| NAME | |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 曹休, 曹休, Cáo Xiū |
| Nickname | Thousand-Li Horse of the Cao Clan |
| Other name | Tào Hưu |
| Courtesy name | 文烈, 文烈, Wénliè, Wen Lie, tự Văn Liệt |
| INFORMATION | |
| Birth Place | Qiao County, Peiguo Commandery (沛国谯县; huyện Tiêu, quận Bái) |
| Died | 228 |
| Death Reason | Died of illness and a back ulcer following military defeat (228 AD) |
| FAMILY | |
| Children | |
| Relatives | |
| CAREER | |
| Allegiance | Han Dynasty, Cao Wei |
| Battles | Campaign in Hanzhong, Campaigns against Eastern Wu, Battle of Shiting |
Biography & Historical Record
Cao Xiu (died 228 AD), courtesy name Wenlie, was a prominent military general of the state of Cao Wei during the late Eastern Han dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period. Hailing from Qiao County in Peiguo Commandery, Cao Xiu was a distant kinsman of Cao Cao (the grandson of Cao Cao’s paternal uncle). In his youth, when turmoil engulfed the realm following the collapse of the central government, Cao Xiu fled his native region, changed his surname temporarily, and eventually traveled north to join Cao Cao when the latter was rising to power. Impressed by his courage and loyalty, Cao Cao praised him as a “千里马” (thousand-li horse) of the clan and placed him in command of the elite Tiger and Leopard Cavalry (*Hubaowei*).
Throughout his military career, Cao Xiu proved to be a capable and daring commander, serving with distinction in campaigns against Zhang Fei and Wu Lan in Hanzhong, suppressing rebellions in the northwestern borderlands, and commanding frontline forces on the southeastern theater against Eastern Wu. Following Cao Pi’s ascension and the formal establishment of the Wei dynasty, Cao Xiu was appointed as General of Chariots and Cavalry and Grand Chieftain of the Xiongnu, eventually rising to become the Grand Marshal (*Da Situ*) and commanding the armies in the vital Hefei sector. In 228 AD, lured by the defection of the Wu general Zhou鲂, Cao Xiu led an expedition deep into Shiting, where he fell into a massive ambush orchestrated by Lu Xun and Zhu Huan. Surrounded and heavily outnumbered, Cao Xiu suffered a catastrophic defeat, losing a vast portion of his army. Overwhelmed by grief, humiliation, and a severe ulcer on his back, Cao Xiu passed away shortly after returning to Luoyang in 228 AD, receiving posthumous honors from Emperor Cao Rui.
Notable Quotes & Famous Sayings
- “As a commander of the state, to fall into an enemy trap is a grave dishonor that no amount of armor can shield; my death is but a just retribution for my miscalculation.” — Cao Xiu’s remorseful reflection after the disastrous defeat at Shiting.
- “The clan of Cao relies upon our swords to guard the realm; we must never retreat when the emperor calls upon us.” — Cao Xiu exhorting his troops prior to engaging Eastern Wu.
- “A true warrior does not fear the numerical superiority of the enemy, but rather the failure of his own vigilance.” — Attributed tactical wisdom.
Cao Xiu (曹休) — Historical & Literary Timeline
Joining Cao Cao’s Banner
Leaving his native Peiguo amidst civil war, Cao Xiu travels north to join Cao Cao, who warmly welcomes him and praises his potential as an exceptional clan warrior.
Campaign in Hanzhong Against Zhang Fei
Commands forces alongside Zhang He in the Hanzhong campaign, clashing against Liu Bei’s generals including Zhang Fei and Wu Lan in the mountainous borderlands.
Campaigns Against Eastern Wu
Appointed as a front-line commander during Cao Pi’s grand invasions of Eastern Wu, engaging Sun Quan’s forces across the southern waterways.
The Disastrous Battle of Shiting
Deceived by Zhou Fang’s fake surrender, Cao Xiu leads an expedition into Shiting where he is ambushed and crushed by Lu Xun’s forces, suffering immense casualties.
