Feedback or pointing out any mistakes is appreciated! (WIP)
The Sons of Cao Cao and their Mothers
"The Martial Emperor begotten 25 sons: Empress Bian gave birth to The Cultured Emperor, the Mighty Prince of Rencheng; Cao Zhang, the Thoughtful Prince of Chen; Cao Zhi, and the Cherished Prince of Xiao; Cao Xiong. Lady Liu gave birth to the Pitied Prince of Feng; Cao Ang and the Short-Lived Prince of Xiang; Cao Shuo. Lady Huan gave birth to the Lamentable Prince of Deng; Cao Chong, the Prince of Pengcheng; Cao Ju, and the Prince of Yan; Cao Yu. Lady Du gave birth to the Solemn Prince of Pei; Cao Lin and the Respectful Prince of Zhongshan; Cao Gun. Lady Qin gave birth to the Cherished Prince of Jiyang; Cao Xuan and the Respectful Prince of Chenliu; Cao Jun. Lady Yin gave birth to the Compassionate Prince of Fanyang; Cao Ju. Lady Wang gave birth to the Prince of Zhao; Cao Gan. Lady Sun gave birth to the Short-Lived Duke of Linyi; Cao Shang, the Prince of Chu; Cao Biao, and the Short-Lived Prince of Gang; Cao Qin. Lady Li gave birth to the Short-lived Duke of Gucheng; Cao Cheng, the Dutiful Duke of Mei; Zhao Zheng, and the Short-Lived Duke of Ling; Cao Jing. Lady Zhou gave birth to the Peaceful Duke of Fan; Cao Jun. Lady Li gave birth to the Short-Lived Duke of Guangzong; Cao Ji. Lady Song gave birth to the Spirited Prince of Dongping; Cao Hui. Lady Zhao gave birth to the Prince of Leling; Cao Mao."
The Martial Emperor (Wudi) is Cao Cao; the Cultured Emperor (Wendi) is Cao Pi.
"The Pitied Prince of Feng; Cao Ang, courtesy name Zixiu. Since he was young, he was nominated as being Filial and Incorrupt. He followed The Grand Progenitor in a expedition towards the south in Zhang Xiu's territory and was killed. Cao Ang begotten no children.
In the 2nd year of the Huangchu era, he was posthumously named the Grieved Duke of Feng and on the 3rd year, Cao Wan, the son of the Peaceful Duke of Fan; Cao Jun, was appointed Cao Ang's heir and made the Duke of Zhongdou, but later in the same year, was made the Duke of Zhangzi. On the 5th year, Cao Ang was posthumously elevated to the Grieved Prince of Feng. In the 3rd year of the Taihe era, Cao Ang's posthumous name was changed from the Grieved to the Pitied. During the Jiaping era, Cao Wan succeeded Cao Ang as the Prince of Feng Commandery. During the Zhengyuan and Jingyuan eras, the commandery's taxable households increased until it had 2,700. When Cao Wan passed away, he was given the posthumous title of the 'Respectful' and his son, Cao Lian, succeeded him."
The Grand Progenitor (Taizu) is Cao Cao...
"The Short-Lived Prince of Xiang; Cao Shuo, died early. In the 3rd year of the the Taihe era, Cao Shuo was given his posthumous title. In the first year of the Qinglong era, his son, the Pitiful Prince; Cao Qian was made his heir, yet later that year, Cao Qian died. On the 2nd year, Cao Qian's son, the Cherished Prince; Cao Yan was made his heir and bestowed 2,500 taxable households, yet on the 4th year, Cao Yan died. Cao Yan begotten no children and the county was abolished. In the 2nd year of the Zhengyuan era, the county was reestablished and the Duke of Yangdou; Cao Song, the son of the Prince of Leling; Cao Mao, became the Marquis."
"The Lamentable Prince of Deng; Cao Chong, courtesy name Cangshu. When he was only five to six years old, he was very clever, intelligent, keen, and had the same amount of knowledge an adult man had. When Sun Quan sent a very gigantic elephant as tribute, the Grand Progenitor was curious about the weight. He spoke with a crowd, yet not a single one of them knew. Then Cao Chong said, 'Place the elephant onto a big boat, carefully note the water level [then remove the elephant and place cargo], weigh the cargo [on the boat until it reaches the water level], then you will know the weight.' The Grand Progenitor was greatly delighted and immediately used Cao Chong's idea.
