Chapter Six, The Cao Family Chronicles - The Generals of the Cao Family
This was the most heroic battle of Cao Ren's life, and it is often cited as the primary evidence when people occasionally praise him. However, it is evident that Cao Ren took such great risks not merely to show off.
Cao Shuang, styled Zhaobo, was the eldest son of Cao Zhen. Due to a confluence of circumstances and the dark humor of history, after the death of Cao Rui, Cao Shuang jointly governed with Sima Yi. With the support of a group of ambitious young men, he gradually overshadowed the elder statesmen led by Sima Yi, becoming the de facto head of state of the Cao Wei.
As mentioned earlier, the difficulty of being an emperor lies in restricting the privileged class. If one is afraid of trouble and irresponsibly compromises with the privileged class, the issues will only be postponed.
Birth (arranged in chronological order of birth)
In the Battle of Fancheng, the renowned general Cao Ren, who had single-handedly turned the tide of battle throughout his life, ultimately found himself unable to withstand the might of the Martial Saint at the peak of his power. Yu Jin and Pang De led an army of 30,000 to provide assistance, only to be defeated by Guan Yu, who flooded the seven armies. Some say that the flooding of the seven armies was merely a coincidence, a result of seven parts natural disaster and three parts human error. Do you not see why Yu Jin, the most senior among the Five Tiger Generals, who stood at the forefront and held the rotation of the sun and moon in his grasp, chose to surrender? Do you not see why Pang De, whose courage remained unwavering year after year, was slain despite his fearless spirit in the face of danger? Do you not see why Cao Cao, who loved the Central Plains, the Northern lands, and Jiangnan, reached a point of considering relocating the capital?
Cao Shuang, who had spent ten years serving the late emperors, decided to retire, and soon after was exterminated along with his entire clan by Sima Yi. Thus, the Cao Wei Empire, which had only existed for 29 years, effectively ceased to exist.
However, Cao Shuang was by no means the fool who deserved to be ridiculed as depicted in the historical narratives. Even leaders of the Soviet Union centuries later could not comprehend this, so how could Cao Shuang understand? Throughout thousands of years in China, how many rulers have successfully overseen reforms? Is it not true that irresponsibility is not shameful, while responsible failures are deemed disgraceful? Cao Shuang could have indulged in pleasure, reveling with the privileged class, as the foundation of Cao Wei was sufficient for him to squander for several lifetimes. Yet, unlike many of his lazy contemporaries who consumed all the benefits and left the tough challenges for future generations, Cao Shuang did not do so. He could have enjoyed a life of ease, celebrating with the elite, as the legacy of Cao Wei was enough for him to waste for several lifetimes. However, he did not follow the path of many of his indolent peers who devoured the easy gains and left the hard tasks for others to tackle.
The cohabitation experiences of Cao Xiu, Cao Zhen, and Cao Pi fulfilled each other. However, in a certain sense, it was precisely this intimate honeymoon period that weakened the Cao family’s military power and ultimately led to the downfall of the Cao Wei Empire
In the year 228 AD, Cao Xiu passed away in shame and regret
When the powerful eunuchs and the imperial relatives perished together, and Dong Zhuo tyrannized the capital, various warlords were each calculating their own interests, indifferent to the emperor's fate. In this context, the most humble-born Cao Cao instead raised the banner of restoring the Han dynasty and was the first to mobilize troops to attack Dong Zhuo. Cao Ren, Cao Hong, and Cao Chun joined the ranks at the earliest opportunity, embarking on the revolutionary path of the gentry landowners.
This issue presents to you the tale of the Cao family, a supplementary account of the Cao family generals
In the year 210 AD, Cao Chun, aged forty, passed away under unclear circumstances, leaving his son only three hundred households of land.
The conclusion (in order of the time of passing away)
In the year 226 AD, Cao Pi passed away, and Cao Xiu was promoted to Grand Marshal. He executed one general of Wu and captured two generals of Wu.
It seems that the young masters of the Cao family are living quite comfortably. However, the Cao family, due to their humble origins, despite their wealth and power, are merely considered a secondary gentry class, looked down upon by the scholarly gentry who have risen through education. As the saying goes, "Having wealth and power is not as good as having style." Furthermore, during the mid to late Eastern Han period, those who could enter the core of power and become major stakeholders were primarily the imperial relatives and eunuchs, while others (including the descendants of deceased eunuchs) were merely laborers.
Epilogue
Cao Chun's death occurred merely two years after the capture of Liu Bei's two ladies The author merely states the fact and laments his untimely passing without implying anything
Merit (arranged in ascending order)
This is a family that has produced the highest number of renowned generals in official history
When he first started his business, Cao Cao faced setbacks, and the genuine Cao Cao must have felt the urge to weep. At that moment, Cao Hong was the only person by his side. There is no need to sprinkle more motivational quotes; let us speak plainly. At that time, Cao Cao's army of five thousand was either dead or dying, with very few remaining. Cao Hong sought out his good friend, Chen Wen, the Inspector of Yangzhou, to recruit and select two thousand elite soldiers. He then immediately led this troop to reunite with Cao Cao, adding a significant boost to Cao Cao's resurgence.
In the year 222 AD, Cao Pi personally led an expedition against Sun Quan, while Cao Xiu commanded the Eastern Army among the three main forces. Taking advantage of the opportunity when the cables of the enemy general Lu Fan's fleet were severed by a storm, causing the fleet to scatter, he defeated the renowned general Lu Fan, killing thousands of enemies and achieving a great victory
Guan Yu lost Jingzhou and was killed in that year, causing the grand prospects of Liu Bei's faction to turn into a mere illusion
Leading reform is the most difficult and challenging task in the world. Although Cao Shuang was foolish, his foolishness was precious. The reason the later Three Kingdoms period was less brilliant than the earlier one lies in the scarcity of foolish individuals and the abundance of clever ones; there were too few idealists and too many realists. Cao Shuang's solitude is not only the solitude of his era but also the solitude of history.
