Listen to this articleCao Zheng is a fictional character in Water Margin, one of the Four Great Classical Novels in Chinese literature. Nicknamed “Knife Wielding Demon”, he ranks 81st among the 108 Stars of Destiny and 45th among the 72 Earthly Fiends. Wikipedia
Played by: Zhao Chunming, Liu Yulong
Notable aliases: “Knife Wielding Demon”, 操刀鬼
Simplified Chinese: 曹正
Cao Zheng is a central character in the classic Chinese novel “Water Margin,” also known as “Outlaws of the Marsh” or “All Men Are Brothers.” Cao Zheng is a skilled and loyal warrior who serves as a key member of the band of outlaws who make up the novel’s central cast of characters.
Cao Zheng is introduced early in the novel as a respected government official in the service of the corrupt and oppressive Song Dynasty. He is described as a skilled warrior and strategist, with a reputation for being a just and honorable man. However, despite his impressive resume, Cao Zheng becomes disillusioned with the government’s corruption and hypocrisy, and he eventually joins the band of outlaws in their fight against the government.
One of the key themes of Cao Zheng’s character is his unwavering sense of loyalty. Despite the fact that he has joined a group of criminals and outcasts, Cao Zheng remains fiercely loyal to his new allies. He is willing to risk his own life to protect his friends and comrades, and he never wavers in his commitment to their cause.
Cao Zheng’s loyalty is tested in a number of ways throughout the novel. One of the most significant challenges he faces comes when his former mentor, the corrupt official Gao Qiu, attempts to lure him back into the government’s service. Gao Qiu offers Cao Zheng a high-ranking position and promises to spare the lives of his fellow outlaws if he agrees to rejoin the government. However, Cao Zheng remains steadfast in his loyalty to his friends and refuses Gao Qiu’s offer, even when it means putting his own life in danger.
Another significant aspect of Cao Zheng’s character is his skill as a warrior. He is one of the most formidable fighters among the outlaws, and he is responsible for a number of the group’s most impressive victories. Cao Zheng is particularly skilled in the use of the spear, and he is able to take down even the most fearsome opponents with ease.
Despite his impressive fighting skills, however, Cao Zheng is not a one-dimensional character. He is also depicted as a deeply thoughtful and introspective person, with a keen sense of justice and fairness. He is quick to recognize when his allies are in the wrong, and he is willing to speak up and challenge them when necessary. He is also willing to make difficult decisions when it comes to the safety of his fellow outlaws, as when he orders the execution of a fellow member who has betrayed the group.
In the end, Cao Zheng is remembered as one of the most honorable and loyal members of the outlaw band. He is a testament to the novel’s belief in the power of loyalty and friendship, and his story serves as a reminder that even in the midst of great adversity, people can remain steadfast in their commitment to doing what is right.
In conclusion, while Cao Zheng may not be as well-known as some of the other characters in “Water Margin,” his story is a powerful one that speaks to the novel’s larger themes of loyalty, honor, and justice. Through his unwavering commitment to his friends and his cause, Cao Zheng serves as a powerful example of what it means to be a true hero, and his story is one that continues to inspire readers to this day.
