Book of Wei · Princes and Dukes Descended from Emperors Wu (Cao Cao) and Wen (Cao Pi)

Emperor Wu (Cao Cao) <Martial Emperor; a posthumous imperial title> had twenty-five sons. Empress Bian (Bian Shi) bore Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) <Civil Emperor; a posthumous imperial title>, Prince Wei of Rencheng (Cao Zhang) <‘Formidable,’ a posthumous designation>, Prince Si of Chen (Cao Zhi) <‘Reflective’>, and Prince Huai of Xiao (Cao Xiong) <‘Lamented’>. Consort Liu bore Prince Min of Feng (Cao Ang) <‘Lamented’> and Prince Shang of Xiang (Cao Shuo) <‘Died Young’>. Consort Huan bore Prince Ai of Deng (Cao Chong) <‘Mourned’>, the Prince of Pengcheng (Cao Ju), and the Prince of Yan (Cao Yu). Consort Du bore Prince Mu of Pei (Cao Lin) <‘Solemn’> and Prince Gong of Zhongshan (Cao Gun) <‘Respectful’>. Consort Qin bore Prince Huai of Jiyang (Cao Xuan) and Prince Gong of Chenliu (Cao Jun, 曹峻). Consort Yin bore Prince Min of Fanyang (Cao Ju, 曹矩). Lady Wang of Bright Deportment <昭儀, a consort rank> bore the Prince of Zhao (Cao Gan). Lady Sun bore Duke Shang of Linyi (Cao Zishang), the Prince of Chu (Cao Biao), and Duke Shang of Gang (Cao Ziqin). Lady Li bore Duke Shang of Gucheng (Cao Zicheng), Duke Dai of Mei (Cao Zizheng) <‘Honored’>, and Duke Shang of Ling (Cao Zijing). Lady Zhou bore Duke An of Fan (Cao Jun, 曹均) <‘Peaceful’>. Lady Liu bore Duke Shang of Guangzong (Cao Ziji). Lady Song bore Prince Ling of Dongping (Cao Hui) <‘Numinous’>. Lady Zhao bore the Prince of Leling (Cao Mao, 曹茂). [Most mothers' personal names are not supplied; shared surnames do not by themselves establish identity.]

Prince Min of Feng (Cao Ang), courtesy name Zixiu, was nominated as Filial and Incorrupt around the age of twenty. Accompanying Taizu (Cao Cao) <Great Ancestor; a temple name conferred posthumously> south, he was killed through Zhang Xiu's attack. He had no son. In the second year of Huangchu he was posthumously enfeoffed as Duke Dao of Feng (Cao Ang) <‘Mourned,’ a posthumous designation>. In the third year, Cao Wan, son of Duke An of Fan (Cao Jun, 曹均), was assigned to continue his line and enfeoffed as Duke of Zhongdu, transferring that year to Duke of Zhangzi. In the fifth year, Cao Ang was further honored as Prince Dao of Feng (Cao Ang). In the third year of Taihe his designation changed to Min. In the sixth year of Jiaping, Cao Wan inherited his title as Prince of Feng. During Zhengyuan and Jingyuan, repeated increases brought his fief to twenty-seven hundred households. He died with the posthumous title Prince Gong (Cao Wan), and his son Cao Lian succeeded.

Prince Shang of Xiang (Cao Shuo) died early and received his posthumous title and enfeoffment in the third year of Taihe. In the first year of Qinglong his son Prince Min (Cao Qian) succeeded and died that year. In the second year, Cao Qian's son Prince Huai (Cao Yan) succeeded with twenty-five hundred households. He died in the fourth year without a son, and the state lapsed. In the second year of Zhengyuan, Cao Song, Duke of Yangdu District and son of the Prince of Leling (Cao Mao, 曹茂), was assigned to continue Cao Shuo's line.

