In Chinese history, many outstanding counselors have made tremendous contributions to the development and prosperity of the country. During the Three Kingdoms period, Cao Cao, as a wise ruler, naturally surrounded himself with loyal and wise counselors. Among them, Guo Jia and Sima Yi are the most famous.

Guo Jia: The Early-Dying Genius Counselor

Guo Jia, styled Fengxiao, was a renowned politician and military strategist in the late Eastern Han dynasty. He initially sought refuge with Yuan Shao in his early years but left due to his dissatisfaction with the latter. Recommended by Xun Yu, Guo Jia became Cao Cao's counselor. He possessed exceptional wisdom and insight, offering many beneficial suggestions to Cao Cao. During the Guangdu Campaign, Guo Jia analyzed Yuan Shao's weaknesses and devised a series of ingenious strategies for Cao Cao, ultimately helping him achieve victory. However, Guo Jia died of illness in 207 AD, when he was only 38 years old.

Sima Yi: The Long-Lived Powerful Counselor

Sima Yi, styled Zhongda, was a politician and military strategist of the Cao Wei dynasty during the Three Kingdoms period. He served as Cao Cao's counselor for many years, offering advice and participating in numerous important battles. After Cao Cao's death, Sima Yi continued to advise Cao Pi and Cao Rui, accumulating rich political experience. During Cao Shuang's reign, Sima Yi seized power through a coup, laying the foundation for the Sima family. His sons, Sima Shi and Sima Zhao, successively inherited his position, ultimately completing the transition from Cao Wei to the Jin dynasty.

Conclusion

From a historical perspective, both Guo Jia and Sima Yi were extremely important counselors to Cao Cao. Guo Jia, with his exceptional wisdom and courage, helped Cao Cao win crucial victories, while Sima Yi, with his longevity and patience, made tremendous contributions to the stability and development of the Cao Wei regime. Although Guo Jia died young, his influence cannot be overlooked; while Sima Yi, with his longevity, became one of the most legendary counselors in the Three Kingdoms period. Therefore, the question of who was Cao Cao's first counselor may not have a definitive answer, as both Guo Jia and Sima Yi provided valuable support and assistance to him at different stages.

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