Emperor Wen of Wei, Cao Pi, styled Zihuan, was the son of Cao Cao and the Crown Prince of Emperor Wu. He was born in Qiao County in the winter of 189 AD. In 211 AD, he was appointed as General of the Household Guards and Vice Chancellor; in 217 AD, he was formally designated as the Crown Prince of Wei. After Cao Cao's death, he inherited the positions of Chancellor and King of Wei, posthumously honored his mother Bian as Queen Dowager, and changed the year to the first year of Yankang in 25 Jian'an.
In the first year of Yankang, on the day of Renxu in February, he appointed Jia Xu as Grand Commandant, Hua Xin as Chancellor, and Wang Lang as Minister of Justice. He also established four Cavalry Attendants and four Gentlemen-in-Attendance, specifying that eunuchs could not hold ranks higher than the clerks in each office; he enacted some important laws, inscribed them in gold, and stored them in a stone chamber for safekeeping.
Earlier, in the fifth year of Han Xiping (176 AD), a yellow dragon appeared in Qiao County, and the Palace Gentleman, Qiao Xuan, asked the Chief Astrologer Shan Yang what this auspicious sign meant. Shan Yang said, "This foretells the rise of a sovereign in this land; within fifty years, the yellow dragon will appear again. This is the pattern of celestial phenomena, and this is its manifestation." At that time, a man named Yin Deng quietly recorded this event. In 220 AD, Yin Deng was still alive. In March, the yellow dragon appeared again in Qiao County, and Yin Deng exclaimed upon hearing the news, "Shan Yang's words have indeed come true!"
On the day of Jimao, Cao Pi appointed Xiahou Dun as Grand General. The Chanyu of Goguryeo and the King of Buyeo, as well as the kings of Yanqi and Yutian, sent envoys to pay tribute.
On the day of Dingsi in April, reports from Rao'an County indicated that a white pheasant had been spotted. On the day of Gengwu, Grand General Xiahou Dun died.
On the day of Wuyin in May, Cao Pi posthumously honored his grandfather Cao Song as King Tai, his grandmother Lady Ding as Queen Tai, and appointed his son Cao Rui as Marquis Wude. In the same month, the bandits from the mountains, Zheng Gan and Wang Zhao of Fengyi, surrendered and were both enfeoffed as Marquises.
The Prefect of Jiuquan, Huang Hua, the Prefect of Zhangye, Zhang Jin, and others led their followers in rebellion. The Prefect of Jincheng, Su Ze, attacked Zhang Jin and executed him; Huang Hua surrendered.
On June 10th, Cao Pi held military exercises in the eastern suburbs, and on the 11th, he led the army southward.
On July 11th, Cao Pi issued a decree saying: "Emperor Xuanyuan Huangdi had the Mingtai discussions, Yao Emperor had the Qushiwenzheng discussions, all aimed at broadly soliciting opinions from the people. All officials and departments should responsibly offer their advice; generals should report on military matters; courtiers should follow the protocols; local officials should report on government affairs; nobles should study the Six Arts; I will fully understand these situations."
Sun Quan sent envoys to pay tribute. Shu Han general Meng Da also brought his people to submit. The Di king, Yang Pu, led his tribesmen to submit and was resettled in Hanyang County.
In 1894 (Year of Jia Wu), the army was stationed in Qiao County, and I hosted a banquet for all the soldiers and the elders and villagers of Qiao County in the east of the city. In August, reports came in of a phoenix sighting in Shi Yi County.
On an unspecified day in October, I ordered: "Generals, lead your troops into battle; many soldiers have died on the battlefield, their bodies may not have been collected yet, I am deeply saddened! I command all counties to allocate funds for coffins and burial supplies, to send them back to their hometowns, and the government will hold memorial services for them." After the date of this order, the army marched to Quli sometime later.