Prince Ai of Deng (Cao Chong), courtesy name Cangshu, was perceptive and precocious from childhood. At five or six his understanding resembled an adult's. Sun Quan once presented a great elephant. Taizu (Cao Cao) wished to know its weight, but none of his subordinates could devise a method. Cao Chong said: “Put the elephant aboard a large boat and mark the waterline. Then load weighed objects until it reaches the same mark. By comparison its weight can be known.” Taizu (Cao Cao) was delighted and put the method into practice. Military and state affairs were then numerous, and punishments severe. Mice gnawed Taizu (Cao Cao)'s saddle in a storehouse. Fearing certain death, the storekeeper considered binding himself and confessing but still feared no escape. Cao Chong told him: “Wait three days before presenting yourself.” He cut holes in his own unlined robe like mouse bites, pretended dismay, and looked sorrowful. Asked why, he answered: “People say that when mice gnaw someone's clothing, its owner suffers misfortune. My robe has been gnawed, so I am troubled.” Taizu (Cao Cao) said: “That is nonsense. There is nothing to suffer over.” Soon the storekeeper reported the saddle. Taizu (Cao Cao) laughed: “They even gnaw my son's clothing beside him. How much more a saddle hanging on a post!” He pursued the matter no further. Cao Chong's humanity and understanding were all of this kind. Several dozen people liable to execution escaped through his discreet explanations and intercession.

Taizu (Cao Cao) repeatedly praised him before the ministers and intended to pass the succession to him. At thirteen, in the thirteenth year of Jian'an, he became ill. Taizu (Cao Cao) personally prayed for his life. His death caused deep grief. When Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) tried to console him, Taizu (Cao Cao) said: “This is my misfortune, but your good fortune.”

Whenever speaking of him, Taizu (Cao Cao) wept. He arranged a marriage with a deceased daughter of the Zhen family and buried them together, posthumously granting the seal and ribbon of Commandant of Cavalry. Cao Cong, son of the Marquis of Wan (Cao Ju), was assigned to continue Cao Chong's line. In the twenty-second year, Cao Cong was enfeoffed as Marquis of Deng.

In the second year of Huangchu, Cao Chong was posthumously granted the title Marquis Ai of Deng (Cao Chong), then further raised to duke.

In the third year, Cao Cong's rank advanced and his fief transferred to Duke of Guanjun. In the fourth, it transferred to Duke of Jishi. In the fifth year of Taihe, Cao Chong received the additional title Prince Ai of Deng (Cao Chong). In the first year of Jingchu, Cao Cong had prohibited objects made at the Central Imperial Workshops. Three hundred households were deducted and he was demoted to Marquis of Duxiang. In the third year he was restored as Duke of Jishi. In the seventh year of Zhengshi his fief transferred to Duke of Pingyang. During Jingchu, Zhengyuan, and Jingyuan, repeated increases brought his total to nineteen hundred households.

The Prince of Pengcheng (Cao Ju) was enfeoffed as Marquis of Fanyang in the sixteenth year of Jian'an and transferred to Marquis of Wan in the twenty-second. In the second year of Huangchu he advanced to duke; in the third he became Prince of Zhangling, transferring that year to Yiyang. Considering the south low and damp, and Dowager Consort Huan a native of Pengcheng, Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) transferred him to Pengcheng, then again to Jiyin. In the fifth year an edict said: “Former kings established states according to the times. The Han founder increased the commanderies established by Qin. Emperor Guangwu (Liu Xiu) <Luminous Martial Emperor; the founding Eastern Han emperor>, faced with the realm's losses, merged commanderies and counties. Today the population is smaller still. Change all princely fiefs to county-sized states.” Cao Ju's fief became Dingtao County. In the sixth year of Taihe, the princes' states were all again made commandery-sized, and Cao Ju returned to Pengcheng. In the first year of Jingchu he privately sent men to the Central Imperial Workshops to make prohibited objects. Counties and two thousand households were deducted from his fief [削縣二千戶, the supplied wording].

