Biography
Early life
Cao Hong was born around 169 CE in Qiao County, Pei Commandery (present-day Bozhou, Anhui). He was Cao Cao’s cousin (from a brother).
Saving Cao Cao at Xingyang
In 190 CE, when Cao Cao raised troops to join the coalition against Dong Zhuo, Cao Hong had already joined Cao Cao’s army.
When the army reached Xingyang, Cao Cao’s forces were defeated by Xu Rong, a general under Dong Zhuo. The enemy pursued and attacked, and Cao Cao lost his mount. Cao Hong rushed to him, immediately dismounted, and gave his horse to Cao Cao.
Cao Cao declined, but Cao Hong said: “The realm can be without Cao Hong, but it cannot be without you, Lord.” He then followed on foot to the Bian River. Because the water was too deep to cross, Cao Hong found a boat, and he and Cao Cao crossed the river and returned to Qiao.
Recruiting troops
Chen Wen, Inspector of Yang Province, had a deep friendship with Cao Hong. Cao Hong led over one thousand family troops to Chen Wen’s place to recruit soldiers. He recruited over one thousand superior armoured soldiers in Lujiang, went east to Danyang, and recruited several thousand more. He joined forces with Cao Cao at Longkang.
Campaigns in Yan Province
In 193 CE, Lü Bu took advantage of Cao Cao campaigning east against Xu Province to attack Yan Province. Cao Cao immediately counterattacked Lü Bu, and the two sides faced each other.
At that time, there was a great famine. Cao Hong deployed troops in front and first occupied Dongping and Fan, gathering at Jingu to supply the army.
Cao Cao successfully defeated Lü Bu. Cao Hong stationed troops at Dong’e, then campaigned against Jiyin, Shanyang, Zhongmou, Yangwu, Jing, Mi, and over ten other counties, capturing them all.
For his previous and subsequent military achievements, Cao Hong was appointed Colonel Who Spreads Martial Might, then promoted to General Who Spreads Martial Might.
Welcoming Emperor Xian
In 196 CE, when Cao Cao welcomed Emperor Xian to Xuchang, Cao Hong was again appointed Gentleman Consultant.
Campaigns against Liu Biao
Later, Cao Cao campaigned south against Liu Biao. Cao Hong broke through Liu Biao’s forces at Wuyang, Yinye, Duyang, and Bowang, achieving several military achievements. He was promoted to General Who Spreads Ferocity and enfeoffed as Marquis of Guoming Pavilion.
He repeatedly campaigned and achieved merit and was appointed General Who Protects All.
Battle of Guandu
In 200 CE, during the Battle of Guandu, Cao Hong and Xu Huang attacked together. Later, during the Wuchao fire incident, following Xun You’s advice, Cao Hong accepted the surrender of Zhang He, an old general under Yuan Shao.
Campaigns in the south
Cao Hong campaigned south against Liu Biao, broke through Liu Biao’s forces at Wuyang, Yinye, Duyang, and Bowang, achieved several military achievements, was promoted to General Who Spreads Ferocity, and enfeoffed as Marquis of Guoming Pavilion.
He repeatedly campaigned and achieved merit and was appointed General Who Protects All.
Campaign against Zhang Lu
In 215 CE, Cao Hong participated in attacking Zhang Lu. After victory, he had Chen Lin write a letter to Cao Pi on his behalf (the “Letter from Cao Hong to Emperor Wen of Wei,” preserved in the Wenxuan).
Battle of Xiabian
In 217 CE, Cao Hong participated in attacking Wu Lan, a general under Liu Bei, at the Battle of Xiabian. At that time, Wu Lan was stationed at Xiabian in Longxi Commandery. Liu Bei sent Zhang Fei to rescue Wu Lan.
Cao Hong was ordered to resist them, with Cao Xiu serving as Colonel of the Rapid as Tigers, participating in Cao Hong’s military affairs.
Cao Cao said to Cao Xiu: “Although you are named a participant in military affairs, you are actually the commander.” When Cao Hong heard this order, he also entrusted affairs to Cao Xiu.
Liu Bei saw that Cao forces had advanced to Xiabian and sent Zhang Fei to station at Gushan, wanting to cut off the army’s rear. The various generals discussed and were hesitant.