2. The Song of Ice and Fire of the New Generation Military Strategists Cao Xiu and Cao Zhen
In the campaign against Yuan Tan, the eldest son of Yuan Shao, the Cao army suffered significant casualties. Although Cao Cao had become the dominant power in the north after the Battle of Guandu, the Yuan family was no longer favored by the scholars due to the internal strife among the young masters. However, the Yuan family still possessed considerable strength. Cao Cao contemplated delaying the attack, but Cao Chun suggested launching a strong assault with the most elite Tiger and Leopard Cavalry, successfully killing Yuan Tan.
Cao Zhen, styled Zidan, was the son of Cao Shao, a cousin of Cao Cao (a brother of the same great-grandfather but different great-grandfathers). He was killed while recruiting soldiers for Cao Cao. Out of compassion, Cao Cao allowed Cao Zhen to live and eat alongside Cao Pi. Soon after, Cao Zhen earned Cao Cao's praise for his bravery in killing a large tiger at close range, becoming another mid-level commander of the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry. (According to archaeological findings, the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry was actually divided into Tiger Cavalry and Leopard Cavalry, with Cao Xiu and Cao Zhen serving as two squad leaders under the command of Captain Cao Chun.)
On Changban Slope, Cao Chun led the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry to launch a strong assault on Liu Bei's army, seizing a large amount of military supplies and capturing scattered soldiers from Liu Bei's forces. Moreover, Cao Chun also captured Liu Bei's two daughters
In the year 249 AD, Cao Shuang encountered the Gaopingling coup initiated by Sima Yi while paying respects to Cao Rui. Cao Shuang was unwilling to seize the emperor, and after cordial and friendly negotiations, both sides exchanged views on topics of mutual concern. Sima Yi swore an oath, expressing his commitment to ensuring the safety of Cao Shuang's life and property
After the passing of Cao Xiu and Cao Zhen, the Cao family experienced a nine-year hiatus. Military command was held by external ministers such as Sima Yi and Man Chong. It was not until the year 239 AD, when the ailing and confused Cao Rui somewhat recalled the Cao family generals, that Cao Shuang fortuitously emerged as the leading figure of the third generation of Cao family generals
Elsa Shukalet said: "My defeat is the guild's defeat; I am the fortress of the guild." This also reflects Cao Ren's sentiment—when the nation rises or falls, I shall take responsibility
Cao Shuang did not understand that, in the face of a powerful enemy, external warfare can indeed divert domestic conflicts, unite people's hearts, and allow for a call to action that can lead to both advancement and a dignified retreat even in defeat. However, instigating war against a relatively weaker regime, if met with setbacks, will lead to a quagmire of conflict, diminish one's prestige, and leave a lasting infamy.
Everyone knows that the land of Shu is highly coveted by the Sun and Liu families. For the Cao family, it is not a priority at the moment. Cao Ren cleverly exploits Zhou Yu's fixed mindset, leading his cavalry directly to Yiling to launch a surprise attack on Gan Ning. Zhou Yu finds himself in a very passive position and has no choice but to go personally to provide assistance. It seems that Cao Ren has lost some troops, but since his forces are cavalry, the round trip does not take much time, effectively allowing him to gain the most precious time by making Zhou Yu waste his efforts. When Zhou Yu returns, Cao Ren sends Niu Jin with only three hundred death squad members to attack. Niu Jin's unit is quickly surrounded, and despite the advice against it, Cao Ren personally leads his troops to rescue them. After bringing back Niu Jin, Cao Ren charges back into the encirclement to rescue all the other death squad members.
2. Unwritten Rules: Send a woman with a large chest, long legs, a ruthless heart, and a strong hand into the palace. If she catches the emperor's eye and prevails over the other women in the harem, her family will become a highly sought-after external relative. A classic example is General He Jin.
This is a mirror that most intuitively reflects the rise and fall of the Cao Wei dynasty
Lu Meng seized Jingzhou and mysteriously died in the same year, revealing the unkindness and injustice of Sun Quan's faction towards its allies to the world
Before making a decision, Cao Shuang pondered for an entire night. In fact, his contemplation revolved around how to lead the honor guard and the civil officials, all of whom were under the control of Sima Yi, to march 340 li through the mountainous terrain from the outskirts of Luoyang to Xuchang. Huan Fan insulted Cao Shuang as a pig because he firmly believed that his suggestion was the only way to survive. Luo Guanzhong portrayed Cao Shuang as a pig because denigrating Cao was his relentless pursuit. However, the strategy to relocate to Xuchang was fraught with peril. Even if Sima Yi were temporarily foolish and did not send pursuing troops, anyone around Cao Shuang could potentially betray him to protect their own families. In a situation where death was certain, if one were to criticize Cao Shuang, it should be for his carelessness that led him to such a predicament, rather than for the choice of his method of demise.
Origin
Such a perspective on right and wrong was considered natural during Confucius's time, as the average cultural level of the people was quite low, necessitating the simplest methods to convey what should and should not be done. However, over two thousand years have passed, and if we still adhere to this set of standards, and in an effort to avoid utilitarianism, insist on leaning towards dogmatism... the consequences can be mild, leading to susceptibility to manipulation and deception; or severe, resulting in becoming a follower of the belief that 'to correct a wrong, one must go to extremes' or a perpetrator of online violence; ultimately, it manifests as holding others to the standards of sages while applying the standards of the base to oneself, akin to a mad dog that bites anyone it encounters. Yet, over two thousand years have passed, and if we still adhere to this set of standards, and in an effort to avoid utilitarianism, insist on leaning towards dogmatism... the consequences can be mild, leading to susceptibility to manipulation and deception; or severe, resulting in becoming a follower of the belief that 'to correct a wrong, one must go to extremes' or a perpetrator of online violence; ultimately, it manifests as holding others to the standards of sages while applying the standards of the base to oneself, akin to a mad dog that bites anyone it encounters
Cao Xiu indeed possesses considerable skill; after entering the enemy's ambush zone, he even set up two routes of his own hidden troops. However, this minor trick was fully seen through by Lu Xun. The Wei army's ambush was easily defeated, with ten thousand of their hundred thousand troops captured alive, and their retreat route back home was also cut off
During Cao Cao's campaigns against Tao Qian, Lü Bu, and Ma Chao, Cao Ren was assigned to lead a separate force. He defeated Tao Qian's general Lü You and cleared the various counties of Xuzhou; he captured the general Liu He of Lü Bu's army alive; and he defeated Su Bo and Tian Yin, who responded to Ma Chao. In these three battles, Cao Ren's opponents were not particularly formidable characters. However, it is important to note that while Cao Cao had a plethora of strategists and fierce generals under his command, Cao Ren's team had long been limited to just himself as a formidable figure. Even in the later battles of Guandu and Nanjun, the best assistants Cao Cao provided to Cao Ren were only of the caliber of Shi Huan and Niu Jin. This situation stands in stark contrast to the configuration of the Five Elite Generals under the Xiahou brothers, suggesting that being overly trusted by leadership may not necessarily be a good thing.
