Early life

Cao Xiu was a distant younger relative of Cao Cao. When the Yellow Turban Rebellion broke out in the late Eastern Han dynasty, the Cao clan left their ancestral home in Qiao County (谯县; present-day Bozhou, Anhui) and went in different directions throughout the Han Empire to avoid getting caught up in the chaos.

When Cao Xiu was around 10 years old, his father died and he only had one person to help him arrange for his father to be properly buried. Cao Xiu and his mother crossed the Yangtze to southern China and settled down in Wu Commandery (around present-day Suzhou, Jiangsu). Cao Xiu's grandfather, Cao Chang (曹尝), had previously served as the Administrator of Wu Commandery. One day, after seeing a portrait of his grandfather in the Administrator's office, Cao Xiu became so overwhelmed by emotions that he knelt down and cried. Everyone present at the scene felt touched when they saw him crying.

Service under Cao Cao

In 190, Cao Cao was raising an army to join the Guandong Coalition against the warlord Dong Zhuo, who controlled the Han central government and held Emperor Xian hostage. When Cao Xiu heard about it, he adopted a fake identity and travelled via Jing Province to Cao Cao's base in Chenliu Commandery (陈留郡; around present-day Kaifeng, Henan). Cao Cao was pleased to see him and he remarked, "This is the thousand-li horse of my clan."

Cao Cao treated Cao Xiu like a son and even allowed him to live with his own son, Cao Pi. Cao Xiu fought on Cao Cao's side in the various battles against rival warlords throughout the late Eastern Han dynasty. He was also one of the commanders of the elite "Tiger and Leopard Cavalry" (虎豹骑) unit in Cao Cao's army.

Hanzhong Campaign

In 217, Cao Cao's rival Liu Bei launched a campaign to seize control of Hanzhong Commandery, which was guarded by Cao Cao's general Xiahou Yuan. When Liu Bei sent Wu Lan (吴兰), one of his officers, to lead troops to garrison at Xiabian County (下辩县; northwest of present-day Cheng County, Gansu), Cao Cao ordered his cousin Cao Hong to lead an army to attack the enemy. Cao Xiu was commissioned as a Cavalry Commandant (骑都尉) to serve as an adviser to Cao Hong. Before they left, Cao Cao told Cao Xiu, "You may be an adviser, but you're actually the commander." When Cao Hong received the order, he delegated his command to Cao Xiu.

Liu Bei later sent his generals Ma Chao and Zhang Fei to lead troops to Gushan (固山) and station there in an attempt to cut off Cao Hong's retreat route. When Cao Hong and his subordinates were unsure about what Ma Chao and Zhang Fei were trying to do, Cao Xiu pointed out that it was a ruse because the enemy would do so in secret if they really wanted to cut off the retreat route, instead of making it so obvious. He then suggested to Cao Hong to attack Wu Lan at Xiabian County before he could link up with Ma Chao and Zhang Fei, and said that Ma Chao and Zhang Fei would retreat once they learn of Wu Lan's defeat. Cao Hong heeded his suggestion and defeated Wu Lan at Xiabian County. As Cao Xiu foresaw, Ma Chao and Zhang Fei pulled back their troops from Gushan after hearing of Wu Lan's defeat.

In 219, after a prolonged war against Liu Bei, Cao Cao eventually decided to give up defending Hanzhong Commandery so he ordered his troops to withdraw and return to Chang'an. Later, he appointed Cao Xiu as Commandant of the Central Army (中领军).

Service under Cao Pi

Following Cao Cao's death in March 220, his son Cao Pi succeeded him as the (vassal) King of Wei (魏王) and Imperial Chancellor (丞相) of the Eastern Han dynasty. Cao Pi appointed Cao Xiu as General Who Leads the Army (领军将军) and enfeoffed him as the Marquis of Dongyang Village (东阳亭侯) in recognition of his past achievements. When Xiahou Dun died in June 220, Cao Pi ordered Cao Xiu to replace Xiahou Dun as the supervisor of all military operations, promoted him to General Who Guards the South (镇南将军) and granted him acting imperial authority. He held Cao Xiu's hands while personally seeing him off.

