In Romance of the Three Kingdoms, after Cao Cao’s failed assassination attempt on Dong Zhuo, he fled Luoyang. As he passed through Zhongmu County, the warrant for his arrest issued by Dong Zhuo had already arrived. Although Cao Cao was captured, the county magistrate Chen Gong secretly released him. Cao Cao hurried back to his hometown in Qiao County. He dispersed his family wealth to recruit soldiers, preparing for rebellion.
The Foundation of Cao Wei: Family and Faction
While later generations often portray Cao Cao as a self-made man, his family background and clan support were indispensable factors in his success. Records of the Three Kingdoms document his lineage, whereas Romance of the Three Kingdoms’ narrative downplays this influence. Modern studies highlight that his familial ties and clan networks were among the key factors behind his rapid rise in power.
The establishment of Cao Wei was aided not only by the despised eunuch faction but also by Cao Cao’s origins within an influential great family.
Figures such as Cao Ren, Xiahou Yuan, Xiahou Dun, Cao Hong, and Cao Chun were all local heroes. While it is understandable that the Cao family members joined his rebellion, why did the Xiahou family also risk their lives to follow him in this revolutionary endeavor?
The Bond Between the Cao and Xiahou Families
Official histories lack clear records on the origins of the relationship between the Cao and Xiahou families. Some claim Cao Cao’s original surname was Xiahou.
Others say the Cao family descended from Cao Shen and the Xiahou family from Xiahou Ying—both men having helped Liu Bang secure the empire, their descendants maintained exceptionally close ties.
Another theory suggests Cao Song (Cao Cao’s father) was originally surnamed Xiahou and was Xiahou Dun’s uncle, later adopting the Cao surname after being designated as Cao Teng’s heir.
Due to the absence of definitive records, multiple theories exist. Regardless, it is evident that the Xiahou and Cao families shared a profound bond, which explains their willingness to follow Cao Cao even at the risk of their lives.
Of course, their involvement in rebellion wasn’t due to a death wish; to some extent, they were implicated by their association with Cao Cao.
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