Editing Cao Pi (section)

==As King of Wei==
Cao Cao died in the spring of 220 in [[Luoyang]]. Even though Cao Pi had been his father's heir apparent for several years, there was initially some confusion as to what would happen next. The apprehension was particularly heightened when, after Cao Cao's death, the [[Qing Province|Qingzhou]] Corps under the general [[Zang Ba]] suddenly deserted, leaving Luoyang and returning home. Besides, Cao Pi's younger brother [[Cao Zhang]] (also born to [[Empress Dowager Bian|Lady Bian]]) had arrived in Luoyang in a hurry, resulting in rumours that he was intending to seize power from his elder brother. Upon hearing these news at Cao Cao's headquarters at [[Ye (ancient China)|Ye]], Cao Pi hastily declared himself the new King of Wei and issued an edict in the name of his mother Queen Dowager Bian, before receiving an official confirmation from [[Emperor Xian of Han|Emperor Xian]], to whom he still nominally paid allegiance. After Cao Pi's self-declaration, neither Cao Zhang nor any other individual took action against him. Cao Pi then ordered his brothers, including Cao Zhang and Cao Zhi, to return to their respective fiefs. With the help of [[Jiang Ji]], the political situation soon stabilised.