The videos I watched became popular in ancient times

Cao Xiu, courtesy name Wenlie, was a native of Qiao, Pei State. He was a general of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms period. Cao Xiu was the nephew of Cao Cao and the cousin of Cao Hong.

Cao Xiu's grandfather Cao Ding served successively as the Prime Minister of Hejian, the Governor of Wujun, and the Minister of Shangshu. At that time, the whole country was in chaos, and the Cao clan dispersed and left their hometown.

When Cao Xiu was a teenager, he lost his father. He and a retainer carried his father's coffin alone and temporarily rented a piece of land to bury his father.

Then he took his old mother across the river to seek refuge in Wu, where he was taken in by the prefect of Wu County.

When Cao Xiu was in the prefect's official residence, he saw the portrait of the former prefect, his grandfather Cao Ding, hanging on the wall. He then bowed to the ground and wept bitterly. Everyone sitting there at the time felt admiration and pity for Cao Xiu.

In the sixth year of Zhongping, Cao Cao raised an army in Yanzhou to attack Dong Zhuo. Cao Xiu changed his name and returned to the Central Plains from Wu, which was thousands of miles away, via Jingzhou, to meet Cao Cao.

Cao Cao said to his attendants at the time: So let him eat and live with Cao Pi, and treat them like your own son.

Later, Cao Xiu often followed Cao Cao in his expeditions and served as a guard in the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry, which was known as "the most savvy in the world."

"Cao Xiu was the son of Cao Cao's brother. At the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, the country was in chaos, and the members of the Cao clan fled their hometowns."

"At that time, Cao Xiu was only a little over ten years old. When his father died of illness, he carried his father's body alone with a tenant to temporarily bury it, and then took his old mother across the Yangtze River to Wujun to avoid the chaos."

"Because he heard that Cao Cao had raised an army to attack Dong Zhuo, Cao Xiu changed his name and went to Jingzhou. He then quietly took a small road to the north and met Cao Cao."

"When Cao Cao learned that Cao Xiu had come to surrender, he was overjoyed and compared Cao Xiu to the family's steed."

"Cao Cao allowed Cao Xiu to live with his son Cao Pi and treated him like his own son."

"After that, Cao Xiu followed Cao Cao in his campaigns. Cao Cao appointed him as the leader of the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry to protect his safety."

"In March of the 23rd year of Jian'an, Liu Bei sent his general Wu Lan to station at Xiabian. Cao Cao sent Cao Hong to lead the troops to attack and appointed Cao Xiu as the Cavalry Commandant to serve as Cao Hong's military advisor."

"Cao Cao privately told Cao Xiu that although he was nominally a military advisor, he was actually the commander-in-chief of the entire army."

"After Cao Hong learned of Cao Cao's order, he also handed over military affairs to Cao Xiu."

"Liu Bei sent Zhang Fei to station at Gushan, hoping to cut off Cao Hong's army's retreat. The generals were hesitant. Cao Xiu judged that Liu Bei was deliberately deploying false troops to confuse Cao's army, and suggested that Cao Hong decisively attack Wu Lan. As long as Wu Lan was defeated, Zhang Fei would naturally retreat."

"Cao Hong listened to his advice and led his troops to attack Wu Lan. Wu Lan was defeated and fled, and Zhang Fei also retreated without a fight."

"Cao Cao withdrew his troops from Hanzhong and returned to Chang'an. He appointed Cao Xiu as the commander of the Central Army, commanding the personal guards and imperial guards."

"In the 25th year of Jian'an, Cao Cao died, and Cao Pi succeeded him as King of Wei. He promoted Cao Xiu to General of the Army and, based on his previous merits, conferred him the title of Marquis of Dongyangting."

"Soon after, Xiahou Dun died, and Cao Xiu was appointed General Zhennan, given the title of General, and went to Yangzhou to command the various armies."

"When Cao Xiu took office and left, Cao Pi personally saw him off in a carriage and got off to shake his hand and say goodbye."

"Sun Quan sent his generals to station in Liyang, and Cao Xiu led his army to defeat the Wu defenders. He also sent another army across the Yangtze River and burned down the Wu army camps in the Wuhu area."

"Cao Xiu was promoted to General Zhengdong for his merits, concurrently served as Governor of Yangzhou, and was granted the title of Marquis of Anyang."

Li Bai: Liu Bei led his generals to attack Hanzhong, and sent General Wu Lan to attack Xiabian.