In the third year, the deducted territory and households were restored. During Zhengyuan and Jingyuan, repeated increases brought the total to forty-six hundred households.

The Prince of Yan (Cao Yu), courtesy name Pengzu, was enfeoffed as Marquis of Du District in the sixteenth year of Jian'an and transferred to Marquis of Luyang in the twenty-second. In the second year of Huangchu he became duke, in the third Prince of Xiapi, and in the fifth ruler of Shanfu County. In the sixth year of Taihe his fief changed to Yan. Emperor Ming (Cao Rui) <Bright Emperor; a posthumous imperial title> had stayed with him in youth and always cherished him especially. After accession, he gave Cao Yu favors and gifts unlike those of other princes. Summoned to court in the third year of Qinglong, Cao Yu returned to Ye in the first year of Jingchu and was summoned to the capital again in the summer of the second. In the twelfth month that winter, the gravely ill emperor made him General-in-Chief and entrusted him with future affairs. Four days after accepting the appointment, Cao Yu firmly declined; the emperor also changed his mind, and he was dismissed. In the summer of the third year he returned to Ye. During Jingchu, Zhengyuan, and Jingyuan, increases brought his fief to fifty-five hundred households. The Duke of Changdao District (Cao Huan) <the territorial title held before imperial accession>, his son, entered to continue the principal imperial line.

Prince Mu of Pei (Cao Lin) became Marquis of Raoyang in the sixteenth year of Jian'an, transferred to Qiao in the twenty-second, advanced to duke in the second year of Huangchu, and became Prince of Qiao in the third. In the fifth year his fief changed to Qiao County; in the seventh, to Juancheng. In the sixth year of Taihe it became Pei. During Jingchu, Zhengyuan, and Jingyuan, repeated increases brought his total to forty-seven hundred households. He died, and his son Cao Wei succeeded him.

Prince Gong of Zhongshan (Cao Gun) was enfeoffed as Marquis of Ping District in the twenty-first year of Jian'an. Fond of study from youth, he could compose literature in his early teens. When he read, his Literary Attendant and other staff repeatedly urged him to stop, fearing overexertion would make him ill. But by nature he loved it and could not abandon it. In the twenty-second year his fief transferred to Marquis of Dong District, then that year to Marquis of Zan. Advancing to duke in the second year of Huangchu, he received congratulations from all his officials. He said: “Born deep within palaces, men do not know the hardships of farming and often fall into arrogance and ease. As you celebrate my good fortune, help repair my faults.” While his brothers amused themselves, he alone pondered the classics. His Literary Attendant and supervisory staff said: “We have an edict to observe his actions and report faults. Goodness too should be reported; we must not conceal his excellence.” They jointly memorialized praising him. Hearing it, Cao Gun was alarmed and reproached the Literary Attendant: “Cultivating and guarding oneself is ordinary conduct. Reporting it above merely increases my burden. If there is goodness, why fear it will not be heard? Hurrying to act together thus does not benefit me.” Such was his caution. In the third year he became Prince of Beihai. That year a yellow dragon appeared in the Zhang River west of Ye, and he submitted a eulogy. An edict bestowed ten jin of gold: “Formerly Tang Shu (Ji Shuyu) presented grain and the Prince of Dongping (Liu Cang) <a territorial Han princely title> offered a eulogy. Both acts praised one's own kin and displayed worthy family bonds. You study the ancient texts profoundly, delight in the Way's truth, and shine in literary refinement. I greatly commend you. Carefully uphold enlightened virtue to complete your good name.” In the fourth year his fief changed to Zan; in the seventh, to Puyang. In the second year of Taihe he went to his state, honoring thrift and having consorts and concubines spin and weave, practicing ordinary household tasks. He entered court in the winter of the fifth year. In the sixth, his fief changed to Zhongshan.

