The Cao Wei Empire

In the tenth year of the Zhengshi era under Wei, Sima Yi launches the Gaoping Tomb Incident. General Cao Shuang changes the course of history: refusing to relinquish power, he follows the counsel of his strategist Huan Fan and escorts the young emperor Cao Fang to Xuchang, issuing a declaration to the realm calling for a campaign against the traitors. In response to Sima Yi’s oath by the Luo River, Cao Shuang’s faction makes Xuchang its stronghold, consolidates its ranks, and joins forces with the Huainan Prince Ling and other powers across the land to wage a fierce struggle against Sima Yi’s faction, entrenched in Luoyang. With Huan Fan’s help, Cao Shuang first defeats Sima Zhao at the Yi River, then fights his way through Xuanyuan Pass. At last, through the ingenious stratagem of flooding Luoyang, he wipes out Sima Yi’s forces once and for all and returns in triumph. Having gained control of the court, Cao Shuang uses his victory in unifying the north as a springboard to begin the campaign to unite the realm. On the western front, he entrusts Deng Ai with command, sends a surprise force across Yinping, and crushes Shu Han. In the southeast, he prepares for war and builds a powerful navy. Taking advantage of turmoil within Wu, he leads his troops across the Yangtze, captures Jianye in one decisive strike, and pacifies Eastern Wu. Thus, after nearly a century of division, the lands of Huaxia are reunited. Cao Shuang serves the emperor and achieves military feats surpassing those of his father and ancestors, ushering in the golden age of the Great Wei dynasty.