They inherited their family fortune when they became older; they were wealthy and had hundreds of servants and retainers.
A well-read man who respected scholars, Cao Chun was also popular among the literati, many of whom flocked to him and became his retainers.
[5] At the age of 17, Cao Chun was called to serve in the Han government as a Gentleman of the Yellow Gate (黃門侍郎).
In early 205, he led the "Tiger and Leopard Cavalry" (虎豹騎) during the Battle of Nanpi against a rival warlord, Yuan Tan.
Cao Chun's "Tiger and Leopard Cavalry" killed Yuan Tan and cut off his head during the battle.
[9] In recognition of Cao Chun's contributions in battle, Emperor Xian enfeoffed Cao Chun as the Marquis of Gaoling Village (高陵亭侯) and gave him 300 taxable households to form his marquisate.
Cao Chun died in 210, the 15th year of the Jian'an era in the reign of Emperor Xian.
After his death, his son, Cao Liang (曹亮), inherited his marquis title.