Why Was Kidnapping The Enemy'S Wife Considered A Humane Act By Cao Cao?

Welcome back to battlecry chinese history. I have no interest in ordinary women. I only enjoy the wives of my enemies. This viral quote perfectly captures the online perception of Chao Chao. And to some extent, it rings true about him. For centuries, under the influence of traditional morals, and the biased portrayals and romance of the three kingdoms, he was condemned as a lecherous man seeking to humiliate his rivals. Such accusations cemented Chao Chao's reputation as a notorious villain. Yet today, modern perspectives are re-evaluating these actions, with many even defending them. What are these arguments? Was Chao Chao really not a libertine? Time and again, whenever Chao Chao defeated a rival, he seized their wives. The Bronze Bird Terrace was built to house the beauties he seized, sometimes through force or kidnapping. Posterity viewed this site as proof of his lust, claiming he planned these conquests in advance. Historical accounts suggest that Chao Chao often made capturing an enemy's wife a strategic objective. He famously declared that capturing the Chao sisters for his terrace would fulfill his life's ambition. His obsession once even cost him his entire army. This was his affair with Lady Zhou, widow of Zhang Ji and aunt of Zhang Xiao. After securing victory, Chao Chao took Lady Zhou for his own harem. Incensed, Zhang Xiao launched a surprise attack, sparking the infamous battle of Wancheng. In one night, Chao Chao lost his son Chao An, nephew Chao Anming, his bodyguard Dian Wei, and countless troops. For millennia, influenced by Confucianism and historical fiction, critics have condemned these actions. The label of a reckless, lecherous villain became synonymous with the Chao ruler. Yet today, new analysis questions whether these long-standing accusations might be unfounded. Even Chinese records tell conflicting accounts. First and most famous is Diaochan. After Lubu fell, she vanished from history. Many believe Chao Chao had her killed along with Lubu. Folklore says Guan Yu knew she was dangerous, having ruined two lords and cost Lubu his life. So, he sought to move her away from politics. Some say he sent her home to live in seclusion. Others mention the legend of Guan Yu slaying her, ending her life himself. In short, Chao Chao didn't keep her, despite her beauty. The second case involves Lady Gan and Lady Mi, wives of Lu Bei. After capturing them and Guan Yu, Chao Chao treated them with great respect. It is said, aside from trying to win over Guan Yu, following their famous discussion on heroes, Chao Chao recognized Lu Bei's ambition and respected his rival. Hero recognizes hero, thus, he spared Lu Bei's wives. The third case, equally well known, concerns Chao Chao's wife, Lady Ding. Unable to bear children, after Lady Lu passed, Chao Chao entrusted Lady Ding with raising his children, including his eldest son Chao Ang and daughter Princess Qinghe. Under her care, Chao Ang grew into an accomplished young man. By 16, he was honored and gaining battlefield fame. Tragically, he died due to his father's reckless womanizing. Lady Ding was absolutely devastated. Records show Lady Ding openly confronted Chao Chao about Chao Ang's death, blaming his debauchery. Despite his apologies and even attempts to reconcile, she left him for her parents' home. Years later, even when Chao Chao visited her personally to bring her back, she refused. This became one of his greatest regrets, haunting him until his final days. On his deathbed, he confessed Lady Ding was the one person he could never let go of. These accounts lead us to re-examine Chao Chao's habit of taking the wives of defeated generals. It may not have been mere lust, but a move with deeper strategic implications. A brilliant political and military ploy. Modern scholars argue this cunning hero's actions were driven by calculated, ruthless strategy. First, seizing the wives of defeated generals often led to leaking critical enemy secrets. Under the charm of a man like Chao Chao, many found their loyalty wavering. Take the case of Lady Zhou, despite a major victory, Zhang Xiao lost all faith, convinced she had betrayed their secrets to her new master. Ultimately, Zhang Xiao surrendered, proving the success of Chao Chao's scheme. Furthermore, investigating their backgrounds reveals these women were far from ordinary. Beyond their beauty, they came from influential clans and possessed immense talent. Welcoming them to the Bronze Bird Terrace showed their families he wasn't truly heartless. Surrendering meant securing their clan's future and royal favor, just like their children. Gifted women could also assist him with family and household affairs when needed. Through these connections, Chao Chao systematically built support among powerful regional clans. Historians note Chao Chao as a master in the art of political marriage. These unions secured political deals, vastly increasing his chances of victory. Given his competitive nature, Chao Chao viewed these women's husbands as his direct rivals. By taking their wives, he effectively defeated them a second time in the personal sphere. To him, protecting one's family was the ultimate proof of a man's capability. If those men knew in the afterlife, Chao Chao would surely feel a grim sense of satisfaction. Jokes aside, even those with modern humanitarian views view his taking of these wives as an act of mercy. And the reasoning behind this is quite sound. Simply put, by defeating their husbands, he destroyed their pillars of support. How could they survive or find security in such bloody times? Chao Chao knew this well, accepting infamy to facilitate their care. He brought them to the Bronze Bird Terrace as a final act of grace. Take the case of Qin Gong, a strategist for Lu Bu, as an example. Faced with his capture, Qin Gong pleaded for the lives of his family. Chao Chao vowed to protect and provide for them. Yet Qin Gong remained unmoved, leaving Chao Chao in tears. Even after being brought to the Terrace, these women were treated with care. The Records of the Three Kingdoms notes his extreme personal frugality. He forbade his household from wearing lavish attire, demanding thrift. This was meant to set an example and ensure fairness among his wives. That is why, upon his death, all his wives wept for him. Even then, he remained deeply concerned for their future. Distributing his cherished incense and treasures among them, and urging them to continue their needlework for self-reliance. He asked the women at the Terrace to play music for him daily. Chao Chao even permitted his childless concubines to remarry. He instructed his heir, Chao Pai, that if any woman wished to leave, he must let them go, while those who chose to stay could remain. Think about it, could someone branded so cruel and base as Chao Chao? Truly act this way without some semblance of a heart? In short, Chao Chao taking these wives was morally reprehensible. Yet, strategically, and even humanely, it made perfect sense. It secured his power while providing these women a sanctuary. More importantly, it ensured his long-term success. This is precisely why this complex figure earned the label, cunning hero. Internal Conflict Yet, these actions caused deep divisions within his own family. Beyond Lady Ding leaving him in anger. History notes that seizing Lady Zhen, wife of Yuan Shi, sparked intense rivalry between Chao Pai and Chao Zhi. I will cover their succession struggle in a future, more detailed video. But after inheriting the throne, Chao Pai adopted his father's habits, even taking it to an extreme. By claiming his father's concubines for his own palace. The Shershua Sinyu recounts a tale suggesting. Chao Pai's fatal illness was brought on by his own debauchery. A pivotal conflict occurred between Chao Pai and Empress Dowager Bian. When she visited him while he was ill. Upon visiting her son, she discovered the attendants. Were the very concubines Chao Chao had once favored. Disregarding all moral decency as an emperor. Empress Dowager Bian lashed out at Chao Pai. An emperor acting like a beast, staining your own virtue, you deserve to die. Other records claim she pointed directly at him and roared. Even dogs and mice wouldn't touch what you've taken, you are truly lower than a beast. Even after Chao Pai took the throne, Empress Dowager Bian was so furious she never visited him. Perhaps due to her stance, or fearing his own heirs would repeat his mistakes and destabilize the dynasty. Chao Pai ordered all palace concubines to be released before his death. Yet, the stain remained, this infamy became a permanent blemish on the legacy of Emperor Wen. Even his own son.