Xiahou Shang
In the 200s, when Cao Cao was at war with his rival Yuan Shao for control over northern China, Xiahou Shang served as a major () in Cao Cao's army and led cavalry forces into battle against Yuan Shao and his heirs. In 211, after Cao Pi was appointed General of the Household for All Purposes () in the Han imperial court, Xiahou Shang served as a "wenxue" (文學; an officer of writings) under him. In 213, after Emperor Xian, the figurehead emperor of the Han Empire, enfeoffed Cao Cao as the Duke of Wei (), Xiahou Shang was reassigned to be a Gentleman of the Yellow Gate () in Cao Cao's dukedom. In 216, Emperor Xian elevated Cao Cao from the status of a duke to a vassal king under the title "King of Wei" ().