Cao Zhi: The Talented but Tragic Prince
Elon Musk retweeted a Chinese poem, but many people don’t know where it came from. Hugh will take you through his story.
In the turbulent history of the Three Kingdoms period, there was a brilliant scholar whose literary talent has been celebrated for centuries, yet his life was filled with sorrow and frustration. He was Cao Zhi, the third son of Cao Cao.
In 192 AD, Cao Zhi was born into a prominent family. His father, Cao Cao, was a military and political leader of that era, and his elder brother, Cao Pi, was the future Emperor of Wei. From a young age, Cao Zhi showed exceptional intelligence; he could recite poems at four, write poetry at seven, and by ten, his literary talent was remarkable. The household guests were amazed by the young prince’s talent and predicted he would achieve great things in the future.
Cao Cao had high hopes for this talented son. When Cao Zhi was a child, he could recite the “Book of Songs” at the age of four, which delighted Cao Cao. Once, while walking in the garden with Cao Zhi, he spontaneously recited, “Spring outing, apricot blossoms blow all over my head.” Cao Cao was astonished and exclaimed, “This child is extraordinary!” From then on, Cao Cao placed even more importance on Cao Zhi’s education.
Cao Cao not only personally taught Cao Zhi literature but also took him to various important military meetings and campaigns, hoping he would become a well-rounded individual proficient in both literature and military affairs. In the military camp, Cao Cao often told his officers, “My son Cao Zhi is not only talented in literature but also has courage and strategy. He will achieve great things in the future.” Under his father’s influence, Cao Zhi excelled in literature and developed a strong interest in military matters.
Cao Zhi lived up to his father’s expectations, and his work “Ode to the Goddess of the Luo River” is still considered a literary treasure. Once, Cao Cao took Cao Zhi to visit the Luo River. As they rowed on the lake, Cao Zhi was inspired by the surrounding beauty and composed the “Ode to the Goddess of the Luo River.” In the poem, he described the goddess, Mifei, as ethereal and enchanting, seemingly Cao Zhi’s only solace in those turbulent times. After reading the poem, Cao Cao excitedly said, “Zhi’er is truly a genius!”
However, great expectations often lead to great disappointments. As Cao Cao aged, the issue of succession became increasingly prominent. Cao Cao’s high expectations for Cao Zhi meant that every move he made was under his father’s strict scrutiny. Any mistake could easily lead to Cao Cao’s immense disappointment.
On one occasion, Cao Cao gathered his sons to discuss military affairs. Cao Pi, having prepared thoroughly, answered fluently and received Cao Cao’s praise. In contrast, Cao Zhi, having drunk excessively the previous night, arrived late and performed poorly, greatly disappointing Cao Cao. Cao Cao lamented, “Zhi’s talent is high, but he is not fit for great responsibilities.” Cao Pi, although secretly pleased, outwardly showed concern and comfort for his brother.
Realizing that his frivolous behavior was causing him to lose his father’s trust, Cao Zhi resolved to change. However, fate seemed not to favor this talented individual. Once, Cao Cao assigned Cao Zhi to a mission to Eastern Wu. Confidently accepting the task, Cao Zhi set out, but due to heavy rain, he was delayed and failed to arrive on time, resulting in a failed mission. Cao Cao’s disappointment in Cao Zhi grew even stronger.
The final straw was an incident at Cao Cao’s birthday banquet. Cao Zhi, drinking excessively, lost his composure and insulted a high-ranking official. This act of disrespect infuriated Cao Cao, who reprimanded him on the spot, saying, “If you cannot adhere to proper conduct, how can you be entrusted with great responsibilities?” From that point on, Cao Cao never considered Cao Zhi for succession again.
After Cao Cao’s death, Cao Pi ascended the throne as Emperor of Wei. He was both jealous and wary of his talented brother. To diminish Cao Zhi’s spirit, Cao Pi demoted him to the rank of the Prince of Chen, far from the political center. Initially, Cao Zhi remained hopeful, anticipating a return to court to fulfill his ambitions. In his poem “The White Horse,” he wrote, “Sacrifice for the nation, face death as home.” His words reflected his loyalty to the country and his readiness to face death. However, reality cruelly shattered his dreams. Cao Pi’s suppression and suspicion of him did not lessen but became increasingly severe.
On one occasion, Cao Pi ordered Cao Zhi to compose a poem within seven steps, threatening severe punishment if he failed. Overwhelmed with sorrow and indignation, Cao Zhi managed, with his talent and wisdom, to create the “Seven Steps Poem” within the allotted steps: “Boil beans to make soup, filter to make juice. Beans weep in the pot, stalks burn beneath.” The poem metaphorically expressed the fraternal bond and conflict, subtly hinting at his dissatisfaction with his brother’s persecution. Though displeased, Cao Pi did not harm him after hearing the poem.
As time passed, Cao Zhi’s life in exile became increasingly filled with helplessness and despair. He made several attempts to prove his loyalty and ability to Cao Pi, but all efforts were in vain. In his self-reflective piece “Self-Narrative,” he confessed, “Born in troubled times, I am full of worries. Trapped in a cage, my ambitions cannot be realized.” His words revealed his resignation to fate and reflections on life.
In 232 AD, Cao Zhi passed away at the age of 41. His life was a tragedy, filled with talent yet unappreciated, with ambitions continually thwarted. Cao Zhi’s story teaches us that even with extraordinary talent, one cannot escape the whims of fate. However, his passionate and brilliant literary works remain in the annals of history, becoming a source of admiration and reverence for future generations.