Cao Huan - Reign

Reign

See also: Jiang Wei's Northern Expeditions and Conquest of Shu by Wei

At the time Cao Huang became emperor, his name was changed to "Cao Huan", because it was difficult to observe naming taboo with the name "Huang" (which was a homonym to many common terms—including "yellow" (黃) and "emperor" (皇)). During Cao Huan's reign, the Sima clan controlled state power, and Cao was merely a figurehead and head of state in name. In 263, Cao Huan instated his wife Lady Bian as empress.

For the first few years of Cao Huan's reign, there were constant attacks by forces from the rival Shu Han state, under the command of Jiang Wei. While Jiang's attacks were largely easily repelled, Sima Zhao eventually ordered a counterattack on Shu Han, with an invading force of 180,000 men commanded by Zhong Hui and Deng Ai. In late 263, Liu Shan, the emperor of Shu Han, surrendered to Deng, bringing an end to his state. After the fall of Shu Han, Deng was framed for treason by Zhong and stripped of command. In early 264, Zhong plotted with Jiang Wei to restore Shu Han and eliminate all the Cao Wei generals who might oppose him. However, the generals started a counterinsurgency and killed Zhong and Jiang. Shu Han's former territories (in present-day Sichuan, Chongqing, Yunnan, southern Shaanxi, and southeastern Gansu) were completely annexed by Cao Wei.

Read more about this topic:  Cao Huan

Famous quotes containing the word reign:

    “See how peaceful it is here. The sea is everything. An immense reservoir of nature where I roam at will.... Think of it. On the surface there is hunger and fear. Men still exercise unjust laws. They fight, tear one another to pieces. A mere few feet beneath the waves their reign ceases, their evil drowns. Here on the ocean floor is the only independence. Here I am free.”
    —Earl Felton, and Richard Fleischer. Captain Nemo (James Mason)

    “I am monarch of all I survey;
    My right there is none to dispute;
    From the center all round to the sea
    I am lord of the fowl and the brute.
    O Solitude! where are the charms
    That sages have seen in thy face?
    Better dwell in the midst of alarms,
    Than reign in this horrible place.”
    —William Cowper (1731–1800)

    “I find that I sent wolves not shepherds to govern Ireland, for they have left me nothing but ashes and carcasses to reign over!”
    —Elizabeth I (1533–1603)