Earlier, while attending court, Cao Gun had violated a capital prohibition. In the first year of Qinglong the authorities reported him. An edict said: “The prince has always been respectful and cautious and has happened into this fault. Deliberate according to the rule for considering close kin.” The officials insisted, and two counties and seven hundred and fifty households were deducted.

Anxious and afraid, Cao Gun instructed his officials to greater caution. The emperor approved and restored the counties in the second year. In the autumn of the third, Cao Gun became ill. An imperial physician was sent, while palace attendants and Tiger Guards continually brought personal edicts and fine foods. His mother, the dowager consort, and the Prince of Pei (Cao Lin) were also sent to visit. Gravely ill, he instructed his officials: “Of scant virtue, I have unworthily received favor, and my allotted life is ending. I have always favored frugality, and the sage court has established rules for life's end as a pattern for the realm. From my last breath through encoffining and burial, obey the edicts. Qu Yuan (蘧瑗, Qu Boyu), the worthy grand master of Wei, was buried at Puyang. Looking toward his grave, I have always recalled his example. I wish to entrust my failing body to his worthy spirit. Prepare my burial ground beside his. Ritual says a man does not die in women's hands. Complete the eastern hall promptly.” When finished, he named it Hall of Fulfilled Purpose and was carried there. He also instructed his heir: “You are young and have not heard the proper principles. Becoming a lord early, you know pleasure but not hardship. Ignorance of hardship must lead to arrogance and extravagance. Treat great ministers with ritual. Even those not great ministers, if old, deserve a return bow. Respect elder brothers and care for younger ones. If brothers act badly, admonish them privately at close quarters. If they refuse, explain with tears; if unchanged, tell their mother. If still unchanged, report to the throne and surrender your state and lands. Better poor and lowly with life preserved than holding favor and meeting disaster. This concerns great offenses; cover minor faults and small mistakes. My son, carefully cultivate yourself, serve the sage court with loyalty and firmness and the dowager consort with filial reverence. Inside the women's quarters follow her commands; beyond the threshold receive instruction from the Prince of Pei (Cao Lin). Do not slacken your heart, so that my spirit may be comforted.” He died that year. The emperor ordered Cao Lin to stay through the burial. The Grand Herald, bearing credentials, supervised the funeral; the Minister of the Imperial Clan offered mourning and sacrifice, with very generous funeral gifts. Cao Gun wrote over twenty thousand words. Though his talent did not equal Prince Si of Chen (Cao Zhi)'s, his devotion to writing matched it. His son Cao Fu succeeded. During Jingchu, Zhengyuan, and Jingyuan, repeated increases brought the fief to thirty-four hundred households.

Prince Huai of Jiyang (Cao Xuan) was enfeoffed as Marquis of Xi District in the sixteenth year of Jian'an. He died early without a son. In the twentieth year, Cao Zan, son of the Prince of Pei (Cao Lin), inherited his rank and fief but also died early without a son. Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) assigned Cao Zan's younger brother Cao Yi (曹壹) to continue Cao Xuan's line. In the second year of Huangchu the fief became Marquis of Jiyang; in the fourth, duke. In the fourth year of Taihe, Cao Xuan was posthumously advanced as Duke Huai (Cao Xuan). In the sixth, he was further raised to Prince Huai (Cao Xuan), while Cao Zan posthumously became Marquis Ai of Xi District (Cao Zan). Cao Yi died with the title Duke Dao (Cao Yi, 曹壹), and his son Cao Heng succeeded. During Jingchu, Zhengyuan, and Jingyuan, repeated increases brought the fief to nineteen hundred households.

Prince Gong of Chenliu (Cao Jun, 曹峻), courtesy name Zi'an, became Marquis of Mei in the twenty-first year of Jian'an and transferred to Xiangyi in the twenty-second. In the second year of Huangchu he became duke, in the third Prince of Chenliu, and in the fifth ruler of Xiangyi County. In the sixth year of Taihe he again received Chenliu. He died in the fourth year of Ganlu, and his son Cao Ao succeeded. During Jingchu, Zhengyuan, and Jingyuan, repeated increases brought the fief to forty-seven hundred households.