In another time, the laws were severe due to an ongoing war and when the Grand Progenitor's saddle was in a warehouse, rats came and bitten it, the officials in charge were scared of their lives, and wanted to admit their folly in an attempt to be pardoned. Cao Chong came and stated, 'Wait three days, and things will be as they were before.' Cao Chong then brandished a knife and cut parts of his clothing as if the rats had also bitten it and put on the appearance of looking very troubled. When the Grand Progenitor questioned what had happened to him, Cao Chong replied, 'Tradition says that if a person's clothes were bitten by rats, they will have bad luck. Now that my clothes are bitten by rats, I'm worried about what will happen.' The Grand Progenitor retorted, 'That is only crazy talk, nothing bad will happen to you.' When the officials in charge reported the saddle incident, the Grand Progenitor chuckled, 'My child's clothes is like that and yet my saddle is also like that?', and called off the investigation.
Cao Chong was very benevolent and loved knowledge. Those wrongly accused of crimes went to Cao Chong, to which he personally inspected every case and helped tens of them be acquitted. The Grand Progenitor often expressed how proud he was of him to his associates and desired to make Cao Chong his heir. When Cao Chong was 13, he fell ill and the Grand Progenitor tried his best to nurture back to health, but Cao Chong died, filling him with extreme anguish. The Cultured Emperor consoled the Grand Progenitor while he stated, 'This is my misfortune, but fortunate for you as well.' Thereafter when [Cao Chong] was even mentioned, [the Grand Progenitor] shed streams of tears. Cao Chong was buried with a woman from the Zhang family, which he was posthumously married to. Cao Chong was posthumously made the Grand Commander of the Calvary. The Marquis of Wan; Cao Cong, who was the son of Cao Ju, was appointed Cao Chong's heir.
In the 22nd year [of the Jian'an era], Cao Cong was made the Marquis of Deng. In the 2nd year of the Huangchu era, Cao Chong was posthumously made the Lamentable Marquis of Deng, though he was later promoted to the Duke of Deng that same year. On the 3rd year, Cao Cong was made the Duke of Guanjun. On the 4th year, Cao Cong was relocated as the Duke of Jishi. In the 5th year of the Taihe era, Cao Chong was made the Lamentable Prince of Deng. Cao Cong had produced illegal goods and was punished by having 300 taxable households removed and demoted to a Marquis of a District, and three years later, he was reappointed the Duke of Jishi. In the 7th year of the Zhengshi era, Cao Cong was relocated to Pingyang. During the Jingchu, Zhengyuan and Jingyuan eras, the dukedom's taxable households increased until it had 1,900."
The Cao Ju mentioned here is the full brother of Cao Chong and Cao Cong may have known or not have known that Cao Ju produced illegal goods.
"The Prince of Pengcheng; Cao Ju. In the 16th year of the Jian'an era, he was named the Marquis of Fanyang and on the 22nd year, was relocated to Fengwan County. In the 2nd year of the Huangchu era, he was promoted to a Duke. On the 3rd year, he was promoted to the Prince of Zhangling, later changed to Yiyang in that year. The Cultured Emperor had Cao Ju move southwards [due to his health] where it was moist and damp, though as Lady Huan lived in Pengcheng, Cao Ju was eventually made the Prince of Pengcheng. He later was made the Prince of Jiyin. In the 5th year, an imperial decree read: 'By this decree, which all Princes are obligated to follow. The Han, after increasing the size of area where the Qin had, used the Commandery system, until the Bright and Martial Emperor, in accordance to Heaven's will, had reformed it and used this system, Provinces, Commanderies, and Counties [in seniority], but it is no longer effective. Therefore, all Commanderies will be converted into counties.' In accordance of the decree, Cao Ju now became the Prince of Dingtao County. In the 6th year of the Taihe era, the Commandery system was revived, and Cao Ju was reappointed as the Prince of Pengcheng Commandery.
Within the 1st year of the Jingchu era, private investigators sent by the government discovered that Cao Ju had produced various illegal goods; he was punished by having 2,000 taxable households removed. On the 3rd year, the 2,000 taxable households were returned. Throughout the Zhengyuan and Jingyuan eras, the commandery's taxable households increased until it had 4,600."
