Cao Pi

Cao Pi implemented the Nine-Rank System for official selection, which classified candidates into nine grades based on family background and talent. This system aimed to reduce the influence of powerful families but eventually entrenched aristocratic privilege, lasting until the Sui dynasty.

Cao Pi pressured Emperor Xian of Han to abdicate, then accepted the throne himself, founding the Cao Wei dynasty. He granted Emperor Xian the title Duke of Shanyang and allowed him to live in retirement. This ended the Han dynasty and began the Three Kingdoms period.

Cao Pi succeeded his father Cao Cao as King of Wei and Chancellor of the Han dynasty. He immediately moved to consolidate power, forcing the Han emperor to abdicate within months. This succession marked the transition from de facto to de jure control of northern China.

Cao Pi launched a large-scale invasion of the Eastern Wu state, but was defeated at the Battle of Dongkou. The Wei navy was repelled by Wu forces under Lu Xun. This failure ended Cao Pi's ambition to quickly unify China and solidified the Three Kingdoms stalemate.