Cao Xiu was then appointed Commandant of Cavalry, and together with Counselor Xin Pi, he served as an adjutant of the chief commander Cao Hong. He also followed Cao Hong into the expedition together with Lieutenant General Cao Zhen and Governor of Yongzhou Zhang Ji.

Before going on the expedition, Cao Cao said to Cao Xiu, "Although you are titled as a military officer, you are actually the commander-in-chief of this army." After Cao Hong learned of this order, he also entrusted military affairs to Cao Xiu.

When Liu Bei saw that Cao's army had advanced to Xiabian, he sent Zhang Fei to garrison in the Gushan area, claiming that he wanted to cut off Cao's army's retreat.

Cao Hong discussed with everyone, and they were all hesitant about whether to continue the advance. Everyone expressed their opinions and argued endlessly.

Cao Xiu said: "If Liu Bei's army really wanted to cut off our retreat, they should have acted covertly and set up an ambush. Now they are bluffing, which shows that this is just a trick by Liu Bei and others to confuse the enemy."

Cao Xiu added: "Our army should defeat Wu Lan as soon as possible before the enemy gathers a large force in Xiabian. Once Wu Lan is defeated, Zhang Fei's decoy will be meaningless and he will surely retreat on his own."

Cao Hong followed his advice and led his troops to advance rapidly, defeating the Shu army. The Shu general Wu Lan was killed in the melee. Zhang Fei was shocked when he heard the news, and then he led his troops to retreat.

In the 24th year of Jian'an, Liu Bei's army killed Cao's commander Xiahou Yuan at Dingjun Mountain. Cao Cao then personally led an expedition to Hanzhong and vowed to avenge Xiahou Yuan.

However, Liu Bei held the strategic position and Cao's army found it difficult to conquer it. More and more soldiers became sick or fled, and soon Cao Cao had to order all troops to withdraw from Hanzhong one after another.

After Cao Xiu retreated to Chang'an with the army, he was granted the title of Zhonglingjun. In the first year of Huangchu, Cao Pi became emperor, and Cao Xiu was promoted to General of the Army. He was awarded the title of Marquis of Dongyangting for his meritorious service.

After the death of General Xiahou Dun, Cao Pi appointed Cao Xiu as General Zhennan, and gave him the power to command all military affairs, to replace Xiahou Dun and be stationed in Zhaoling County, Runan County, responsible for resisting Sun Quan.

Before Cao Xiu took office, Cao Pi came in person, got off the imperial carriage, and held Cao Xiu's hand to say farewell.

At that time, Sun Quan sent generals to garrison in Liyang. After Cao Xiu took office, he immediately led his army to defeat them. He also sent another army to cross the river for a surprise attack, burning down thousands of Wu army camps in Wuhu.

Cao Xiu was then promoted to General Zhengdong, and concurrently served as Governor of Yangzhou. He was further granted the title of Marquis of Anyang. He resisted the Eastern Wu several times and made many military achievements.

Later, Cao Xiu's mother died. Cao Xiu was a very filial person, so he was extremely sad. During the mourning period, he lost his appetite and refused to eat or drink.

When Cao Pi found out about this, he was worried that Cao Xiu would be too sad and thus harm his health, so he ordered his attendants to forcibly take off his mourning clothes and ordered him to eat and drink meat.

After receiving the imperial edict, Cao Xiu had no choice but to eat and drink, but he became more and more haggard.

Afterwards, Cao Xiu asked Cao Pi for leave and requested to return to his hometown Qiao County to bury his mother. Cao Pi then sent Xue Qiao, the captain of the Yue cavalry, to persuade him not to grieve too much.

So Cao Xiu was allowed to return home to attend the funeral. He completed the funeral in just one night and then returned to his post immediately.

After he came back, Cao Pi met him in person and comforted him.

In the third year of Huangchu, Cao Pi personally led the army to attack Sun Quan in three groups and appointed Cao Xiu as the General of the Eastern Expedition.

He was granted the Yellow Axe and commanded General Zhang Liao, General Zhendong Zang Ba, Governor of Yuzhou Jia Kui and more than 20 troops from various states and counties to attack Dongpu from the west. In addition, General Cao Zhen of the Upper Army attacked Jiangling and General Cao Ren attacked Ruxukou from the east.

The Eastern Wu sent General Jianwei Lü Fan to lead five armies to fight against Cao Xiu with the advantage of naval forces. Cao Xiu was full of ambition and hoped to establish meritorious service, so he submitted a memorial saying: "I am willing to lead the elite troops to cross the river immediately. The army will conquer the south of the Yangtze River and seize food and grass supplies from the enemy. Then we will surely win. If I die on the battlefield, please do not worry about me, Your Majesty."