Passing in Luoyang
Returns to Luoyang suffering from a severe back ulcer and deep psychological trauma, passing away shortly after at the height of his career.
For detailed historical records, archives, and official chronicles, explore Cao Xiu on Wikipedia.
Key Relationships
Family
- Cao Cao (曹操, Tào Tháo) — A distant kinsman and patron who recognized Cao Xiu’s potential as a “thousand-li horse” and mentored his early military career.
- Cao Yi (曹肇, Tào Triệu) — His son who inherited his peerage and titles following Cao Xiu’s death.
- Cao Shuang (曹爽, Tào Sảng) — A prominent member of the Cao clan who rose to significant political power during the reign of Cao Rui.
Friends
- Zhang He (张郃, Trương Cáp) — A veteran Wei general who frequently served alongside Cao Xiu, most notably during the Hanzhong campaign against Liu Bei’s forces in 219 AD.
- Sima Yi (司马懿, Tư Mã Ý) — A fellow high-ranking official and military commander who served within the Wei central government during the same era.
Enemies
- Lu Xun (陆逊, Lục Tốn) — The Eastern Wu commander who orchestrated the decisive ambush at Shiting in 228 AD, inflicting a catastrophic defeat upon Cao Xiu.
- Zhou Fang (周鲂, Chu Phưởng) — An Eastern Wu officer whose elaborate ruse of a fake defection successfully lured Cao Xiu into the fatal trap at Shiting in 228 AD.
- Sun Quan (孙权, Tôn Quyền) — The ruler of Eastern Wu and Cao Xiu’s primary strategic rival on the southeastern front.
- Zhang Fei (张飞, Trương Phi) — A Shu Han general whom Cao Xiu encountered and engaged during the Hanzhong campaign in 219 AD.
Other
- Cao Pi (曹丕, Tào Phi) — The first Emperor of Cao Wei who placed immense trust in Cao Xiu, appointing him to high military commands including General of Chariots and Cavalry.
- Cao Rui (曹叡, Tào Duệ) — The second Emperor of Cao Wei who granted Cao Xiu posthumous honors following his death in 228 AD.
In Novel
Chapter 56
- Cao Xiu (曹休, Tào Hưu): Distinguished clan general of Cao Cao, courtesy name Wenlie (Văn Liệt), who demonstrated expert horseback archery at the Bronze Sparrow Terrace banquet.
Chapter 72
- Cao Xiu (曹休, Tào Hưu): Command cavalry forces in Hanzhong, defeating Shu general Wu Lan at Xiabian.
Chapter 85
- Cao Xiu (曹休, Tào Hưu): Appointed Commander-in-Chief of Wei's eastern army during Cao Pi's three-pronged invasion of Wu, engaging Xu Sheng at Dongkou.
Chapter 96
- Cao Xiu (曹休, Tào Hưu): Fell into Eastern Wu general Zhou Fang's cut-hair defection stratagem, leading a hundred thousand Wei troops into a disastrous ambush at Shiting by Lu Xun and dying of a virulent back ulcer in acute shame.
In History
Summary
- Cao Xiu (曹休, Tào Hưu), courtesy name Wenlie, was a senior Wei general and a member of the extended Cao family.
Year: 220 AD
- Cao Xiu (曹休, Tào Hưu) became one of the principal commanders of the new Cao Wei regime under Cao Pi (曹丕, Tào Phi).
Year: 222 AD
- Cao Xiu (曹休, Tào Hưu) commanded Wei forces against Wu and defeated Lu Xun (陆逊, Lục Tốn)'s subordinate forces before later suffering a setback at Shiting in 228.
Year: 228 AD
- Cao Xiu (曹休, Tào Hưu) was deceived by Wu forces during the Shiting campaign and suffered a major defeat. He died later that year.
Historical Record
- Cao Xiu (曹休, Tào Hưu) was a real historical general and one of Cao Wei's principal military commanders.
Gallery
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