10. Ma Chao: Revenging His Father by Attacking Cao Cao
Ma Chao’s father Ma Teng was killed by Cao Cao on false charges. Filled with grief and anger, Ma Chao allied with Han Sui and led 100,000 troops to attack Cao Cao. In the battle, Ma Chao showed extraordinary courage—he charged into Cao Cao’s army, wielding his spear, and killed many soldiers. Cao Cao was so scared that he cut off his beard and threw away his robe to disguise himself, barely escaping death. Ma Chao’s army surrounded Cao Cao several times, and Cao Cao even cried out: “I would rather meet a tiger than Ma Chao!” Although Ma Chao’s revenge campaign eventually failed (due to internal conflicts with Han Sui), his bravery in fighting against Cao Cao to avenge his father left a deep impression on people, and he became known as the “Golden Lion” for his fierce fighting style.