Cao Zhao (曹肇, Tào Triệu; courtesy name Changsi 长思; d. 244), native of Qiao in Pei Commandery, was a prominent imperial general of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms period. The son of Wei Grand Sima Cao Xiu (曹休), Cao Zhao was renowned for his strikingly handsome appearance, exceptional wit, and deep personal favor with Emperor Ming (Cao Rui).
Holding the key military offices of Cavalry General and General of the Guards, Cao Zhao was so close to Cao Rui that the Emperor frequently permitted him to sleep in the imperial chambers and play dice at the throne. In 239, as Cao Rui lay dying without a biological heir, the Emperor initially drafted an imperial decree appointing Cao Zhao, Imperial Prince Cao Yu, and Xiahou Xian to the Regency Council to govern the realm for the young heir Cao Fang.
However, palace secretaries Liu Fang (刘放) and Sun Zi (孙资), fearing persecution by Cao Zhao’s aristocratic faction, persuaded the dying Emperor that imperial kinsmen were untrustworthy, urging the appointment of Sima Yi and Cao Shuang instead. Cao Rui revoked his decree, and palace guards barred Cao Zhao from the inner halls. Expelled weeping from the imperial bedside, Cao Zhao was stripped of military commands, clearing the stage for the Sima clan’s eventual usurpation of the Wei throne.
Contents
Role in History (Sanguozhi)
Records of the Three Kingdoms (Sanguozhi, vol. 9, Biography of Cao Xiu): “Cao Zhao possessed extraordinary presence and was favored by Emperor Ming. On his deathbed, the Emperor wished to entrust the empire to him alongside Cao Yu, but Liu Fang and Sun Zi altered the imperial decree, forcing Cao Zhao from the palace in tears.”
Cao Zhao — Historical & Literary Timeline
Three Kingdoms (Wei)
Noble Lineage
Born as eldest son of Grand Sima Cao Xiu; inherits the Marquisate of Changping.
c. 230s
Imperial Favorite
Serves as General of the Guards; shares intimate court favor with Emperor Ming Cao Rui.
239
The Deathbed Regency Reversal
Nominated to lead the Regency Council, only to be outmaneuvered by Sun Zi and Liu Fang.
244
Passing in Retirement
Dies in Luoyang, leaving his clan largely sidelined as Sima Yi consolidates power.
Key Relationships
Family
- Father Cao Xiu (曹休, Tào Hưu – Grand Sima of Wei): Eminent veteran commander who defended Wei’s southeastern borders.
- Son Cao Xing (曹兴): Inherited the family estate in late Wei.
Friends
- Imperial Sovereign Cao Rui (曹叡, Tào Duệ – Emperor Ming): Monarch who held immense affection for Cao Zhao and nearly made him imperial regent.
- Regency Colleague Cao Yu (曹宇, Tào Vũ – Prince of Yan): Co-nominee for the 239 regency council.
Enemies
- Palace Intrigants Liu Fang (刘放) & Sun Zi (孙资): Secretariat directors who poisoned Cao Rui’s mind against Cao Zhao to preserve their own power.
- Ultimate Usurper Sima Yi (司马懿): Appointed regent in Cao Zhao’s place, eventually seizing control of the state.
Other
- Child Emperor Cao Fang (曹芳): Juvenile sovereign whom Cao Zhao was barred from tutoring.
In Sanguozhi
The Tears of Cao Zhao
“When the imperial decree was rewritten, palace guards barred the gates. Cao Zhao emerged weeping bitterly, knowing that the mandate of his clan was broken.”
Historical Context
The exclusion of Cao Zhao and Cao Yu from the 239 regency is regarded by historians as the critical turning point that enabled Sima Yi to mount the Gaoping Tombs coup a decade later.