The most poisonous person in the Three Kingdoms, Boss Cao advised me to calm down!

Hearing this, Cao Pi suddenly understood.

I understand that the most crucial thing is to win the support and hearts of the people both inside and outside the government.

But before Cao Pi could speak, there was suddenly a burst of noise outside.

Apparently the party has officially begun!

Cao Cao smiled and looked at Cao Pi:

"Forget it, let's talk about these political matters later."

"Now let's go outside and have fun with everyone, so that the soldiers can relax as well."

The main hall of the imperial palace was ablaze with lights and filled with the sound of music.

All the officials were present, all with smiles on their faces, and they all seemed to be delighted by today's celebration.

Only one person had a serious expression, and that was the one standing in the corner.

Sima De watched everything develop silently.

At present, Cao Zhang is victorious and his reputation is rising.

But it is still far from the time to relax.

After all, Sima De knew very well that Cao Pi was the winner in history.

This made him think of the final outcome of the world.

In 22 AD, Cao Pi succeeded his father.

He became Prime Minister and King of Wei, and changed the reign title to Yankang.

Three months later, he announced the new official selection method proposed by Chen Qun, namely the "Nine-Rank System."

This new rule completely abandoned Cao Cao's previous practice of recruiting people based solely on their talents.

In fact, it recognized the privileges of large families in official careers.

Livestock and tenants were allocated to officials according to their ranks, and they were given economic preferential treatment.

This enabled Cao Pi to gain the support of the aristocratic families.

It also marked the beginning of the formation of the aristocratic society during the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties.

In November of the same year, after a series of political operations.

Emperor Xian of Han, Liu Xie, was forced to abdicate in favor of King Wei.

Cao Pi eventually became emperor and established the Wei Kingdom.

He also posthumously conferred the title of Emperor Wu of Wei on his father Cao Cao.

The reign title was changed to Huangchu again, and it was decided to renovate Luoyang as the capital.

Thus, the Central Plains entered the famous Three Kingdoms period.

In the following year, Liu Bei, who controlled Yizhou, proclaimed himself King of Hanzhong.

In order to inherit the name of the Han Dynasty, he proclaimed himself emperor, and still used "Han" as the name of the country.

This is what later generations know as Shu Han or Ji Han, and the reign title was changed to Zhangwu.

As for Sun Quan, he submitted to Cao Wei very early on and became the King of Wu of the Great Wei.

In view of the hostile relationship with Liu Bei and the unstable situation.

Sun Quan was not in a hurry to become emperor for several years after that.

Until eight years later, in 229 AD.

He finally proclaimed himself emperor and established the Wu Kingdom, which is known in history as Sun Wu or Eastern Wu.

At the same time, Huangwu was used as a new way of dating.

But in fact, Cao Pi was in power for only seven years.

This was one of the most criticized decisions made during this period of his administration.

This was the attitude he adopted during the struggle between Sun Quan and Liu Bei.

The failure of the Battle of Xiangfan resulted in Liu Bei losing the territory of Jingzhou, and internal conflicts also occurred.

As a result, General Meng Da betrayed Shu Han and defected to Wei State with the land of Shangyong.

In anger, Liu Bei executed his adopted son Liu Feng.

Although the threat to his son Liu Chan was eliminated.

But it also further weakened an already precarious force.

Just three months after he became emperor, Liu Bei was eager to recover the lost territory.

He immediately sent troops to the east to attempt to retake Jingzhou.

However, this action encountered the defense carefully arranged by Lu Xun of Jiangdong.

As a result, the Shu army suffered heavy losses through fire attack.

The record of the disastrous defeat in the "Battle of Yiling" was thus born.

During the entire war, Cao Pi remained a bystander and did not intervene.

Apart from war, of course.

This guy is also very concerned about the living conditions of ordinary people.

For example, extravagant funerals and irregular sacrificial activities are prohibited.

Strictly prevent family groups and eunuchs from interfering in state affairs.

Vigorously promote water conservancy construction and other projects.

In addition, during the years he was in office.

He also launched two battles of Guangling.

Although the operation was aimed at the Sun family, the actual purpose was.

However, he took the opportunity to weaken the power of Zang Ba, the leader of the Qingxu region.

And then eliminate the problems caused by rebels such as Tang Caifang and Tang Zi.

And gradually strengthen the actual control capabilities over coastal areas.

From an objective point of view, Cao Pi was not as talented as his father.

But he was still considered a capable monarch.

But after all, he was in charge of the country for only seven years, and spent a lot of energy in the process of becoming emperor.

In fact, he didn't have much time to perform on the historical stage.

In particular, Cao Pi's vengeful nature was fully demonstrated after he came to power.

Those who had posed a threat to his succession.

For example, the brothers Ding Yi and Ding Yi ended up with their entire families being executed.

Yang Jun, who supported Cao Zhi, temporarily escaped because he was widely respected.

But he just changed his position and became the prefect of Nanyang.

Three years later, when Cao Pi was on a southern tour, he used the excuse that Nanyang was poorly managed and forced him to commit suicide.

Bao Xun was also targeted because he had sentenced Guo's relatives, and he often spoke out against Cao Pi, which offended him.

He was eventually executed on trumped-up charges.

When it comes to treating his brothers, Cao Pi's approach is also extreme.

Although they would generously grant them titles, they would actually restrict them to their own territories.

They are not allowed to leave, nor are they allowed to participate in the actual management of military or political affairs.

