A Story of Caocao

Caocao, the King of Wei, is going was about to meet with the emissary from the Huns ambassador. But However, he thinks thought that he is himself too ugly to get gain respect from the remote country. So Caocao he had Cui Jigui to pretend to be him. He, instead, stands at by the bedside with a sword.

After the meeting is was over, Caocao tells a spy sent someone to ask the ambassador emissary of what he thinks thought of the King of Wei. The ambassador replies The reply was, 

“Of course, the King of Wei is of extraordinary temperament. While The man is a real hero one who stands at stood by the bedside and carries carrying a sword is the real hero.”

On hearing thisof that, Caocao commanded to have the emissary killed. s soldiers to chase the ambassador and kills him.

Notes:

1.  Caocao was never the King of Wei.  He was granted the title "Prince of Wei" by the Han Emperor.  王 by now has been demoted to "Prince".  He refused to be looked upon as a usurper to the Han throne. When he died, his son usurped the Han Dynasty and formally crowned himself King of Wei and so had his father posthumously crowned.

2.  牀 in modern times is a piece of furniture used for sleeping.  Here in this context, it means a wooden couch etc. Actually is a large rectangular piece where one can sit, recline and eat for entertainment etc.  In the middle is a low table where tea, sweet meats are served.  The host and guest will be seating or reclining on either side.  It will not be appropriate to see an emissary in the bedroom!

3.  All these terms meant someone appointed by the State or country to represent its interests.  

An ambassador is chief official diplomat, one who stays in the host country for a long period of time.

An emissary is one who is sent on a mission but not staying in the host country.

An envoy is like the head of a mission BUT does not represent the highest authority of his state but has full authority to represent the government.

A legate is sent by the Pope.

A delegate may or may not be government appointed.  It can be from a private company, international organizations etc.