Kongming's Archives: Three Kingdoms Novel and History

Cao PiCao Pi (Zihuan)

Translated & Authored by Jonathan Wu

Place of Birth: Qiao County, Pei (Presently Bozhou city in An Hui Province)
Lifespan: 187 – 226 A.D.
Titles: Prime Minister, Prince Wei, Emperor of Wei

Cao Pi was the son of Cao Cao and heir to his throne (1). He followed his father in the attack on Yuan Shao’s territory and subsequently wed the widowed wife of Yuan Xi, Lady Zhen (2). In the sixteenth year of Rebuilt Tranquility (211 A.D.), Cao Pi was appointed Imperial Corps Commander and Deputy Prime Minister.

Later on in the twenty-second year of Rebuilt Tranquility (217 A.D.), Zihuan took the post of Prime Minister and was titled Prince Wei.

Three years later, after his father’s death, Cao Pi forced Emperor Xian to abdicate the throne and proclaimed himself Wei Emperor (3). The reign title was changed from Rebuilt Tranquility to Yellow Dawn. Cao Pi continued his father’s wars against the Kingdoms of Shu and Wu but was unsuccessful. Though Wei prospered during Cao Pi’s rule, most of the peace and wealth can be attributed to Cao Cao’s foundation of Wei.

In the year 221 A.D., Cao Pi conferred the title of King of Wu to Sun Quan. He died five years later at the young age of thirty-nine.

Zihuan loved literature and poetry like his father and wrote over a hundred articles on various subjects. He also ordered educational officials to write an extensive work titled “Perception of the Emperor”.

Cao Pi was unable to expand his father’s domain and was succeeded by his own son Cao Rui.

(1) The original heir to Cao Cao was his first son Cao Ang who died in the battle of Wan Castle. <return>

(2) Lady Zhen was beautiful princess who caused many problems in the Cao family. Cao Zhi loved her but Cao Pi’s violent and cruel attitude ensured his marriage with Lady Zhen. Later on, Lady Zhen was mentioned in many different folktales, for those of you who play Dynasty Warriors, this would be Zhen Ji. <return>

(3) While Cao Cao was still alive, Emperor Xian was the still the legitimate ruling authority of the Han. When Cao Pi forced Emperor Xian to abdicate, he replaced the Han with the Wei Empire and legitimately ruled over the other two Kingdoms of Wu and Shu. The former Emperor was assassinated by Cao Pi’s men, which led to the formation of the Shu Empire, since Liu Bei wanted to restore the Han and avenge Emperor Xian. <return>

© Copyright Jonathan Wu 2002
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