Cao Cao: Translation

Cao Cao was Chinese warlord during the Eastern Han Dynasty. Explore interesting quotes on translation.
Cao Cao: 12   quotes 6   likes

“"I'd rather betray others, than have others betray me."”

Statement in 190, after falsely killing Lü Boshe. Source: Sun Sheng Zaji, page 5 of Sanguo Zhi.

“"I will rather I wronged all the people under the heavens than for all the people under the heavens to wrong me."”

Statement to Chen Gong after falsely killing Lü Boshe and his household. Source: Romance of the Three Kingdoms. An adaptation of the Sanguo Zhi new 2010.
likely intentional misquote by the novel of the quote「宁我负人,毋人负我」above to add character to the story.
Attributed

“"It's not size that counts in an army, but skill. It's not prowess that counts in a General, but finesse."”

Statement from Cao Cao to his advisors before he face Yuan Shao in the Battle of Guandu Source: Romance of the Three Kingdoms. An adaptation of the Sanguo Zhi new 2010.
Attributed

“"Recognise and acknowledge your mistake, but never admit your mistake."”

Statement to one of his advisors when he realised that Cao Cao made a mistake. Source: Romance of the Three Kingdoms. An adaptation of the Sanguo Zhi new 2010.
Attributed

“"Each man is for his lord, do not give chase."”

Statement to his retainers in 200, referring to the recently left Guan Yu. Source: page 940 of Sanguo Zhi.