Cao Xiu said: “If the enemy truly wants to cut off our road, they should set ambushes and advance secretly. Now they first display their strength—this shows they cannot do it. We should take advantage of them not yet gathering and quickly attack Wu Lan. Once Wu Lan is defeated, Zhang Fei will retreat on his own.”
Cao Hong followed his advice, advanced troops to attack Wu Lan, and greatly defeated him. Zhang Fei indeed retreated.
Hanzhong Campaign
In 219 CE, Cao Hong participated in the Hanzhong Campaign, coordinating with Cao Zhen, Zhang Ji, and others.
Service under Cao Pi
In 220 CE, when Cao Pi became emperor, Cao Hong was first appointed General Who Guards the Army, then promoted to General of Chariots and Cavalry, enfeoffed as Marquis of Yewang, with his fief increased by one thousand households, totalling two thousand one hundred households. Later, he was transferred to Marquis of Duyang.
Imprisonment
Because Cao Hong’s family was wealthy but his character was stingy, when Cao Pi was young, he had asked Cao Hong to lend him money but was refused. Cao Pi had long held a grudge.
When Cao Pi was Crown Prince, he again asked Cao Hong to lend him one hundred bolts of silk. Cao Hong again refused and could not satisfy Cao Pi.
After Cao Pi became emperor, using the pretext that Cao Hong’s guest had violated the law, Cao Pi had Cao Hong arrested and awaited execution.
Ministers remonstrated and begged for mercy, but Cao Pi did not listen.
Empress Dowager Bian was furious and said to Empress Guo: “If Cao Hong dies today, I will have the emperor depose you tomorrow.” Empress Guo hurried to do her best to mediate, and Cao Pi then spared Cao Hong’s life.
However, he still removed Cao Hong’s office, fief, and title and demoted him to commoner. This was in the first month of 226 CE, the seventh year of Huangchu.
Empress Dowager Bian again spoke for Cao Hong, and Cao Pi then returned Cao Hong’s family property.
Restoration under Cao Rui
In 227 CE, when Emperor Ming Cao Rui ascended the throne, he restored Cao Hong’s reputation and title, first appointing him General of the Rear, further enfeoffing him as Marquis of Lecheng, increasing his fief by one thousand households, and again appointing him General of Chariots and Cavalry.
Death and legacy
In 232 CE, Cao Hong died of illness. He was posthumously titled Marquis Gong. His son Cao Fu inherited the marquis title.
In 243 CE, Cao Hong’s spirit tablet was moved to the Temple of Emperor Taizu (Cao Cao) and he was enshrined together with Cao Cao.
Personality
Cao Hong was known for being very wealthy but also very stingy. When Cao Cao served as Minister over the Masses, he personally led the way in storing monthly taxes in the county. Cao Hong’s stored funds were so great that even Cao Cao admitted he could not match them.
However, Cao Hong was stingy and petty. Because he cherished gold, he refused to lend money to Cao Pi, later suffering imprisonment. Only under Empress Dowager Bian’s coercion of Empress Guo to intercede was he pardoned.
He was also known for his wealth and extravagance. During the Hanzhong Campaign, after repelling Zhang Fei, Ma Chao, and others, he held a great victory celebration. During this, he had female singers perform a striptease dance, causing Yang Fu, a local scholar, to rebuke him.
At this time, Cao Cao mocked Cao Hong, saying Cao Hong’s greed for wealth and fondness for women was like Emperor Gao of Han, and Xin Pi and Cao Xiu were like Zhang Liang and Chen Ping, correcting his faults.
Military achievements
Saving Cao Cao
Cao Hong’s most famous achievement was saving Cao Cao’s life at Xingyang by giving him his horse and finding a boat to cross the Bian River. His statement “The realm can be without Cao Hong, but it cannot be without you, Lord” became famous.
Recruiting troops
Cao Hong successfully recruited troops in Lujiang and Danyang, bringing several thousand soldiers to join Cao Cao’s forces.
Campaigns in Yan Province
Cao Hong played an important role in Cao Cao’s campaigns against Lü Bu in Yan Province, occupying Dongping and Fan and gathering grain to supply the army.
Battle of Guandu
Cao Hong defended Cao Cao’s camp during the Battle of Guandu, resisting attacks by Zhang He and Gao Lan while Cao Cao attacked Wuchao. Following Xun You’s advice, he accepted Zhang He’s surrender.