The Bright and Martial Emperor (Guangwu) is Liu Xiu.
"The Prince of Yan; Cao Yu, courtesy name Pengzu. In the 16th year of the Jian'an era, he was appointed as a Marquis of a District and on the 22nd year, was promoted to Marquis of Luyang. In the 3rd year of the Huangchu era, he was made a Duke and on the 3rd year, was made the Prince of Xiapi Commandery. On the 5th year, he [in accordance of an Imperial Decree] became the Prince of Danfu County. In the 6th year of the Taihe era, he became the Prince of Yan Commandery.
The Bright Emperor spent most of his early life with Cao Yu and loved him greatly. And when he ascended the throne, he immediately bestowed lavish gifts on Cao Yu, favoring him over all the other various princes. In the 3rd year of the Qinglong era, Cao Yu was summoned to the capital and remained there until the 1st year of Jingshu, when he returned back to Ye. During the summer on the 2nd year, Cao Yu was summoned to the capital.
On the 12th month during winter, the Bright Emperor became seriously ill. Cao Yu visited him and received the title of Grand Commander and in the event he would die, [would help his successor]. After serving as Grand Commander for four days, he firmly announced his intention to quit; the Emperor had changed his mind and so accepted Cao Yu's request. On summer on the 3rd year, Cao Yu returned to Ye. During the Jingchu, Zhengyuan and Jingyuan eras, the commandery's taxable households increased until it had 5,500. The Duke of Changdao; Cao Huan, was Cao Yu's son, [and became Emperor].
See the Imperial Decree in Cao Ju's biography. The Bright Emperor (Mingdi) is Cao Rui.
"The Solemn Prince of Pei; Cao Lin. In the 16th year of the Jian'an era, he was appointed as the Marquis of Raoyang and on the 22nd year, was relocated to Qiao. In the 2nd year of the Huangchu era, he was promoted to the Duke of Qiao and on the 3rd year, he was advanced to the Prince of Qiao Commandery; on the 5th year, he [in accordance of an Imperial Decree] became the Prince of Qiao County. On the 7th year, he was relocated to Juancheng County. In the 6th year of the Taihe era, he became the Prince of Pei Commandery. Throughout the Jingchu, Zhengyuan and Jingyuan eras, the commandery's taxable households increased until it had 4,700. When Cao Lin passed away, his son, Cao Wei, succeeded him."
See the Imperial Decree in Cao Ju's biography.
"The Respectful Prince of Zhongshan; Cao Gun. In the 21st year of the Jian'an era, Cao Gun was made the Marquis of Ping District. As a child, he loved reading and when he was 10 years old, could recite many various texts. Every time Cao Gun read literature, his retinue feared that his vigorous eagerness would make him sick, and frequently advised him to stop, but Cao Gun's scholarly nature and passion [of learning], made him refuse to abandon [what he loved]. On the 22nd year, Cao Gun was made the Marquis of Dong District later in that year becoming the Marquis of Zan.
In the 2nd year of the Huangchu era, Cao Gun was made a Duke. When his officials all congratulated him, Cao Gun simply said, 'I've lived deep inside the palace ever since I was born, and was not made aware of the hardships and difficulties of the farmers and mistakes caused by arrogance and carelessness. All of you wise and virtuous men, instead of simply congratulating me, should help me find my mistakes.' Each of Cao Gun's brothers lived leisurely and extravagantly, while Cao Gun himself deeply contemplated the Classics. Those who watched him read said, 'We were ordered by the Court to watch the Duke's behavior, and [to report back] if he indulged himself, [however] he only does good deeds; we should not hide this and make this known [to the court].' And so they [wrote a letter] applauding how great Cao Gun behaved [and reported it to the court]. When Cao Gun learned of this, he became startled, and sternly reproached them saying, 'One should conduct themselves in virtuous behavior, but you men let His Majesty know of my deeds. Because of this, I feel burdened. Furthermore, if one does good deeds anyway, it is not necessary to report it and make feel worried [and pressured]. [Your actions] have not benefited me.' Such is the way of how alert Cao Gun is.
