Three officials who'll do well helping Cao Cao on his journey through the halls of intrigue.

Wei Zi, a Knight of Chenliu, is a close childhood friend of Cao Cao as his family were one of the few in Chenliu it was safe for Cao Song to stay with on his way to the capital. Trained with the sword by Wu Fu, he and Cao Cao both become 'Xiaolian' together, travelling knights-errant taking part in hunting bandits, protecting travellers and investigating corruption in their local areas. Wei Zi has a habit of always appearing whenever Cao Cao needs help, through what means is uncertain but never unappreciated.

Sima Fang, a stern official of Henei in the capital regions, is a man of high family and a stern countenance. Starting his career as a well-read and conscientious Captain of the Gate Guard in the capital, he comes to despise the state of Luoyang, the corruption and petty place-seeking that surrounds him and wants nothing more than to return home to his wife and children. However, Henei is far from the mainland and in dangerous proximity of whatever the capital spits out and the government in Henei grows more and more apathetic. In order to protect his family, he is forced to seek influence in the capital from whomever will provide. When the young Cao Cao meets his acquaintance, he's hesitant to believe it'll lead anywhere good for him. Years later, it's a very different story as Cao Cao takes it upon himself to serve as the mentor for Sima Fang's young and precocious son, Sima Yi.

Xun Shuang, the unofficial head of the prestigious Xun Clan of Yingchuan, is a man who shuns the political arena in favour of staying in Yingchuan and doing his best to better the lives of those around him, working as a teacher, local councillor and writer in his home of Xuchang. People come from far and wide to learn from him. While he avoids the court, he avoids passing judgement on others, well aware that far too many of the scholar-gentry want blood in the streets and it is with great hesitation that he lets his own son, Xun You, serve in the capital in the Grand Bureau. When Cao Cao meets him, Xun Shuang rekindles the young man's respect for the itinerant scholar.