In order to save the crisis-ridden Han Empire, the young Cao Cao used a heavy code to rectify the folk customs. However, foreign relatives and eunuchs were in power, and the feudal lords ruled independently. Dong Zhuo went to the capital, and betrayed the emperor. Cao Cao assassinated Dong Zhuo, but failed. He escaped to Zhongmu and was captured by the county officials. The county officials felt his justice and let Cao Cao go.