On the 3rd year, Cao Gun was promoted to the Prince of Beihai Commandery. Later that year, a Yellow Dragon was spotted west of Ye near the Zhang River. Cao Gun wrote a memorial [to the Emperor] praising him [when he heard of the dragon]. As a result, Cao Gun was rewarded 10 gold jin from the Court along with an Imperial Edict [from the Emperor] that read: 'You, Prince, have meticulously studied the Ancient Classics and [your calligraphy] is very elegant and [your choice of words] are brilliant, making me very proud. You, Prince, know the virtue of light and we've sent this Imperial Edict to you when we've heard of your deeds.' On the 4th year, Cao Gun was made the Prince of Zan Commandery. On the 7th year, Cao Gun was made the Prince of Puyang County. In the 2nd year of the Taihe era, Cao Gun moved to Puyang. He was still very frugal and thrifty, teaching his concubines to weave cloth. This was how his household worked everyday. On the 5th year, Cao Gun was summoned the to Capital. On the 6th year, Cao Gun was made the Prince of Zhongshan Commandery.
Early on when Cao Gun arrived to the Capital, he had committed a crime. In the 1st year of the Qinglong era, an official [reported] Cao Gun's [crime to the Court]. An Imperial Edict came which read: 'You, Prince, have been very respectful and virtuous, yet you've unexpectedly violated this taboo.' Therefore, Cao Gun was stripped of 2 counties and 750 taxable households. When he received the Imperial Edict, Cao Gun was very unhappy and stressed and told his subordinates solemnly [to mind their business next time]. When word of this reached the Emperor, he [felt pity] so returned the counties on the 2nd year. During the autumn on the 3rd year, Cao Gun fell ill and the an Imperial Doctor came from the Imperial Court to inspect the illness. He was given medicine and the Prince of Pei; Cao Lin, was summoned [to Cao Gun]. (WIP)
If anyone could translate this sentence, it would be appreciated: "昔唐叔归禾，东平献颂，斯皆骨肉赞美，以彰懿亲"
Cao Xuan
"The Cherished Prince of Jiyang; Cao Xuan. In the 16th year of the Jian'an era, Cao Gun was made the Marquis of Xi District. Died early and begotten no children. On the 20th year, the Prince of Pei; Cao Lin's son, Cao Zan, succeeded Cao Xuan. Cao Zan died early and begotten no children. The Cultured Emperor made Cao Zan's younger brother, Cao Yi, [the successor] to carry on Cao Xuan's line. In the 2nd year of the Huangchu era, Cao Yi became the Marquis of Jiyang. On the 4th year, he was promoted to a Duke. In the 4th year of the Taihe era, Cao Xuan was bestowed his posthumous title, 'Cherished Duke'. On the 6th year, Cao Xuan was posthumously elevated to the 'Cherished Prince' and Cao Zan was posthumously elevated to the 'Lamentable Marquis of Xi'. Cao Yi passed away, posthumous title, 'Grieved Duke' and his son, Cao Heng, succeeded him. Throughout the Jingchu, Zhengyuan and Jingyuan eras, the dukedom's taxable households increased until it had 1,900."
Cao Jun
"The Respectful Prince of Chenliu; Cao Jun, courtesy name Zi'an. In the 21st year of the Jian'an era, he was named the Marquis of Mei. On the 22nd year, he was relocated to Xiangyi. In the 2nd year of the Huangchu era, he was elevated to a Duke. On the 3rd year, he became the Prince of Chenliu Commandery. On the 5th year, [in accordance of an Imperial Decree] he became the Prince of Xiangyi County. In the 6th year of the Taihe era, he was reappointed as the Prince of Chenliu Commandery. On the 6th year of the Ganlu era, Cao Jun passed away, and his son, Cao Ao, succeeded him. Throughout the Jingchu, Zhengyuan and Jingyuan eras, the commandery's taxable households increased until it had 4,700."
See the Imperial Decree in Cao Ju's biography.
"The Compassionate Prince of Fanyang; Cao Ju. Died early and begotten no children. In the 22nd year of the Jian'an era, the son of the Peaceful Duke of Fan; Cao Jun, Cao Min, was made his heir and appointed the Marquis of Linjin. In the 3rd year of the Huangchu era, Cao Ju was given his posthumous title, 'The Compassionate Duke of Fanyang'. On the 5th year, Cao Min [in accordance of an Imperial Decree] became the Prince of Fanyang County. On the 7th year, Cao Min was relocated to Juyang. In the 6th year of the Taihe era, Cao Ju was given his posthumous title, 'The Compassionate Prince of Fanyang' and Cao Min became the Prince of Langxie Commandery. Throughout the Jingchu, Zhengyuan and Jingyuan eras, the commandery's taxable households increased until it had 3,400. Cao Min died and was given the posthumous title, 'The Original Prince' and his son, Cao Kun, succeeded him."