Campaigns against Liu Biao
Cao Hong achieved several victories against Liu Biao’s forces, breaking through at Wuyang, Yinye, Duyang, and Bowang.
Battle of Xiabian
Cao Hong defeated Wu Lan at Xiabian, following Cao Xiu’s advice to attack quickly before Zhang Fei could gather forces.
Hanzhong Campaign
Cao Hong participated in the Hanzhong Campaign, coordinating with other generals.
Relationships
With Cao Cao
Cao Hong was Cao Cao’s cousin and served him loyally throughout his career. He saved Cao Cao’s life at Xingyang, and Cao Cao greatly valued him. Cao Cao once said: “How can my family’s wealth match Zilian’s?”
With Cao Pi
Cao Hong had a difficult relationship with Cao Pi. When Cao Pi was young, Cao Hong refused to lend him money, causing Cao Pi to hold a grudge. After Cao Pi became emperor, he used a pretext to have Cao Hong arrested and nearly executed. Only Empress Dowager Bian’s intervention saved Cao Hong’s life.
With Empress Dowager Bian
Empress Dowager Bian greatly valued Cao Hong’s service to Cao Cao, saying: “Between Liang and Pei, without Zilian, there would be no today.” She intervened to save Cao Hong from execution and to have his property returned.
With Cao Rui
Cao Rui restored Cao Hong’s reputation and titles after Cao Pi’s death, showing recognition of Cao Hong’s service to the Cao family.
Anecdotes
”The realm can be without Cao Hong”
When Cao Cao lost his horse at Xingyang, Cao Hong gave him his own horse, saying: “The realm can be without Cao Hong, but it cannot be without you, Lord.” This statement became famous and demonstrated Cao Hong’s loyalty.
The “White Crane” horse
According to some sources, the horse Cao Hong gave to Cao Cao was named “White Crane” (白鵠). This horse was said to be so fast that when running, one only felt wind in the ears, and the hooves seemed not to touch the ground. When they reached the Bian River, Cao Cao could not cross, so Cao Cao pulled Cao Hong onto the horse, and they rode together for several hundred li, arriving instantly. The horse’s hooves were not wet. People of the time called it “riding the wind,” and it was considered a divine steed.
Refusing to lend money
When Cao Pi was young, he asked Cao Hong to lend him money, but Cao Hong refused. When Cao Pi was Crown Prince, he again asked Cao Hong to lend him one hundred bolts of silk, but Cao Hong again refused. This caused Cao Pi to hold a grudge that lasted for decades.
The striptease incident
After defeating Zhang Fei and Ma Chao in Hanzhong, Cao Hong held a great victory celebration. He had female singers wear thin silk clothing and perform a striptease dance. Yang Fu, a local scholar, rebuked him severely: “The distinction between men and women is the great principle of the state. How can you have women expose their bodies in a public gathering? Even the chaos of Jie and Zhou was not as bad as this.” Cao Hong immediately stopped the female performers and invited Yang Fu back to his seat.
The guest who violated the law
Cao Hong’s guest violated the law, giving Cao Pi the pretext to have Cao Hong arrested. This was the culmination of Cao Pi’s grudge against Cao Hong for refusing to lend him money.
The apology letter
After Cao Hong was restored, he wrote an apology letter saying: “Your servant was young and did not follow the Way, making mistakes in human relations. When grown, I improperly held office and received your tolerance. My nature has no sense of moderation and contentment but has the quality of a wolf that is never satisfied. In old age, I became doubly greedy, violated the state’s laws, and my crimes reached three thousand. They were not within pardon, and I should have been executed and abandoned in the marketplace. Yet I received Heaven’s favour, and my flesh and blood were reborn. Your servant looks up at the sun and moon, ashamed before the divine spirits. Looking down, I consider my faults and am ashamed and fearful. I cannot hang myself to cut myself off, so I respectfully paint my face and block my gate, submitting this memorial to express my feelings.”
