The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.
As the eldest, Cao Ang was a responsible son and the assumed heir at the time, and at around 19 years old he was nominated as a xiaolian, “filial and incorrupt”. He was always kind and fair to his younger siblings and strove to be a positive role model for them as they grew older. In particular, his younger half-brother Cao Pi became quite fond of him during his youth. Cao Ang admittedly played favourites with Cao Pi and spent a fair amount of time with him.
Though chosen heir, he felt that he was not a proper leader; truthfully, he much preferred to be a follower. He wanted to help guide others to their path of glory rather than claiming one for himself, as he had confessed to a young Cao Pi only one time before he never spoke of it again. Even so, he continued to play the role of heir dutifully and without complaint.
Cao Ang was not quite as talented as others in war, nor was he a great poet like his father and younger half-brothers would later be known as. He did have his merits, however: he was intelligent, honourable, and could calmly assess even the most stressful of situations. In addition, he was patient and warm-hearted, as well as a very persuasive speaker. He tried to help as many people as he could, whether they were wealthy or poor. Cao Ang had a reputation with the peasants as one of few genuinely virtuous people in a world of sorrow and chaos. Like a beacon of hope, he gained the love and support of the people wherever he resided, and therefore his father gained their support as well.
It was almost as though he was too good to be true.
In his early twenties, Cao Ang followed Cao Cao in his campaign against Zhang Xiu. Initially, the warlord had surrendered to his father, but later turned against them once more and ambushed them in the middle of the night. This would then result in the Battle of Wancheng, as well as the abrupt ending to Cao Ang's promising life. During their escape from Wan, his father's horse was shot down with arrows and he himself was struck with one. Without hesitation or thought for his own safety, Cao Ang then made the decision to give his father his horse instead.
But Cao Ang was not fearless; in fact, at that moment, he was terrified. He had witnessed those he had been drinking and laughing with just hours before, now bodies covered in ashes. Truly, he did not want to die. He thought hard of home, of the people he loved, and of the people who loved him. If only he had seen through their act. If only he had acted sooner. If only, he had sighed in lamentation, if only he could see them one more time.
There were many wonders of ‘if only’ that night, just as there were many regrets made. With no way to escape on foot, Cao Ang held back their pursuers for as long as he could until he - along with Dian Wei, Cao Anmin, and many others - fell in battle.
For his ultimate sacrifice, his family name lived on to become a great empire. It was a glory that he would never bear witness to.
His eyes are soft brown with pigments that shine a golden hue in the sunlight. They are the same as his birth mother, Lady Liu.
On his left cheek below the eye is a beauty mark, but his complexion is quite clear otherwise.
His attire is coloured royal blue and purple, adorned with golden trimmings and phoenix patterns much like others in his family. Around his collar is white wolf fur. He has armoured boots and arm guards, but otherwise prefers wearing lightweight clothes.