However, Zang Ba and others were unwilling to take the risk alone. Although Cao Pi admired Cao Xiu's heroism and determination, he also thought the risk was too great and did not allow it, so the plan was shelved.

Not long after, the storm happened to cut all the cables of Lu Fan's fleet, and the scattered Wu army ships drifted to the camp of Cao Xiu and others.

Cao Xiu took the opportunity to order a battle. The Wei army, led by General Wang Ling, killed thousands of Wu soldiers and captured a large number of boats, achieving a great victory.

Cao Pi then ordered Cao Xiu's army to cross the river immediately, but the rescue fleet of Eastern Wu soon arrived, gathered the scattered soldiers and retreated to the south of the Yangtze River.

"In September of the third year of Huangchu, Emperor Wen of Wei, Cao Pi, personally led a large army south to attack Sun Quan. He appointed Cao Xiu as the General of the Eastern Expedition and granted him the Yellow Axe. He commanded Zhang Liao, Zang Ba and other generals and more than 20 troops from various states and counties to attack the Eastern Wu general Lü Fan stationed in Dongpu."

"Cao Xiu petitioned Cao Pi, hoping to lead his army across the Yangtze River and attack the border of Eastern Wu. Cao Pi was worried that Cao Xiu would go deep into the territory alone, so he urgently ordered Cao Xiu to stop the action."

"When Cao's army arrived at the Yangtze River, a strong wind suddenly blew at night, and the ships of Wu general Lü Fan and others were blown to the north bank. Cao Xiu ordered Zhang Liao, Zang Ba and others to attack head-on and defeated the Wu army. After the battle, Cao Xiu was promoted to governor of Yangzhou."

"In May of the seventh year of Huangchu, Emperor Wen of Wei, Cao Pi, was seriously ill, and ordered Cao Xiu to assist in governing the country together with Cao Zhen, Sima Yi, and Chen Qun."

"Cao Pi died, and Cao Rui, Emperor Ming of Wei, succeeded him. Cao Xiu was promoted to Marquis of Changping."

"The following year, the Eastern Wu general Shen De led his troops to station in Wan County. Cao Xiu attacked Shen De's troops and killed him."

"Eastern Wu generals Han Zong, Zhai Dan and others successively led their men to surrender to Cao Xiu."

"Cao Xiu's reputation spread across Jiangdong, and the imperial court increased his fief by 400 households, bringing the total to 2,500 households."

"In December of the same year, Cao Xiu was promoted to Grand Marshal and continued to command the various armies in Yangzhou."

"In May of the second year of Taihe, Zhou Cang, the governor of Poyang in the Eastern Wu, wrote a letter to Cao Xiu, expressing his willingness to rebel against Wu and surrender, and asking Cao Xiu to send troops to support him."

"Cao Xiu fell into the trap and led 100,000 troops to Wan County to support Zhou Cang. Cao Rui then sent Sima Yi to Jiangling and Jia Kui to Dongguan, advancing on three fronts simultaneously."

"In August of the same year, Sun Quan appointed Lu Xun as the Grand Commander, Zhu Huan and Quan Cong as the Left and Right Commanders, each leading an army of 30,000 to attack Cao Xiu."

"Cao Xiu led his army deep into the enemy's territory alone, and then he realized that he had fallen into a trap, so he had to retreat to Shiting."

"At midnight, Lu Xun led the three armies of the Eastern Wu to besiege Cao Xiu. Cao's army was in chaos, throwing away their armor and weapons, and abandoning countless food and supplies."

"Fortunately, Jia Kui learned that Cao Xiu's army had been defeated, and he marched 200 miles by land and sea to Jiashi to rescue Cao Xiu."

"When the Wu army saw Jia Kui's reinforcements coming, they retreated, and Cao Xiu was able to survive."

"After the defeat at Shiting, Cao Xiu was filled with remorse and wrote to the court to apologize. However, Emperor Ming of Wei sent Yang Ji, the cavalry commander, to persuade him and treated Cao Xiu with even greater courtesy and rewards."

"Soon after, Cao Xiu died of a back ulcer caused by his guilt and remorse. He was posthumously named Marquis Zhuang. After Cao Xiu's death, his son Cao Zhao inherited his title."

Su Shi: Cao Xiu ordered Zang Ba to lead more than 10,000 people in 500 light boats to pursue and attack Xu Ling, killing and looting thousands of Wu soldiers.

