[ Regent of Cao Fang. Underestimated Sima Yi, was stripped of power, and executed.
Officer Details
Wade-Giles: Ts‘ao Shuang (Chao-po)
Simplified Chinese: 曹爽 (昭伯)
Pronunciation: Cao2 Shuang3 (Zhao1bo2)
Min-Nan: Co Song (Ciauw-pek)
Family and Relationships
Cao Zhen (Father); Cao Xi, Cao Xun, Cao Ze, Cao Yun, Cao Ai (Brothers)
Literary Appearances
Sanguozhi: Wei 3-4, Wei 9
Biography
Cao Shuang was a Cao Wei noble, eldest son of Cao Zhen. When Cao Rui was dying, political maneuvering led to Cao Shuang and Sima Yi become the regents for the young Cao Fang. Cao Shuang and his supporters were able to reduce Sima Yi’s power, acting for the young emperor for ten years. Historical records claimed that the regency was marred with incompetence and corruption, and that Cao Shuang ignored the wild actions of his friends. Cao Shuang led an expedition against the rival state of Shu Han, but failed. In 249, Sima Yi and his supporters eventually deposed Cao Shuang at Gaoping Tombs, first putting Cao Shuang under house arrest, then executing him and his whole family on February 9 after a charge of treason was brought up.