Chapter 105

The Martial Marquis Leaves a Brocade-Bag Stratagem; the Ruler of Wei Removes the Dew-Receiving Basin

Now when Yang Yi heard that troops were blocking the road ahead, he hurriedly sent scouts to investigate. They returned and reported that Wei Yan had burned the plank roads and led troops to bar the way. Yang Yi was greatly alarmed and said, “While the Chancellor lived, he foresaw that this man would one day rebel. Who would have thought his prediction would come true today? Now that he has cut off our road home, what are we to do?” Fei Yi said, “This man must already have sent a false memorial to the Emperor, accusing us of rebellion; that is why he has burned the plank roads and blocked our return. We too must submit a memorial to His Majesty, setting forth the facts of Wei Yan’s rebellion, and then devise a plan against him.” Jiang Wei said, “There is a narrow path here called Mount Cha. Though rugged, steep, and perilous, it will bring us out behind the plank road. Let us submit a memorial to His Majesty while at the same time leading our troops along the narrow path over Mount Cha.”

Meanwhile, in Chengdu, the Latter Emperor could neither eat nor sleep in peace, and was restless in all he did. Then one night he dreamed that Mount Jinping at Chengdu collapsed. Waking in alarm, he sat waiting for dawn; then he assembled his civil and military officials and entered court to have the dream interpreted. Qiao Zhou said, “Last night I looked up and observed the heavens. I saw a red star, with pointed rays of light, fall from northeast to southwest. It portends a great calamity for the Chancellor. Now Your Majesty has dreamed of a mountain collapsing, which corresponds precisely to this omen.” The Latter Emperor grew still more frightened. Suddenly word came that Li Fu had arrived, and the Latter Emperor hastily summoned him and questioned him. Li Fu bowed his head to the ground and tearfully reported that the Chancellor had died; then he related in full all the Chancellor had said before his death. On hearing this, the Latter Emperor wept aloud and cried, “Heaven has destroyed me!” He collapsed upon the imperial couch, and his attendants carried him into the inner palace. When Empress Dowager Wu heard the news, she too gave way to unceasing lamentation. Not one of the officials was without grief, and every commoner shed tears. For several days the Latter Emperor was so overcome with sorrow that he could not hold court. Suddenly it was reported that Wei Yan had submitted a memorial accusing Yang Yi of rebellion. The ministers were greatly alarmed and entered the palace to inform the Latter Emperor. Empress Dowager Wu was also in the palace at the time. The Latter Emperor was astounded by the report and ordered an attendant to read Wei Yan’s memorial. In substance, it said:

Your servant Wei Yan, Senior General Who Conquers the West and Marquis of Nanzheng, in deepest trepidation and fear, bows his head and submits this report: Since assuming supreme military authority, Yang Yi has led the army in rebellion. He has seized the Chancellor’s bier and intends to bring the enemy into our territory. Your servant has therefore burned the plank roads in advance and stationed troops to defend them. I respectfully submit this report for Your Majesty’s knowledge.

When the memorial had been read, the Latter Emperor said, “Wei Yan is a valiant general, fully capable of resisting Yang Yi and his forces. Why, then, did he burn the plank roads?” Empress Dowager Wu said, “I once heard the First Emperor say that Kongming perceived in Wei Yan the traitor’s bone at the back of his skull and often wished to execute him. Yet because he valued Wei Yan’s courage, he spared him for temporary use. Now that Wei Yan accuses Yang Yi and the others of rebellion, his word must not lightly be believed. Yang Yi is a civil official whom the Chancellor entrusted with the post of chief clerk; he must therefore be a man fit for employment. If today we heed only this one-sided account, Yang Yi and the others will surely defect to Wei. This matter demands deep reflection and careful deliberation; we must not act rashly.” While the officials were still discussing the matter, it was suddenly reported that an urgent memorial had arrived from Chief Clerk Yang Yi. An attendant opened it and read:

Your servant Yang Yi, Chief Clerk and General Who Pacifies the Army, in deepest trepidation and fear, bows his head and respectfully submits this memorial: As the Chancellor lay dying, he entrusted the great affairs of state to your servant. Following the established order and daring to make no alteration, I assigned Wei Yan to command the rearguard, with Jiang Wei following him. But Wei Yan has disobeyed the Chancellor’s dying instructions. Leading his own troops, he entered Hanzhong ahead of us, set fire to the plank roads and burned them through, seized the Chancellor’s funeral carriage, and plotted treason. This upheaval arose without warning, and I therefore send this urgent memorial for Your Majesty’s knowledge.

When the Empress Dowager had heard it read, she asked, “What is your judgment of this matter?” Jiang Wan memorialized, “In your servant’s humble opinion, though Yang Yi is by nature too hasty and cannot tolerate others, he has long served with the Chancellor in calculating provisions and assisting in military planning. Now that the Chancellor, at the point of death, entrusted the great affairs of state to him, he can assuredly be no rebel. Wei Yan has always relied upon his achievements and sought to place himself above others, and everyone has yielded to him. Yang Yi alone refused to indulge him, and Wei Yan has borne him a grudge. Now, seeing Yang Yi in command of the army, Wei Yan was unwilling to submit. He therefore burned the plank roads and cut off Yang Yi’s retreat, then falsely accused him in a memorial in order to bring about his ruin. I am willing to pledge every member of my household, high and low, as surety that Yang Yi has not rebelled; but I would never dare stand surety for Wei Yan.” Dong Yun also memorialized, “Wei Yan relies upon his great achievements and has long harbored resentment, often uttering words of complaint. The only reason he did not rebel before was that he feared the Chancellor. Now that the Chancellor has newly died, it is inevitable that he should seize the opportunity to make disorder. Yang Yi, on the other hand, is able, quick-witted, and trusted by the Chancellor; he will certainly not rebel.” The Latter Emperor said, “If Wei Yan truly has rebelled, what plan should we use to oppose him?” Jiang Wan replied, “The Chancellor always mistrusted this man and must have left some stratagem with Yang Yi. If Yang Yi had nothing to rely upon, how could he have withdrawn into the mouth of the valley? Wei Yan is certain to fall into the trap. Your Majesty need not be troubled.” Before long another memorial arrived from Wei Yan, declaring that Yang Yi had rebelled. While it was still being read, yet another memorial arrived from Yang Yi, reporting that Wei Yan had revolted. The two men sent memorial after memorial, each arguing the right and wrong of the matter. Suddenly it was announced that Fei Yi had arrived. The Latter Emperor summoned him, and Fei Yi gave a detailed account of Wei Yan’s rebellion. The Latter Emperor said, “If that is so, let Dong Yun be granted the imperial insignia and sent to mediate, using fair words to soothe and pacify them.” Dong Yun received the edict and departed.

