1. Cao Zhi, courtesy name Zijian, posthumously known as Prince Si of Chen, was a prince of the state of Cao Wei in the Three Kingdoms period of China, and an accomplished poet in his time.
19 Facts About Cao Zhi
1. 2.
Cao Zhi was a son of Cao Cao, a warlord who rose to power towards the end of the Eastern Han dynasty and laid the foundation for the state of Cao Wei.
3.
Cao Zhi married Lady Cui of the Cui clan of Qinghe, a niece of Cui Yan.
4.
However, Cao Zhi was an impetuous man with little self-discipline.
5.
Cao Zhi once rode his chariot along the road reserved for the emperor and through the Sima Gate, the front gate of the palace.
6.
Cao Zhi was dressed as Crown Princess, which was seen as an affront as the succession discussion had ended in favor of Cao Pi as Crown Prince, so she was killed to prevent any further opposition.
7.
Cao Zhi did this by executing Yang Xiu, a chief adviser to Cao Zhi.
8.
However, Cao Zhi was so drunk that he could not come forth to take the order.
9.
Cao Zhi sent Cao Zhi, along with the other brothers, away from the capital to a country estate exiling them into the countryside, and prohibited them from taking part in central political issues.
10.
Cao Zhi wrote to the second Wei emperor Cao Rui many times, seeking a position to apply his talents.
11.
Severely depressed by the setbacks and by the news that he was to leave the capital for the third time in eleven years, Cao Zhi soon developed a fatal illness.
12.
One of Cao Zhi's most celebrated poems is On the White Horse.
13.
Cao Zhi left his home in early youth, and now, His name is known throughout the deserts.
14.
Cao Zhi's dexterity surpasses that of monkeys, Cao Zhi's courage that of a leopard or dragon.
15.
Cao Zhi Pi told his brother to make a poem based on the painting after walking seven paces.
16.
Cao Zhi took seven paces as instructed, and the poem was already formulated in his heart.
17.
Cao Zhi then bade Cao Zhi make another poem on the spot based on their fraternal relationship, without using the word "brother".
18.
Not taking a second to think, Cao Zhi recited the famous Seven Steps Verse:.
19.
Cao Zhi then let his brother go after merely degrading the peerage of the latter as a punishment.