Cao Shuang (simplified: 曹爽, traditional: 曹爽, pinyin: Cáo Shuǎng), courtesy name Zhaobo (昭伯 Zhāobó), was a general of Cao Wei and regent for Cao Fang. He was the son of Cao Zhen. When Cao Rui died in 239, Cao Shuang and Sima Yi were named to assist the young emperor. Cao Shuang gradually monopolised power and sidelined Sima Yi. In 249, while Cao Shuang accompanied Cao Fang on a visit to the Gaoping tombs, Sima Yi staged a coup in Luoyang, closed the gates, and accused Cao Shuang of treason. Cao Shuang surrendered in return for a promise of safety; Sima Yi then had him and his faction executed. The Gaopingling Incident marked the Sima family’s takeover of the Wei court. In 244 Cao Shuang had led a large invasion of Shu that was repelled at the Battle of Xing Shi by Wang Ping.
Biography
Regency with Sima Yi
Cao Rui on his deathbed entrusted Cao Fang to Cao Shuang and Sima Yi. At first they shared power. Cao Shuang promoted his own supporters (He Yan, Deng Yang, Li Sheng, and others) and gradually reduced Sima Yi’s role. Sima Yi withdrew from active politics and appeared to be in decline.
Gaopingling coup
In 249 Cao Shuang and the emperor went to pay respects at the Gaoping tombs (or the late emperor’s tomb). Sima Yi seized the opportunity, occupied Luoyang, closed the gates, and accused Cao Shuang of misconduct and treason. Cao Shuang’s supporters in the city were neutralised. When Cao Shuang heard the news, he hesitated; he was persuaded to surrender after receiving a message that Sima Yi wanted only to remove his military power. Once he surrendered, Sima Yi had him and his brothers and allies arrested and executed with their clans. The coup is known as the Gaopingling Incident.
Campaign against Shu
In 244 Cao Shuang led a large Wei army to invade Shu’s northern frontier. Wang Ping held the position at Xing Shi with a smaller force and refused to be drawn into battle; supply difficulties and terrain forced Cao Shuang to retreat. The failed Battle of Xing Shi damaged Cao Shuang’s reputation.
Legacy
Cao Shuang is remembered as the regent who lost power to Sima Yi in the Gaopingling coup and whose execution cleared the way for the Sima family to control Wei and later found Jin.