Cao Zhigao

Overview

Cao Zhigao (originally written as "Cao Zhigao") appears in the Cao family entry of Volume 80 of the *Comprehensive Genealogy of the Manchu Clans of the Eight Banners*. He was a bannerman of the Plain Blue Banner, and his family had lived in Shenyang for generations. The original text does not record the year of his arrival in the capital, nor does it list Cao Zhigao's personal official position, but it does record the official positions held by his descendants, from zuoling (military officer) to local civil officials and palace guards.

His son, Cao Shijiao, served as zuoling. His grandson, Suotu, also served as zuoling; Cao Zhixiu served as Prefect; his great-grandson, Cao Wenlin, served as Clerk; and Wu Hada served as both a Captain and zuoling. His great-great-grandson, Cao Daizhu, served as a Third-Class Guard when the genealogy was compiled; Cao Panggui served as a Garrison Commander; Yisiha served as Clerk; Cao Zhenggui served as County Magistrate; and Daxing'an served as an Eighth-Rank Official. His fourth-generation descendants, Cao Lin, served as a Clerk; Cao Yu served as a Secretary; and Cao Cong was a candidate Clerk.

The original text does not specify that Cao Shijiao and Suo Tu held the same hereditary official position as zuoling, nor does it explain the actual years of service for each generation of officials. In particular, the term "candidate scribe" should be distinguished from a scribe who is currently serving, and Cao Cong should not be written as having already held the position simply because he was a candidate.