Cao Hong, courtesy name Zilian, is one of Cao Cao’s clan generals in Romance of the Three Kingdoms and joins Cao Cao’s cause at an early stage. A courageous fighter and long-serving officer, he forms part of the family-based military core around Cao Cao during the rise of his power.
One of Cao Hong’s most famous moments occurs after Cao Cao suffers defeat while pursuing Dong Zhuo’s forces. When Cao Cao is placed in danger, Cao Hong gives him his own horse and insists that the world can do without Cao Hong, but not without Cao Cao. The act becomes a defining expression of his loyalty.
Cao Hong continues to participate in campaigns against enemies including Lü Bu, Yuan Shao, and the western forces. He also appears during the struggle for Hanzhong, serving within the armies resisting Liu Bei’s advance.
Although he receives fewer independent storylines than some of Cao Cao’s other great commanders, Cao Hong remains a durable member of the Cao clan’s military establishment. His kinship with Cao Cao and his early act of rescue secure his place within the core network of Wei figures.
