Chen Gong
Cao Xing refused to betray Lü Bu so he turned against Hao Meng and fought with his superior. During the fight, although Hao Meng injured Cao Xing with his spear, Cao Xing also managed to cut off one of Hao Meng's arms. By then, Gao Shun had shown up to attack Hao Meng's camp and he beheaded the traitor. Cao Xing was placed on a stretcher and sent to Xiapi to meet Lü Bu. Lü Bu asked him: "Hao Meng was instigated by Yuan Shu. Who else is involved in the plot?" Cao Xing replied: "Chen Gong is an accomplice." At the time, Chen Gong was nearby and he gave an obvious angry expression when his name was mentioned. Lü Bu felt that Chen Gong was his key adviser so he refused to believe the accusation. Cao Xing said: "Hao Meng often urged me to rebel, but I said that you, General, are like a god and cannot be defeated. Unfortunately, Hao Meng refused to believe what I told him." Lü Bu then exclaimed: "You are a true soldier!" He treated Cao Xing well and placed him in charge of Hao Meng's men after he had recovered.