Cao Pi relegated the sons of the older generation of gentry revolutionaries to the sidelines, especially the other sons of the foremost gentry revolutionary, Cao Cao, who were not even afforded a place on the sidelines. He then entrusted the administration to representatives of the privileged class, Chen Qun and Sima Yi, while assigning the highest military command to his most trusted generals, Cao Xiu and Cao Zhen
In the year 232 AD, Cao Hong passed away. Six years prior, he had been imprisoned and sentenced to death by Cao Pi. Under the rescue of Empress Bian, he was still stripped of his titles, dismissed from office, had his property confiscated, and was demoted to commoner status. The superficial reason was that Cao Pi had been refused a loan by Cao Hong. In reality, it was likely due to Cao Hong's genuine character, which could not tolerate Cao Pi's "the lowly are just pretentious." That year, after Cao Pi's death, Cao Rui ascended to the throne and immediately rehabilitated Cao Hong, although his fief was not restored to the previous 2,100 households, but only to 1,000. However, Cao Hong was not like Jiao Da from "Dream of the Red Chamber"; what he cared about was merely spiritual pursuit—during his hardships, he never uttered a soft word to Cao Pi, saying, "This is who I am, take it or leave it."
This is the most populous idealistic organization during the late Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period
Among officials, they hold the lowest status, and among workers, they belong to the discriminated class. With no way to enter from above and no door to exit from below, they are not recognized by anyone, which encapsulates the predicament of the Cao family
3. Clinging to the Powerful: After joining the military, having military achievements does not necessarily guarantee success. Without such achievements, one can still rise through the ranks by clinging to the thighs of powerful relatives or eunuchs in authority. A classic example is Sima Yi's grandfather, Sima Jun.
Cao Cao attacked Zhang Xiu, with Cao Ren responsible for the strategic reserve. Zhang Xiu pursued Cao Cao on his return journey, and was met head-on by Cao Mengde, who personally held the rear guard. At this moment, Jia Xu proposed a strategy, suggesting that after Cao Cao's victory, he would inevitably become complacent and would no longer personally guard the rear, making a surprise attack certain to succeed. Jia Xu was known for his astute strategies throughout his life, and indeed, the Cao army was ambushed. Fortunately, Cao Ren appeared in time to boost morale, preventing a collapse. Many years later, when the second and third generations of the Cao family faced sudden chaotic situations, they could no longer integrate their forces or revive morale. It cannot be said that they were incompetent; rather, it can only be said that Cao Ren was exceptionally capable. He was like the Great History from "The Three-Body Problem," providing a sense of security that one would not die as long as he was present.
Influenced by "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," Cao Ren's image in people's minds is that of a master of the Golden Bell Shield and Iron Cloth Shirt, a mere punching bag who endures beatings all day. In Three Kingdoms-themed games, Cao Ren is always depicted as a Transformer-like armored robot. It seems that Cao Ren is only capable of defense, enduring attacks without retaliating. I can only say that Mr. Luo Guanzhong is truly the foremost master in turning heroes and great figures into pathetic figures throughout history.
Cao Zhen's downfall was not merely a result of his own actions; it was purely a combination of natural disasters and human misfortunes. After successfully repelling Zhuge Liang's two northern campaigns, Cao Zhen felt it was unacceptable for a great power like the Central Plains to adopt a defensive stance against a small state. However, in 229 AD, Zhuge Liang's third northern campaign captured the territories of Wudu and Yinping, which further compelled Cao Zhen to advocate for an offensive against Shu. Unfortunately, Cao Zhen encountered over a month of heavy rain on the treacherous roads to Shu, where water vapor and mist created a white haze, rendering everyone nearly blind. The soldiers could only feel their way forward inch by inch, while the sounds of comrades falling into the abyss echoed in their ears, yet they could not hear the sound of their bodies hitting the ground. Cao Zhen deeply regretted his decisions, realizing why everyone had opposed the expedition beforehand. Now, he felt he had no face to return. Fortunately, the understanding Cao Rui promptly issued an edict to retreat, providing Cao Zhen with a way out.
In the year 222 AD, Cao Pi personally led an expedition against Sun Quan, while Cao Zhen commanded the western army among the three routes of the large force, defeating the Wu general Sun Sheng. They besieged Jiangling, the foremost military stronghold of the Three Kingdoms, for six months, and the supplies of the Wu army were nearly exhausted, with the city on the verge of falling. Unfortunately, at this moment, a severe plague broke out among the Cao army, forcing them to retreat. Such near-successes are not particularly commendable, as they are often mere excuses following failure due to the many variables involved. However, Mr. Luo Guanzhong audaciously reversed the truth in his narrative, portraying Cao Zhen as a glorious defeated general under Zhuge Jin in this battle, which I cannot tolerate! Zhuge Jin, a good man cultivated over ten lifetimes, is renowned as a beacon of hope for enemies, the softest target in the Three Kingdoms, and it is said that consuming his flesh grants immortality. The difficulty of being defeated by him... This marks Cao Zhen's first appearance in "Romance of the Three Kingdoms". A long sigh.
