[Forwarded] Biography of Dong Zhuo in the Three Kingdoms (Chapter 3)

(3) The Eunuch's Grandson
When he turned 30, Dong Zhuo finally transitioned from being a volunteer to an official state employee.
That year, the Inspector of Bingzhou recommended talented people to the court, and the person recommended was Dong Zhuo. Thus, Dong Zhuo entered the capital, Luoyang, became a royal Yulin officer, and received his first salary.
By the time Dong Zhuo received his first salary, Cao Cao was already 7 years old.
At seven, young Cao Cao had already begun to show his unrestrained personality. As for just how unruly a seven-year-old could be, the ancient texts do not record. It was probably nothing more than a dislike of studying, chasing cats and teasing dogs, displaying interests inconsistent with his age. These chaotic behaviors upset his uncle greatly.
So Cao Cao's uncle reminded Cao's father, saying, "Big brother, I must warn you, your strange son, young Cao Cao, is unusual. You have to keep an eye on him, give him stronger moral education, and make sure the child does not go bad… I mean, don't let this little thing get any worse—he's already outrageous enough."
Cao's father listened and then admonished his son: "You little rascal, why can't you study properly, hmm? You know even without me saying, in our Eastern Han Empire, being the son of a government official isn't favored. Favor goes to the sons of eunuchs, and now those in power are eunuchs. Only the sons of eunuchs benefit. But eunuchs can't have sons. I, for the sake of paving a glorious path for you, shamelessly made the great eunuch Cao Teng call me 'father.' You are the eunuch's grandson; why can't you appreciate my efforts, learn some culture and knowledge, so that in the future you can contribute… I mean, so that in the future you can serve the eunuchs, hmm?"
Young Cao Cao tearfully said, "Father, I understand, I will strive hard and study diligently to raise the Eastern Han Empire."
Cao's father nodded in satisfaction: "Yes, go study quickly."
When young Cao Cao returned and saw his uncle, he blinked his eyes, suddenly fell to the ground, convulsed, rolled his eyes, foamed at the mouth, and his teeth clicked together.Uncle Cao was greatly shocked by the scene and ran quickly to find Old Master Cao: ‘Big brother, big brother, something terrible has happened! Come quickly and see, your wicked son is having an epileptic seizure…'

Old Master Cao was startled and hurried over, only to find young Cao Cao sitting upright before the desk, holding a book of sages in his hands, chanting aloud: ‘Isn't it a pleasure to have friends come from afar… Dad, what do you need me for?'

Old Master Cao said anxiously, ‘Son, your uncle said you just had an epileptic fit…'

Cao Cao blinked his innocent big eyes and said, ‘No, I'm perfectly fine reading. Why would I have an epileptic fit?'

‘Well…' Old Master Cao was confused. ‘Son, if you didn't have a fit, then why would your uncle say that?'

Young Cao Cao started to cry: ‘Dad, I know that I'm not liked by my uncle, so he wants to get rid of me. It's all because I'm too young and don't understand. From now on, I will be very careful to please my uncle and not make you worried…'

‘Worried about what?' Old Master Cao was so angry that he turned and left. Not long after, Uncle Cao came again to report on young Cao Cao: ‘Big brother, big brother, shouldn't you go see quickly? Your son has done something bad again…'

Old Master Cao laughed: ‘Brother, are you really that bored? I'll tell you this as your older brother: a harmonious family brings prosperity, don't you agree?'

In this way, young Cao Cao cunningly escaped his uncle's supervision. From then on, he grew as freely as a wild horse.

The cunning young Cao Cao spent a year tricking his uncle, while Liu Bei officially reincarnated, though he had not yet fully formed.

Five years passed. These five years were the happiest days for young Cao Cao, the days of utmost need for young Liu Bei, yet the most difficult days for Dong Zhuo, a government officer.

Living in the capital was no easy task. Luoyang, as the national capital, was not only expensive but also filled with high officials and nobles. So many people demanded respect, and only Dong Zhuo, who came from a volunteer background, did not get any respect, leaving him feeling very oppressed.

Over these five years, Dong Zhuo wrote letters to his superiors day and night, expressing his determination: ‘Send me to the front line, let me lead the first battle, with me, we will surely win!' He truly no longer wished to stay in the capital, where each day was filled with wine, music, manners, fragrant clothes, beautifully adorned women, and the jingling of ornaments. Such peaceful days were unbearable for him!I need a chaotic world; only in chaos can a iron-blooded soldier like me find paradise... and so on. In the year 167 AD, Dong Zhuo was 36 years old, and the chaotic world he longed for had finally arrived!