Han Gaozu Liu Bang, as everyone was eager for the King of Wei to ascend the throne, summoned all the court ministers to Gaomiao to offer sacrifices. Then he sent Zhang Yin, who also held the position of Grand Historian, to present the edict and the imperial seal to the King of Wei for his abdication. The decree stated: "To you, King of Wei: in the past, Emperor Yao abdicated the throne to Emperor Shun, and Shun passed the throne to Yu. The mandate of heaven does not permanently belong to any one individual, but rather to those of virtue. The fortunes of the Han Dynasty are waning, and social order is in disarray; in my generation, the nation teeters on the brink of collapse, with treachery and evil rampant. Thanks to the valor and martial prowess of King Wu, who rescued the situation from all corners, bringing peace to the world and preserving our ancestral temples and altars, this not only stabilized my position but also benefited all the people of the realm. Now you inherit the late emperor's will and are called to enhance your virtue, restoring the glorious era of civil and military achievements, continuing the merits of your ancestors. Auspicious signs have emerged, and both men and deities predict your succession; your talents and virtues are comparable to Emperor Shun, therefore, we adhere to ancient rituals and respectfully abdicate the throne to you. Alas! The mandate of heaven falls upon you; you must shoulder this great responsibility, govern the realm, and ensure the nation's lasting prosperity. You must earnestly carry out this grand ceremony, so that all the people may enjoy peace, to show reverence for the divine will." Then a sacrificial altar was built in Fanyang. On the specific date of Gengwu day, the King of Wei ascended the altar to accept the throne, with officials accompanying him. After the ceremony, the King of Wei descended from the altar and only left after watching the sacrificial fire burn completely. Subsequently, I renamed the era to Huangchu and declared a general amnesty across the realm.
In November of the year 220 AD, Cao Cao bestowed the territory of the Wanhu people in Shanyang County, Henan Province to Emperor Xian of Han, granting him the title of Duke of Shanyang. He continued to use the reign title of the Han Dynasty, conducted rituals to worship Heaven and Earth with imperial rites, and was not required to refer to himself as a subject when submitting memorials. During sacrifices at the Imperial Ancestral Temple in the capital, he was also sent offerings of meat. Cao Cao also enfeoffed Emperor Xian's four sons as marquises, posthumously honored his grandfather, Cao Song, as the Grand Emperor, his father, Cao Teng, as the Martial Emperor, and honored Cao Cao's mother, Lady Ding, as Empress Dowager. All males received a promotion of one rank in nobility, and those who were filial to their parents, loving to their siblings, and diligent in farming were elevated two ranks. The princes and marquises of the Han Dynasty were re-titled as Virtuous Marquises and Guanzhong Marquises, respectively. Fanyang Pavilion in Yingyin was renamed Fanchang County. Various other enfeoffments and official promotions were also made. Cao Cao then changed the title of Chancellor to Minister of Education, Grand Commandant to Minister of Works, Director of Imperial Clan to Grand Herald, Prefect of Justice to Minister of Justice, and Minister of Agriculture to Grand Minister of Agriculture. Many counties, states, and towns throughout the country were renamed. He also presented the seal and ribbon of the Wei Kingdom to Huchuquan, the Southern Chanyu of the Xiongnu, and rewarded him with a green carriage, official vehicles, fine swords, and jade ornaments. In December, Cao Cao began the construction of palaces in Luoyang, and then moved there to reside before the year's end. That year, the Commandant of Changshui, Dai Ling, advised Cao Cao not to hunt frequently, which angered Cao Cao, leading to a reduction of Dai Ling's punishment for a capital offense.
In the spring of the second year, during the first month, Cao Cao held a sacrifice to Heaven and Earth in the outskirts and held a ritual in the Mingtang. On the Jiaxu day, Cao Cao went hunting at Yuanling and also sent people to pay respects to Emperor Guangwu of the Han Dynasty. On the Yihai day, a ritual to greet the sun took place in the eastern outskirts. Cao Cao ordered that counties with a population exceeding 100,000 could recommend one filial and incorrupt official each year, and if someone was exceptionally outstanding, they would be exempt from population restrictions. On the Xinsi day, Cao Cao distributed the lands and residences of the Three Excellencies among his sons, each being appointed as a marquis. On the Renwu day, Cao Cao exempted Yingchuan County from land taxes for a year, renamed Xucheng County as Xuchang County, and established Yangping County in the eastern part of Weijun and Guangping County in the western part.