Although the second method only addresses the symptoms rather than the root cause, it is certainly better than doing nothing or resorting to extreme measures. As for how to address the root cause? It is, of course, through prosperity, strength, democracy, civilization, harmony, freedom, equality, justice, rule of law, dedication, integrity, and kindness
1. Academic Credentials: Achieving mastery in classical studies, if one is recommended for an official position and receives widespread acclaim, can lead to the transformation of their family from a scholarly faction to a prominent lineage. Notable examples include the Yuan Shao family, the Xun Yu family, and the Chen Qun family
The fundamental reason for Cao Xiu's failure was not that he fell for a feigned surrender, but rather that he underestimated his opponent from Wu, the remarkably talented strategist Lu Xun. Lu Xun actually organized an army of 90,000 to counter Cao Xiu's ambush. In previous articles, I have repeatedly emphasized that the lack of personnel was Wu's greatest shortcoming. The scale of 90,000 troops indicates that Lu Xun's level of concern for Cao Xiu surpassed that of his previous engagement with Liu Bei.
There are two accounts regarding Cao Cao's northern expedition against the Wuhuan. One states that the vanguard commander Zhang Liao executed the chieftain Tadan on the battlefield, while the other claims that Cao Chun, leading the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry, captured Tadan alive.
Cao Shuang believed that political reform could restore the glory of the Cao Cao era in one fell swoop Many years later, there was a middle-aged man named Gorbachev who thought the same way
Everyone understands that things that come easily also leave easily. However, many times, one is only concerned with being good to you as quickly as possible
There are two points worth noting
Even without the coup initiated by Sima Yi, Cao Shuang's reforms would not have succeeded. Even if Cao Shuang were to externally conquer Shu Han and internally eliminate the Sima family without leaving a trace, he still would not succeed. This is because Cao Shuang possessed a worldview but lacked a methodology
Sima Yi's heart was dark and his methods ruthless, which took Cao Shuang by surprise, as well as many of the aristocratic officials who supported Sima Yi's coup. After all, many of these aristocrats only wanted to see Cao Shuang removed from power to protect their family's vested interests, and had never considered helping the Sima family usurp authority. It was only at this moment that they realized there was no one left after Cao Shuang to stop the advance of the Sima family.
Cao Zhen predicted that Zhuge Liang would choose Chencang for his next invasion. With keen insight, he recognized Hao Zhao and had him fortify the city to strengthen defenses, causing Zhuge Liang's second northern expedition to end in failure once again. In the novel, all of Cao Zhen's contributions were transferred to Sima Yi, and as if that were not enough, Mr. Luo Guanzhong fabricated a series of defeats for Cao Zhen, depicting him as having been beaten by Zhuge Liang four times. Consequently, in the minds of many who have only read the novel or watched the television series, the esteemed Cao Zidan has become a figure of ridicule. In this regard, I can only say that Mr. Luo Guanzhong has demonstrated the power of literature, being a grand master who can manipulate historical figures with the stroke of a pen.
The unification of the motherland is the lifelong aspiration of Cao Xiu, the guardian of the Eastern region, and Cao Zhen, the guardian of the Western region. Cao Xiu can be regarded as a first-rate general, but unfortunately, he received unprecedented "attention" from the top strategist Lu Xun. Cao Zhen defeated Zhuge Liang, yet his defensive capabilities were strong while his offensive abilities were lacking. The second generation of the Cao family generals appears significantly inferior to the first generation for two important reasons
2. Two thousand soldiers were also a considerable force at that time. Cao Hong, if he had personal ambitions, could have easily acted independently. Even if he joined forces with Cao Cao, this troop could have been regarded as his private army. However, Cao Hong was loyal to Cao Cao to an unconditional extent
Cao Hong, during Cao Cao's defeat in the campaign against Dong Zhuo, offered his own warhorse to Cao Cao and naturally uttered the deeply moving saying: "The world may do without Hong, but it cannot do without its ruler." Afterward, Cao Hong walked alongside Cao Cao to the Bian River, allowing Cao Cao to rest while he searched along the riverbank alone. He eventually found a small boat, enabling Cao Cao to escape from danger.
The conclusion
Later, Cao Hong participated in several battles and campaigns, but either the enemy was of too low a caliber, or his own performance was mediocre. In his last battle, the troops he commanded defeated the general Wu Lan of Liu Bei's army. However, in this instance, Cao Hong was merely a nominal commander, while the actual overall commander was Cao Xiu, Cao Hong's nephew and a second-generation Cao family general trained by Cao Cao. It may seem that Cao Hong was quite ineffectual, but I believe this is precisely what makes him remarkable. How many elders can resist the urge to nag their juniors? How many veteran officials can refrain from directing young officials? Many people are willing to risk everything for their friends in their youth, but very few can restrain their instincts as they grow older, remain true to their original intentions, and understand the truth that everyone has been young.
During the era of Cao Shuang, the primary focus was on a single task—reforming to limit the expansion of the privileged class. At that time, both the imperial relatives and eunuchs had lost their appeal, and the Nine-Rank System resulted in a proliferation of aristocratic offspring within the court. It became increasingly difficult for commoners to rise to prominence, and the authority of the royal family was gradually eroded by the gentry.
In the year 223 AD, Cao Ren passed away while holding the esteemed position of Grand Marshal, leaving his son with 3,500 households of fief. In the last three years of his life, Cao Ren also dealt with two insignificant enemies, commanding respect in the southeast, yet feeling solitude in the southeast; perhaps this is the best conclusion for a renowned general
Cao Xiu, styled Ziwenlie, was the grandson of Cao Ding, the Minister of Works, and the nephew of Cao Hong, with an unknown biological father. He lost his father at a young age and, accompanied by his mother, sought refuge with the governor of Wu Commandery, who had received favors from his grandfather, thus living in Wu Commandery for a period. After Cao Cao raised his army, Cao Xiu traveled a thousand miles to offer his service, earning Cao Cao's praise as "a steed of a thousand miles in my family." He was arranged to eat and live with Cao Pi and became a mid-level commander in the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry. After Cao Cao raised his army, Cao Xiu traveled a thousand miles to offer his service, earning Cao Cao's praise as "a steed of a thousand miles in my family." He was arranged to eat and live with Cao Pi and became a mid-level commander in the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry.
The first approach to achieving prosperity, democracy, civilization, and harmony in society, as well as freedom, equality, justice, rule of law, dedication, integrity, and kindness, can only be likened to wildfires that cannot be extinguished, as spring winds bring new life (the reason patriotism is not mentioned is that when humanity lacks privileged classes, there are no distinctions between nations). There are inherent differences in the political and economic capabilities among individuals; no matter how many privileged classes you eliminate, new ones will inevitably emerge.
