Cao Cao asked Sima Yi: `Why are your feet whiter than your face and hands?`.
Sima Yi replied: `I don’t know.`
Cao Cao laughed and said: `Because it is always covered up!`.
This question from Cao Cao saw through Sima Yi’s heart.
In the sixth year of Jian’an, or 201, Cao Cao, who was holding the position of Si Kong (an official position in the Han court), invited Sima Yi to serve in his government.
Sima Yi was born in a time of chaos, acted decisively, and was heroic and strategic.
So Sima Yi pretended to be sick, saying he had a cold.
7 years later, Cao Cao attacked Eryuan (Yuan Shao, Yuan Shu), occupied Xuzhou, conquered Wu Huan (ancient nomadic tribe in Northern China), unified the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River, and was awarded the title
At this time, Cao Cao recruited Sima Yi again. If he did not take office, he threatened to arrest him immediately.
Cao Cao and Sima Yi had such a conversation.
Cao Cao walked barefoot on the road and asked Sima Yi: `Why do you say your feet are whiter than your hands and face?`.
Cao Cao’s question naturally contained profound implications.
At the same time, the feet are whiter than the face and hands because they often wear shoes and protect them from the sun.
If Cao Cao does not allow those feet to wear shoes anymore, it will be considered that Sima Yi will no longer be protected and protected.
Realizing the meaning behind Cao Cao’s question, Sima Yi lowered himself to brush the dust on the ground, clearing the way for Cao Cao to walk.
Serving under Cao Cao, Sima Yi had great ambitions but he knew how to be patient throughout the three generations of Cao Cao.
Cao Cao died, after a long period of patience with Cao Shuang to wait for the opportunity, Sima Yi overthrew Cao in 249, thereby gaining the highest position in the Wei court.
This leading position continues to be held by his two sons, Sima Su and Sima Zhao.
Cao Cao during the Three Kingdoms period was an extremely capable man, along with a skeptical nature.
Source: 163, Sohu