The imperial edict declared: In the past, Confucius, with the talent of a great sage and the stature of an emperor or general, missed the chance to receive the mandate of Heaven during the decline of the Zhou Dynasty. He taught the people in the courts of Lu and Wei, along the banks of the Zhu and Si rivers. At that time, he was truly miserable, tirelessly working to uphold righteousness, lowering his status to save the world. However, none of the nobles at the time were able to employ him, so he retired to study the rites and music of the Five Dynasties, emulating the practices of ancient wise kings, using the historical records of Lu to compile the "Spring and Autumn Annals," organizing the yue and song music as the Grand Preceptor, and as a result, for millennia, people have learned from his writings and admired his wisdom in planning major events. He truly was a great sage appointed by Heaven, a model teacher for countless generations!
The world is in chaos now, neglected for more than a hundred years. Confucius' old residence and temples have been destroyed and left unrepaired, and his descendants have also severed their lineage. In Confucius' hometown, there is silence, with no sounds of lectures or recitations, no worship ceremonies throughout the year. How can we claim to uphold etiquette, commend achievements, and ensure the sage's virtues are passed down through the ages?! Therefore, Kong Xian was appointed the Marquis of the Ancestral Sage, given a fief of one hundred households to be in charge of worshipping Confucius. Orders were issued to restore Confucius' old temple in Lu County, with a hundred soldiers assigned to guard it, and many houses were built outside the temple for scholars to reside in.
In the third month, Gongsun Gong was promoted to General of Chariots and Cavalry for Liaodong. The court resumed minting and circulating five-zhu coins. In the fourth month, Cao Ren was appointed as Grand General. In the fifth month, Zheng Gan rebelled once more, and Cao Ren was sent to suppress and kill him. On the day of Gengzi in the sixth month, sacrifices were held for the first time to the Five Mountains, Four Rivers, and all other deities. On the day of Dingmao, Lady Zhen died. At the end of Wuchen, a solar eclipse occurred, and officials requested to relieve the position of Grand Commandant. The Emperor said, "The occurrence of disasters and anomalies is meant to blame the Emperor, but to push the blame onto the ministers, how does this reflect the self-reflection of Yu and Tang? Order all officials to earnestly fulfill their duties, and in the future, if there are disasters and anomalies in the world, do not hold the Three Excellencies accountable again!"
In the eighth month, Sun Quan sent envoys to present memorials and to return Yu Jin and others. On the day of Dingsi, the Minister of Ceremonies, Xing Zhen, led a delegation to appoint Sun Quan as Grand General, bestowed upon him the title of King of Wu, and granted him nine gifts. In October, Yang Biao was appointed as the Minister of the Household. Due to the rising prices of grain, the court ceased minting five-zhu coins. On the day of Jimao, Grand General Cao Ren was appointed Grand Marshal. In December, the Emperor conducted an Eastern Inspection. That year, the Yun Tai mausoleum was built.
On the first day of the first month in 226 AD, a solar eclipse occurred. On the twenty-seventh day of the first month, the emperor relocated to the Xuchang Palace. The emperor issued a decree saying, "Nowadays, filial piety is emphasized, which has long been a hallmark of exceptional talent! Even in a village with only ten households, there will definitely be faithful and trustworthy individuals. If we have to wait for several years to select talents, then figures like Lü Shang and the Duke of Zhou will not be able to make a name in history, right? Therefore, I command all counties and states to select talents, regardless of age; as long as Confucian scholars are well-versed in the classics and officials are knowledgeable in grammar, they can participate in the examination and then be appointed according to the situation. Relevant authorities must conduct thorough investigations to prevent any form of fraud."
In the second month, the kings of Shanshan, Kucha, and Yutian all sent envoys to offer tribute. The emperor issued a decree saying, "The minority ethnic groups in the west have all pledged their allegiance, and the Di and Qiang tribes have also declared themselves kings, which are all beautifully recorded in the Book of Songs and Book of History. Recently, the non-Han peoples in the Western Regions have all surrendered to the court; you should send envoys to extend our goodwill." Since then, trade between the Western Regions and the Central Plains has been established, and the court has established Wujixiaowei to manage.
