Cao Cao stands as the central power in the narrative, the formidable ruler who has unified northern China and consolidated authority under his control of the Han emperor. His political and military dominance establishes him as the primary adversary opposing Liu Bei's faction. With his northern base secured before the story begins, he commands a powerful force and sets his strategic sights southward, aiming to conquer the territories of rivals Liu Bei and Sun Quan. This drive for territorial expansion fuels the narrative's core conflict. His portrayal avoids simplistic villainy while clearly framing him as the antagonist to Liu Bei's cause. His actions, particularly his campaigns against the south, demonstrate his ambition to achieve complete unification under his personal authority. Historical records referenced note his reputation for both capability and ruthlessness in governance and warfare. Politically, he maintains control over Emperor Xian, leveraging the imperial court's legitimacy to bolster his own power and issue commands in the emperor's name. The narrative depicts his involvement in key historical conflicts, including military campaigns against Liu Bei's expansion into Yi Province and later confrontations in Hanzhong. These events underscore his persistent efforts to eliminate rival factions and secure dominance over all regions. His strategic vision for a unified realm ultimately contributes to the protracted "Three Kingdoms" conflict. The failure to achieve lasting stability through force leads to generations of warfare, significant population decline, and widespread suffering. The story concludes without Cao Cao's faction achieving lasting victory, as the prolonged conflict exhausts the original contenders, enabling the Sima family to usurp control and establish a new dynasty.