Cao dies at Luoyang in the spring of 220 at the age of sixty-five, having failed to unify China under his rule.

His will instructs that he be buried near Ximen Bao's tomb in Ye without gold and jade treasures, and that his subjects on duty at the frontier are to stay in their posts and not attend the funeral as, in his own words, "the country is still unstable".

Even though Cao Pi had been crown prince for several years, there is initially some confusion as to what will happen next.

The apprehension is particularly heightened when, after Cao Cao's death, the Qing Province (modern central and eastern Shandong) troops under the powerful general Zang Ba suddenly desert, leaving Luoyang and returning home.

Further, Cao Cao’ third son, the well-known general Cao Zhang, arrives in Luoyang in a hurry, creating the apprehension that he intends to seize power from his brother.

Upon hearing this news at Cao Cao's headquarters at Yecheng, Cao Pi hastily declares himself the new Prince of Wei and issues an edict in the name of his mother, Princess Bian, before receiving an official confirmation from Emperor Xian of Han, of whom he is still technically a subject.

After Cao Pi's self-declaration, neither Cao Zhang nor any other individual take action against him.

He then orders his brothers, including Cao Zhang and Cao Zhi, back to their fiefs.

With the help of Jiang Ji, the political situation soon stabilizes.