Cao Hong

Cao Hong (Chinese曹洪, Pinyin Cao Hong, * 169, † 233) was a general of the Wei Empire under Cao Cao and Cao Pi during the Three Kingdoms.

Career

Cao Hong was a cousin of Cao Cao. He fought with him against the warlord Dong Zhuo. When he retreated to Chang'an, the allies remained in Luoyang, Cao Cao only pursued the fleeing tyrant. He fell into an ambush and had to withdraw because Xu Rong ( an officer under Dong Zhuo ) had wounded him. Cao Hong saved his cousin and brought him over to the nearby river.

He stayed even after the dissolution of the coalition against Dong Zhuo at Cao Cao and contributed decisively to its seizure of power in China.

Disputes

Cao Hong was trying to strengthen its position, and so often boasted about his successes. He also taunted his cousin Cao Zhen often because of his excess weight. But Cao Hong was booked by Yang Fu, a minister of Wei.

In the campaign against Ma Chao Cao Hong was awarded the contract to guard the Tong Pass and not to leave the fortifications. After Ma Chaos forces had provoked him for several days, Cao Hong gave his anger gradually led his army to battle in the pass. But Ma Chao defeated him and then took the pass.

Cao Cao was greatly incensed, but when he himself was beaten by Ma Chao and her life was in danger, Cao Hong rescued him again. Therefore Cao Cao forgave him his defeat and likened him to Han Gaozu. Cao Hong's advisers, however, he sternly admonished.

Later life

When Cao Cao died in 220 and was succeeded by his son Cao Pi to the throne, Cao Hong's position came under threat. The relationship between the two had long been tense because Cao Pi had asked him for a loan, which, however, had wrongfully denied him Cao Hong. Cao Pi soon took advantage of the passing of a guest of Cao Hong, to arrest him. Only the Empress Dowager Bian Cao Hong could save.

Although Cao Hong's life was spared, but Cao Pi took his land, his property and his title. Cao Hong, died surrounded by his family.