Cao Bin

Career

Under Later Han, Cao Bin served as a military officer of Chengde Army; the era of this appointment is given variously as Qianyòu and Qiándé. Under Later Zhou he served as military inspector of Hezhong (also described as military inspector of Jinzhou) and was promoted to Commissioner of Introductions. In Xiande 5, he was sent as an envoy to Wuyue.

After entering Song service, he became Commissioner of the Guest Reception Office, was made General of the Left Divine Martial Guard for military merit, and soon concurrently served as Privy Council Secretary. In the second year of Emperor Taizu’s Qiande era (964), he campaigned against Later Shu as an inspector, subdued the commanderies in the gorges, and was known for integrity and restraint, winning acceptance wherever he went. He was then promoted to Commissioner of the Southern Palace Bureau and accompanied the campaign against Taiyuan.

In Kaibao 7 (974), Cao Bin was appointed director of the Shengzhou Southwestern Route Field Headquarters’ infantry and cavalry command and led 100,000 troops by land and water against Southern Tang. The year of Jinling’s capture is given in two forms: Kaibao 7 and the following year (975). After Jinling fell, he did not kill indiscriminately; on returning, he was appointed Privy Council Commissioner, Inspector Grand Commandant, and Military Governor of Zhongwu.

On Emperor Taizong’s accession, he was given the concurrent title of Tong Pingzhangshi, advanced to Grand Preceptor and Assistant Palace Chancellor, and made Duke of Lu. Three recorded periods of service as Privy Council Commissioner run from 976 to 982, from 982 to 983, and from 997 to 999.

In Yongxi 3 (986), Cao Bin commanded the Eastern Route Army in the Khitan campaign with Pan Mei and others. After initially taking several prefectures, he was defeated by Yelü Xiuge; his retreat ended in the collapse of the army at Qigou Pass, and he was reduced to Senior General of the Right Swift Guard. When Emperor Zhenzong succeeded to the throne, he was restored to Grand Preceptor and Tong Pingzhangshi and summoned to serve again as Privy Council Commissioner.

His offices also included the military governorships of Yicheng, Tianping, Wuning and Zhongwu, the prefecture of Qingzhou, the Introduction and Guest Reception offices, Privy Council Secretary, and commander of infantry and cavalry. Other recorded titles include General, Wuyuan Shiliemapu, Military Governor, Right Swift Guard General, Senior General, Inspector of Military Affairs, Commander, Grand Preceptor concurrently Assistant Palace Chancellor, and Zhongshuling.

Family and associations

Cao Bin’s father was Cao Yun, his mother was Zhang, and his wife was Gao. He was identified as a nephew of Zhang Guifei, the consort of Guo Wei, founder of Later Zhou; the kinship listing also describes Zhang, Guo Wei’s consort, as his maternal aunt.

He had seven sons: Cao Can (950–1019), the eldest; Cao Xu; Cao Wei (973–1030), the third; Cao Xuan; Cao Qi; Cao Xun; and Cao Cong. Later descendants listed for the family include the grandson Cao Fu, a granddaughter Cao who was the wife of Zhao Zhen, and the great-grandsons Cao Chen, Cao Jin and Cao Pu. The same genealogy lists Cao Tun, Cao Yi, Cao Kai and Cao Xi as fourth-generation descendants; Cao Yong and Cao Ji as sixth-generation descendants; Cao Wan and Cao Youwen as twelfth-generation descendants; and Cao Feng and Cao Hang among his direct descendants.

Cao Bin recommended Cao Wei and Tian Min, recruited Cha Dao, and had Yang Che as a subordinate; Shi Gui and Chang Side also accompanied his campaigns. Guo Jin fought alongside him in the Taiyuan region, while Li Sheny ou followed him in campaigns against Taiyuan and in the southern and Khitan expeditions. When Cao Bin was slandered by Mi Dexao, Guo Zhi defended him.

Posthumous honors

He was made Duke of Lu during Taizong’s reign; after his death he was posthumously granted the title Zhongshuling, elevated in rank to Prince of Jiyang, and given the posthumous name Wuhui.