The issue is that Cao Tianbao is not an ordinary person.
This General Cao had followed the Jin Emperor into battle from a young age, leading troops, and from when he was just a minor colonel, he was known throughout the military for his straightforward and fiery temper.
Over the years, his military achievements have increased, his official rank has risen, and his age has advanced, but the only thing that hasn't changed is his temper.
So when faced with the Jin Emperor's near-explicit rebuke, Cao Tianbao not only did not timidly offer his resignation but instead stiffened his neck and straightforwardly made his position clear: although he might be old, he is still robust, and if the Jin Emperor wants him to resign, he can comply, but in any case, he cannot bear the blame for something he did not do. Even if he resigns, he cannot leave in disgrace. Otherwise, it would bring shame to the Cao family's ancestors, and his descendants would hang their heads in shame.