Zhang Miao betrayed Cao Cao and welcomed Lü Bu to occupy Yanzhou. Cao Hong took the lead in opening the way, seizing two counties and gathering grain. At that time, there was a famine, and later, Cao Cao was able to achieve three victories in three battles, driving Lü Bu out of Yanzhou. The base and grain that Cao Hong secured played an irreplaceable role.
After Cao Ren retreated from Fan City, the garrison commander of Wan City, Hou Yin, defected to Cao and responded to Guan Yu. Cao Ren took two months to capture Wan City. In the same month, the commander of the western front, Xiahou Yuan, was killed in battle. Liu Bei, feeling isolated and outnumbered, proclaimed that even wild lilies would have their spring. Guan Yu, with a commanding presence in the southern region, was poised to make Cao Ren the second Xiahou Yuan.
During the era of Cao Pi, the primary focus was on two matters: first, economic development; and second, waging war against the Wu state
On the eve of the Battle of Guandu, the guest general Liu Bei of Yuan Shao's army laid a trap behind Cao Cao's forces. Cao Ren, undeterred by the overwhelming presence of Yuan Shao's troops, decisively launched an attack, delivering a severe blow to Liu Bei, ensuring the safety of the rear and the supply lines, and burning the grain transport vehicles of Yuan Shao's army
There are no rigid indicators; one should hold on as long as possible. Generally, when an ordinary person senses danger, they would retreat. However, Cao Ren managed to create a miracle.
China's traditional historical texts place such a high value on virtue and morality that they often prioritize moral considerations above all else. A person who merely engages in empty rhetoric, as long as they are not caught with any blemishes, will receive praise. In contrast, a person who is willing to take action, even if they have some moral shortcomings, will be relegated to the sidelines, trampled by the masses, and kicked by outsiders. This reflects the so-called binary distinction between "gentleman" and "petty person"
merit
People ridicule Cao Shuang mainly because, after Sima Yi launched his coup, he rejected the suggestion made by the strategist Huan Fan to relocate the capital to Xuchang and use the emperor to command the feudal lords, instead surrendering to Sima Yi, who was left with only the solitary city of Luoyang.
When the flood arrived, Guan Yu's army boarded the warships to launch a strong attack. Even if we take a step back, at the very least, Guan Yu made ample preparations for the arrival of the flood and utilized it effectively. This demonstrates his genuine weather forecasting ability and exceptional military talent, which is why there exists the idiom almost exclusively used to describe him—"Weizhen Huaxia".
In the year 221 AD, Cao Zhen achieved a great victory over the coalition of Hu people, decapitating 50,000 enemies and capturing 1,110,000 sheep and 80,000 cattle. The significance of this battle was not merely for barbecues or hot pot, but rather it established the Cao Wei Empire's dominance in the Western Regions and reopened the Silk Road
After Cao Xiu returned to the capital, he understood what it meant for a lifetime of glory to be ruined in an instant. It turned out that in the presence of true masters, I, Cao Xiu, am merely this kind of person! Cao Xiu's confidence was completely shattered, and he felt unworthy to live in this world, soon leading to his own demise in a state of despair. His son, Cao Zhao, was once among the five ministers designated by Cao Rui before his death to assist in governance. However, due to the interference of Liu Fang and Sun Zi, he had barely settled into his position before being left idly at home, holding onto the title inherited from his father.
Cao Chun is the commander of the Cao family's special forces, the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry. The primary duties of the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry include guarding the imperial palace and ensuring the safety of Comrade Cao Cao. Additionally, this unit requires the finest warhorses and a selection of elite soldiers, and the high maintenance costs mean that the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry is only deployed to the battlefield at the most critical moments, resulting in relatively few notable achievements
Interestingly, the most humiliating years of Sima Yi's life, the progenitor of the theory of thick blackness, were not due to the cunning Cao Cao, nor the embodiment of wisdom Zhuge Liang, but rather because of this "pig head" Cao Shuang
Cao Hong, styled Zilian, was a cousin of Cao Cao. His biological father is unknown, but his uncle, Cao Ding, once served as the Minister of Personnel. His early experiences are not well-documented; however, judging by his unreserved admiration for those he respected and his complete refusal to part with anything for those he looked down upon after reaching adulthood, it can be inferred that Cao Hong's youthful character was likely even more genuine than that of Cao Cao.
Even in the absence of allies, even as the city is on the verge of being submerged, even when the wise and mighty lord himself considers retreat, Cao Ren and his soldiers did not surrender a single person
During the era of Cao Rui, the primary focus was on two main tasks: one was to defend against Zhuge Liang, and the other was to contribute to the construction of a prosperous and powerful Wei dynasty.
1. The brotherhood of the revolutionary gentry of the old generation, Cao Ren, Cao Hong, and Cao Chun.
4. One cannot bear to part with the child while trying to catch the wolf: Make a resolute decision, it is essential to be determined and take decisive action to resolve the fundamental issue at once—send the child to the palace to become a eunuch, starting from the most basic tasks such as serving tea, pouring water, massaging shoulders, and attending to night pots. If, during the initial stages, one is not crushed by the master and seniors, and if, upon growing up, one can align correctly in every queue, eventually becoming a leader among eunuchs, then the family can rise to prominence, becoming the second and third generation of eunuchs. A classic example is the descendants of the Cao family. If, during the initial stages, one is not crushed by the master and seniors, and if, upon growing up, one can align correctly in every queue, eventually becoming a leader among eunuchs, then the family can rise to prominence, becoming the second and third generation of eunuchs. A classic example is the descendants of the Cao family.
