Cao Rui
Cao Rui (Chinese曹睿/曹睿, Pinyin Cao Rui, W.-G. Ts'ao Jui; Zì元 仲, Yuanzhong, Yuan- chung, * 205, † 239 ) was the second ruler of the Wei Dynasty and the successor Cao Pi
When Cao Rui was born, his grandfather Cao Cao was the ruler of the central level and aspiring to the omnipotence of the former Han empire. His father Cao Pi was Cao Cao's second son. He became a candidate on the legacy of the great commander, because his older brother Cao Ang fell in battle. During an ambush Zhang Xiu 's he left his horse his father, so that he could flee. He himself fell in this attack.
His mother Zhen Luo was formerly the wife of Yuan Shao's son Yuan Xi. When Cao Cao but 204 the central level entirely conquered, it came into his power, and Cao Pi forced her into marriage. As Cao Rui was already born eight months after the wedding, it was rumored that he might be Yuan Xi's son. These rumors took Cao Pis concubine Guo Nüwang to stir up trouble between Cao Pi and Zhen Luo. Therefore, Zhen Luo was not left after the expulsion of the last Han emperor in the Wei capital Luoyang and had to commit suicide 221.
Cao Rui was not 222 Crown Prince, but Prince Regent of Pingyuan. Shortly before his father's death, 226, he was appointed Crown Prince and was at the age of 21 years ruler of Wei.
The three regent Cao Zhen, Chen Chun and Sima Yi, who his father had determined, Cao Rui made to provincial governors. So he could take her advice continues while they posed no real threat to his power.
Soon after the accession of the Shu Han attacked under Zhuge Liang in an alliance with Wu. Therefore Cao Rui took in 227 five military campaigns against the weaker Shu Han. Due to its success, especially in Chang'an, Cao Rui was Zhuge Liang ward and, if not peace, then at least make a long repose with Shu. The battles with Wu on the other hand lasted his entire reign and were always full of change. Overall, Cao Rui was V.A. by his victories 228 and 234 retain his kingdom. It never managed to penetrate into the heartland of Wu. Cao Rui's greatest military success was the conquest of Liaodong in the year 237, he especially Sima Yi owed .
In times of peace Cao Rui focused on the construction of impressive palaces; He also collected a considerable number of concubines around. In the spring of 239 he finally decided on his seven year old son Cao Fang, - supported by Sima Yi - became his successor.