I. Introduction

In Chinese history, Cao Pi, the eldest son of the warlord Cao Cao of the Wei Kingdom, successfully usurped the throne after his father's death with his intelligence and decisiveness, establishing the Wei Kingdom. However, his accession to the throne was not smooth sailing, fraught with power struggles and intrigues. The reason why Cao Pi killed his own younger brother Cao Hong remains a historical mystery and the subject of our discussion today.

II. The Relationship between Cao Pi and Cao Hong

Cao Pi and Cao Hong were half-brothers, sharing the same father but different mothers. Their relationship has always been complex. Cao Hong was born to Cao Cao's wife, while Cao Pi was born to one of Cao Cao's concubines. Although Cao Hong was older than Cao Pi, Cao Pi held a higher status in Cao Cao's heart due to his intelligence, wit, and thoughtful nature, which deeply pleased Cao Cao.

III. The Beginning of the Power Struggle

During Cao Cao's lifetime, Cao Pi had already demonstrated his political talent. However, Cao Hong, as the eldest son of Cao Cao, also had his own ambitions. He hoped to inherit his father's throne and become the monarch of the Wei Kingdom. Therefore, the power struggle between the two began.

IV. The Reasons for Cao Pi Killing Cao Hong

According to the "Records of the Three Kingdoms," there were two main reasons for Cao Pi's decision to kill Cao Hong. Firstly, after Cao Cao's death, Cao Hong immediately sent people to escort Cao Cao's coffin, attempting to control the army and seize the throne. This behavior posed a serious threat to Cao Pi's position. Secondly, Cao Hong had repeatedly excluded and suppressed Cao Pi during Cao Cao's lifetime, causing Cao Pi to harbor resentment against him. Therefore, after ascending the throne, Cao Pi decided to kill Cao Hong in order to consolidate his position.

V. Conclusion

Cao Pi's killing of Cao Hong was an inevitable outcome of the power struggle. Such power struggles have never ceased in the long river of history. However, regardless of whether it was Cao Pi or Cao Hong, their actions deeply influenced the fate of the Wei Kingdom. This also shows us the cruelty and ruthlessness of power struggles.

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