Zao Zhi

Zao Zhi was a native of Yingchuan who served on Cao Cao’s side. He once served as magistrate of Dong’e and Commandant of Agricultural Colonies; he does not appear in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

Deeds

• During Lü Bu’s rebellion, Zao Zhi was magistrate of Dong’e. He led the officials and people in defending the city, and together with Cheng Yu, Xue Ti, and others secured Dong’e and two other cities while awaiting Cao Cao’s return with his army. (Recorded in history.)^[1]
• During the Jian’an era, Zao Zhi and Han Hao, among others, proposed the establishment of agricultural colonies. Cao Cao adopted the proposal and began the policy, recruiting people to farm at Xuxia and collecting a million hu of grain. (Recorded in history.)^[2]
• When the agricultural-colony system was implemented, Zao Zhi opposed calculating grain rent based on government oxen and advocated dividing the fields. Cao Cao accepted his proposal and appointed him Commandant of Agricultural Colonies. Zao Zhi established the farms, whose abundant harvests supplied the army. (Recorded in history.)^[3]
• Cao Cao praised Zao Zhi for his achievements, posthumously honored him with a commandery-level office, and said that his son, Zao Chuzhong, should be enfeoffed so he could make offerings to Zao Zhi. (Recorded in history.)^[3]

Relationships

• He discussed the establishment of agricultural colonies with Han Hao and others.^[2]
• Cao Cao appointed him Commandant of Agricultural Colonies and later commemorated his achievements.^[3]
• Son: Zao Chuzhong.^[3]