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Cao Zhang
Martial son of Cao Cao who crushed the Wuhuan of Dai and was praised as his 'yellow-bearded boy'; later Prince of Rencheng, he died suddenly at court.
At dusk on a hilltop, a large tent stands open with a table holding a map marked with small stones inside, a saddled horse tethered outside, and fire stands burning; campfires dot the river plain below, and one tiny sentry stands on the slope.
Also known as Zi Ziwen · Prince Wei of Rencheng · Yellow-Bearded Son
Cao Zhang, courtesy name Ziwen, was a son of Cao Cao by Lady Bian and a full brother of Cao Pi. A strong archer and horseman who longed to be a general, he led the campaign against the rebel Wuhuan of Dai commandery in 218 and routed them, prompting the Xianbei to submit as well; the delighted Cao Cao called him his remarkable yellow-bearded boy. Made Prince of Rencheng after Cao Pi's accession, he died suddenly in Luoyang while attending court in 223 and was named Prince Wei. His death is the event mourned in the preface to Cao Zhi's poem To Biao, Prince of Baima.
Life and times
Dates Birth unknown–223 CE