Being supervised by personnel appointed by the imperial court was almost equivalent to house arrest. Although this arrangement weakened the Cao clan's power, it also planted hidden dangers for the future.

Cao Zhang was given the title of King of Rencheng and a salary of 10,000 households.

However, it was the fourth year of Huangchu.

When Cao Zhang came to the capital to pay homage to his brother, he suddenly died.

He was only thirty-five years old at the time.

Sima De naturally would not believe it if he was told that he had not been assassinated by Cao Pi.

There is no way to verify the truth.

And Cao Zhi is the greatest talent of the Cao family.

Later on, they were greatly ostracized and suppressed.

From Marquis of Anxiang to Marquis of Juancheng and then to King of Juancheng.

During this period, he changed his residence several times and drifted around in Yongqiu, Dong'a and Chenjun.

It was not until the sixth year of Taihe that he died of illness due to worry at the age of 41.

Compared with these descendants of the Cao family, it was Liu Xie, the Han emperor after he abdicated the throne.

He seems to be living a more stable life than most members of the Cao family.

After being deposed, he was granted the title of Duke of Shanyang and moved to the Shanyang area to live.

Considering his wife Cao Jie’s background as a member of the Cao family.

Even though the old emperor had lost his power, he was still treated well.

They can also open schools in the local area to teach their children and grandchildren.

It was not until the second year of Qinglong that Liu Xie passed away at the age of 54.

He lived much longer than the three princes of the Cao family and was posthumously honored as Emperor Xian of Han.

Because his only son died early, the official position finally fell on the shoulders of his grandson Liu Kang.

In short, Cao Pi was emperor for a total of seven years.

He died of illness in the seventh year of Huangchu, at the age of only 40. His temple name was Shizu and his posthumous title was Emperor Wen.

The throne was passed to his only heir, Cao Rui.

This young Emperor of Wei is much better than his father.

He demonstrated outstanding abilities in the early days of his administration, working diligently and carefully while also being willing to listen to advice and suggestions.

However, as the northern regime grew stronger, the situation of unifying the world became clearer.

Cao Rui also began to become lazy.

Cao Rui felt that the overall situation had been decided and thought he could rest easy.

So he let himself go, indulged in pleasure, built palaces and indulged in wine and sex.

Doing so not only wasted a lot of resources, but also aroused resentment among the ministers.

It also harms your health.

Finally, just five years later, he passed away due to illness.

He was only in his thirties all his life.

In short, all descendants of Cao Pi are short-lived.

Sima De would never allow him to ascend the throne.

"Sima Shaoqing has made great contributions in this military campaign, why are you so worried?"

A cheerful voice came from the side.

However, it was Yan Rou who had made outstanding military achievements in this northern expedition and returned to the court with Cao Zhang.

Yan Rou was a famous person from Youyan, and was well-known in Youbeiping area.

He surrendered to Cao Cao during the Battle of Guandu and was appointed as the commander of the Wuhuan Guard.

Now that he has made great contributions in the campaign against the Wuhuan, he has been granted the title of Guannei Hou, which can be said to have brought honor to his family.

Sima De was interrupted by him and forced a smile, saying softly:
"I am just lamenting that time flies by and the world is still not at peace."

"We still need encouragement!"

Yan Rou laughed out loud when she heard this:
"Are you not going to go with the general this time?"

Sima De smiled bitterly upon hearing this:
"If there is an opportunity, I will certainly not be left behind."

"I'm just worried that my body is too weak to endure the long journey."

Yan Rou was about to speak when she suddenly saw a figure walking down from a high platform not far away.

The man was heroic and full of vigor.

It turned out to be the protagonist of tonight's banquet - Cao Zhang.

"The Cavalry General is here!" someone shouted.

Suddenly the whole place was boiling with countless eyes focused on the young Cao family god of war.

At this moment, Cao Zhang walked straight to Yan Rou and Tuoba Liwei and stopped.

His eyes were sharp, yet kind:

"Are you two feeling bored?"

"Come, follow me up on stage and have a drink and chat!"

As soon as he finished speaking, cheers rang out all around.

Yan Rou and Sima De looked at each other and saw the shock and envy in each other's eyes.

He then followed the future General of Cavalry to the platform.

At the same time, Cao Pi, who was watching the ceremony on the side, narrowed his eyes.

After that, Cao Pi did not directly challenge Cao Zhang's position in the army.

Instead, give affirmation and support where appropriate.

They even showed a cooperative attitude in the allocation of military supplies.

This humble and unyielding spirit won the recognition of more and more scholars and literati.

As time went by, a delicate and relatively stable balance was formed within the Wei State.

On the one hand, Cao Zhang was responsible for the front-line battles and safeguarding the peace of the border.

On the other hand, Sima De assisted Cao Zhang in becoming the actual core of the political situation.

Its popularity among the people is growing.

Finally one day, with the joint efforts of both parties.

External hostile forces were defeated or surrendered one after another, and the internal situation tended towards stability and unity.

Cao Cao was very satisfied after seeing this result and decided to make Cao Zhang his successor.

At the same time, let Cao Pi focus on the defense of the north and not participate in central decision-making.

Finally, in this turbulent era.

Through his courage and Sima De's wisdom, Cao Zhang not only successfully inherited the foundation of Cao Wei.

It also brought about an unprecedented harmonious situation throughout the Wei State.

Thus, he unified the country a hundred years after Cao Cao and ushered in another prosperous era.

This book is finished, thank you for reading! (End of this chapter)