Wong Tai Sin Sign 46左慈戲曹Zuo Ci Tricks Cao Cao

This sign references Zuo Ci, a legendary Taoist magician during the Three Kingdoms period (220-280 CE), known for his supernatural abilities and his talent for embarrassing powerful people. Cao Cao was the ruthless warlord who effectively controlled the last Han emperor — think of him as the era's most feared political strongman. The story goes that Zuo Ci, knowing Cao Cao's violent temper, presented him with beautiful tangerine boxes during winter. When opened, they contained only dried peels. Cao Cao flew into a rage and drew his sword, but Zuo Ci had already shape-shifted into a sheep and disappeared into a nearby flock. It's a classic tale about the difference between appearance and reality, and how our expectations can make us look foolish when we react without thinking.