do anything with。 However； there is a graduate here； one Wei Hong； careless of wealth but careful of virtue； whose family is very rich。 With his help we might hope for success。〃
A feast was prepared； and Wei Hong was invited。
Cao Cao made him a speech： 〃The Hans have lost their lordship； and Dong Zhuo is really a tyrant。 He flouts his prince and is cruel to the people； who gnash their teeth with rage。 I would restore the Hans； but my means are insufficient。 Sir； I appeal to your loyalty and public spirit。〃
Wei Hong replied； 〃I have long desired this but； so far； have not