The Cao Wei princes (unlike princes of the Han Dynasty), under regulations established by Cao Pi, are not only distanced from central politics, they also have minimal authority even in their own principalities and are restricted in many ways, particularly in the use of military.

Cao Pi, who still fears and resents Cao Zhi, soon has the latter's fief reduced in size and has a number of his associates executed.

Ding Yi, who is chief among Cao Zhi's strategists, has his whole clan wiped out as a result of assisting the latter in the past.

Cao Pi's younger brother, Cao Xiong, is also said to have committed suicide out of fears for his brother.

Legend also says Cao Pi assassinated his own brother, Cao Zhang.