Taking advantage of the fact that Cao Zhen's army was still climbing the mountain and the Wei border was vulnerable, Zhuge Liang launched a counterattack, resulting in a disastrous defeat for the Wei generals Guo Huai and Fei Yao. Meanwhile, Sima Yi, who was supposed to coordinate with Cao Zhen, was merely pretending to advance, moving one step forward and then retreating, effectively making no progress at all. The heavens were not favorable; Han Wuhou had planned ahead, while Jin Xuan Emperor was pulling back, how could Cao Zhen avoid defeat
Speaking of Guan Yu, the Martial Saint, he completely blocked the northern route, preventing the reinforcements from the Cao family from passing through. Figures like Xu Huang, Le Jin, and Wen Pin were all unable to enter. After much difficulty, a reckless and brave Li Tong managed to approach Cao Ren's encircled position step by step, but ultimately succumbed to illness.
Cao Ren successfully defended Fan City, allowing Cao Cao's faction to shift from a passive to an active stance
First, he sent someone to venture forth, and then he personally took the risk to rescue them. Cao Ren's intention was to create an atmosphere of camaraderie, emphasizing that no one is abandoned or given up on, thereby elevating his own prestige to the highest point to boost morale and encourage his subordinates to exert their utmost efforts. Although this was a clever maneuver, it was nonetheless admirable. Firstly, he could have easily avoided this risk; facing overwhelming odds against the enemy, especially with Zhou Yu as their commander, retreating would not have been shameful. Secondly, he not only personally engaged in battle and returned unscathed, but he also managed to bring all his subordinates back safely, showcasing skills that far surpassed those of his colleague Xiahou Yuan.
After Cao Chun's death, there was no suitable candidate for the position of Commander of the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry, so Cao Cao had to take on the role himself. Cao Chun's son became a general leading the army, but achieved little.
Not long before this, Zhou Fang, the governor of Poyang in Wu, and Sun Quan performed a duet. Sun Quan played the role of a madman who, having nothing to do, would curse others (seemingly a role he was born to play). Zhou Fang portrayed a frightened character, one who had shaved his head as a sign of mourning, weeping profusely. Soon, Zhou Fang secretly contacted Cao Xiu, expressing that he could no longer endure the tyranny of Sun Quan and was willing to abandon the darkness for the light, contributing to the unification of the country. He earnestly requested the Grand Marshal to send troops to Wuxian for support. One might ask, how is this different from Zhou Yu's scheme against Huang Gai? However, Cao Xiu chose to believe him, which does not necessarily indicate naivety on his part. Firstly, the opportunity to seize a commandery is rare, and the merit would be enough to shine in history. Furthermore, Cao Xiu had previously achieved four victories in four battles; even if there were deceit involved, he had nothing to fear. After all, what is an ambush? How many troops does the Wu army have? I will bring one hundred thousand troops; let’s see how you plan to ambush me!
Origin
Cao Shuang was indeed foolish; his reform strategies were characterized by impulsive decisions made without thorough consideration, reacting on a whim, and later regretting his choices. His paranoia, inflated by self-importance, scattered like clouds in the sky, which ultimately provided the ailing Sima Yi with the opportunity to stage a dramatic reversal. However, compared to Cao Pi and Cao Rui, Cao Shuang's choices at least demonstrated greater courage and a stronger sense of responsibility. His reckless approach of crossing the river without feeling the stones provided a bloody and valuable lesson for future reformers. Yet, compared to Cao Pi and Cao Rui, Cao Shuang's choices at least demonstrated greater courage and a stronger sense of responsibility. His reckless approach of crossing the river without feeling the stones provided a bloody and valuable lesson for future reformers
For officials, their family fortunes have withered. For the wealthy, their gold and silver have been exhausted. For those who have received kindness, they have narrowly escaped death. For the obsessed, they have foolishly lost their lives. It is much like the birds that have eaten their fill and returned to the forest, leaving behind a vast expanse of pure white land
This is a group of brilliant generals who have been vilified in the epic tales.
The privileged class is sometimes composed of nobles, sometimes of landowners, sometimes of large landlords, and sometimes of big capitalists. However, the pursuit of the privileged class remains unchanged throughout history—expanding and strengthening itself through marriage alliances and oppression of those below. This is not a moral issue, but rather a matter of inherent attributes. Addressing the privileged class is an eternal theme for responsible rulers, and currently, there are only two methods to do so:
In the twelve years following Cao Cao's death, Cao Hong lived on with the demeanor of a nobleman from Gaoling Mountain, no longer having anyone to lead him. This was an unparalleled brotherhood, as well as an extraordinary ruler-minister relationship. Mr. Huang Renyu stated in "The Fifteenth Year of Wanli," "There is no longer Zhang Juzheng in the world." I say, "There is no longer Cao Zilian in the world"
Experiment
That night, the panic among Wei's troops erupted. Cao Xiu lacked the capabilities of Cao Ren and found himself helpless in the face of the collective panic of tens of thousands of people, abandoning all strategic supplies in a desperate bid to escape. However, the retreat route had already been cut off; where could he run? Fortunately, at this time, the veteran strategists loyal to Wei had not yet perished. Jia Kui anticipated that Cao Xiu would be in danger and, unable to wait for reinforcements to arrive, led a small contingent of troops and a large number of banners to create a show of force to rescue Cao Xiu. The Wu army had already gained a significant advantage and was busy transporting the supplies left behind by Cao Xiu, allowing him to escape from the brink of death.
Cao Shuang believed that sending troops to conquer small states could enhance his prestige Many years later, there was an old man named Brezhnev who was his confidant
The intensity and far-reaching impact of the Battle of Nanjun are comparable to the three major battles of Guandu, Chibi, and Yiling. The Sun family gained control of Nanjun; however, Zhou Yu was severely injured in this battle, leading to a melancholic sunset. The succeeding Grand Commander, Lu Su, in order to maintain the Sun-Liu alliance, strongly advocated for lending Nanjun, which is bordered by the Yangtze River to the south, the Han River to the north, Wuchang to the east, and Bashu to the west, to Guan Yu. The term "borrowing Jingzhou" and the later phrase "losing Jingzhou due to carelessness" actually refer specifically to Nanjun, the most important of the nine commanderies of Jingzhou. Guan Yu made significant contributions in the Battle of Nanjun, yet he became indebted, while Sun Quan constantly urged repayment, creating an imbalance in both parties' sentiments and sowing the seeds of enmity. Had Cao Ren retreated swiftly, and Guan Yu not had the opportunity to exert his influence, Nanjun would undoubtedly have become the territory of Eastern Wu, and the Sun-Liu alliance would not have collapsed so rapidly and tragically.
