Cao Zhang's death

[Pang Shiyuan]

Here's something I read recently about Cao Zhi's literary works...

Cao Zhi, along with his brothers Cao Xiong and Cao Zhang were summoned to the capital by their eldest brother Cao Pi, who by then had usurped the throne from Emperor Xian. Whilst staying at the capital, Cao Zhang died for no apparent reason, and Cao Xiong and Zhi were separated in the process...

Amidst the confusion, Cao Zhi wrote one of his most famous literary work (I think it was called Tribute to the Prince of White Jade or something) detailing his emotions during the confusion...

However, that is besides the point. What I am getting at is this:

After Cao Zhi, and Cao Chong (who died early), Cao Zhang would be Cao Pi's main competitor and threat to his legitimacy to the Wei Throne. Could it be possible that Cao Zhang was assassinated (poisoned?) in order to remove such a potential threat?

[LittleConqueror]

It's very possible, in fact, that's probaly what happened. Cao Zhang could have lead the military in a coup if he wanted to and Cao Pi (or one of his advisors) probaly saw this possibility. To prevent future problems, it would make sense to eliminate Cao Zhang.

[Cao Ren]

i though it was cao xiong that died, not cao zhang

[Pang Shiyuan]

i though it was cao xiong that died, not cao zhang

Nope. It was Cao Zhang. It was stated very clearly.

[Iznoach, Legendary Dragon]

I also think this was very possible. It was stated that Cao Zhang was a very good fighter and adept at leading troops, and Cao Pi probably did fear some future insurrection...didn't he seperate the rest of his siblings and forbid them to ever come to the capitol (unless summoned)?

[Zhou Gongjin]

Cao Pi had Cao Zhang poisoned.

[Pang Shiyuan]

Cao Pi had Cao Zhang poisoned.

Any historical proof that happened?

[Zhou Gongjin]

Cao Pi had Cao Zhang poisoned.

Any historical proof that happened?

Yes, it's in my notes somewhere, remind me to look it up later when I have more time.

[Pang Shiyuan]

Cao Pi had Cao Zhang poisoned.

Any historical proof that happened?

Yes, it's in my notes somewhere, remind me to look it up later when I have more time.

Ok. Thanks for the info.

Anyway, Cao Zhang was supposedly a natural millitary leader, but since he died at a young age, we'll never really know the extent of his abilities...but according to someone at another forum (can't remember who...), Cao Zhang was a spoilt brat, heh.

[Zhang Liao17]

What doesn't make sense is why Cao Pi would kill Cao Zhang but leave Cao Zhi alive. Cao Zhang didn't seem to have any intent to rebel, as far as I know and Cao Zhi was Cao Pi's main competitor when they were fighting for the throne. Of course Cao Zhi wasn't as much of a warrior as Cao Zhang, but was that reason enough to take out Cao Zhang instead?