Cao Hong is a minor antagonist in the 14th-century Chinese classic novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms by the late Luo Guanzhong and its multiple adaptations. He is Cao Cao's younger cousin and Cao Ren's younger brother.
Biography
Cao Hong is the younger brother of Cao Ren, with whom they helped their older cousin, Cao Cao, raise an army and slowly become the strongest warlord in China. Cao Hong was very loyal to his cousin and one of his most trusted generals, even saving his life multiple times. He participated in many pivotal wars and battles such as the campaigns against Dong Zhuo and Yuan Shu, Xiapi, Guandu, Nanjun, Tong Gate, and Hanzhong. Cao Hong was very short-tempered and overall less successful that his older brother Cao Ren.
In the battle of Tong Gate or Tong Pass, where his army fought with Ma Chao's and Han Sui's armies, Cao Hong was tasked along with fellow general Xu Huang to defend the main camp and had strict orders from Cao Cao not to engage the enemy for at least ten days. After many insults and provocations from the enemies, Cao Hong ordered an attack leading to his defeat, even losing a city in the process. Cao Cao was furious and ordered his men to execute him, but after pleading from Cao Ren and others, he instead only puninshed him by demoting him to corporal. Cao Hong thanked his cousin for his mercy and later helped him in defeating Ma Chao and Han Sui.
Even though Cao Hong was close with Cao Cao, he wasn't that close to his son and successor Cao Pi, who held a grudge at him. Cao Hong made many mistakes, for which Cao Pi punished him and imprisoned him. He was about to order his execution, but his mother, Empress Dowager Bian, told him not to, thus sparring Cao Hong's life. Cao Hong ended up losing his title, but after Cao Pi died and his son Cao Rui inherited the throne, he was once again given a high position until finally dying in 232 AD.
Other Media
Cao Hong appears as one of the non-playable characters in the Dynasty Warriors video game series.
Cao Hong is a minor antagonist in the 2010 TV series adaptation Three Kingdoms (where he was portrayed by Li Dai Qing) and a major antagonist in the 2017 The Advisor Alliance series (where he was portrayed by Chen Zihui).
Relationships
Allies
- Cao Cao
- Cao Ren
- Cao Zhen
- Lady Zhen
- Xiahou Dun
- Xiahou Yuan
- Cao Pi
- Cao Rui
- Xu Huang
- Zhang Liao
Enemies
Gallery
 Villains
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Wei Empire Wu Empire Shu Empire Jin Empire Other Villains Lu Bu's Army Nanman Tribe Yellow Turbans Yuan Shao's Army Zhong Dynasty Others | ||