Cao Hong was one of the core clan generals under Cao Cao in Romance of the Three Kingdoms, often grouped with Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan, and Cao Ren as the “Four Kinship Generals of the Cao Clan.” A lifelong loyalist to Cao Cao, he was renowned for his bravery in battle and unwavering devotion to Cao Cao. Today, we examine the two legendary occasions on which Cao Hong saved Cao Cao’s life—moments that profoundly altered the course of history.
Founding member of the Cao Cao coalition
After Cao Cao failed to assassinate Dong Zhuo, he fled from Luoyang and arrived at Chenliu. As Cao Cao’s younger cousin, Cao Hong answered the call when Cao Cao raised his army in Chenliu to oppose Dong Zhuo. He was among the earliest and most crucial supporters of Cao Cao’s cause, not only joining personally but also bringing more than a thousand of troops—a vital contribution in the fledgling warlord’s early days.
Within a few days, Cao Ren and Cao Hong, cousins of Cao Cao, each arrived with over a thousand soldiers. Cao Ren, styled Zixiao, and Cao Hong, styled Zilian, were both highly skilled in horsemanship and archery, and masters of martial arts.
— Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Chapter 5
This early commitment solidified Cao Hong’s status as a foundational pillar of the Cao-led military force.
Two lifesaving acts: Loyalty forged in battle
In Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Cao Hong’s heroism shines through two pivotal moments where he directly saved Cao Cao from death. These episodes not only highlight his valor but also underscore the deep personal loyalty that bound the Cao clan’s inner circle.
The Battle of Xingyang: Saving Cao Cao from certain death
In Chapter 6, while the other warlords hesitated(see the chase debate between Yuan Shao and Cao Cao), Cao Cao launched a solo pursuit of Dong Zhuo, with Cao Hong by his side. During the campaign, they fell into an ambush set by Dong Zhuo’s general Xu Rong. Cao Cao was struck by an arrow in the shoulder and barely escaped.
As he fled, two enemy soldiers ambushed him. Just as all seemed lost, Cao Hong charged in on horseback, slew the attackers, and gave his own horse to Cao Cao so he could escape faster, choosing to run on foot to cover his retreat.
Later, they reached a wide river. Cao Cao’s horse, exhausted, could not cross. Seeing his lord in despair, Cao Hong carried Cao Cao on his back through the rushing water, shielding him from danger until they reached safety.
This act of selfless sacrifice was accompanied by Cao Hong’s famous declaration:
“The world may do without me, but it cannot do without you, my lord!”
This moment became a defining symbol of absolute loyalty in Chinese historical narrative.
The Battle of Tong Pass: Holding back the fierce Ma Chao
In Chapter 58, during the intense clash between Cao Cao and Ma Chao at Tong Pass, Cao Hong once again proved indispensable. Ma Chao, seeking vengeance for his father Ma Teng’s execution, led the fierce Xiliang cavalry with unmatched fury. In the chaos of battle, Cao Cao became surrounded and fled for his life, with Ma Chao himself in relentless pursuit.
At the critical moment, Cao Hong charged forward and intercepted Ma Chao, engaging him in a fierce duel that lasted forty to fifty rounds. Though clearly outmatched by Ma Chao’s superior skill, Cao Hong fought with fearless determination, buying Cao Cao the precious time needed to escape.
Only after Cao Hong’s heroic stand did Xiahou Yuan arrive with reinforcements, finally lifting the siege. Cao Hong’s willingness to face near-certain death against a superior foe exemplified his courage, loyalty, and sacrificial spirit.
The legacy of a guardian
Cao Hong’s two life-saving interventions were not mere battlefield exploits—they were turning points that preserved Cao Cao’s life and, by extension, the future of the Wei state. Without Cao Hong’s actions at Xingyang and Tong Pass, the Three Kingdoms era might have unfolded very differently.
More than a warrior, Cao Hong embodied the ideal of the loyal kinship general—one who placed his lord’s survival above his own, time and again.
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