Emperor Xizong of Tang
Cao Hongda was born in 882, during the reign of Emperor Xizong of Tang. His father Cao Gui (曹圭) was a general under Qian Liu, who would eventually control the region (modern Zhejiang) that became the territory of Wuyue. Cao Hongda was born at Linping (臨平, in modern Hangzhou, Zhejiang). After he grew older, Cao Gui wanted to train him physically, so Cao Gui had him eat with servants and not be given warm clothing even when it was in the winter. Cao Gui also had him lift bricks daily.