A look into Yuan Shao and Cao Cao’s childhood ‘friendship’

[TheRealWolfman]

When i was playing dw5, i saw that it said that Cao Cao and Yuan SHao were child hood freinds, then how did they end up as enemys?

Split from <a href="/viewtopic.php?t=4030">Three kingdoms questions (you ask, we answer)</a>

[Cao Chao]

Cao Cao and Yuan Shao were originally good friends, serving under He Jin and later on when they fought together against Dong Zhuo. The reason they separated was because they both wanted to control the Emperor. It's just that Cao Cao got there first and Yuan Shao didn't like that. Although Yuan Shao is portrayed as trying to undermine Cao Cao's autocratic control over the Emperor, it is clear that he also had some ulterior motives.

[Lady Wu]

Let's put it this way. Imagine you have every chance to become king of the hill, emperor of China, ruler of the known universe. The only thing standing between you and that is your best pal from kindergarten. And he's been a useless jerk anyway.

Would you say "screw him!" and turn on him? I'd be sorely tempted to.

Furthermore, it's not clear from the historical records whether they were truly good friends or not. It's possible that they knew each other, but whether they were friends is debatable. They did serve under He Jin, and Cao Cao did let Yuan Shao take the position of commander-in-chief of the allied forces against Dong Zhuo. But Yuan Shao was a git and didn't manage the campaign well, so it only made sense for Cao to break away and start his own business.

[Zhao Yun '87]

You guys are forgetting the small details. (its been awhile so I don't remember them very well either ) But Cao Cao and Yuan Shao got upset over small things between them. I believe Cao Cao didn't liek the Yuan Shao didn't listen to him against Dong zhuo and Yuan Shao was mad about some appointment Cao Cao didn't take, if I remember correctly. Of course its been a long time so if anyone knows for sure go ahead and correct me.

[SixWingGryffin]

Also, another instance was when Yuan Shao got angry at Zhang Miao and told Cao Cao to kill him, but Cao refused.

[Sun Gongli]

I seem to remember a story about Cao Cao and Yuan Shao attending some wedding - perhaps Yuan Shao's own? - and Cao Cao having his way with the bride and having to flee. That might've had something to do with it.

[Lady Wu]

Now that you mentioned it, the story does sound familiar. I doubt it's historically accurate, though.

[Sun Gongli]

Yeah, it seems kind of odd. I'll see if I can find a source.

[Dong Zhou]

http://empiredividedtk.com/rtk/folk/contest/caocaoshorttales.htm#caocaobridal

Folk story, or at least thats the section it is under

[James]

I seem to remember a story about Cao Cao and Yuan Shao attending some wedding - perhaps Yuan Shao's own? - and Cao Cao having his way with the bride and having to flee. That might've had something to do with it.

Haha… I would love to hear more about that. It seems like Cao Cao has a little bit of a bad streak in him, especially when it comes to being naughty with the ladies that happen to be around him at any given point.

Edit: this is an interesting discussion, and I’m curious as to everything that happened between Yuan Shao and Cao Cao to lead to them being enemies as adults as well. I’ve taken it out of the general questions thread so it has enough room to breathe.