Now Wei Yan, having burned through the plank roads, encamped his troops in the Southern Valley and held its strategic pass, believing his plan had succeeded. He never imagined that Yang Yi and Jiang Wei would lead their troops night and day along a circuitous route and come out behind the Southern Valley. Fearing that Hanzhong might be lost, Yang Yi ordered the vanguard commander He Ping to go ahead with three thousand soldiers. Yang Yi, together with Jiang Wei and the others, then led the army toward Hanzhong while escorting the Chancellor’s coffin.

He Ping led his troops directly to the rear of the Southern Valley, where they beat the drums and raised a great shout. Mounted scouts flew to report to Wei Yan that Yang Yi had ordered his vanguard commander He Ping to come by the narrow path over Mount Cha and challenge him to battle. Wei Yan was furious. Hastily donning his armor, he mounted his horse, took up his sword, and led his troops out to meet them. When the two battle lines had been drawn up face-to-face, He Ping rode forth and shouted abuse: “Where is the rebel Wei Yan?” Wei Yan cursed him in return: “You are helping Yang Yi rebel! How dare you revile me?” He Ping rebuked him: “The Chancellor has only just died, and his bones are not yet cold. How dare you rebel?” Then, raising his whip, he pointed at the troops of Shu and said, “You soldiers are all men of Western River. In that land live your parents, wives and children, brothers, kindred, and friends. While the Chancellor lived, he never treated you ungenerously. You must not now aid a rebel. Each of you should return to his native place and await his reward.” Hearing this, the soldiers gave a mighty shout, and more than half scattered and fled. Wei Yan, enraged, brandished his sword and spurred his horse straight at He Ping. He Ping leveled his spear and rode to meet him. After only a few bouts, He Ping feigned defeat and fled, with Wei Yan close behind. At once He Ping’s troops loosed their bows and crossbows together, forcing Wei Yan to wheel his horse and retreat. When he saw his soldiers breaking and fleeing in confusion, Wei Yan’s fury grew. Spurring after them, he killed several men, but still could not halt the rout. Only the three hundred troops commanded by Ma Dai stood fast. Wei Yan said to Ma Dai, “You have given me your true-hearted support. When our undertaking succeeds, I shall never betray you.” He then joined Ma Dai in pursuing and attacking He Ping, who led his troops away at full speed. Wei Yan gathered his surviving soldiers and consulted Ma Dai, saying, “What if we defect to Wei?” Ma Dai replied, “Your words, General, are most unwise. Why should a true man not establish a dominion for himself, rather than lightly bend the knee to another? As I see it, General, you possess both wisdom and courage in full measure. Who among the warriors of the Two Rivers would dare oppose you? I swear to join you in first taking Hanzhong and then advancing against the Two Rivers.”

Wei Yan was overjoyed and, together with Ma Dai, led his troops straight against Nanzheng. From the walls of Nanzheng, Jiang Wei saw Wei Yan and Ma Dai approaching in a surging mass, flaunting their martial might. He hastily ordered the drawbridge raised. Wei Yan and Ma Dai both shouted, “Surrender at once!” Jiang Wei sent for Yang Yi and consulted him: “Wei Yan is fierce and valiant, and Ma Dai is helping him besides. Though they have few troops, by what plan can we drive them off?” Yang Yi said, “Before his death, the Chancellor left a silk pouch and instructed me: ‘If Wei Yan rebels, do not open this until you face him beneath a city wall. Within is a plan to slay him.’ We should now take it out and see.” He brought out the silk pouch and broke the seal, but inside were written the words: “Do not open this until you are mounted and facing Wei Yan in battle.” Jiang Wei was delighted and said, “Since the Chancellor left this injunction, Chief Clerk, keep the pouch with you. I shall first lead troops out of the city and form the battle array; then you may follow.” Jiang Wei donned his armor, mounted his horse, and took his spear in hand. Leading three thousand troops, he opened the city gates and charged out with them all. The drums thundered as they formed their battle array. Jiang Wei reined in beneath the standard gate, leveled his spear, and shouted abuse: “Rebel Wei Yan! The Chancellor never wronged you. Why have you turned traitor today?” Wei Yan held his sword crosswise and reined in his horse, saying, “Boyue, this has nothing to do with you. Tell Yang Yi to come out!” In the shadow of the standard gate, Yang Yi opened the silk pouch and read the stratagem within. Thus and thus it ran. Overjoyed, Yang Yi rode out lightly armed, halted before the battle line, pointed at Wei Yan, and laughed: “While the Chancellor lived, he knew that sooner or later you would rebel, and told me to guard against you. Today his words have come true. If you dare sit there on your horse and cry three times in succession, ‘Who dares kill me?’ then you are a true man indeed, and I shall surrender the city of Hanzhong to you.” Wei Yan laughed loudly. “Listen to me, Yang Yi, you wretch! While Kongming lived, I still feared him somewhat. But now that he is dead, who beneath Heaven dares oppose me? Let alone crying it three times—even if I cried it thirty thousand times, what difficulty would there be?” Gripping his sword and holding the reins, he shouted from horseback, “Who dares kill me?” Before he had finished the first cry, a man behind him answered in a terrible voice, “I dare kill you!” His arm rose, his sword fell, and Wei Yan was struck from his horse and beheaded. All who saw it were appalled. The man who slew Wei Yan was Ma Dai. It turned out that, as Kongming lay dying, he had secretly entrusted Ma Dai with this stratagem, ordering him to wait until Wei Yan uttered the challenge and then take him by surprise and kill him. That day, upon reading the plan in the silk pouch, Yang Yi knew that the Chancellor had planted Ma Dai at Wei Yan’s side. He therefore acted according to the plan, and Wei Yan was indeed slain. A later poet wrote:

Zhuge, foreknowing, discerned Wei Yan’s heart,And knew he would one day rebel in Western River.None could fathom the plan left within the silk pouch,Till its triumph was seen at the horse’s fore.