On the second day of the third month, Cao Rui was named the King of Pingyuan, and the emperor's brother Cao Zhang and ten others were also granted the title of kings. It was stipulated that the sons of princes were granted the title of village lords, the sons who were heirs to the throne were granted the title of marquises, and the sons of the lords were granted the title of earls. On the eighth day of the third month, the emperor's son Cao Lin was named the King of Hedong. On the fourteenth day of the third month, the emperor relocated to Xiangyi. On the fifth day of the fourth month, Cao Zhi was named the King of Juancheng. On the tenth day of the fourth month, the emperor returned to the Xuchang Palace. In the fifth month, the eight counties of Jingzhou, Yangzhou, and Jiangbiao were consolidated into Jingzhou, due to Sun Quan serving as the governor there; and several counties north of the Yangtze River in Jingzhou were divided into Yingzhou.
In the leap month, Sun Quan defeated Liu Bei in Yiling. Initially, the emperor heard that Liu Bei was leading troops eastward to fight Sun Quan and was building camps that stretched over seven hundred miles. He told his ministers, "Liu Bei does not understand military strategy; how could he possibly defend against the enemy with a camp that long? 'Occupying a strategic location as a camp will result in being captured by the enemy,' this is a major no-no in military strategy! The news of Sun Quan's victory over Liu Bei will arrive soon." Seven days later, the report of Sun Quan defeating Liu Bei was delivered.
In July, a serious locust plague hit Jizhou, leaving the people starving. The emperor sent Minister Du Ji with a seal to open the granaries and provide relief to the disaster-stricken people. In August, Huang Quan, a general from Shu Han, surrendered with his troops.
On the fourteenth of September, the emperor issued a decree saying, "Allowing women to participate in politics is what causes chaos in the world! From now on, no one from the Empress's family can serve as chief ministers, nor are they allowed to receive land grants and titles; pass this decree down to future generations. If anyone violates it, the people shall rise up against him!" On the twentieth of September, Lady Guo was named Empress. The emperor granted two ranks of titles to all men; for widows, orphans, and the impoverished, food aid was distributed.
On the first day of the tenth month, I ordered the Shouling Tomb's construction on Shouyang Mountain. I established burial rites, saying: "According to the ritual system, when the monarch ascends to the throne, the 'Pei' ceremony (pronounced Fu Li) should be held to show respect to the ancestors. In the past, Yao was buried in Gulun, where only a few trees were simply planted; Yu was buried in Kuaiji, where not even the farmland was disturbed. Therefore, burying in the mountains and forests aligns with their natural order. The practice of constructing earthen mounds is not an ancient custom, so I will not use it. Shouling will use the mountain as the tomb, without constructing earthen mounds, tombs, palaces, gardens, or spirit paths. Burial is intended for concealment; bones have no consciousness, and tombs are not the abode of spirits. There should be no rituals of sweeping tombs, to prevent undue disturbance to the deceased. Coffins and burial garments serve merely to facilitate the decomposition of flesh and bones. Therefore, I choose this desolate land as the burial site, hoping that future generations remain unaware of its exact location."
"Reed mats and charcoal fires, as well as gold, silver, copper, and iron, should not be placed in the tomb, which aligns with the ancient burial customs of 'tu che' and 'chu ling.' The coffin should only be painted with three coats of lacquer and should not contain pearls or jade in the mouth, nor should it have pearl garments or jade boxes. These practices are considered ignorant customs. When Jisun buried his treasures with him, Confucius criticized him, saying it was the same as leaving the body exposed in the wilderness. Song Gong's lavish burial was condemned by the gentlemen, who believed that Huayuan and Leyu had been disloyal by leaving the ruler in an unfavorable position. Emperor Wen of Han did not excavate the tombs of the previous dynasty, allowing Baling to be preserved; Emperor Guangwu, on the other hand, excavated the tombs of the previous dynasty, causing the original tomb to be destroyed. The preservation of Baling was due to Zhang Shizhi, while the destruction of the original tomb can be attributed to Emperor Ming. It can be seen that Zhang Shizhi's loyalty is beneficial to the monarch, while Emperor Ming's benevolence harmed the ancestors. Loyal ministers and devoted sons should heed the teachings of Confucius and the example set by Zhang Shizhi, using them as a cautionary tale to avoid repeating the mistakes of Huayuan, Leyu, and Emperor Ming. Only then can the monarchy be preserved, and the family line remain stable, allowing the souls of the ancestors to find peace for generations to come. This embodies true loyalty and filial piety."
