Ministers › Chief Ministers
Cao Shuang
Cao Wei clansman and son of Cao Zhen who became regent for Cao Fang in 239, sidelined Sima Yi, and was overthrown and executed after the Gaopingling coup of 249
Mural of the event “Gaoping Tomb Coup”, which this person took part in.
In late Cao Wei, imperial power waned and effective authority slid into the hands of general Cao Shuang, whose despotic arrogance crowded out the founding great clans represented by the Sima.
Also known as Zizhao Bo
Cao Shuang, courtesy name Zhaobo, was the eldest son of the grand marshal Cao Zhen and a friend of Cao Rui from the time Rui was heir. As Emperor Ming lay dying in 239 he made Cao Shuang grand general and named him and Sima Yi joint regents for the eight-year-old Cao Fang. At first he deferred to Sima Yi, but on the advice of He Yan, Deng Yang and Ding Mi he had him moved to the honorary post of grand tutor. In 244 he led a large army through the Luo valley against Shu and was turned back at Xingshi with heavy losses. In the first month of 249, while he was with the emperor at the Gaoping tomb, Sima Yi seized the capital; Cao Shuang surrendered on a promise of keeping his rank, but was soon executed for treason with his brothers and He Yan, and their clans were wiped out. A source in Pei Songzhi's commentary has Huan Fan weeping that Cao Zhen had fathered calves.
Life and times
Dates Birth unknown–249 CE
- 249Gaoping Tomb CoupTook part
- 249Gaoping Tomb Coup of Sima