See the Imperial Decree in Cao Ju's biography.
The Prince of Zhao; Cao Gan. In the 20th year of the Jian'an era, he was made the Marquis of Guanping Village and on the 22nd year, was relocated to Laiting Village, and later that year, was made the Marquis of Hongnong. In the 2nd year of the Huangchu era, he was made the Duke of Yan. On the 3rd year, he was promoted to the Prince of Hejian but on the 5th year [in accordance of an Imperial Decree] became the Prince of Lecheng County. On the 7th year, he was relocated to Julu County. In the 6th year of the Taihe era, he became the Prince of Zhao Commandery.
Cao Gan's mother had been treated well by the Grand Progenitor. By the time the Cultured Emperor [came into power], Cao Gan's mother wielded a large amount of power. Before the Cultured Emperor died, he had made a death edict [telling the Bright Emperor to take care of Cao Gan and his mother], therefore, the Bright Emperor treated them well. In the 2nd year of the Qinglong era, an entourage from the Imperial Court gave him a royal seal and a Imperial Edict. Throughout the Jingchu, Zhengyuan and Jingyuan eras, the commandery's taxable households increased until it had 5,000.
See the Imperial Decree in Cao Ju's biography. From 'Cao Gan's mother' to 'treated them well', that's where my translation really gets inaccurate. The Imperial Edict mentioned does has text but it'll be finished later.
Cao Shang
The Short-Lived Duke of Linyi; Cao Shang. Died early and begotten no children. In the 5th year of the Taihe era, he was bestowed his posthumous name. No heir.
The Prince of Chu; Cao Biao. In the 21st year of the Jian'an era, he became the Marquis of Shouchun. In the 2nd year of the Huangchu era, he became the Duke of Ruyang and on the 3rd year was further advanced to the Prince of Yiyang Commandery and later became the Prince of Wu that same year. On the 5th year, [in accordance of an Imperial Decree] he became the Prince of Shouchun County. On the 7th year, he was relocated to Baima County. During the winter of the 5th year of the Taihe era, he was summoned to the capital. On the 7th year, he was promoted to the Prince of Chu Commandery.
Early on when Cao Biao came to the capital, he had committed a crime and so on the 1st year [of the Qinglong era], he was punished by having 3 counties removed bringing the total to 1,500 taxable households. On the 2nd year, a [general] amnesty was given and so he was given back his counties and households. In the 3rd year of the Jingchu era, Cao Biao was given 500 taxable households, in total 3,000 taxable households.
In the 1st year of the Jiaping era, the Inspector of Yanzhou; Linghu Yu and the Grand Commander; Wang Ling approached and schemed with Cao Biao planning to make the new capital Xuchang [and overthrow the Simas]. Wang Ling and Linghu Yu's plot was discovered and can be found in detail in Volume 28. The court sent a group of investigators to [Cao Biao's] commandery to investigate and found proof [that Cao Biao] was connected [to the plot]. A Tingwei ruled that Cao Biao was guilty [of treason]. They referenced the story of the rebellion of the Prince of Yan; Liu Dan during the Han dynasty. And so the Tingwei took Cao Biao's seal of authority. Cao Biao was forced to commit suicide [soon after]. Cao Biao's concubines and children were demoted to commoners and exiled to Pingyuan. The subordinates of Cao Biao were imprisoned, and those who knew of his plot were executed. His commandery was renamed Huainan.
In the 1st year of the Zhengyuan era, an imperial edict came which read: 'The Prince of Chu; Cao Biao was guilty of treason, and so he died [as a punishment], however, we have taken pity on [his family]. Cao Biao's family will be restored to noble status and his son and heir, Cao Jia, will become the Prince of Changshan-Zhending Commandery. In the first year of the Jingyuan era, the commandery's taxable households increased until it had 2,500."
See the Imperial Decree in Cao Ju's biography. A Tingwei was a person who probably presided over major crimes. I could not translate the edict.