Before Dong Yun could reach Nanzheng, Ma Dai had already slain Wei Yan and joined forces with Jiang Wei. Yang Yi drew up a memorial and dispatched it by night to the Latter Emperor. The Latter Emperor issued an edict: “Since his guilt has been clearly established and punished, let his former services nevertheless be remembered. Bestow a coffin and outer casket upon him and have him buried.” Yang Yi and the others escorted Kongming’s coffin to Chengdu. The Latter Emperor led the civil and military officials out twenty li from the city to meet it, all of them clad in mourning. The Latter Emperor wept aloud. From dukes, ministers, and great officers above to woodcutters and common people below, men and women, old and young, there was not one who did not weep bitterly; their cries of grief shook the earth. The Latter Emperor ordered the coffin borne into the city and placed in the Chancellor’s residence. Kongming’s son, Zhuge Zhan, observed the rites of mourning.

When the Latter Emperor returned to court, Yang Yi bound himself and appeared to ask punishment. The Latter Emperor ordered an attendant to remove his bonds and said, “Had you not followed the Chancellor’s final instructions, when would his coffin ever have returned, and how could Wei Yan have been destroyed? That these great affairs were brought safely to completion is entirely due to your efforts.” He then promoted Yang Yi to Military Counselor of the Central Army. Because Ma Dai had rendered service in suppressing the rebel, he was invested with Wei Yan’s title of nobility. Yang Yi presented Kongming’s final memorial. When the Latter Emperor had read it, he wept bitterly and issued an edict ordering that an auspicious burial site be chosen. Fei Yi memorialized, “Before his death, the Chancellor commanded that he be buried on Mount Dingjun, without walls, brickwork, or stone, and without any sacrificial objects.” The Latter Emperor complied. An auspicious day in the tenth month of that year was selected, and the Latter Emperor personally escorted the coffin to Mount Dingjun for burial. He issued an edict offering sacrifices and conferred on Kongming the posthumous title Marquis Zhongwu, Loyal and Martial. He ordered a temple built at Mianyang, where sacrifices were to be offered in all four seasons. Du Fu, of the Ministry of Works, later wrote:

Where shall I seek the Chancellor’s ancestral hall?Outside the Brocade City, amid dense ranks of cypress.Green grass reflecting the steps keeps its own spring hue;Beyond the leaves, orioles sing their lovely songs in vain.Thrice visited, he laid his troubled plans for all beneath Heaven;Serving two reigns, the veteran’s heart labored to sustain them.Before his campaign could triumph, death claimed him first,And ever after heroes’ tears soak their robes!

Another poem by Du Fu, of the Ministry of Works, says:

Zhuge’s great name hangs throughout the universe;The honored minister’s image is solemn, pure, and lofty.To divide the realm in three consumed his intricate designs;Through all eternity he soars, a feather in the clouds.Among peers he ranks with Yi Yin and Lü Shang;In calm command, he outshone Xiao He and Cao Shen.Fortune shifted, and the Han could never be restored;Resolved in purpose, he perished, worn by the labors of war.

Now when the Latter Emperor had returned to Chengdu, an attendant suddenly reported, “A dispatch has arrived from the frontier. Eastern Wu has ordered Quan Cong to lead several tens of thousands of troops and encamp at the border crossing of Baqiu. Their intention is unknown.” The Latter Emperor said in alarm, “The Chancellor has only just died, and Eastern Wu has betrayed the alliance and invaded our borders. What are we to do?” Jiang Wan memorialized, “I dare assure Your Majesty that Wang Ping and Zhang Yi can lead several tens of thousands of troops to encamp at Yong’an and guard against unforeseen events. Your Majesty should also send someone to Eastern Wu to report the bereavement and sound out their intentions.” The Latter Emperor said, “The envoy must be a man of eloquence.” At once a man stepped forward and said, “Your humble servant is willing to go.” All looked and saw that it was Zong Yu, styled Deyan, a native of Anzhong in Nanyang, who held the offices of military aide and Right General of the Gentlemen of the Household. The Latter Emperor was delighted and immediately ordered Zong Yu to go to Eastern Wu, both to report the bereavement and to discover the true state of affairs.

Zong Yu accepted the command and went directly to Jinling, where he entered the presence of Sun Quan, Ruler of Wu. When the formal courtesies were over, he saw that all the attendants on either side wore white mourning garments. Sun Quan’s expression darkened as he said, “Wu and Shu have become one family. Why, then, has your sovereign reinforced the garrison at Baidi?” Zong Yu replied, “In your servant’s opinion, the reinforcement of Baqiu’s defenses in the east and the reinforcement of Baidi’s garrison in the west are both natural responses to circumstances. Neither is sufficient cause for one state to question the other.” Sun Quan laughed and said, “You are no less able than Deng Zhi.” Then he said to Zong Yu, “When We heard that Chancellor Zhuge had ascended to Heaven, We shed tears every day and ordered all Our officials to put on mourning. We feared that the men of Wei might take advantage of Shu’s bereavement and invade, and therefore reinforced Baqiu with ten thousand troops so that they might render aid. We had no other intention.” Zong Yu bowed his head to the ground in thanks. Sun Quan said, “Since We have pledged Ourselves to the alliance, how could We betray good faith?” Zong Yu replied, “Because the Chancellor has newly died, the Son of Heaven expressly commanded your servant to come and report the bereavement.” Sun Quan then took a gold-tipped arrow and broke it in two, swearing, “If We betray our former covenant, may Our descendants be exterminated!” He further ordered an envoy to carry incense, silk, and funeral offerings into Shu to make sacrifice.