Prince Min of Fanyang (Cao Ju, 曹矩) died early without a son. In the twenty-second year of Jian'an, Cao Min, son of Duke An of Fan (Cao Jun, 曹均), was assigned to continue his line and enfeoffed as Marquis of Linjin. In the third year of Huangchu, Cao Ju (曹矩) posthumously became Duke Min of Fanyang. In the fifth year, Cao Min became Prince of Fanyang, transferring to Gouyang in the seventh. In the sixth year of Taihe, Cao Ju (曹矩) was posthumously raised to Prince Min of Fanyang, and Cao Min's fief changed to Prince of Langye. During Jingchu, Zhengyuan, and Jingyuan, increases brought his total to thirty-four hundred households. He died with the posthumous title Prince Yuan (Cao Min) <‘Fundamental,’ a posthumous designation>, and his son Cao Kun succeeded.

The Prince of Zhao (Cao Gan) became Marquis of Gaoping Village in the twentieth year of Jian'an. In the twenty-second his fief transferred to Marquis of Lai Village, then that year to Marquis of Hongnong. In the second year of Huangchu his rank advanced and his fief transferred to Duke of Yan.

In the third year, Cao Gan became Prince of Hejian; in the fifth, ruler of Lecheng County; in the seventh, of Julu. In the sixth year of Taihe he became Prince of Zhao. His mother had enjoyed Taizu (Cao Cao)'s favor and assisted Emperor Wen (Cao Pi)'s establishment as heir. Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) left instructions at his death, so Emperor Ming (Cao Rui) consistently showed Cao Gan special kindness. In the second year of Qinglong, private contacts with guests were reported by the authorities. He received this sealed letter of admonition:

“The Changes says: ‘Found states and establish households; do not employ petty men.’ The Odes records the warning that pushing a great cart merely raises dust. Since Taizu (Cao Cao) received the mandate and founded the undertaking, he deeply understood the sources of order and disorder and the turning points of survival and destruction. At the first enfeoffment of the lords, he instructed them in utmost respect and caution and supplied upright men from the realm as assistants. He constantly cited Ma Yuan's final admonitions and made the prohibition against private contacts with guests so strict that violations equaled offenses of sinister wickedness. Was this because he treated flesh-and-blood kin lightly? He merely wished his sons and younger kinsmen free from faults and his people free from the regret of injury. “When Gaozu (Cao Pi) <High Ancestor; a temple name for the founding Wei emperor> ascended the throne, he reverently attended the myriad affairs and reaffirmed the order that the lords were not to attend court. Moved by the poet's Cherry Tree and admiring Gathering Beans, I also followed the edict's clause, ‘If summoned, they may go to the capital,’ and called the princes to observe court attendance. Yet Chu and Zhongshan both violated the contact prohibition, and Zhao Zong and Dai Jie suffered punishment. Recently the Prince of Dongping (Cao Hui) again had subordinate officials beat a Shouzhang clerk. On the authorities' report, I reduced his counties. “The authorities now report that Cao Zuan, Wang Qiao, and others met at your house on seasonal occasions of the nine kin groups, sometimes even outside the proper times, all violating restrictions. Considering your youth, your habitual deference, and the late emperor's final charge, I wish to extend kindness and ritual to your descendants, how much more to you yourself. Unless a sage, who can be without faults? I have ordered pardon for your error. The ancients said: ‘Be cautious over what is unseen and fearful over what is unheard. Nothing is more visible than the hidden or more manifest than the minute. Therefore a gentleman is careful when alone.’ Uncle, follow the former sages' rules to continue the late emperor's final instruction. Trembling and reverent, hold your position peacefully and fulfill my intention.”

During Jingchu, Zhengyuan, and Jingyuan, repeated increases brought his fief to five thousand households.