Cao Shuang did not understand that directly implementing political reform is fraught with difficulties; a single misstep could lead to a complete collapse. Advancing economic reform and gradually altering the superstructure may seem roundabout, but it is, in fact, a more stable approach. Even someone as formidable as Cao Cao, when he sought to promote talent-based selection, had to impose the屯田 system to limit the gentry's encroachment on land, preventing them from monopolizing land and knowledge.
Mr. Ma Boyong concluded that Cao Ren's task was merely to delay time as much as possible to facilitate Cao Cao's reorganization of forces, based on the deployment of several generals of the Cao army who defended the roads rather than the cities. I am deeply convinced of this.
The spirit of Jian'an ultimately becomes a distant echo
Cao Zhen is indeed quite different; he is one of the figures from the Three Kingdoms period who has been most severely maligned by Luo Guanzhong. It is unnecessary to elaborate on minor matters such as defeating Wu Lan alongside Cao Xiu during Cao Cao's era, or defeating the army of Liu Bei led by Gao Xiang together with Xu Huang. I will also skip over the events of quelling the rebellion in Yongzhou and Liangzhou, and will only mention a few significant instances.
Cao Cao welcomed Emperor Xian of Han in Xuchang, and it was Cao Hong who executed this command. Perhaps the title of "Fortunate General" originated from this event. However, fortune often conceals misfortune; Cao Hong was appointed by Emperor Xian as the Grand Counselor in charge of discipline. At that time, being personally appointed by the emperor was quite an honor, and from then on, Cao Hong faded from the military scene
At this time, Cao Ren had already held firm in Nanjun for more than a year, significantly exceeding Cao Cao's expectations, and providing the Cao family with ample time to reorganize their forces. Taking advantage of the fact that Li Tong's troops were still present, he decided to withdraw and secure the stronghold of Fancheng, which was of true importance to the Cao family.
Cao Shuang, constrained by the limitations of history, could only strive to address the symptoms. He appointed individuals such as Xiahou Xuan to reform the Nine Ranks System, hoping to restore a merit-based personnel system. However, those with vested interests would never relinquish their gains, and reform would inevitably face significant resistance. Although Cao Shuang held a high position, his prestige was insufficient.
Clearly a group of men from the Three Kingdoms, yet they possess a certain flavor reminiscent of "Dream of the Red Chamber"
Cao Hong's descendants only inherited the title, while neither civil officials nor military generals did.
In the face of a god-like opponent and immense flooding disaster, Cao Ren's choice is to not retreat, not surrender, and to endure steadfastly
Cao Chun, styled Zihe, was a cousin of Cao Cao and a younger brother of Cao Ren. At the age of fourteen, he established his own household. Although his family was well-off, he did not exhibit the habits typical of wealthy youths. In his youth, he imposed strict discipline on over one hundred servants and guests, respected and supported learned individuals, which earned him a great reputation. At the age of 17, before reaching adulthood, he began his official career as a Palace Attendant. ... Readers, please note that individuals like Cao Chun, who suppress themselves excessively in their youth, are likely to become ... in adulthood. ... You understand. Readers, please note that individuals like Cao Chun, who suppress themselves excessively in their youth, are likely to become ... in adulthood. ... You understand.
Cao Shuang indeed had shortcomings in his character; he occupied the concubines of Cao Rui and indulged his subordinates in disgraceful acts such as land grabbing, which certainly deserves criticism. However, the Records of the Three Kingdoms states that Cao Shuang harbored ambitions of usurpation, a claim that even Chen Shou himself might not believe. One should also consider why, at the last moment, Cao Shuang did not use the young emperor as a hostage for extortion.
First, let us speak of Zhou Yu. He led tens of thousands of troops (more than the number mobilized by Eastern Wu during the Battle of Chibi) to attack Nanjun. Furthermore, to demonstrate the unity of the Sun-Liu coalition, he exchanged two thousand soldiers for one thousand soldiers from Zhang Fei and Liu Bei's forces to follow his command. Most notably, he dispatched Gan Ning with one thousand troops to launch a surprise attack on the territory of Liu Zhang, the governor of Yizhou, in Yiling, which fully revealed Zhou Yu's intense desire for the land of Shu.
Cao Ren's son, Cao Tai, served as the General Who Pacifies the East. After suffering a defeat once, he achieved little thereafter
Throughout history, the only commander I know who was able to steadfastly defend a city under the dual assault of floods and divine generals is Cao Ren. His resolute defense yielded tremendous rewards: the Sun-Liu alliance finally collapsed, Lu Meng crossed the river in plain clothes, and Guan Yu was defeated and fled from Maicheng. For eighteen hundred years, idealists have despised the treachery of Sun Wu, while realists have mocked Guan Yu's arrogance and prejudice. The greatest beneficiary of this battle is none other than Cao Ren. For eighteen hundred years, idealists have despised the treachery of Sun Wu, while realists have mocked Guan Yu's arrogance and prejudice. The greatest beneficiary of this battle is none other than Cao Ren.
The conclusion
Firstly, Cao Pi guarded against his brothers as one would guard against thieves (what a pity for Cao Zhang, alas). There were too few trustworthy individuals, and the decision to establish Cao Rui as the crown prince came too late. Both father and son passed away at a young age, leading to a significant reduction in the Cao family's military forces and a disruption in the development of their ranks. There was a shortage of personnel horizontally, and vertically, there were no young individuals to take over. Without the inclusion of new members, even the best organization cannot sustain itself
Cao Xiu commanded a total of five battles in his lifetime, winning four of them. However, apart from defeating Lü Fan, who was a relatively significant figure with the help of a storm, the other opponents were of little consequence. Especially during the eras of Cao Pi and Cao Rui, given Cao Xiu's position and military strength, it would have been astonishing if he had failed to defeat several opponents whose names were hardly worth mentioning. Therefore, although his win rate reached 80%, few people regarded him as remarkable. Especially during the eras of Cao Pi and Cao Rui, given Cao Xiu's position and military strength, it would have been astonishing if he had failed to defeat several opponents whose names were hardly worth mentioning. Therefore, although his win rate reached 80%, few people regarded him as remarkable
In the year 228 AD, under the leadership of Cao Zhen, Zhang He defeated Ma Su at Jieting, thwarting Zhuge Liang's first northern expedition. At the same time, Cao Zhen also defeated Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi. After Zhuge Liang withdrew his troops, the three commanderies of Nanan, Tianshui, and Anding, which had once surrendered to Shu Han, immediately abandoned their resistance upon hearing that Cao Zhen was coming in person
Second, to restrict the privileged class through a magnificent and robust system and means that are imperceptible.