Zong Yu took leave of the Ruler of Wu and returned to Chengdu together with the Wu envoy. Entering the Latter Emperor’s presence, he reported, “Because the Chancellor has newly died, the Ruler of Wu himself shed tears and ordered all his ministers to don mourning. He reinforced Baqiu only because he feared that the men of Wei would take advantage of our weakness and invade; he harbors no other intention. He has now broken an arrow in oath that he will not betray the alliance.” The Latter Emperor was greatly pleased. He rewarded Zong Yu generously and treated the Wu envoy with honor before sending him home. Then, in accordance with Kongming’s dying instructions, he appointed Jiang Wan Chancellor and General-in-Chief, with authority over the affairs of the Imperial Secretariat; appointed Fei Yi Director of the Imperial Secretariat, to administer the Chancellor’s affairs jointly with Jiang Wan; appointed Wu Yi General of Chariots and Cavalry, granted him the imperial insignia, and placed him in command of Hanzhong; and appointed Jiang Wei General Who Supports the Han and Marquis of Pingxiang, giving him supreme command over the troops of every district. Together with Wu Yi, Jiang Wei went to garrison Hanzhong and guard against the armies of Wei. All the remaining officers and commanders retained their former posts.

Yang Yi considered that his years of service and official rank preceded Jiang Wan’s, yet his position was now beneath Jiang Wan’s. Moreover, relying upon his own great merit and resentful that he had received no substantial reward, he uttered words of complaint. He said to Fei Yi, “When the Chancellor first died, if I had taken the whole army over to Wei, would I now be left in such obscurity?” Fei Yi secretly reported these words in full to the Latter Emperor. The Latter Emperor was enraged and ordered Yang Yi imprisoned and interrogated, intending to execute him. Jiang Wan memorialized, “Though Yang Yi is guilty, he rendered many services while following the Chancellor in former days. He should not be executed, but may properly be stripped of rank and reduced to a commoner.” The Latter Emperor agreed and banished Yang Yi to Jia Commandery in Hanzhong to live as a commoner. Overcome with shame and humiliation, Yang Yi cut his own throat and died.

In the thirteenth year of Jianxing under the Shu-Han, the third year of Qinglong under Cao Rui, Ruler of Wei, and the fourth year of Jiahe under Sun Quan, Ruler of Wu, none of the Three Kingdoms raised troops. To speak now only of Wei: its ruler appointed Sima Yi Grand Commandant, giving him supreme command of the army and charging him with pacifying and guarding all the frontiers. Sima Yi bowed in thanks and returned to Luoyang. The Ruler of Wei remained in Xuchang, where he undertook vast construction works and built official palaces and halls. At Luoyang he also erected Chaoyang Hall and Taiji Hall, and built Zongzhang Tower, each a hundred feet high. He further constructed Chonghua Hall, Qingxiao Pavilion, Phoenix Tower, and the Pool of Nine Dragons. He ordered the learned scholar Ma Jun to supervise the works, which were made splendid beyond measure: carved beams and painted rafters, green-glazed tiles and golden bricks, all glittering in the sunlight. More than thirty thousand skilled artisans were selected from throughout the realm, together with over three hundred thousand laborers, who worked day and night without respite. The people’s strength was exhausted, and their voices of resentment never ceased. Cao Rui further issued an edict ordering construction in Fanglin Park, compelling dukes and ministers alike to carry earth and plant trees there. Dong Xun, Minister of Works, submitted this earnest remonstrance:

Since the Jian’an era, men have died in battle across the open country; in some places whole households have been extinguished, while those who survive are orphans, the aged, and the weak. Even if the present palaces were too confined and Your Majesty wished to enlarge them, the work ought still to be timed so as not to interfere with agriculture. How much less should useless structures be built? Your Majesty has exalted the ministers, distinguishing them with caps and coronets, clothing them in embroidered robes, and conveying them in splendid carriages, thereby setting them apart from common men. Yet now you compel them to carry timber and shoulder earth, soiling their bodies and covering their feet with mud, debasing the splendor of the state in order to magnify useless works. This is utterly without reason. Confucius said, “A ruler employs his ministers according to ritual, and ministers serve their ruler with loyalty.” Without loyalty and ritual, how can a state stand? Your servant knows that, once these words are spoken, he must die. Yet I count myself no more than one hair on an ox: as my life has brought no benefit, what loss can my death cause? Holding my brush, I shed tears, and in my heart take leave of the world. Your servant has eight sons. After I die, they will be a burden upon Your Majesty. Trembling beyond measure, I await your command!

When Cao Rui read the memorial, he said angrily, “Does Dong Xun not fear death?” His attendants petitioned that Dong Xun be beheaded. Cao Rui said, “This man has always possessed loyalty and righteousness. For the present, strip him of office and reduce him to a commoner. But if anyone else speaks recklessly, he shall surely be beheaded!” At that time Zhang Mao, styled Yancai, an attendant to the Crown Prince, also submitted an earnest remonstrance, and Cao Rui ordered him beheaded. That same day, he summoned Ma Jun and asked him, “We are building lofty terraces and soaring pavilions because We wish to commune with the immortals and seek the means of eternal youth and everlasting life.” Ma Jun memorialized, “Of the twenty-four emperors of the Han dynasty, Emperor Wu enjoyed the longest reign and attained the greatest span of years. This was because he absorbed the essence of the sun and the radiance of the moon from Heaven. In the palace at Chang’an, he once built the Bailiang Terrace. Upon it stood a bronze figure holding a dish in its hands, called the Dew-Receiving Dish. At the third watch it caught the pure nocturnal moisture descending from the Northern Dipper. This was called the ‘Celestial Nectar,’ or else ‘Sweet Dew.’ If this water is mixed with powdered fine jade and drunk, it can restore age to youth.” Cao Rui was delighted and said, “Take laborers at once and travel by night to Chang’an. Dismantle the bronze figure and move it into Fanglin Park.”

