The New King of Wei Establishes His Authority with Thunder

Cao Zhi recalled his mother's words and looked at Cao Pi on the dais with disdain. Unflinching, he replied, "King, I am also a son of the late King; how could I possibly subvert my own kingdom? Does the King wish to force a false charge upon his younger brother?"

"Denial is of no consequence." Cao Pi sneered, then suddenly turned his gaze toward Ding Yi. "Ding Huangmen (Gentleman Attendant), what say you?"

Knowing his position was indefensible, Ding Yi spoke evasively, "We were drinking with the Marquis of Linzi today; how could we be plotting to subvert the State of Wei? Has the King been listening to the slanders of treacherous men?"

Cao Pi stood up and pointed to the great cauldron in the hall. "I will give you one more chance. Admit it and cast yourselves into the cauldron, and I shall not implicate your families. If you remain stubborn and unrepentant, hmph."

Ding Yi held a long-standing grudge against Cao Pi. Relying on the fact that the Ding Clan and the Cao Clan were kin by marriage for generations, and having seen no outsiders at the villa, he replied firmly, "If the King wishes to incriminate us, why bother asking for a defense? If we are boiled to death today, the historians will surely record it—hmph."

"The King has only just ascended the throne, yet you would employ such cruel punishments? Does this not chill the hearts of all your ministers?" Ding Yi followed his brother's lead.

"My elder brother is already the King of Wei. If you can pass judgment based on mere conjecture, why force us to argue?" Cao Zhi looked coldly at Cao Pi.

Cao Pi clapped his hands and smiled faintly. "You do not weep until you see the coffin. I shall show