"Since ancient times, there has been no country that has not perished, nor a tomb that has not been excavated. Since the chaos began, the tombs of the Han Dynasty have almost all been dug up, even the jade boxes and gold threads have been burned, leaving no trace of bones; this is nothing short of a brutal punishment! It's so tragic! All of this is caused by the lavish burials and sealed earth. 'Sang Hongyang and Huo Guang have sounded the alarm for me,' isn't this obvious? From the empress dowager and noblewomen downwards, those who did not return with me to the country, after death were buried in Jianxi, where I have already set up a monument. Emperor Shun was buried in Cangwu; the two concubines did not accompany him. Prince Yanling buried his son very far away; even if the souls are aware, they wouldn't care about such distances, not to mention it's just a creek away—it's not far at all. If you violate my decree and make unauthorized changes, even after my death, I will crush your bones and scatter your ashes, ensuring you face even harsher punishment in the afterlife! You, my subjects, if you disrespect your emperor and father, are being disloyal and unfilial; even if the dead have awareness, they will bring punishment upon you! Store this decree in the ancestral temple and place copies at the Shangshutai, the Secretariat, and the Three Departments."
This month, Sun Quan has risen in rebellion once more. He renamed Yingzhou to Jingzhou. The emperor set out from Xuchang and headed south to suppress the rebellion, with all the armies launching a coordinated attack while Sun Quan held his ground by the river. On the 11th day of the eleventh month, the emperor went to Wancheng. On the last day of the month, a solar eclipse occurred. In that year, the emperor also built the Lingzhi Pond.
After the New Year, in the first month of spring, the emperor issued a decree saying, "Since the great chaos in the world, wars have been continuous, and the common people have been killing each other. Now that the whole country has just settled down, if anyone still seeks revenge privately, their entire family will be exterminated!" In Wan Cheng, the emperor also built the Southern Tour Platform. On the third day of the third month, the emperor returned from Wan Cheng to the Luoyang Palace. On the day of Guimao, the moon obscured the star Antares. On the day of Dingwei, the Grand Marshal Cao Ren died. This month, a severe plague broke out.
In the fifth month of summer, a pelican flew to the Lingzhi Pond, and the emperor said, "This is just like what the poet described as 'muddy waters'. In Cao Zhi's poem, it says 'Avoiding the noble, getting close to the villain', is there truly no talented and virtuous person hidden away in a low position now? Otherwise, why would this bird fly here? We should widely select talents from all over the country who are capable, virtuous, and of noble character, to respond to Cao Zhi's criticism."
On the day of Jiaxu in the sixth month, Prince Rencheng died in the capital. On the day of Jiashen, the Grand Commandant Jia Xu died. During the day, Venus was also visible. It rained heavily this month, leading to numerous deaths and the destruction of many houses.
In the eighth month of autumn, on the day of Dingmao, Zhong Yao, the Minister of Justice, was appointed as the Grand Commandant. On the day of Xinwei, the emperor went hunting in Xingyang, and then continued his eastward inspection. Based on their merits in subduing Sun Quan, the generals were all promoted and granted titles, rewarded with land, each differently. On the day of Jiachen in the ninth month, the emperor went to the Xuchang Palace.
In the spring of the year 220 AD, Cao Cao issued an edict stating that only the grave crime of rebellion could be reported, and any other matters are strictly forbidden from being falsely reported. Anyone who dares to make false accusations will be punished for their crime. In the third month, Cao Cao returned from Xuchang to the Luoyang Palace. In the summer of the fourth month, he established the Imperial Academy, formulated the method of examination for the Five Classics, and appointed scholars for the "Spring and Autumn Annals." In May, the relevant departments suggested that the public officials and ministers should attend court on the first and fifteenth day of each month, and report some difficult questions, enabling Cao Cao to directly adjudicate national matters and deliberate on the pros and cons of the situation.