Duke Shang of Linyi (Cao Zishang) died early. In the fifth year of Taihe he received his posthumous title and enfeoffment. He had no successor.

The Prince of Chu (Cao Biao), courtesy name Zhuhu, became Marquis of Shouchun in the twenty-first year of Jian'an. In the second year of Huangchu he advanced to Duke of Ruyang; in the third, Prince of Yiyang, transferring that year to Wu. In the fifth year his fief became Shouchun County; in the seventh, Baima. In the winter of the fifth year of Taihe he attended court. In the sixth his fief changed to Chu. Violating a prohibition on his visit, he was reported in the first year of Qinglong [the era supplied in brackets]. Three counties and fifteen hundred households were deducted. In the second year a general amnesty restored them. In the third year of Jingchu, five hundred households were added for a total of three thousand. In the first year of Jiaping, Inspector of Yan Province Linghu Yu and Grand Commandant Wang Ling plotted to welcome Cao Biao and establish the capital at Xuchang, as related in Wang Ling's biography. A tutor and Attending Censor were sent to investigate within the state, arresting implicated men. The Commandant of Justice requested Cao Biao's summons for trial. Following the Han precedent of Prince Dan of Yan (Liu Dan), the acting Commandant of Justice and Grand Herald was sent with credentials and a stern sealed letter, instructing Cao Biao to consider his own course.

Cao Biao killed himself. His consort and sons were reduced to commoners and moved to Pingyuan. Officials of the state and the Supervising Internuncio, judged to have known the circumstances without fulfilling their duty to guide him, were all executed. The state was abolished and made Huainan Commandery.

In the first year of Zhengyuan, an edict said: “The late Prince of Chu (Cao Biao) abandoned the state and attached himself to wickedness, dying and losing the succession. Though self-inflicted, this still deserves pity. Concealing blemishes and faults is the way of cherishing kin. Enfeoff his heir Cao Jia as Prince of Zhending in Changshan.” In the first year of Jingyuan, his fief was increased to a total of twenty-five hundred households.

Duke Shang of Gang (Cao Ziqin) died early. In the fifth year of Taihe he received his posthumous title and enfeoffment. He had no successor.

Duke Shang of Gucheng (Cao Zicheng) died early. In the fifth year of Taihe he received his posthumous title and enfeoffment. He had no successor.

Duke Dai of Mei (Cao Zizheng) continued the line of his younger paternal clan uncle, Palace Gentleman Cao Shao. Enfeoffed as Marquis of Mei in the twenty-second year of Jian'an, he died in the twenty-third without a son. In the second year of Huangchu he was posthumously advanced as Duke Dai (Cao Zizheng). Cao Fan, son of the Prince of Pengcheng (Cao Ju), was assigned to continue his line. In the third year Cao Fan became Marquis of Pingshi, transferring to Chengwu in the fourth. In the third year of Taihe he became duke and died in the third year of Qinglong with the posthumous title Duke Dao (Cao Fan). He had no successor. In the fourth year, an edict made his younger brother Cao Chan, Duke of Dong'an District, Duke of Mei to continue Cao Zizheng's line. During Zhengyuan and Jingyuan, repeated increases brought the fief to eighteen hundred households.

Duke Shang of Ling (Cao Zijing) died early. In the fifth year of Taihe he received his posthumous title and enfeoffment. He had no successor.

Duke An of Fan (Cao Jun, 曹均) continued the line of his paternal uncle Duke Gong of Ji (Cao Bin). Enfeoffed as Marquis of Fan in the twenty-second year of Jian'an, he died in the twenty-fourth. His son Cao Kang succeeded. In the second year of Huangchu, Cao Jun (曹均) posthumously advanced to Duke An (Cao Jun, 曹均). In the third, Cao Kang's fief transferred to Duke of Ji, and in the fourth to Duke of Tunliu. He died in the first year of Jingchu with the posthumous title Duke Ding (Cao Kang), succeeded by his son Cao Chen. During Jingchu, Zhengyuan, and Jingyuan, repeated increases brought the fief to nineteen hundred households.