Afterwards, Wu generals Quan Cong and Xu Sheng led their troops to counterattack, and after a desperate battle, they defeated the Wei army.

The Wu army then pursued and killed Yin Lu, a general under Zang Ba, and killed hundreds of Wei soldiers.

Among the three armies at that time, except for Cao Xiu who achieved a great victory, Cao Ren suffered a defeat at Ruxukou, Cao Zhen could not capture Jiangling for a long time, and a plague began to spread in the local area. Therefore, Cao Pi had no choice but to order a withdrawal.

After this battle, Cao Xiu was appointed as the governor of Yangzhou and led his troops to garrison in the southeastern border area to prevent invasion and harassment from Eastern Wu.

In the seventh year of Huangchu, Cao Pi passed away. Cao Xiu, General Zhenjun Chen Qun, General Zhongjun Cao Zhen, and General Fujun Sima Yi were ordered by his will to assist in the administration.

After Emperor Ming of Wei, Cao Rui, ascended the throne, Cao Xiu was granted the title of Marquis of Changping. At that time, Wu general Shen De was stationed in Wancheng, and Cao Xiu defeated him, beheaded Shen De, and captured Wu generals Han Zong, Zhai Dan and others.

He then added 400 households to the previous 2,500 households, and was promoted to Grand Marshal, becoming the supreme commander of the Cao Wei army and the governor of Yangzhou as before.

In the second year of Taihe, Zhou Cang, the prefect of Poyang in Eastern Wu, conspired with King Sun Quan of Wu, pretending that he had offended the King of Wu and wanted to abandon Wu and join Wei, in order to deceive Cao Xiu.

Zhou Fang sent his trusted confidant as a messenger to deliver letters to Cao Xiu seven times, telling him that he was being criticized by Sun Quan and that he planned to surrender Poyang County to the north and request Cao Wei to send troops to support him.

After receiving the letter, Cao Xiu was suspicious and secretly sent someone to inquire. Sun Quan pretended to send Shangshu Lang to Zhou Cang to investigate various matters, and every time Zhou Cang pretended to be shocked and terrified.

In order to lure Cao Xiu, Zhou Cang went to the city gate of Poyang County and cut off his hair to apologize.

After hearing the spy's report, Cao Xiu believed it without a doubt and immediately wrote back to Zhou Cang to agree on the time and place for the rendezvous.

Cao Xiu then led a total of 100,000 cavalry and infantry to Wan County to support Zhou Cang. Emperor Ming of Wei also sent Jia Kui to supervise the former general Man Chong and four other armies to attack Dongguan directly from Xiyang, and Sima Yi led troops to attack Jiangling.

Shangshu Jiang Ji told Emperor Ming of Wei that the Wu general Zhu Ran stationed upstream might attack Cao Xiu from behind, and that the Wu army might also advance eastward at any time to cut off Cao Xiu's retreat, so he suggested sending troops to rescue Cao Xiu.

Emperor Wei Ming ordered Sima Yi to stop the advance and ordered Jia Kui to march eastward to join forces with Cao Xiu to prevent any unexpected events. Langye Governor Sun Li also advised Cao Xiu not to advance alone to avoid any unexpected events.

The Eastern Wu sent out 90,000 troops, and Sun Quan once again appointed Lu Xun as the commander-in-chief. At the same time, he appointed Zhu Huan and Quan Cong as the left and right commanders respectively to lure Cao Xiu.

Cao Xiu's spies in Wu passed the news to Cao Xiu. Cao Xiu knew he was deceived, but he still insisted on advancing with his larger force, and refused to wait for Jia Kui's reinforcements, and continued to lead his troops southward, deep into the enemy's territory alone.

But at this time Cao Xiu was eager to make a contribution and did not obey, so he led his troops to Shiting.

When Cao Xiu's army arrived, Lu Xun announced to the entire army that everyone must wear a hammer in their mouth and a horse must hold a ring in its mouth, and not make any noise, so as not to attract the attention of Cao's scouts. Otherwise, if anyone dared to disobey, they would be punished by military law and would not be tolerated.

For a moment, the 90,000-strong army of Eastern Wu fell silent and actually avoided the detection of Cao's army.

Cao Xiu's army then set up camp with peace of mind, cooked meals, and the entire army went into a state of rest.

As night fell, Cao Xiu's camp gradually became quiet. At midnight, Lu Xun gave the order to launch a night attack. (End of this chapter)