At the time, Cao Pi's rival Sun Quan had sent his forces to garrison at Liyang County (历阳县; present-day He County, Anhui) in preparation for an attack on Cao Pi's territories. When Cao Xiu reached his assigned position at Zhaoling County (召陵县; east of present-day Luohe, Henan), he led his troops to attack Liyang County and succeeded in driving Sun Quan's forces away. Later, he sent his troops to cross the Yangtze and attack and burn down a few thousand enemy camps at Wuhu County (芜湖县; east of present-day Wuhu, Anhui).

In late 220, Cao Pi usurped the throne from Emperor Xian, ended the Eastern Han dynasty, and established the state of Cao Wei with himself as the new emperor. After his coronation, he promoted Cao Xiu to General Who Attacks the East (征东将军) and appointed him as the Inspector (刺史) of Yang Province. He also elevated Cao Xiu from the status of a village marquis to a district marquis under the title "Marquis of Anyang District" (安阳乡侯).

Death of Cao Xius mother

When Cao Xiu's mother died, Cao Pi issued an imperial decree to exempt Cao Xiu from the formalities and austere lifestyle of filial mourning, which was customary for officeholders when their parent(s) died. He excused Cao Xiu from wearing mourning garments and gave him permission to consume meat and alcohol. However, when Cao Xiu's health deteriorated due to grief and his desire to return home to Qiao County (谯县; present-day Bozhou, Anhui) to hold a proper funeral for his mother, Cao Pi approved and sent Xue Qiao (薛乔) as his personal representative to offer his condolences to Cao Xiu and attend the funeral. Cao Xiu settled the funeral arrangements and had his mother properly buried within one day, after which he wanted to return to his post. Before Cao Xiu left, Cao Pi met him in person to comfort and console him. This incident showed how close Cao Pi was to Cao Xiu and how highly he regarded Cao Xiu.

Battle of Dongkou

In October 222, Cao Pi launched the first of a series of invasions against Eastern Wu, the state founded by his rival, Sun Quan. He promoted Cao Xiu to Senior General Who Attacks the East (征东大将军), granted him the yellow axe (a ceremonial axe given to newly appointed high-ranking generals), and ordered him, Zhang Liao and others to lead 20 armies to attack Dongkou (洞口; in present-day southern Jiangsu), where they defeated Wu forces led by Lü Fan. Cao Pi later promoted Cao Xiu to Governor of Yang Province.

Service under Cao Rui

After Cao Pi died in June 226, Cao Xiu continued serving under Cao Rui, Cao Pi's son and successor as the emperor of Wei. Following his coronation, Cao Rui elevated Cao Xiu from the status of a district marquis to a county marquis under the title "Marquis of Changping" (长平侯).

When Wu forces led by Shen De (审悳) garrisoned at Wan (皖; present-day Qianshan County, Anhui), Cao Xiu led Wei forces to attack them and killed Shen De in battle. Two other Wu officers, Han Zong and Zhai Dan (翟丹), brought along their troops and surrendered to Cao Xiu. In recognition of Cao Xiu's achievements, Cao Rui increased the number of taxable households in Cao Xiu's marquisate by 400, bringing the total number to 2,500. Cao Rui also promoted Cao Xiu to Grand Marshal (大司马) and ordered him to continue supervising military operations in Yang Province.

Battle of Shiting

In 228, as Cao Rui planned to launch an invasion on Wei's rival state Wu, he ordered Sima Yi to lead Wei forces from Jing Province and sail down the Han River to Xunyang County (寻阳县; southwest of present-day Huangmei County, Hubei) and supervise the invasion. During this time, Cao Xiu fell for a ruse by a Wu military officer Zhou Fang, who pretended to defect to Wei in order to lure Wei forces into a trap. He led his troops deep into enemy territory and suffered a disastrous defeat when they fell into the trap. Cao Xiu managed to retreat to Shiting (石亭; or Shi Village, in present-day Qianshan County, Anhui), but his soldiers started panicking at night and many of them deserted and left behind their weapons, armour and equipment.

