Cao Pi

Cao Pi is one of the major protagonists in the 14th-century Chinese classic novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms by the late Luo Guanzhong, and its multiple adaptations. He is Cao Cao's second son and successor and Lady Zhen's second husband.

History
Upon the death of his half brother Cao Ang, he became the heir of Cao Cao. He accompanied his father during the invasion of Ji province and when he was the named is the king of Wei, he also waged a war of succession with his brother Cao Zhi. Cao Pi, astute man, ended up succeeding his father proclaiming himself as the prime minister of Han, king of Wei and Imperial Protector of Ji province. Shortly after his succession, Cao Pi formed the Wei kingdom dethroning Emperor Xian and becoming the first Wei emperor. Cao Pi was gave Sun Quan the title king of Wu whose kingdom he would later order invasion, shortly before ordering the invasion of the Shu kingdom. He was failed in both the invasions.

He suspected that his brother Cao Zhang wanted to usurp the throne and made him poison when they played the Weiqi. After his failures of the conquest, Cao Pi persisted in returning to assault the Wu and personally participated in the invasion, but it was again defeated. After reigning for seven years, he became ill and summoned Sima Yi, Chen Qun, Cao Zhen, and Cao Xiu to his bedside, to whom he requested support for his heir Cao Rui. Cao Pi died at the age of 40, leaving an important imprint in history as a poet despite his famous military failures.

Trivia

 * Cao Pi is a playable character in the Dynasty Warriors video game series.