Cao Ang (simplified: 曹昂, traditional: 曹昂, pinyin: Cáo Áng) was Cao Cao’s eldest son, born to Consort Liu (劉夫人). He was raised by Cao Cao’s wife Lady Ding (丁夫人) after his mother’s early death. In 197 Cao Cao campaigned against Zhang Xiu at Wancheng. Zhang Xiu surrendered, then rebelled in a surprise attack. In the chaos Cao Ang gave his horse to his father so Cao Cao could escape; Cao Ang was killed in the fighting. Dian Wei and Cao Cao’s nephew Cao Anmin also died. Lady Ding never forgave Cao Cao for the loss and left him; Cao Cao later regretted Cao Ang’s death and posthumously enfeoffed him as Duke of Feng (豐公) when he became King of Wei.
Legacy
Cao Ang’s sacrifice at Wancheng is recorded in the Records of the Three Kingdoms and symbolises filial devotion. His death left Cao Pi as Cao Cao’s eldest surviving son and eventual heir.