Ma Jun accepted the command and led ten thousand men to Chang’an, where he ordered wooden scaffolding erected all around the Bailiang Terrace. Before long, five thousand men were climbing in spirals with ropes and cables. The Bailiang Terrace was two hundred feet high, and its bronze pillar was ten arm-spans in circumference. Ma Jun ordered them first to remove the bronze figure. Many men joined their strength and dismantled it, but as they brought it down, tears suddenly streamed from the bronze figure’s eyes. Everyone was greatly alarmed. All at once a violent wind arose beside the terrace, driving sand and stones through the air as fiercely as a torrential rain. With a thunderous crash, as though Heaven had fallen and earth split asunder, the terrace tilted and the pillar toppled, crushing more than a thousand men to death. Ma Jun took the bronze figure and golden dish back to Luoyang, entered the Ruler of Wei’s presence, and presented the bronze figure and Dew-Receiving Dish. The Ruler of Wei asked, “Where is the bronze pillar?” Ma Jun memorialized, “The pillar weighs a million catties and could not be transported here.” Cao Rui ordered it broken into pieces and conveyed to Luoyang, where it was cast into two bronze giants called Wengzhong and set outside the Sima Gate. He also had a bronze dragon and phoenix cast: the dragon stood forty feet high, and the phoenix more than thirty feet. Both were placed before the palace hall. In the Shanglin Park he planted rare flowers and exotic trees, and raised precious birds and strange beasts. Yang Fu, Junior Tutor, submitted a remonstrance:

Your servant has heard that Yao was content with a thatched roof, and the myriad states dwelt in peace; Yu kept his palaces humble, and all beneath Heaven rejoiced in their labors. Even in the Shang and Zhou dynasties, halls were sometimes only three feet high and nine mats in breadth. Among the sage emperors and enlightened kings of antiquity, none ever impoverished the people’s wealth and strength for the sake of lofty and splendid palaces. Jie built chambers adorned with jade and stables decorated with images; Zhou erected the Tilting Palace and Deer Terrace, and thereby lost the altars of his state. King Ling of Chu built the Zhanghua Terrace and brought calamity upon himself. The First Emperor of Qin built the Epang Palace, and disaster descended upon his son: all beneath Heaven rebelled, and the dynasty perished in its second reign. Of those who have disregarded the strength of the people in order to gratify the desires of their eyes and ears, not one has failed to perish. Your Majesty should take Yao, Shun, Yu, Tang, King Wen, and King Wu as your models, and Jie, Zhou, Chu, and Qin as your warnings. Instead, you indulge your leisure and pleasure and think only of adorning palaces and halls. Calamity and ruin must surely follow. The ruler is the head, the ministers are the arms and legs; in survival or destruction they form one body, and in gain or loss they share the same fate. Though your servant is dull and timid, how could he forget the duty of a remonstrating minister? Unless my words are urgent and severe, they cannot move Your Majesty. I have therefore respectfully knocked upon my coffin and bathed my body, and now prostrate myself to await the heaviest punishment.

When the memorial was submitted, Cao Rui paid it no heed, but only pressed Ma Jun to hasten the construction of the lofty terrace and install the bronze figure and Dew-Receiving Dish. He further issued an edict ordering that beautiful women be selected throughout the realm and brought into Fanglin Park. Official after official submitted remonstrances, but Cao Rui listened to none of them.

Now Cao Rui’s empress, Lady Mao, was a native of Henei. In earlier years, when Cao Rui was Prince of Pingyuan, the two had loved each other deeply; and when he ascended the imperial throne, he made her empress. Later, however, Cao Rui favored Lady Guo, and Empress Mao lost his affection. Lady Guo was beautiful and clever, and Cao Rui doted upon her exceedingly. He took pleasure with her every day and for more than a month did not leave the palace precincts. In the third month of spring that year, all the flowers in Fanglin Park burst into rival bloom, and Cao Rui went there with Lady Guo to admire the blossoms and drink wine. Lady Guo said, “Why not invite the Empress to share our pleasure?” Cao Rui replied, “If she were here, We could not swallow a single drop.” He thereupon instructed the palace maids not to let Empress Mao know. Empress Mao had observed that Cao Rui had not entered her principal palace for more than a month. That day she led more than ten palace women to Emerald Flower Tower to divert herself, where she heard the clear strains of music. She asked, “Where is that music being played?” A palace officer replied, “His Majesty and Lady Guo are admiring the flowers and drinking wine in the imperial garden.” On hearing this, Empress Mao was distressed at heart and returned to her palace to rest. The next day, Empress Mao rode out from her palace in a small carriage to take the air and met Cao Rui in a winding gallery. Smiling, she said, “Your Majesty’s excursion to the northern garden yesterday must have afforded you no little pleasure!” Cao Rui was furious. He immediately ordered all those who had attended him the previous day to be seized and rebuked them: “When We visited the northern garden yesterday, We forbade those about Us to let Empress Mao know. How did the matter come to be revealed?” He shouted for the palace officers to behead all the attendants. Empress Mao was greatly frightened and turned her carriage back toward her palace. Cao Rui at once issued an edict commanding Empress Mao to take her own life, and he made Lady Guo empress in her place. None of the court officials dared remonstrate. Then one day, Guanqiu Jian, Inspector of Youzhou, suddenly submitted a memorial reporting that Gongsun Yuan of Liaodong had rebelled, proclaimed himself King of Yan, adopted the reign title First Year of Shaohan, built palaces and halls, appointed palace officials, and raised troops to invade the frontier, throwing the north into turmoil. Cao Rui was greatly alarmed. He immediately assembled his civil and military officials to deliberate upon a plan for raising troops and repelling Gongsun Yuan. Indeed:

Scarcely had building works exhausted the heartland,When once again war arose beyond the borders.

How the rebellion was to be resisted will be told in the next chapter.

The Martial Marquis Leaves a Brocade-Bag Stratagem; the Ruler of Wei Removes the Dew-Receiving Basin

Now Yang Yi heard that troops were blocking the road ahead. He hurriedly sent scouts to investigate, and they returned to report that Wei Yan had burned the plank roads and led troops to bar the way. Yang Yi exclaimed in alarm, “While the Chancellor was alive, he predicted that this man would eventually rebel. Who would have thought it would truly happen today? Now that he has cut off our route home, what are we to do?” Fei Yi said, “This man must already have fabricated a memorial to the Emperor, falsely accusing us of rebellion. That is why he burned the plank roads and blocked our return. We should likewise submit a memorial to inform the Emperor and set forth the facts of Wei Yan’s rebellion, then decide how to deal with him.” Jiang Wei said, “There is a narrow trail here called Mount Cha. Though rugged and dangerously steep, it will allow us to come out behind the plank roads. We should submit a written memorial to the Emperor while at the same time leading our troops along the Mount Cha trail.”

