Cao Yuangong was selected as aBagong (Imperial College Scholar) in 1635, the 8th year of the Chongzhen reign during the Ming Dynasty. TheBagong system was an ancient talent recruitment program in which, every 6 or 12 years, promising scholars who had not yet passed the provincial-level imperial examination were chosen through a special assessment to study at the Imperial College (Guozijian). Upon graduation, they were eligible for official appointments either in the capital or in local administrations.

Cao Yuangong distinguished himself in the program and was appointed as the Magistrate of Xingshan County in Huguang Province (modern-day Hubei). During his tenure, the county came under attack by the rebel forces of Li Zicheng. In the face of overwhelming odds, Cao Yuangong rallied soldiers and civilians in a valiant defense. Ultimately, the city fell, and he was captured. Despite being urged to surrender, he refused, condemning his captors and dying a martyr's death—an enduring symbol of loyalty and moral courage.

To honor his unwavering integrity, Cao Yuangong's descendants named their residenceZhuxu Hall (Bamboo Void Hall). The name evokes the noble qualities of green bamboo—upright, resilient, and unbending—reflecting his steadfast refusal to surrender and his noble spirit.

Today, visitors to Huangling can still admireZhuxu Hall, an exquisitely preserved ancestral home with elegant carvings and rich historical significance. It stands as a living tribute to Cao Yuangong’s legacy and the Cao family's deep-rooted values of loyalty, scholarship, and honor.