
Zhang Kai (167-) was a leader of the Yellow Turban Rebellion in Liang Province, an officer under Tao Qian, and the murderer of Cao Cao's uncle Cao Song. After being defeated by Ma Teng in 190 AD, he fled to Xu Province and entered into Tao Qian's service. However, Zhang Kai was a bandit at heart, and he ultimately deserted Tao Qian's army to become a brigand. In the process, he ambushed and killed Cao Cao's uncle Cao Song and Cao De, resulting in Cao Cao invading Xu Province in 193 AD with the objective of avenging his uncle's death and forcing Tao Qian to submit to him. Zhang Kai, the reason for the Battle of Xu Province, fled to the mountains and evaded death.