Cao Pi, the son of Cao Cao, known as Emperor Wu of Wei, was one of the prominent rulers in Chinese history. However, there was a conflict with his younger brother Cao Zhi in his career, which became a controversial topic in history.
Cao Cao was known for his iron-fisted rule over his army, but when Cao Zhi was threatened with Cao Pi's killing, Cao Pi surprisingly chose forgiveness and did not put Cao Zhi to death.
What is the reason behind this historical mystery? First of all, we need to understand the family background of Cao Pi and Cao Zhi. Cao Cao had many children, and Cao Pi and Cao Zhi were Cao Cao's two sons-in-law.
Cao Pi was born at a time when Cao Cao was in real power, and Cao Zhi only came to prominence after Cao Cao's early death. This difference in birth affected the status and influence of the two to a certain extent.
After Cao Pi ascended the throne, he was under heavy pressure to stabilize Wei's rule. Cao Cao's legacy of the territory needed to be better managed, and internal disputes needed to be resolved as soon as possible to ensure the stability of the regime.
In this context, Cao Pi may have attached more importance to the entire cause of reunification, and more to Cao Zhi's situation, he considered the unity of the family. Secondly, Cao Cao's favor for Cao Zhi during his lifetime and the competitive relationship between Cao Pi are also important clues to solve this historical mystery.
Cao Cao was very fond of Cao Zhi, which made Cao Zhi still have some supporters after Cao Cao's death. After Cao Pi seized the throne, if he took drastic measures against Cao Zhi, it might cause a greater **, and even endanger the internal stability of Wei.
Cao Cao's wisdom and ingenuity were evident in this decision. He was well aware that if he excessively eradicated dissidents, he could lead to internal disintegration and threaten the long-term peace of the Wei state. For this reason, Cao Pi decided to let Cao Zhi go in order to maintain the unity of the family and ensure the stability of the regime.
At the same time, Cao Pi may also appreciate Cao Zhi's literary talent. Cao Zhi is known for his abundant talents, and his poetic achievements have left us with a rich literary legacy. As a Ming monarch, Cao Pi may have recognized that the power of literature was just as important to the consolidation of his rule.
Therefore, letting Cao Zhi go is also out of respect for literature and talent, in order to maintain the family's face.
Cao Pi chose not to kill Cao Zhi, there was not only one reason behind it, but a variety of factors were considered. He wanted to maintain the unity of his family while ensuring the long-term stability of the regime, and at the same time, he saw that Cao Zhi's literary talents might be beneficial to the Wei state.
This wise and generous decision allowed the Cao Cao family to continue to prosper under Cao Pi's leadership, laying a solid foundation for the later Emperor Wu of Wei.