“ | Brute! Prepare to die! | „ |
~ Cao Bao's last words to Zhang Fei. |
Cao Bao is a minor antagonist from the 14th-Chinese classic novel Romance of the Three Kindoms by the late Luo Guanzhong, and it's multiple adaptations. He is an officer working for warlords Tao Qian, Liu Bei and Lu Bu.
Biography[]
Cao Bao was an officer serving the aging warlord Tao Qian. In 193 after an invasion by Cao Cao, Tao Qian soon fell ill and in the next year he died. He was replaced by Liu Bei who came to his aid. Cao Bao went on to serve Liu Bei until 196. He was also a relative of another warlord, Lu Bu who at the time was an ally of Liu Bei and was residing at the city of Xiaopei but was unhappy with being second fiddle to Liu Bei.
Cao Bao and Liu Bei's sworn brother Zhang Fei didn't get along and often argued. At one point in 196 there was a big quarrel between the two, for unknown reasons. According to some sources, Zhang Fei threw a feast when Liu Bei left the city to fight Yuan Shu and had all of his officers drink. Cao Bao, despised alchohol and refused to drink angering Zhang Fei in the process. Zhang Fei insisted but Cao Bao told him that he is related to Lu Bu, angering Zhang Fei who despised Lu Bu, even more. The drunk Zhang Fei had him brutally beaten, causing Cao Bao to ask help from his relative Lu Bu.
After explaining to him what had happened Lu Bu wanted to attack but wa stopped by his advisor Chen Gong who wanted to make sure that Liu Bei was missing. Cao Bao was instructed by them to become their spy and open the gates when their army arrives. Soon, Lu Bu's forces invaded the city with Zhang Fei being still drunk and unprepared forcing him to leave the city to inform his brothers. Cao Bao tried to pursue his nemesis Zhang Fei but was easily stabbed and killed.
Other Media[]
Cao Bao appeared in the 2010 Thee Kingdoms' TV series as a major antagonist in Episode 14, which was his only appearance. He was portrayed by Zhao Lei.
Relationships[]
Enemies[]
- Zhang Fei
- Liu Bei
- Guan Yu
- Zhao Yun
- Mi Fang
Allies[]
- Lu Bu
- Chen Gong
- Diao Chan
- Zhang Liao
- Gao Shun
- Song Xian
[]
![]() | ||
Wei Empire Wu Empire Shu Empire Jin Empire Other Villains Lu Bu's Army Nanman Tribe Yellow Turbans Yuan Shao's Army Zhong Dynasty Others |