Cao Ren (168-6 May 223) was a general of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms era. He was the younger second cousin of Cao Cao and one of his most trusted generals during his rise to power towards the end of the Han dynasty and the formation of the Three Kingdoms.
Biography[]
Cao Ren was born in Peiguo, Yu Province, Han, China in 168, the younger second cousin of Cao Cao and the older brother of Cao Chun. In 190, he raised 1,000 troops to serve in his cousin's campaign against Dong Zhuo, and he commanded his vanguard during the Battle of Xu Province of 193-194, helped with Cao Cao's victory at the Battle of Wan Castle in 197, and that greatly contributed to his wars with Yuan Shu from 197 to 199 and with Yuan Shao and his sons after the Battle of Guandu in 200.
At the time of the Battle of Chibi, he was placed in command of Jing Province, and that he went on to serve at the Battle of Tong Pass in 211 before returning to Jing and commanding the defenses of Fancheng during the Battle of Fan Castle in 219.
After Cao Cao's death in 220, Cao Ren loyally served his son and successor, Cao Pi, who appointed him General-in-Chief of Cao Wei. He was defeated at the Battle of Ruxukou in 222, losing his generals Chang Diao and Wang Shuang. He died a year later at the age of 56.