Cao Cao was a great statesman and strategist in the Three Kingdoms period. Many of his stories are familiar to later generations, and one of them is still meaningful today.
at the end of the eastern Han dynasty, warlords scuffled, making people miserable and complaining. Cao Cao was very aware of the importance of winning the hearts and minds of the people, so he attached great importance to the discipline of the army and repeatedly demanded that the army must obey the rules and discipline. In view of the phenomenon that some soldiers did not pay attention to protecting the interests of the masses when marching, Cao Cao specially formulated strict and specific laws, such as beheading when a war horse trampled on the crops of the masses. Once these disciplines were promulgated, they were well received by the masses.
once, Cao Cao's own war horse was suddenly frightened and ran into the field and trampled several young crops. At first glance, it was the commander-in-chief's horse that trampled the crops, which was understandable. Of course, it was not easy to convict. However, Cao Cao refused to forgive himself, whipping his steeds and pulling out his combat knives at the same time. At this time, the guards around him quickly stopped him, and all the family members also quickly advised him that you are the pillar of the country, and you can't commit suicide for the benefit of the country. It is understandable that you should be lenient even if you are punished according to discipline. However, Cao Cao solemnly said that the discipline has just been promulgated, and if it is not implemented because of me, others will have no way to implement it in the future, and they will still insist on suicide.
the staff suggested that it could be handled flexibly. For example, "cutting hair instead of hair". So Cao Cao got off the donkey down the slope and agreed to make a change. He cut off a handful of hair with his own combat knife as a warning.
This story may be funny to read today, and I think cutting my hair is still so serious. In fact, cutting hair at that time was also a heavy punishment. The ancients pursued filial piety, emphasizing that the body and skin were given by parents, and I could not easily damage them, otherwise it would be unfilial. Therefore, Cao Cao's move of "cutting his hair instead of his head" has had the effect of shocking the whole army and banning it. Let's leave aside whether Cao Cao's play is true or not. For the commander-in-chief, he can do this, and this law-abiding spirit is worth learning.