Later in 254, Cao Fang considered a coup against Sima Shi, and while he ultimately did not carry out the plan, the news leaked, and Sima Shi deposed him and demoted him to the title of the Prince of Qi (which he held during his father Cao Rui's reign).
Kemudian pada tahun 254, Cao Fang dianggap kudeta terhadap Sima Shi, dan sementara dia akhirnya tidak melaksanakan rencana, berita itu bocor, dan Sima Shi memecatnya dan menurunkannya menjadi gelar Pangeran Qi (yang dia pegang selama ini pemerintahan ayahanda Cao Rui).