Meanwhile, the Latter Emperor was in Chengdu, unable to eat or sleep in peace and restless in everything he did. Then one night he dreamed that Mount Jinping at Chengdu collapsed. He awoke in terror, sat waiting for dawn, and assembled the civil and military officials at court to interpret the dream. Qiao Zhou said, “Last night I looked up and observed the heavens. I saw a red star with horned rays of light fall from the northeast toward the southwest. It portends a terrible calamity for the Chancellor. Your Majesty’s dream of a collapsing mountain corresponds precisely to this omen.” The Latter Emperor grew even more frightened. Suddenly word came that Li Fu had arrived, and the Latter Emperor urgently summoned him and questioned him. Li Fu bowed his head to the ground and tearfully reported that the Chancellor had died, then recounted the Chancellor’s final words in full detail. When the Latter Emperor heard this, he wept bitterly and cried, “Heaven has destroyed me!” He collapsed weeping upon the imperial couch, and his attendants carried him into the inner palace. When Empress Dowager Wu heard the news, she too wailed without cease. Every official grieved, and all the people shed tears. For several days the Latter Emperor was so overcome with sorrow that he could not hold court. Suddenly a report came that Wei Yan had submitted a memorial accusing Yang Yi of rebellion. The ministers were horrified and entered the palace to report it to the Latter Emperor. Empress Dowager Wu was also in the palace at the time. Greatly alarmed by the report, the Latter Emperor ordered a close attendant to read Wei Yan’s memorial. It said in summary:

Your servant Wei Yan, Senior General Who Conquers the West and Marquis of Nanzheng, with utmost fear and trembling, bows his head to the ground and submits this report: Since assuming overall command of the army, Yang Yi has led the troops in rebellion, seized the Chancellor’s coffin, and attempted to bring enemy forces into our territory. I first burned the plank roads and then stationed troops to defend them. I respectfully submit this report for Your Majesty’s information.

When the reading was finished, the Latter Emperor said, “Wei Yan is a valiant general, fully capable of resisting Yang Yi and the others. Why, then, did he burn the plank roads?” Empress Dowager Wu said, “I once heard the Former Emperor say that Kongming had discerned a traitor’s bone at the back of Wei Yan’s head and repeatedly wished to have him executed. He spared and employed him only because he valued his courage. Now Wei Yan reports that Yang Yi and the others have rebelled, but his word must not be lightly trusted. Yang Yi is a civil official whom the Chancellor appointed as his chief clerk, so he must be a capable man. If we listen only to this one-sided accusation today, Yang Yi and the others will certainly defect to Wei. This matter requires careful thought and thorough deliberation. We must not act rashly.” While the officials were still discussing the matter, a report suddenly came that an urgent memorial had arrived from Chief Clerk Yang Yi. A close attendant opened it and read:

Your servant Yang Yi, Chief Clerk and General Who Pacifies the Army, with utmost fear and trembling, bows his head to the ground and respectfully submits this memorial: On his deathbed, the Chancellor entrusted this great responsibility to me. Following the established arrangements without daring to alter them, I ordered Wei Yan to guard the rear, with Jiang Wei behind him. But Wei Yan has disobeyed the Chancellor’s final instructions. Leading the troops under his direct command, he entered Hanzhong ahead of us, set fire to the plank roads and burned them through, seized the Chancellor’s funeral carriage, and plotted treason. This crisis arose without warning, and I respectfully send this urgent memorial for Your Majesty’s information.

After hearing the memorial, the Empress Dowager asked, “What do you gentlemen think?” Jiang Wan memorialized, “In my humble opinion, though Yang Yi is by nature too impetuous and intolerant of others, he worked with the Chancellor for many years, calculating provisions and assisting in military planning. Since the Chancellor entrusted this great responsibility to him on his deathbed, he is certainly not a man who would betray us and rebel. Wei Yan has always relied on his achievements and sought to place himself above others, and everyone has deferred to him. Yang Yi alone refused to indulge him, so Wei Yan has long harbored resentment. Now that he sees Yang Yi in overall command of the army, he is unwilling to submit. He therefore burned the plank roads to cut off Yang Yi’s return, then made a false accusation in order to destroy him. I am willing to stake my entire household, noble and lowly alike, on my assurance that Yang Yi has not rebelled, but I truly dare not vouch for Wei Yan.” Dong Yun also memorialized, “Wei Yan relies on his great achievements and has always nursed grievances and voiced complaints. The only reason he did not rebel before was that he feared the Chancellor. Now that the Chancellor has just died, it is inevitable that he will seize the opportunity to make trouble. Yang Yi, by contrast, is talented, capable, quick-witted, and trusted by the Chancellor. He certainly would not rebel.” The Latter Emperor said, “If Wei Yan truly has rebelled, what strategy should we use against him?” Jiang Wan said, “The Chancellor always mistrusted this man and must have left Yang Yi a plan for dealing with him. If Yang Yi had nothing to rely on, how could he dare withdraw to the mouth of the valley? Wei Yan is sure to fall into the trap. Your Majesty need not worry.” Before long, another memorial arrived from Wei Yan, again declaring that Yang Yi had rebelled. While it was being read, another memorial came from Yang Yi, reporting that Wei Yan had rebelled. The two men sent memorial after memorial, each arguing who was right and who was wrong. Suddenly word came that Fei Yi had arrived. The Latter Emperor summoned him, and Fei Yi gave a detailed account of Wei Yan’s rebellion. The Latter Emperor said, “If that is so, have Dong Yun go as my plenipotentiary to reconcile and persuade them, using kind words to calm them.” Dong Yun received the edict and departed.