Cao Xiu wrote a memorial to Cao Rui to apologise for his blunder and request to be punished. However, Cao Rui not only pardoned him, but also sent Yang Ji (杨曁) as an emissary to console him and continued to regard him as highly as before.

Death

Cao Xiu died later in 228 from skin infections on his back resulting from the wounds he sustained during the Battle of Shiting. Cao Rui honoured with the posthumous title "Marquis Zhuang" (壮侯), which literally means "robust marquis".

Descendants

Cao Xiu's son, Cao Zhao (曹肇), whose courtesy name was Changsi (长思), inherited his father's peerage and marquisate as the Marquis of Changping (长平侯). Cao Zhao, who was known for being talented and generous, served as a Regular Mounted Attendant (散骑常侍) and Colonel of the Garrison Cavalry (屯骑校尉) in the Cao Wei state. When Cao Rui became critically ill in 238, he wanted to appoint Cao Zhao and Cao Yu as the regents for Cao Fang, his adopted son and successor-to-be. However, later he changed his mind and ordered Cao Zhao to retire and go home. Cao Zhao died in the middle of the Zhengshi era (240–249) of Cao Fang's reign. He was posthumously awarded the appointment General of the Guards (衞将军). His son, Cao Xing (曹兴), succeeded him as the next Marquis of Changping.

Cao Xiu had another son, Cao Cuan (曹纂), who was younger than Cao Zhao. Sometime between 220 and 226, Cao Pi removed 300 taxable households from Cao Xiu's marquisate and used them to create a new marquisate for Cao Cuan. Like his father and elder brother, Cao Cuan served in the Cao Wei state and held the position General Who Destroys Wu (殄吴将军). After his death, he was posthumously awarded the appointment General of the Vanguard (前将军).

Cao Xiu had a great-grandson, Cao Shu (曹摅), whose courtesy name was Yanyuan (颜远) and was a grandson of Cao Zhao. Cao Shu was known for being virtuous, ambitious, knowledgeable and well-read since young. He served under the Jin dynasty (266–420) after the fall of the Cao Wei state in 265 and gained quite a reputation during his tenure as the Prefect of Luoyang. When Sima Jiong was regent for Emperor Hui, Cao Shu and Zuo Si served as his subordinates. Cao Shu later rose through the ranks from a Palace Gentleman (中郎) to the positions of Administrator of Xiangyang (襄阳太守) and Marshal Who Attacks the South (征南司马). He was killed in battle in 308 while suppressing a rebellion.

Discovery of Cao Xius tomb

In May 2010, archaeologists announced the discovery of Cao Xiu's tomb in Mengjin County, Henan. The tomb, 50 metres long and 21 metres wide, held chinaware, copperware, liquor cups and jars as well as some human bones. Tests suggested that these bones belonged to a 50-year-old man and a 40-year-old woman, and the man was about 1.71 metres tall. A bronze seal, about the size of a coin and engraved with Cao Xiu's name, revealed the tomb owner's identity.

In Romance of the Three Kingdoms

In the 14th-century historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, on one occasion when Yue Jin was losing to the enemy general Ling Tong in a duel, Cao Xiu fired an arrow which hit Ling Tong's horse. Ling Tong fell from the horse's back and would have been killed by Yue Jin if Gan Ning had not intervened and saved him.

