《资治通鉴·汉纪·汉纪五十八》
十二月，已亥，曹操下令说： 我最初被推荐为孝廉时，自以为本来不是隐居深山的知名之士，恐怕被世人看作平庸无能，打算好好处理政务，推行教化，以树立名誉，故在济南国任国相时，铲除残暴邪恶势力，公正地选拔人才。
十二月，己亥，操下令曰： 孤始举孝廉，自以本非岩穴知名之士，恐为世人之所凡愚，欲好作政教以立名誉，故在济南，除残去秽，平心选举。
In December, after the hour of Yihai, Cao Cao ordered: when I was first recommended as a filial and honest man, I thought myself not to be a famous hermit who lived in deep mountains, and I was afraid to be regarded as mediocre and incompetent by people. I intended to handle the state affairs, practice education, and establish reputation. As a result, when I was the prime minister of the State of Jinan, I got rid of the cruel and evil forces, and I appointed people impartially.