Cao Bao

Cao Bao (onyomi: Sō Hyō) is an officer of Tao Qian who later went on to serve Liu Bei in 194. His quarrel with Zhang Fei resulted in Lu Bu's capture of Xiapi.

Role in Games
Cao Bao first appears in Dynasty Warriors Vol. 2 as a generic character with below average stats. The sixth title has him fight loyally under Liu Bei at Xia Pi during Lu Bu and Diao Chan's story modes. But starting in Dynasty Warriors 7: Xtreme Legends onward, his defection is a central factor in Lu Bu's bid for the region. Imprisoned by Zhang Fei, he repays the player for freeing him by deliberately misguiding his former allies to go south, thinning out their ranks in the process. The eighth game's expansion repeats his role at Xiapi during Lu Bu's historical route. This time, the player must rendezvous with him at the central east base after diverting the enemy's attention to the western part of the map. Keeping him away from Liao Hua is essential in order to trick the opposing army into opening the castle gates.

As a recruitable officer in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms series, Cao Bao's only decent stats are war and leadership. He is only active in scenarios where Tao Qian or Lu Bu still live.

Quotes

 * "Hehe, my lie has weakened their defenses. Time to pay them back for their lack of hospitality!"

Historical Information
Upon joining Liu Bei, Cao Bao was stationed at Xiapi as its chancellor right after his master departed to fight Yuan Shu. Several sources took note of his feud with Zhang Fei, but the events surrounding it vary. According to the Yingxiong Ji, Zhang Fei had wanted to kill Cao Bao for unknown reasons, causing the other man to flee and collaborate with Lu Bu into attacking the city. Another account from the Zizhi Tongjian has him die by Zhang Fei's hands, with his death plunging Xiapi into chaos. His fellow officer Xu Dan responds by informing Lu Bu of the situation, leading to Zhang Fei's defeat and Liu Bei's family kept as hostages.

Romance of the Three Kingdoms
In the novel, Cao Bao is first seen clashing with the forces of Cao Cao at Xu Province. He and Xiahou Dun prepare to duel each other until a sudden hurricane drives them apart, leaving them too distracted to continue on. After Tao Qian's passing, he transfers his allegiance to his lord's successor Liu Bei.

Cao Bao's troubles begin when he declines Zhang Fei's offer to drink heavily with the other officers during a banquet. His constant refusals anger Zhang Fei immensely, provoking the drunkard into giving him a hundred lashes upon learning of the former's ties to Lu Bu as his father-in-law (another invention of the novel). Although the guests were able to rescind half of the punishment, the damage was done; Cao Bao felt thoroughly humiliated and wanted revenge. He sends a letter to his son-in-law informing him of Liu Bei's absence with the intent of having him capture Xu Province.

On that same night, he and his men open the city gates for Lu Bu's army, allowing them to catch the drunken Zhang Fei off-guard. He then proceeds to pursue his tormentor until the latter's compromised state gives way to uncontrollable rage, immediately reversing their positions. Cao Bao is struck in the back and falls into a moat where he drowns.