生平

千里良驹

曹休是曹操的族子，汉末天下大乱，宗族各散回乡。曹休十馀岁便丧父，唯有自己和一户人家暂时把其父安葬，带著母亲到吴郡（治今江苏省苏州市）。据魏书记载，曹休祖父曾是吴郡太守，曹休与太守屋舍每见壁上祖父的画像，在此下住流涕拜祖父，同住的人都赞许也感到忧伤。

189年，曹操举义兵，曹休易名北还至中原拜见曹操。曹操对左右说：「此吾家千里驹也。」让他与曹丕待在一起，如子对待一样。经常追随曹操征伐，使领虎豹骑宿卫。

盘临制敌

219年，刘备派遣蜀将吴兰到下辩屯守，曹操派曹洪讨伐，以曹休为骑都尉，为曹洪参军。曹操对曹休说：「你虽然是参军，其实是将帅。」曹洪听闻此令，并把重任都交给曹休负责。刘备知道曹军进攻下辩，派张飞到固山屯兵，欲切断曹军后路。曹军众将议论犹豫，曹休说：「若贼是断我军后路，应该伏兵潜行。如今乃先虚张声势，这说明是敌人的计策。现在在他们还没有集结的情况下，立即攻打吴兰，吴兰被攻下，张飞自然撤退。」曹洪应可随即攻破吴兰，张飞果然逃跑。曹操打算征讨汉中，但难以攻下，还军长安，拜曹休为中领军。

220年，曹丕称帝，命曹休为领军将军，计算前后之功，封为东阳亭侯。夏侯敦死后，以曹休为镇南将军，假节都督各军军事，接替夏侯敦屯汝南郡抵御孙权。曹丕车驾亲临送别，还下了车子与曹休执手拜别。孙权派吴将屯历阳，曹休到任后把其破之，又派兵渡江火烧芜湖营数千家。迁为征东将军，领扬州刺史，进封安阳乡侯。

洞口之战

222年，曹丕亲自征讨，封曹休为征东大将军，假黄钺，督张辽、臧霸、贾逵各州郡二十馀军出发攻打洞浦，而大将军曹真进攻江陵，曹仁进攻濡须口，分三路进攻孙权。曹休上表：「末将的精锐可以虎步渡江，因为夺取敌人补给，必然克制敌人的进攻；如果臣有不测，不须挂念。」曹丕不允许，孙权派吕范、徐盛、全琮迎击。暴风此时吹断了吕范的船缆，把吕范部队吹到曹休营前，曹休趁机斩杀吴军，大败吕范。曹休派臧霸率军追杀东吴援军，攻下徐陵，杀数千吴军。吴将全琮、徐盛率军以少数兵反击，打破魏军优势，斩杀魏将尹卢，杀获数百魏军。臧霸被徐盛和全琮的反击而撤退，除了曹休取得初胜利，曹仁军败北，曹真军暂时没有胜果；最后曹丕惟有撤兵，拜曹休为扬州牧。

226年，曹丕驾崩，曹休、陈群、曹真、司马懿四人为托孤遗诏辅政，魏明帝曹睿即位后，曹休进封长平侯。吴将审德在此时屯皖城，曹休领兵斩杀了审德，收降韩综、翟丹等，增邑四百，二千五百户，迁为大司马。

石亭之战

228年，曹睿二路攻吴，司马懿下汉水，曹休率军到寻阳。吴臣周鲂诈降，曹休听信深入，作战不利，退还石亭。被吴将陆逊击败，损失数万。军队夜晚惊怕，士兵混乱，弃甲物资甚多，最后贾逵救援才得以脱险。此战过失，曹休上书谢罪，曹睿派杨暨安抚，赐礼隆重。不久发背疽而死。谥壮侯。

逸闻

• 魏书：曹休因为母亲去世而守孝。曹丕命令侍中夺去他的丧服，命令他饮酒吃肉，但曹休受诏后身体反而日益憔悴。希望回到谯县以安葬其母，曹丕派遣越骑校尉薛乔持诏书宣慰曹休，并让曹休归乡办理丧事。曹休一个晚上就办完丧事，并在事情完结后迅速回到自己的工作岗位。曹丕见到这个情形，便亲身慰问，可见曹丕如此爱重。

与贾逵的关系

• 石亭之战时，曹休虽然得到贾逵的救援才得以撤退，但仍埋怨贾逵行军太迟。所以以主帅身份要求作为豫州刺史的贾逵到战场去捡回失落的使节杖。贾逵认为没有过失，所以对曹休说：「我是为国家担任豫州刺史的人，绝对不会去做捡取遭弃的使节杖的工作。」于是引军归还。接著与曹休互相表奏，朝廷虽然知道贾逵行事无误，但也为了保全曹休的宗室身份的面子，所以二人都没有受到责难处罚。

