Cao Fang was an adopted son of Cao Rui, the second ruler of Wei.
18 Facts About Cao Fang
1.
2.
Cao Fang's parentage is disputed, though he was probably a son of Cao Kai, the Prince of Rencheng, a son of Cao Zhang.
3.
Cao Fang was adopted by Wei's second emperor Cao Rui at a young age.
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However, Cao Rui's trusted officials Liu Fang and Sun Zi were not on good terms with Xiahou Xian and Cao Zhao, and were apprehensive about them becoming regents.
5.
Half a month later, when Cao Fang Rui was on his deathbed, Sima Yi arrived at Luoyang.
6.
Cao Fang pointed out Cao Fang and told the boy to hug Sima, as he would hug his father.
7.
Cao Fang requested for Sima to be promoted to higher appointments and granted honorific titles, but the holder of these appointments and titles do not wield any power.
8.
Those not associated with Cao Fang were excluded from holding positions in the imperial court.
9.
In 244, Cao Fang Shuang led an attack on Shu Han's border city of Hanzhong, without careful planning, hoping that he would gain a reputation in the military.
10.
The battles were inconclusive and Cao Fang was forced to withdraw with great losses when their food supplies ran out.
11.
Cao Fang sent an edict to Cao Fang in the name of Empress Dowager Guo, accusing Cao Shuang of dominating and corrupting the government, and demanding that Cao Shuang and his brothers be removed from power.
12.
Cao Fang had endeared himself to the minister Li Feng, and Sima suspected that they were plotting against him.
13.
Cao Fang was forced to depose Empress Zhang and replace her with Empress Wang.
14.
Cao Fang was angry with Sima Shi about the deaths of Li Feng and Zhang Ji.
16.
Cao Fang was apprehensive and hesitated in implementing the plan.
17.
Cao Fang's life was spared and he was demoted to his previous title of Prince of Qi.
18.
Cao Fang died in 274 and was posthumously granted the title of "Duke Li of Shaoling", with a funeral befitting that of a duke instead of an emperor.