Duke Shang of Guangzong (Cao Ziji) died early. In the fifth year of Taihe he received his posthumous title and enfeoffment. He had no successor.

Prince Ling of Dongping (Cao Hui) continued the line of his great-uncle Marquis Ai of Langling (Cao Yu, 曹玉) <‘Mourned,’ a posthumous designation>. He became Marquis of Licheng in the twenty-second year of Jian'an, duke in the second year of Huangchu, and Prince of Lujiang in the third. In the fourth his fief transferred to Prince of Shouzhang; in the fifth, Shouzhang County. In the sixth year of Taihe it became Dongping. In the second year of Qinglong, he had his officials beat Shouzhang county clerks and was reported. One county and five hundred households were deducted, then restored that same year. He died in the third year of Zhengshi, and his son Cao Xi succeeded. During Jingchu, Zhengyuan, and Jingyuan, repeated increases brought the fief to thirty-four hundred households.

The Prince of Leling (Cao Mao, 曹茂) became Marquis of Wansui Village in the twenty-second year of Jian'an, transferring to Marquis of Pingyu in the twenty-third. In the third year of Huangchu he advanced to Duke of Chengshi, transferring to Zhongqiu in the seventh. Obstinate and harsh by nature, he received little favor from Taizu (Cao Cao) in youth and alone was denied princely rank under Emperor Wen (Cao Pi). In the first year of Taihe his fief changed to Duke of Liaocheng, and that year he became prince. An edict declared:

“Xiang was extremely cruel, yet great Shun enfeoffed him at Youbi. More recently Han's rulers of Huainan and Fuling were rebellious ministers and disobedient sons, yet some recovered their states in their own lifetimes and others received territory through their sons. The ruler of Yu practiced this in remote antiquity; Emperors Wen of Han (Liu Heng), Ming (Liu Zhuang), and Zhang (Liu Da) <Civil, Bright, and Brilliant; posthumous imperial titles> in later ages. All upheld the generous duty of ordering kinship. Duke of Liaocheng (Cao Mao, 曹茂) did not learn ritual instruction in youth or pursue goodness as an adult. The late emperor considered that ancient lords were all appointed for worthiness, and some of the Ji surname were not enfeoffed. Thus Cao Mao alone was not made prince. The Grand Empress Dowager has repeatedly spoken of him. I now hear that he has begun to regret earlier wrongs and wishes to cultivate future goodness. A gentleman approves progress without guaranteeing the past. Enfeoff him as Prince of Liaocheng to comfort the Grand Empress Dowager's concern for the lower branches of the family.”

In the sixth year his fief changed to Prince of Quyang. In the third year of Zhengshi, when Prince Ling of Dongping (Cao Hui) died, Cao Mao (曹茂) claimed a sore throat, refused to mourn, and continued his ordinary residence and movements. The authorities proposed abolishing his state and lands, but an edict deducted one county and five hundred households. In the fifth year his fief transferred to Leling. Since his tax income was small and his sons numerous, an edict restored the deducted households and added seven hundred. During Jiaping, Zhengyuan, and Jingyuan, further increases brought his total to five thousand.

Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) had nine sons. Empress Zhen (Zhen Shi) bore Emperor Ming (Cao Rui). Honored Lady Li bore Prince Ai of Zan (Cao Xie). Lady Pan of Gentle Beauty <淑媛, a consort rank> bore Prince Dao of Beihai (Cao Rui, 曹蕤). Lady Zhu of Gentle Beauty bore Prince Huai of Dongwuyang (Cao Jian). Lady Qiu of Bright Deportment bore Prince Ding of Donghai (Cao Lin, 曹霖) <‘Settled,’ a posthumous designation>. Lady Xu bore Prince Ai of Yuancheng (Cao Li). Lady Su bore Prince Huai of Handan (Cao Yong). Lady Zhang bore Prince Dao of Qinghe (Cao Gong). Lady Song bore Prince Ai of Guangping (Cao Yan, 曹儼).

