Cao Xuan (曹玹, Tào Huyền; d. 215), Prince Huai of Huainan (淮南怀王), was a prominent prince of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms era, son of King Wu of Wei, Cao Cao, and Consort Qin (秦夫人).
Younger brother of Cao Juan, Cao Xuan was ennobled as Marquis of Xixiang in 211. Renowned within the royal clan for gentle filial manners, he passed away prematurely in 215. In 221, his brother Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) posthumously elevated him to Duke of Huainan, and in 232 Emperor Ming (Cao Rui) created him Prince Huai of Huainan, establishing his nephew Cao Zan to continue his ancestral sacrifices.
Role in History (Sanguozhi)
Records of the Three Kingdoms (Sanguozhi, vol. 20): “Cao Xuan, Prince Huai of Huainan, was modest and devout; Cao Rui ennobled his heirs to preserve his line among the royal houses.”
Cao Xuan — Historical & Literary Timeline
Late Eastern Han
Noble Son of Cao Cao
Raised in Cao Cao’s household in Qiao and Xuchang.
211
Marquis of Xixiang
Granted the noble title of Marquis of Xixiang.
215
Early Demise
Passes away in Xuchang before Cao Cao’s ascension as King of Wei.
232
Posthumous Princely Elevation
Posthumously honored as Prince Huai of Huainan by Emperor Ming Cao Rui.
Key Relationships
Family
- Father Cao Cao (曹操, Tào Tháo): Patriarch of the Cao family and Chancellor of Han.
- Mother Consort Qin (秦夫人): Favored consort of Cao Cao.
- Brothers Cao Pi (曹丕), Cao Zhang, Cao Zhi: Imperial brothers who shaped the early Wei state.
- Adopted Heir Cao Zan (曹赞): Nephew designated to continue the Huainan ancestral offerings.
Friends
- Royal Brothers Cao clan princes: Maintained harmonious bonds in youth.
Enemies
- Rival Warlords Enemies of Cao Cao: Opposed Cao Cao’s northern campaigns.
Other
- Imperial Nephew Cao Rui (曹叡): Elevated him to the rank of Prince.
In Sanguozhi
"A son of noble virtue whose branch was cherished by successive emperors of Wei."
Historical Context
Posthumous princely honors in Cao Wei reflected Cao Rui's policy of elevating his uncles to princely status to counter growing bureaucratic autonomy.
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