After Sun Quan captured Guan Yu and captured Jingzhou, Cao Cao named Sun Quan a general in title of generals in ancient times and a shepherd in Jingzhou. Sun Quan sent messengers to pay tribute to Cao Cao and advised him to call himself emperor on behalf of Han Dynasty. Cao Cao showed Sun Quan's book to ministers at home and abroad and said, "It is my son who wants to sit on the fire!" " "Cao cao's ministers took the opportunity to persuade cao cao. Cao Cao himself did not want to abolish Xian Di's independence. He said, "If fate belongs to me, I will be Zhou Wenwang. "

In the 25th year of Jian 'an (220), Cao Cao returned to Luoyang. That month, he died in Luoyang at the age of 66, known as King Wu. He left a legacy before he died. According to Cao Cao's will, he was buried in Gaoling in the western suburb of Yecheng on February 21st (1 1).

In October of this year, Wang Wei and Cao Pi took the place of Han, proclaimed himself emperor, and took the title of Wei. Cao Cao was honored as Emperor Wu, with the temple name Mao.