Meanwhile, after Wei Yan burned through the plank roads, he stationed troops in the Southern Valley and held the strategic pass, believing his plan had succeeded. He never imagined that Yang Yi and Jiang Wei would lead their troops by forced night marches and come around behind the Southern Valley. Fearing that Hanzhong might be lost, Yang Yi ordered the vanguard commander He Ping to advance with three thousand soldiers. Yang Yi, Jiang Wei, and the others then led the army toward Hanzhong while escorting the coffin.

He Ping led his troops straight to the rear of the Southern Valley, where they beat their drums and raised a battle cry. Mounted scouts galloped back to report to Wei Yan that Yang Yi had ordered his vanguard commander, He Ping, to come by the Mount Cha trail and challenge him to battle. Enraged, Wei Yan hurriedly donned his armor, mounted his horse, took up his saber, and led his troops out to meet him. When the two armies had drawn up opposite each other, He Ping rode forward and shouted abuse: “Where is the rebel Wei Yan?” Wei Yan shouted back, “You are helping Yang Yi rebel! How dare you curse me?” He Ping rebuked him: “The Chancellor has only just died, and his bones are not yet cold. How dare you rebel?” He then raised his whip, pointed at the troops of Shu, and said, “You soldiers are all men of Western Sichuan. Many of you have parents, wives, children, brothers, and friends back home. While the Chancellor lived, he never treated you poorly. You must not help this rebel now. Each of you should return home and await your reward.” Hearing this, the soldiers gave a great shout, and more than half dispersed. Wei Yan flew into a rage, brandished his saber, and spurred his horse straight at He Ping. He Ping leveled his spear and met him. After only a few exchanges, He Ping feigned defeat and fled, with Wei Yan pursuing close behind. He Ping’s troops loosed their bows and crossbows together, forcing Wei Yan to rein around and retreat. When Wei Yan saw his soldiers collapsing in confusion, he became even angrier. He galloped after them and killed several, but could not stop the rout. Only the three hundred men commanded by Ma Dai remained in place. Wei Yan said to Ma Dai, “You have truly given me your wholehearted support. Once our undertaking succeeds, I will never fail you.” He and Ma Dai then pursued He Ping, who led his troops swiftly away. Wei Yan gathered the remnants of his army and consulted Ma Dai. “What if we defect to Wei?” he asked. Ma Dai replied, “General, those are extremely unwise words. Why should a true man not establish his own dominion instead of lightly bending the knee to another? In my view, General, you possess both wisdom and courage. Who among the warriors of the Two Sichuans would dare oppose you? I swear to join you in taking Hanzhong first, then advancing against the Two Sichuans.”

Wei Yan was delighted and led his troops with Ma Dai straight toward Nanzheng. From the walls of Nanzheng, Jiang Wei saw Wei Yan and Ma Dai approaching in a great rush, flaunting their might. He hurriedly ordered the drawbridge raised. Wei Yan and Ma Dai shouted, “Surrender at once!” Jiang Wei sent someone to invite Yang Yi to confer and said, “Wei Yan is fierce, and with Ma Dai assisting him as well, how can we drive him back, even though he has few troops?” Yang Yi said, “On his deathbed, the Chancellor left me a brocade pouch and instructed me, ‘If Wei Yan rebels, you may open this only when you face him in battle beneath the city walls. It contains the plan for killing him.’ We should take it out and read it now.” He brought out the brocade pouch and broke the seal, only to find these words written inside: “You may open this only when you confront Wei Yan on horseback.” Jiang Wei was delighted and said, “Since the Chancellor left this injunction, Chief Clerk, keep it with you. I will lead the troops out of the city first and draw them up in formation. You may then come out.” Jiang Wei put on his armor, mounted his horse, and took his spear in hand. Leading three thousand troops, he opened the city gate and charged out with them. Drums thundered as the troops formed their ranks. Jiang Wei leveled his spear and halted beneath the commander’s banner, then shouted, “Wei Yan, you rebel! The Chancellor never mistreated you. Why have you rebelled today?” Wei Yan held his saber crosswise and reined in his horse. “Boyue, this has nothing to do with you. Just tell Yang Yi to come out!” In the shadow of the commander’s banner, Yang Yi opened the brocade pouch and read its instructions, which explained what he was to do. Overjoyed, Yang Yi rode out alone and halted before the battle lines. Pointing at Wei Yan, he laughed and said, “While the Chancellor lived, he knew you would eventually rebel and ordered me to guard against you. Today his words have come true. If you dare shout three times from horseback, ‘Who dares kill me?’ you will prove yourself a true man, and I will surrender the city of Hanzhong to you.” Wei Yan laughed loudly. “Listen, you wretch Yang Yi! While Kongming lived, I still feared him somewhat. Now that he is dead, who beneath Heaven dares oppose me? Never mind shouting it three times—even shouting it thirty thousand times would be no difficulty!” Raising his saber and tightening his reins, he shouted from horseback, “Who dares kill me?” Before he had finished the first shout, a man behind him answered in a thunderous voice, “I dare kill you!” His arm rose, his saber fell, and Wei Yan was cut down from his horse. Everyone was horrified. The man who killed Wei Yan was Ma Dai. It turned out that, on his deathbed, Kongming had secretly given Ma Dai a plan: he was merely to wait until Wei Yan shouted, then catch him unawares and kill him. When Yang Yi read the plan in the brocade pouch that day, he learned that Ma Dai had been planted at Wei Yan’s side. He therefore followed the plan and, sure enough, Wei Yan was killed. A later poet wrote:Zhuge foresaw Wei Yan’s treacherous design,And knew that he would one day rebel in Western Sichuan.None could fathom the plan left in the brocade pouch,Until its success was seen before the horse.

Before Dong Yun could reach Nanzheng, Ma Dai had already killed Wei Yan and joined forces with Jiang Wei. Yang Yi drew up a memorial and sent it by forced night journey to inform the Latter Emperor. The Latter Emperor issued an edict: “Since his crime has been clearly established and properly punished, let his former achievements still be remembered. Grant him an inner and outer coffin and have him buried.” Yang Yi and the others escorted Kongming’s coffin to Chengdu. The Latter Emperor led the civil and military officials out twenty li from the city to meet it, all dressed in mourning. The Latter Emperor wailed aloud. From dukes, ministers, and high officials down to the common people of the countryside, men and women, old and young, all wept bitterly, and the sound of their mourning shook the earth. The Latter Emperor ordered the coffin escorted into the city and placed in the Chancellor’s residence. Kongming’s son, Zhuge Zhan, observed mourning there.

