| NAME | |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 曹衮, 曹滾, Cáo Gǔn |
| Nickname | Prince Gong of Zhongshan (中山恭王) |
| Other name | Tào Cổn, Trung Sơn vương |
| INFORMATION | |
| Born | c. 190s AD |
| Birth Place | Qiao, Pei State (沛国谯县; Bozhou, Anhui) |
| Died | 235 AD |
| Death Reason | Illness / Natural causes |
| FAMILY | |
| Father | |
| Mother | |
| Relatives | |
| CAREER | |
| Allegiance | Cao Wei Dynasty |
| Battles | None |
Biography & Historical Record
Cao Gun (曹衮, 曹滾, Tào Cổn; c. 190s–235 AD), posthumously honored as Prince Gong of Zhongshan (中山恭王), was an imperial prince of Cao Wei. He was the son of the dynasty’s founder Cao Cao (曹操) and Lady Du (杜夫人), and the full brother of Cao Lin and half-brother of Emperor Wen, Cao Pi (曹丕).
From his early youth, Cao Gun was renowned for his insatiable love of learning, writing prose, and strict personal frugality. When awarded imperial fiefs, he wore coarse hemp garments, lived in unpainted chambers, and personally inspected agricultural canals. In 232 AD, Emperor Ming Cao Rui elevated his peerage to Prince of Zhongshan. Cao Gun died in 235 AD, leaving strict dying instructions that his burial should be completely devoid of gold, silver, or extravagant burial goods.
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Virtuous Princes of Wei: Unlike ambitious court schemers, Cao Gun (曹衮) is highlighted in historical annals as the embodiment of Confucian virtue and modesty among Cao Cao’s sons.
Cao Gun (曹衮) — Historical & Literary Timeline
Enfeoffed as Duke of Zan
Elevated to ducal rank upon the founding of Cao Wei.
Prince of Zhongshan
Elevated to Prince of Zhongshan by Emperor Ming Cao Rui.
Death & Modest Burial
Passes away; awarded posthumous name Prince Gong for his pure virtue.
See historical sources cited below.
Key Relationships
Family
In Historical Accounts
- Sanguozhi (三国志): Volume 20 (Book of Wei 20, Princes of Wendi): "Gun was diligent, modest, and loved scholarly texts... At his death, he decreed that no jade or gold be placed in his tomb."
In History
Summary
- Cao Gun (曹衮, Tào Cổn; ?–235 AD) was Prince Gong of Zhongshan, a scholarly son of Cao Cao.
Historical Record
- Sanguozhi Volume 20 (Biography of Cao Gun).
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