As the Grand General of Cao Wei and a relative of the imperial family, Cao Shuang served as a regent for the young Emperor Cao Fang. Although he initially shared power with the veteran Sima Yi, he eventually sidelined the elder statesman and monopolized control of the government with his close associates.
However, he was completely outwitted by Sima Yi, who successfully feigned a debilitating illness to lower Cao Shuang's guard. While Cao Shuang was away visiting the imperial tombs in 249 AD, Sima Yi launched a sudden coup, leading to Cao Shuang's downfall and the execution of his entire clan. This event marked the irreversible shift of power from the Cao clan to the Sima family.