Cao Cao took talent as the top and issued three "Virtuous Orders", focusing on talent rather than reputation, and was indifferent to "the name of insult, the act of laughter, and unkindness and filial piety", and only valued the "art of governing the country and using soldiers". This attitude towards the use of talents is not only eye-catching, but also has an impact on the gate lord clan. People have talked about Cao Cao's "only look at talent, not character". However, Cao Cao knows that even if he is talented, if he deviates from the basic bottom line of being a man, it will be difficult to succeed. In particular, Cao Cao was afraid of the three types of people.
First of all, the mercenary is a mercenary, Guo Tu is a typical. Yuan Shao's strategist Guo Tu was regarded as a mediocre talent, but in fact he was well versed in the art of planning. He took advantage of Yuan Shao's disapproval of Emperor Han Xian's psychology to persuade Han Fu to give Jizhou away. In the Battle of Guandu, Guo Tu was keenly aware of Yuan Shao's attempt to attack Cao Ying, and advocated robbing the camp. However, in order to preserve his position, Guo Tu shifted the responsibility to Zhang He, causing Zhang He and Gao Ran to defect to Cao Cao. Cao Cao understands that it is difficult for a mercenary to control under his command.
Secondly, the disloyal and unrighteous are represented by Zhang Song. Zhang Song has a prominent identity and serves as Liu Zhang's other driver, but he expressed his intention to surrender in front of the envoy Cao Cao. Cao Cao was indifferent to him, because he saw through Zhang Song's disloyalty and injustice. Cao Cao made it clear that such people could not be trusted, because their coming to power meant betrayal.
Finally, the ruthless and unrighteous person, Ma Chao is typical. The Romance of the Three Kingdoms beautified Ma Chao's image, but in fact he had no loyalty to Cao Cao. When Cao Cao treated Ma Teng's family preferentially, Ma Chao rebelled and even turned his back on his father Ma Teng. He was not only indifferent and ruthless to Cao Cao, but also attracted Cao Cao's cruel treatment of Ma Teng's family.
In short, Cao Cao understands that despite their talents, the potential threat of these three types of people cannot be ignored. Based on the principle of "just looking at your own bowl", he will never tolerate the existence of these three types of people. For ordinary people, it is even more necessary to be cautious in interacting so as not to be burdened by these unscrupulous people.