| NAME | |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 曹洪, 曹洪, Cáo Hóng |
| Other name | Tào Hồng |
| Courtesy name | 子廉, 子廉, Zǐlián, Zi Lian, tự Tử Liêm |
| INFORMATION | |
| Birth Place | Qiao County, Peiguo Commandery (沛国谯县; huyện Tiêu, quận Bái) |
| Died | 232 |
| Death Reason | Died of illness and natural causes (232 AD) |
| FAMILY | |
| Relatives | |
| CAREER | |
| Allegiance | Cao Wei |
| Battles | Battle of Xingyang; Battle of Guandu; Battle of Tong Pass; Hanzhong Campaign |
Biography & Historical Record
Cao Hong (died 232 AD), courtesy name Zilian, was a major military general of the state of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms period. Born in Qiao County, Peiguo, he was a paternal younger cousin of Cao Cao. Known for his martial vigor, intense loyalty, and fiery temperament, Cao Hong joined Cao Cao at the very inception of his warlord enterprise, raising troops alongside Cao Ren to join the coalition against Dong Zhuo. During the Battle of Xingyang in 190 AD, when Cao Cao’s army was ambushed and his steed killed by Xu Rong’s men, Cao Hong dismounted and famously gave his horse to Cao Cao, declaring: ‘The world can do without Cao Hong, but it cannot do without you!’ He then fought on foot to guard Cao Cao’s escape across the Bian River.
Throughout his career, Cao Hong took part in major military operations including the pacification of Yan Province, the battles against Lü Bu, Yuan Shao, and Ma Chao, and the defense of the western frontier at Hanzhong. In 218 AD, during the Hanzhong Campaign, he successfully defeated Shu Han commanders Zhang Fei and Ma Chao at Downy Valley (Wu Lan). Known also for his immense personal wealth and frugality with money, Cao Hong once refused a loan to Cao Pi during the prince’s youth. When Cao Pi ascended the throne as Emperor of Wei, he harbored a grudge and imprisoned Cao Hong on minor charges, intending to execute him. Only through the desperate interventions of Empress Dowager Bian was Cao Hong pardoned and demoted. Following Cao Pi’s death, Cao Rui fully reinstated Cao Hong’s ranks and noble titles as Senior General Who Guards the Realm. Cao Hong passed away in 232 AD and was posthumously honored as Marquis Gong.
Related arc: Zhao Yun Rescues A Dou at Dangyang (ROTK Chapter 41).
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
In Luo Guanzhong’s historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Cao Hong is portrayed as a fiercely devoted and headstrong warrior serving Cao Cao. From Chapter 5 onwards, he is present in every critical campaign of the Wei enterprise. His finest hour occurs in Chapter 6 during the tactical retreat at Xingyang, where he saved Cao Cao’s life with his iconic quote. Later in Chapter 58, during the battle of Tong Pass, Cao Hong is assigned to defend the strategic pass against Ma Chao. Provoked by daily taunts, Cao Hong disobeys strict defense orders and sallies out, suffering a defeat that costs Cao Cao Tong Pass. Furious, Cao Cao orders Cao Hong’s execution, but spares him after other generals plead for his life. Cao Hong later redeems himself by dueling Ma Chao fiercely to cover Cao Cao’s escape after Cao Cao cuts his beard and sheds his robe in defeat.
Cao Hong (曹洪) — Historical & Literary Timeline
Rescuing Cao Cao at Xingyang
When Cao Cao is routed by Xu Rong at Xingyang and loses his horse, Cao Hong offers his own steed, uttering his famous line, ‘The world can do without Hong, but not without you!’ and protects Cao Cao on foot across the river.
Campaign Against Lü Bu
Participates in the grueling reconquest of Yan Province, securing critical agricultural supplies and defeating Lü Bu’s officers in battle.
Loss of Tong Pass and Redemption
Loses Tong Pass to Ma Chao after falling for provocation, but redeems himself by dueling Ma Chao to protect Cao Cao during his frantic flight.
Victory at Xiabian
Commands the western forces in Hanzhong, defeating Wu Lan and Lei Tong and holding off strategic thrusts by Zhang Fei and Ma Chao.
Imprisonment, Pardon, and Death
Imprisoned by Cao Pi due to old financial grudges, saved by Empress Dowager Bian, reinstated by Cao Rui, and dies peacefully in 232 AD.
For detailed historical records, archives, and official chronicles, explore Cao Hong on Wikipedia.
Key Relationships
Family
- Cao Cao (曹操, Tào Tháo): Elder paternal cousin and the warlord to whom Cao Hong pledged his life and service at the inception of the Wei enterprise.