In July, during the autumn, Cao Cao went on an eastern tour and stayed in Xuchang Palace. In August, he organized a navy, personally rode a dragon-shaped boat, navigated the Cai River and Ying River, eventually reaching Shouchun on the Huai River. All those who had committed crimes punishable by sentences of less than five years in the Yangzhou area were pardoned. In September, Cao Cao arrived in Guangling, pardoning Qingzhou and Xuzhou, and replacing the leaders of those states. On the winter day of Yimao in October, the bright star Venus appeared during the day. Cao Cao returned to Xuchang Palace. On the day of Gengyin in November, due to a famine in Jizhou, Cao Cao dispatched envoys to open the granaries and provide relief to those suffering from the famine. On the day of Wushen at the end of the month, a solar eclipse occurred. In December, Cao Cao issued a decree saying: "The ancient kings established rituals in order to honor their ancestors; the scale of sacrifices varies greatly, the largest being the suburban sacrifice, followed by ancestral temple sacrifices, then sacrifices to the three celestial bodies (the sun, the moon, and the stars) and the five elements (metal, wood, water, fire, and earth), and other sacrifices are not within the scope of sacrifices. Since the time of Shushi, the world has been in decline; people have been superstitious about witches and sorcerers, even in palaces, between doors and windows, everywhere, conducting sacrificial activities; this has reached the height of superstition! From now on, anyone who dares to hold illegal sacrifices, or listen to the nonsense of witches and sorcerers, will be punished for disturbing the court, and this regulation will be codified into law." That year, Cao Cao also excavated Tianyuan Pool. In February of 221 AD, during the spring, Cao Cao sent envoys to inspect east of Xuchang to Pei County, investigating the suffering of the people and providing relief to the poor. In March, Cao Cao went to Shaoling and met with the captain in charge of pacification. On the day of Yisi, Cao Cao returned to Xuchang Palace. Liang Xi, the inspector of Bingzhou, achieved a great victory over the Xianbei leader Kebineng. On Wushen day in May, Cao Cao arrived in Qiaoxian. On the day of Renxu, Mars entered the Taiwei Palace, one of the twenty-eight constellations.
In June, soldiers from Licheng Jun, led by Cai Fang, rebelled and killed the governor Xu Zhi. Cao Cao dispatched the Cavalry Commandant Ren Fu, Infantry Commandant Duan Zhao, and the Inspector of Qingzhou to suppress the rebellion; those who were coerced into participating in the rebellion or fled were pardoned for their crimes.
In July, the emperor appointed his son Cao Jian as the Prince of Dongwuyang. In August, the emperor departed from Qiaoxian with a naval force, entered the Huai River via the Wo River, and sent a land force to Xuzhou. In September, the Eastern Inspection Platform was built. In October, the emperor visited the ancient city of Guangling, reviewed the troops by the river, with over a hundred thousand soldiers and banners that extended for miles, a truly magnificent sight! Unfortunately, that winter was particularly cold, the river was frozen, and the ships could not enter the river, so the emperor had no choice but to return to the capital. In November, Prince Dongwuyang Cao Jian passed away. In December, the emperor set out from Qiaoxian, passed through Liangdi, and had people offer sacrifices to the Grand Commandant of the Han Dynasty, Qiao Xuan.
In the first month of the second year, the emperor planned to go to Xuchang, but inexplicably, the south gate of Xuchang City collapsed, which made the emperor uneasy, believing it to be a bad omen, so he did not go. On the day of Renzi in the first month, the emperor returned to the Palace of Luoyang. In March, the Jiuhua Platform was built. On the day of Bingchen in May, the emperor fell gravely ill and quickly summoned the Grand General of the Central Army Cao Zhen, Grand General of the Garrison Chen Qun, Grand General of Conquering the East Cao Xiu, and Grand General of Pacification Sima Yi, instructing them to accept the imperial edict and assist the young lord. The emperor also sent back the concubines and consorts of the harem. On the day of Dingsi in May, the emperor passed away in the Palace of Jiafu at the age of forty. On the day of Wuyin in June, he was buried in Shouyang Mausoleum. From the time of the emperor's death until his burial, all matters were conducted in accordance with the established protocols.
Initially, the emperor was fond of literature, regarding writing as his vocation, and he wrote over a hundred works himself. He also commissioned many Confucian scholars to collect and compile the classics and historical texts, arranging them by category, resulting in over a thousand works, collectively titled "Imperial Selection."
Critics note that Emperor Wen was naturally gifted in literature; his writing comes easily, he possesses a wide range of talents, and if he were to cultivate a broader mindset, adhere to fairness and integrity, aspire to self-cultivation, and to widely practice benevolence and virtue, then he could become a wise ancient ruler—what difficulties could stand in his way!
