Rising moon over Mount Nanping (Cao Cao)

The Chinese classic "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," describes the exploits and rise to power of Cao Cao. Cao Cao was of common background, and rose to power through a series of military victories. Here, he crosses the Yangtze river before the decisive Battle of the Red Cliffs (A.D. 208) where although escaping, he suffers a crushing military defeat.