- Cao Ren (曹仁, Tào Nhân): Paternal cousin and fellow general who raised troops alongside Cao Hong to join the coalition against Dong Zhuo.
- Cao Chun (曹纯, Tào Thuần): Paternal cousin and commander of the elite Tiger and Leopard Cavalry.
- Cao Xiu (曹休, Tào Hưu): Nephew and prominent military leader within the Cao Wei state.
- Cao Pi (曹丕, Tào Phi): Cousin and second Emperor of Wei, who harbored a long-standing grudge against Cao Hong over a denied loan and attempted to execute him.
- Empress Dowager Bian (卞氏, Biện Thị): Aunt and mother of Cao Pi, whose intervention saved Cao Hong from execution during the reign of Cao Pi.
Friends
- Xiahou Dun (夏侯惇, Hạ Hầu Đôn): Senior general of the Cao clan and close comrade-in-arms throughout the unification campaigns.
- Xiahou Yuan (夏侯渊, Hạ Hầu Uyên): Senior general of the Cao clan who served alongside Cao Hong in various military operations.
- Zhang He (张郃, Trương Cáp): Veteran general of Wei who served with Cao Hong during the northern and western campaigns.
- Xu Huang (徐晃, Từ Hoảng): Fellow Wei general who fought alongside Cao Hong in multiple campaigns to secure the state’s borders.
Enemies
- Ma Chao (马超, Mã Siêu): A formidable rival who defeated Cao Hong at Tong Pass in 211 AD and later engaged him in a fierce duel during the Hanzhong Campaign.
- Xu Rong (徐荣, Từ Vinh): A general under Dong Zhuo who ambushed Cao Cao at Xingyang in 190 AD, forcing Cao Hong to sacrifice his horse to save his cousin.
- Zhang Fei (张飞, Trương Phi): A Shu Han commander whom Cao Hong opposed during the Hanzhong Campaign in 218 AD.
- Lü Bu (吕布, Lã Bố): A major warlord and primary adversary during the reconquest of Yan Province (194–195 AD).
- Wu Lan (吴兰, Ngô Lan): A Shu Han commander defeated by Cao Hong at the Battle of Xiabian in 218 AD.
- Lei Tong (雷铜, Lôi Đồng): A Shu Han commander defeated by Cao Hong alongside Wu Lan during the 218 AD Hanzhong Campaign.
Other
- Cao Rui (曹叡, Tào Duệ): Third Emperor of Wei, who reinstated Cao Hong to his former ranks and titles after the death of Cao Pi.
Appearance
In Novel
Chapter 41 — Liu Bei Flees Jingzhou; Zhao Yun Rescues A Dou at Dangyang
- Cao Hong (曹洪, Tào Hồng): Cao clan general riding in the vanguard of Cao Cao's pursuit at Changban (长坂坡, Trường Bản). When Liu Bei abandoned his family in the chaos, Cao Hong's contingent pressed the refugees while Zhao Yun turned back alone to rescue Lady Gan, Lady Mi, and infant A Dou — the same campaign in which Xiahou En lost the Qinggang Sword to Zhao Yun.
In History
Summary
- Cao Hong (曹洪, Tào Hồng), courtesy name Zilian (子廉), was a close relative and important military commander of Cao Cao.
- He served Cao Cao from the late Eastern Han through the establishment of Cao Wei and remained a prominent member of the Cao clan under Cao Pi and Cao Rui.
Early Career
- When Cao Cao began building his military power, Cao Hong joined him and became a trusted cavalry commander.
- During an early campaign, Cao Cao was in danger and Cao Hong gave him his horse, allowing Cao Cao to escape. This episode became an important example of his loyalty in the historical tradition.
Military Career
- Cao Hong participated in Cao Cao's campaigns against rival warlords, including operations in the central plains. He held important commands and was repeatedly entrusted with troops.
- His career extended through the major wars that established Cao Cao's control over northern China.
Career under Cao Wei
- After Cao Pi established Wei in 220, Cao Hong received high military rank and was eventually appointed to the prestigious position of General of Agile Cavalry.
- He was also granted marquisates and a substantial income, reflecting his status as a member of the imperial clan.
Political Difficulties
- Cao Hong later became involved in a dispute with Cao Rui's court and was temporarily disgraced. His wealth and personal conduct were criticized, although his status within the Cao family protected him from permanent destruction.
- He was eventually restored before his death.
Death
- Cao Hong died in 232 AD. His posthumous title was Marquis Gong (恭侯).
Historical Record
- Cao Hong was a securely documented historical figure. His biography appears in the Records of the Three Kingdoms among the biographies of the Xiahou and Cao clans.
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