Cao Cheng曹成

History vs. fiction

Cao Cheng. Bandit leader, later surrendered. Guangxi bandit, surrendered to Shizhong. Runan bandit, fled upon hearing He Yuanqing's surrender; Runan rebel general, was suppressed. Traitorous grass bandit, occupied Chaling Pass, Zhang Yong once served under him.

• based on factBandit leader, later surrendered.; Guangxi bandit, surrendered to Shizhong. | Runan bandit, fled upon hearing He Yuanqing's surrender; Runan rebel general, was suppressed.; Traitorous grass bandit, occupied Chaling Pass, Zhang Yong once served under him.

  Historically, Cao Cheng indeed existed. His deeds are recorded in historical sources such as the History of Song. For example, the Biography of Yue Fei records: 'In the third year, bandits Wang Shan, Cao Cheng, Kong Yanzhou and others gathered 500,000 men and approached the south Xun gate. Yue Fei's troops numbered only 800, and the crowd feared they could not resist. Yue Fei said, "I will break them for you." Holding a bow in his left hand and a spear in his right, he charged into their formation, throwing them into chaos and defeating them greatly. He also captured bandits Du Shuwu and Sun Hai at Dongming. He was then appointed as Yingzhou prefect. When Wang Shan besieged Chenzhou, Yue Fei fought at Qinghe and captured their generals Sun Sheng and Sun Qing, and was appointed as true prefect.' In the novel The Story of Yue Fei, Chapter 34 describes: 'One day, another imperial edict came, ordering Marshal Yue to campaign against Runan's Cao Cheng and Cao Liang. The marshal received the edict, sent the imperial envoy out of the camp, and immediately ascended the tent. He ordered Niu Gao to lead his own troops to Chaling Pass, and to wait for the marshal's arrival before engaging in battle. Niu Gao received the order and left. The marshal then ordered Tang Huai and Meng Bangjie to deliver provisions to the front lines; the two received orders and left. He also ordered Xie Kun to urge more provisions for support; Xie Kun received orders and left. After two days, the marshal had arranged everything and ordered General Jin to guard Outang Pass well. General Jin obeyed. With three cannon blasts, the main army broke camp and marched, their might displayed along the way—this is left aside.'