Prince Ai of Zan (Cao Xie) died early. In the fifth year of Taihe he was posthumously enfeoffed as Duke Shang of Jing (Cao Xie). In the second year of Qinglong his title and posthumous designation were changed. In the third, his son Prince Shang (Cao Xun) succeeded. In the third year of Jingchu, five hundred households were added, making three thousand. He died in the ninth year of Zhengshi without a son, and the state lapsed.

Prince Dao of Beihai (Cao Rui, 曹蕤) became Prince of Yangping County in the seventh year of Huangchu, when Emperor Ming (Cao Rui) ascended the throne. In the sixth year of Taihe his fief changed to Beihai. He died in the first year of Qinglong. In the second year, Cao Zan, son of the Prince of Langye (Cao Min), was assigned to continue his line and enfeoffed as Duke of Chang District. In the second year of Jingchu he became Prince of Rao'an, transferring to Wen'an in the seventh year of Zhengshi. During Zhengyuan and Jingyuan, repeated increases brought the fief to thirty-five hundred households.

Prince Huai of Dongwuyang (Cao Jian) was established in the sixth year of Huangchu and died that year. His posthumous title was granted in the third year of Qinglong. He had no son, and the state lapsed.

Prince Ding of Donghai (Cao Lin, 曹霖) became Prince of Hedong in the third year of Huangchu, transferring to Guantao County in the sixth. Following the late emperor's wishes, Emperor Ming (Cao Rui) favored him beyond the other princely states. Yet he was coarse and violent by nature, harming and killing many serving women and concubines within his household. In the sixth year of Taihe his fief changed to Donghai. He died in the first year of Jiaping, and his son Cao Qi succeeded. During Jingchu, Zhengyuan, and Jingyuan, repeated increases brought the fief to sixty-two hundred households. The Duke of Gaogui District (Cao Mao, 曹髦) <the territorial title used for this Wei emperor>, his son, entered to continue the principal imperial line.

Prince Ai of Yuancheng (Cao Li) became Duke of Qin in the second year of Huangchu, with Jingzhao Commandery as his state. In the third year he became Prince of Jingzhao; in the sixth, Prince of Yuancheng. He died in the third year of Taihe. In the fifth, Cao Ti, son of the Prince of Rencheng (Cao Kai), succeeded to his line. In the sixth year the fief changed to Prince of Liang. During Jingchu, Zhengyuan, and Jingyuan, repeated increases brought the total to forty-five hundred households.

Prince Huai of Handan (Cao Yong) became Duke of Huainan in the second year of Huangchu, with Jiujiang Commandery as his state. In the third year he advanced to Prince of Huainan; in the fourth his fief transferred to Chen, and in the sixth to Handan. He died in the third year of Taihe. In the fifth, Cao Wen, son of the Prince of Rencheng (Cao Kai), succeeded to his line. In the sixth year the fief changed to Luyang. During Jingchu, Zhengyuan, and Jingyuan, repeated increases brought the total to forty-four hundred households.

Prince Dao of Qinghe (Cao Gong) was enfeoffed in the third year of Huangchu and died in the fourth. He had no son, and the state lapsed.

Prince Ai of Guangping (Cao Yan, 曹儼) was enfeoffed in the third year of Huangchu and died in the fourth. He had no son, and the state lapsed.

Appraisal: Wei's princes and dukes possessed merely the name of states and territories without the actual institutions of territorial rule symbolized by altars of soil and grain. Restrictions and obstruction made their position like imprisonment. Their ranks and titles had no stability, their states' sizes changing yearly. Flesh-and-blood affection was estranged and the brotherhood duty of The Cherry Tree abandoned. Could the abuses of law reach such a point!