• 曹休在石亭之战前本就看不起贾逵，后来更打算以败战之罪惩处贾逵，但贾逵始终没有多言，时人在此事上较为认同贾逵。

艺术形象

三国演义

第五十六回 曹操大宴铜雀台 孔明三气周公瑾

曹操大宴铜雀台，让麾下武将谁用弓箭射中红心，可得到红锦战袍。为此用各自的箭术比武，曹休、文聘、曹洪、张合、夏侯渊、徐晃（按照出场顺序排名）等人比试，曹休首先出场，休飞马往来，奔驰三次，扣上箭，拽满弓，一箭射去，正中红心。金鼓齐鸣，众皆喝冞。曹操于台上望见大喜，曰：「此吾家千里驹也！」

第六十八回 甘宁百骑劫魏营 左慈掷杯戏曹操

濡须口之战，曹休放暗箭射中凌统的马，把凌统弄倒在马下，后面的故事与历史大致相同。

漫画形象

• 《苍天航路》（王欣太）

• 《火凤燎原》（陈某）:

游戏形象

• 真·三国无双8 （光荣特库摩，佐藤拓也配音）

影视形象

• 1994年电视剧《三国演义》：郝忠谦

• 1994年电视剧《杨丽花歌仔戏洛神》：陈财明

• 2012年电影《铜雀台》：彭敬慈

• 2013年电视剧《新洛神》：黄朋

• 2017年电视剧《军师联盟》：杜星奇

评价

• 陈寿：夏侯、曹氏，世为婚姻，故敦、渊、仁、洪、休、尚、真等并以亲旧肺腑，贵重于时，左右勋业，咸有效劳。（《三国志·魏书》）

• 曹操：此吾家千里驹也。（《三国志·魏书》）

• 朱桓：休本以亲戚见任，非智勇名将也。今战必败，败必走，走当由夹石、挂车，此两道皆险厄，若以万兵柴路，则彼众可尽，而休可生虏，臣请将所部以断之。若蒙天威，得以休自效，便可乘胜长驱，进取寿春，割有淮南，以规许、洛，此万世一时，不可失也。（《三国志·吴书·朱桓传》）

• 满宠：曹休虽明果而希用兵。（《三国志·魏书》）

• 曹植：于穆公侯，魏之宗室。明德继踵，奕世纯粹。阐弘泛爱，仁以接物。艺以为华，体兹亮实。年没弱冠，志在雄英。高揖名师，发言有章。东夏翕然，称曰龙光。贫而无怨，恐以为难。嗟我公侯，屡空是安。不耽世禄，亲悦为欢。好彼蓬枢，甘此瓢箪。味道忘忧，逾宪超颜。矫矫公侯，不挠其厄。呵叱三军，躬奋雄戟。足蹴白刃，手接飞镝。终弭淮南，保我疆场。

子嗣

• 曹肇，曹休长子，字长思，袭爵长平侯，曹魏散骑常侍、屯骑校尉，死于正始年间，追赠卫将军。

• 曹纂，曹休少子，字德思，魏文帝分曹休食邑三百户封曹纂为列侯，曹魏殄吴将军，追赠前将军。

后裔

• 曾孙曹摅

• 曾孙曹识

• 玄孙曹毗，《晋书·文苑传》有传。

• 九世孙曹世表。

墓地

2010年5月17日，在河南洛阳孟津县送庄乡卅里铺村东南发现曹休墓。遗骨经鉴定，曹休病故时身高约171公分(171/23.1=约汉代7尺4寸)，体格健康粗壮，年龄约在五十到六十岁。曹休墓多次被盗，甚至连墓地的汉砖都被盗掘了，剩下的文物极少，所幸墓主的一枚铜印还在，由铜印上清晰的曹休二字确认墓主身份。