June 29: Cao Pi died in 226 and his son Cao Rui happened to become the ruler of the Wei Kingdom, one of the three kingdoms that competed for supremacy in China.

A painting of Cao Pi and two ministers flanking him, by the Tang Dynasty artist Yan Liben.

Wei was one of the three states fighting for supremacy over China during the period known as the "Three Kingdoms" between the years 220 and 280. The other two states were Shu, towards west; and Wu, eastward.

Map of Chinese provinces in the prelude of Three Kingdom period (In the late Han dynasty period, 189 CE).

Wei's capital was established in Luoyang in the central plains of China. Luoyang is one of the cradles of Chinese civilization and one of the four great ancient capitals of China, the other three being Beijing, Nanjing and Chang'an.

The Three Kingdoms in 262, on the eve of the conquest of Shu.

Cao Cao, the father of Cao Pi, was who established the foundation of the kingdom Wei, at the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty; but it was his son, Cao Pi, who consolidated the kingdom.

After reigning seven years, Cao Pi became ill and summoned to his bedside to Sima Yi, Chen Qun Cao Zhen and Cao Xiu, whom he called for support for his successor Cao Rui.

 Cao Pi died with 40 years left a major mark on history as a poet despite his notorious military failures.

Cao Rui