The Card House of the Reformer Cao Shuang
In the year 230 AD, Cao Zhen also passed away in shame and regret
Recruiting soldiers requires expenditure. Given that Cao Cao has just fallen into difficulties and later offered Cao Hong the highest salary along with bonuses during idle times, it is highly likely that the funds for recruiting soldiers were provided by Cao Hong himself
It can be said that Cao Ren is a person who altered the course of history during the Three Kingdoms period
With just Liu Bei's two daughters, Cao Chun was destined to be marginalized by Mr. Luo Guanzhong. In the narrative, Cao Chun merely accompanied Cao Ren for a brief moment, indeed, when Mr. Luo Guanzhong was engaged in the systematic project of promoting Liu and belittling Cao, he did not always exert great effort; at times, he also adopted a more relaxed writing style.
In the year 218 AD, Liu Bei attacked Hanzhong (present-day southwestern Shaanxi) and dispatched General Wu Lan to assault Xiabian (present-day Chengxi County, Gansu). Cao Xiu, as the actual commander, was tasked with dealing with Wu Lan. Since Liu Bei's strategic focus was on Hanzhong, he had no choice but to send Zhang Fei to create the appearance of cutting off the rear route of Cao's army, employing a feigned strategy that was recognized by Cao Xiu. Cao Xiu swiftly launched an offensive and defeated Wu Lan. Zhang Fei retreated. Due to Liu Bei's strategic emphasis on Hanzhong, he had to send Zhang Fei to create the appearance of cutting off Cao's army's rear route, a feigned strategy that was recognized by Cao Xiu. Cao Xiu quickly advanced and defeated Wu Lan. Zhang Fei retreated.
Cao Pi had not experienced much of the hardships faced by the privileged class; his impression of the gentry was more of warm smiles that were polite and comforting, akin to the saying "as long as you are well, it is a sunny day," which felt much more amiable than those of the coarse uncles. The difficulty of being an emperor lies in curbing the expansion of the privileged class. If one does not wish to bear such burdens, one can compromise with the privileged class and leave the troubles for future generations—after my death, even if the floods rage?
Cao Ren did not have time to appease, and in order to ensure the safety of Fan City, he launched a massacre in Wan City. It may seem that Cao Ren was bullying the weak, but upon closer examination, with Guan Yu sharpening his blades behind him, it was impossible for Cao Ren to move his entire army to Wan City. He had to leave a strong force to guard the area while leading a small contingent to extinguish the fire in the rear. Surrounded by enemies yet able to resolve matters swiftly and clear the way, Cao Ren was indeed the foremost general of Cao Wei. However, regardless of the reasons, the act of sacking a city remains an indelible stain. Thus, even though Cao Ren's abilities were on par with or even superior to those of Guan Yu, Guan Yu was revered as the Martial Saint and the God of Wealth, while Cao Ren could only be regarded as a renowned general.
Cao Shuang shook the interests of the gentry, while Sima Yi shook the very soul of the gentry. It is easy to shake the soul, but difficult to shake the interests. Thus it is.
Secondly, Cao Xiu and Cao Zhen were promoted too quickly, lacking practical experience. Although both possessed considerable military talent, their psychological resilience in the face of setbacks was quite poor. They rapidly ascended in rank after achieving minor accomplishments, enjoying a smooth career, which made a single failure feel insurmountable. This issue also appeared in the second generation of the Zhuge family. The Sima family’s ability to seize control of the world can partly be attributed to the numerous setbacks experienced by Sima Shi, who managed to overcome the shadow of the devastating defeat at Dongxing. The Sima family’s offspring generally entered officialdom at around thirty years of age, a tradition that endowed them with significantly greater psychological resilience compared to the second generations of other families.
The specific deeds of Cao Shuang have been discussed in the previous work "The Sima Family." This article mainly focuses on reflections regarding Cao Shuang's reforms
During the Eastern Han Dynasty, there were four ways for common families to rise to prominence
Cao Ren, styled Zixiao, was the grandson of Cao Bao, the governor of Yingchuan, and the son of Cao Chi, a Grand Minister. He was a cousin of Cao Cao (the term 'cousin' here refers to a brother of the same great-grandfather but different grandfathers). In his youth, he was a rebellious youth who despised constraints and was dissatisfied with the authorities, also an unstable individual who spent his days riding horses and practicing archery. Perhaps after indulging in a carefree youth, the later Cao Ren became a model of strict adherence to rules and regulations
Cao Hong possesses an ageless heart. Perhaps this is the reason he lived the longest among the first generation of the Cao family.
After the Battle of Chibi, the Cao army shifted to a strategy of defense. Cao Ren was stationed in Nanjun, overseeing the operations on the eastern and southern fronts, while simultaneously facing threats from Guan Yu and Zhou Yu. It is hard to imagine a more challenging task at that time. During his peak, Cao Cao led an army of over 200,000 and struggled to deal with the Sun-Liu coalition, which had now significantly strengthened. How could Cao Ren defend against this? If it weren't for the research conducted by Mr. Ma Boyong based on military geography, I would almost suspect that Cao Cao regarded Cao Ren as a deity.
In the year 220 AD, Xiahou Dun passed away. Since Cao Xiu had previously lived in Wu Commandery, he took over Xiahou Dun's responsibility of defending against Sun Quan. Upon assuming office, Cao Xiu immediately led his troops to defeat the garrison commander of Sun Quan's army and dispatched additional forces to cross the Yangtze River, burning down thousands of enemy camps and fortifications.
First, mobilize the masses to eliminate the privileged class