Achievements
- Saved Cao Cao’s life at Xingyang by giving him his horse
- Recruited troops in Lujiang and Danyang
- Played important role in campaigns against Lü Bu in Yan Province
- Defended camp during Battle of Guandu
- Achieved victories against Liu Biao’s forces
- Defeated Wu Lan at Battle of Xiabian
- Participated in Hanzhong Campaign
- Achieved rank of General of Chariots and Cavalry
- Enshrined in Cao Cao’s temple
Behind the scenes
Historical sources
Cao Hong’s biography appears in Records of the Three Kingdoms by Chen Shou, where he is grouped with Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan, Cao Ren, Cao Xiu, Cao Zhen, and others. Chen Shou wrote: “The Xiahou and Cao families intermarried for generations, so Dun, Yuan, Ren, Hong, Xiu, Shang, Zhen, and others, as relatives and old friends, were valued in their time, assisting in achievements, all having effective service.”
The wealth
Cao Hong’s great wealth was notable. When Cao Cao served as Minister over the Masses, he personally led the way in storing monthly taxes in the county. Cao Hong’s stored funds were so great that even Cao Cao admitted he could not match them. However, his stinginess caused problems, especially with Cao Pi.
The imprisonment
Cao Hong’s imprisonment by Cao Pi reflects both Cao Pi’s vindictiveness and the importance of Empress Dowager Bian’s influence. Her statement “Between Liang and Pei, without Zilian, there would be no today” shows recognition of Cao Hong’s crucial role in saving Cao Cao’s life.
Enshrinement
Cao Hong’s enshrinement in Cao Cao’s temple in 243 CE reflects recognition of his service to the Cao family, despite his later troubles with Cao Pi.
Historical evaluations
Contemporary
Cao Cao said: “How can my family’s wealth match Zilian’s?”
Empress Dowager Bian said: “Between Liang and Pei, without Zilian, there would be no today.”
Later historians
Chen Shou wrote: “The Xiahou and Cao families intermarried for generations, so Dun, Yuan, Ren, Hong, Xiu, Shang, Zhen, and others, as relatives and old friends, were valued in their time, assisting in achievements, all having effective service.”
Legacy
Cao Hong is remembered as a loyal general who saved Cao Cao’s life at a critical moment. His statement “The realm can be without Cao Hong, but it cannot be without you, Lord” demonstrates his loyalty and self-sacrifice.
However, he is also remembered for his stinginess, which caused him to refuse to lend money to Cao Pi and led to his imprisonment. His wealth and extravagance, including the striptease incident, show a different side of his character.
His restoration under Cao Rui and enshrinement in Cao Cao’s temple reflect recognition of his service to the Cao family, despite his troubles with Cao Pi.
His story represents both loyalty and the dangers of holding grudges—a general who saved his lord’s life but fell victim to his lord’s son’s vindictiveness.
Timeline
- c. 169 CE: Born in Qiao County, Pei Commandery
- 190 CE: Joined Cao Cao’s army; saved Cao Cao at Xingyang by giving him his horse; recruited troops in Lujiang and Danyang
- 193–194 CE: Participated in campaigns against Lü Bu in Yan Province; appointed Colonel Who Spreads Martial Might, then General Who Spreads Martial Might
- 196 CE: Appointed Gentleman Consultant when Cao Cao welcomed Emperor Xian
- c. 197–200 CE: Campaigned against Liu Biao; promoted to General Who Spreads Ferocity; enfeoffed as Marquis of Guoming Pavilion; appointed General Who Protects All
- 200 CE: Defended camp during Battle of Guandu; accepted Zhang He’s surrender
- 215 CE: Participated in campaign against Zhang Lu
- 217 CE: Defeated Wu Lan at Battle of Xiabian
- 219 CE: Participated in Hanzhong Campaign
- 220 CE: Appointed General Who Guards the Army, then General of Chariots and Cavalry; enfeoffed as Marquis of Yewang, then Marquis of Duyang
- 226 CE: Imprisoned by Cao Pi; demoted to commoner; property returned due to Empress Dowager Bian’s intervention
- 227 CE: Restored by Cao Rui; appointed General of the Rear; enfeoffed as Marquis of Lecheng; again appointed General of Chariots and Cavalry
- 232 CE: Died; posthumously titled Marquis Gong
- 243 CE: Enshrined in Cao Cao’s temple
See also
References
- Chen Shou. Records of the Three Kingdoms, Volume 9, Biography of Cao Hong.
- Pei Songzhi. Annotations to Records of the Three Kingdoms.
- Yu Huan. Wei Lue.
- Sima Guang. Zizhi Tongjian, various volumes.