Bianshi

Bianshi (卞氏, literally "Lady Bian"), formally known as Empress Wuxuan (武宣皇后), is one of Cao Cao's most favored concubines as well as the mother of Cao Pi, Cao Zhang, Cao Zhi, and Cao Xiong. She helped raised many of Cao Cao's other children.

Role in Games
Bianshi only appears as a playable character in Romance of the Three Kingdoms. She first appeared in the eleventh title as "Bian Shi" and often appears near Wei. Her stats tend to favor domestic affairs like the majority of female characters within the series. These traits carry over into the twelfth title.

The online adaptation refers to her as "Bianji". After her introduction, she serves as minor support for her sons in several events.

Historical Information
Bianshi (December 30, 159-July 9, 230) was born in Baiting of Qi commandery though her family was said to have come from Langye. Originally a singing maiden with a poor background, she was known to have been wise and modest with her newfound fortune when Cao Cao made her his concubine in the year 178. She was also instrumental in preventing his men from deserting when Yuan Shu spread rumors of her husband's death in 189 upon failing to assassinate Dong Zhuo at Luoyang.

When Cao Cao passed away in the year 220, she was named Empress Dowager by her son Cao Pi. While not a relevant figure during his time as ruler, Bianshi criticized him for attempting to execute Cao Hong over their personal grudge against one another. Her reprimanding saved Cao Hong's life, though his status was stripped of him instead.

While Bianshi was well-regarded by the court for her frugal nature, she was more admired for her nurturing relationship with the women of Cao Wei. She treated Lady Ding with kindness when the latter vehemently refused to forgive Cao Cao for not saving her adopted son Cao Ang. During Cao Rui's rule, she was also lenient towards her inconsolable granddaughter-in-law Princess Yu who had inadvertently offended her with the response, "The Caos have a tradition for favoring dishonorable women.", a grave insult the Empress Dowager did not pursue greatly.

As she succumbed to an illness that would eventually take her life, Zhenshi cried endlessly when she thought of her mother-in-law's condition. Upon hearing of her daughter-in-law's state, Bianshi warmly admired her devotion. Having outlived her sons, she was buried beside Cao Cao with honors befitting an empress.