When the Latter Emperor returned to court, Yang Yi bound himself and came forward to ask punishment. The Latter Emperor ordered a close attendant to untie him and said, “If you had not been able to follow the Chancellor’s final instructions, when would his coffin ever have returned, and how could Wei Yan have been destroyed? That this great undertaking was preserved intact was entirely due to your efforts.” He then promoted Yang Yi to Adviser to the Central Army. Because Ma Dai had rendered meritorious service by suppressing the rebel, he was granted Wei Yan’s noble rank. Yang Yi presented Kongming’s final memorial. After reading it, the Latter Emperor wept bitterly and issued an edict ordering that a burial site be selected. Fei Yi memorialized, “On his deathbed, the Chancellor ordered that he be buried at Mount Dingjun, without walls or brickwork and without any sacrificial objects.” The Latter Emperor complied. An auspicious day in the tenth month of that year was selected, and the Latter Emperor personally escorted the coffin to Mount Dingjun for burial. He issued an edict offering sacrifices and conferred the posthumous title Marquis Zhongwu, the Loyal and Martial Marquis. He ordered a temple built at Mianyang, where sacrifices were to be offered in all four seasons. Later, Du Fu wrote:Where may the Chancellor’s shrine be found?Outside the Brocade City, where cypress trees grow thick.Green grass against the steps displays its springtime hue;Beyond the leaves, orioles sing their lovely songs in vain.Three visits pressed him often for a plan to rule the realm;Through two reigns he served with an old minister’s loyal heart.Before his campaign could triumph, death claimed him first,Forever filling heroes’ robes with tears!

Du Fu also wrote:Zhuge’s great name hangs throughout the universe;His honored image, solemn, pure, and lofty, remains.The realm’s division into three entangled all his plans;Through endless ages he soars like a feather in the clouds.Among great ministers, only Yi Yin and Lü Shang were his peers;Commanding with perfect calm, he surpassed Xiao He and Cao Shen.But fortune shifted, and the Han could never be restored;Resolute in purpose, he died from toil on army affairs.

When the Latter Emperor returned to Chengdu, a close attendant suddenly reported, “A frontier dispatch has arrived. Eastern Wu has ordered Quan Zong to lead tens of thousands of troops and station them at the border crossing of Baqiu. Their intentions are unknown.” The Latter Emperor exclaimed in alarm, “The Chancellor has only just died, and Eastern Wu has betrayed our alliance and encroached upon our borders. What are we to do?” Jiang Wan memorialized, “I dare assure Your Majesty that Wang Ping and Zhang Yi can lead tens of thousands of troops to Yong’an and station them there as a precaution against any unexpected development. Your Majesty should also send someone to Eastern Wu to announce the death and investigate its movements.” The Latter Emperor said, “The envoy must be an eloquent man.” One man immediately stepped forward and said, “Your humble servant is willing to go.” Everyone looked and saw that it was Zong Yu, courtesy name Deyan, a native of Anzhong in Nanyang, who held the offices of Army Adviser and General of the Gentlemen of the Household of the Right. The Latter Emperor was delighted and immediately ordered Zong Yu to go to Eastern Wu to announce the death and determine the true state of affairs.

Zong Yu accepted the command and went straight to Jinling, where he entered the palace and was received by the ruler of Wu, Sun Quan. After the formal courtesies, he saw that all the attendants were wearing plain mourning clothes. Sun Quan’s expression hardened as he said, “Wu and Shu have become one family. Why, then, has your sovereign reinforced the garrison at Baidi?” Zong Yu replied, “In my view, the strengthening of the garrison at Baqiu in the east and the reinforcement of Baidi in the west are both natural measures required by circumstances. Neither is sufficient cause for one side to question the other.” Sun Quan smiled and said, “You are no less able than Deng Zhi.” He then told Zong Yu, “When I heard that Chancellor Zhuge had departed this life, I shed tears every day and ordered all my officials to dress in mourning. I feared that the men of Wei might take advantage of Shu’s bereavement to attack it, so I reinforced the troops at Baqiu by ten thousand men in order to provide assistance. I had no other intention.” Zong Yu bowed his head to the ground in thanks. Sun Quan said, “Having pledged myself to our alliance, how could I betray righteousness?” Zong Yu replied, “Because the Chancellor has only just died, the Son of Heaven specifically ordered me to come and announce his death.” Sun Quan took a gold-tipped arrow and broke it, swearing, “If I betray our former alliance, may my descendants be exterminated!” He also ordered an envoy to carry incense, silk, and funeral offerings into Sichuan to perform sacrifices.

Zong Yu took leave of the ruler of Wu and returned to Chengdu with the Wu envoy. He entered the palace and reported to the Latter Emperor, “Because the Chancellor has only just died, the ruler of Wu has himself shed tears and ordered all his ministers to wear mourning. He reinforced Baqiu because he feared that the men of Wei might exploit the opening and invade; he harbors no other intention. He has now broken an arrow in oath that he will not betray the alliance.” The Latter Emperor was delighted and richly rewarded Zong Yu. He treated the Wu envoy generously and sent him on his way. Then, in accordance with Kongming’s final instructions, he promoted Jiang Wan to Chancellor and Senior General, with authority over the affairs of the Imperial Secretariat. He promoted Fei Yi to Director of the Imperial Secretariat and charged him with jointly administering the Chancellor’s affairs. He promoted Wu Yi to General of Chariots and Cavalry, granted him imperial authority, and placed him in command of Hanzhong. Jiang Wei was made General Who Supports the Han and Marquis of Pingxiang, with overall command of the troops in every district. Together with Wu Yi, he went to garrison Hanzhong against the armies of Wei. All other officers and commanders remained in their former posts.

Yang Yi believed that he had entered official service before Jiang Wan and was senior to him in age, yet now held a position beneath his. He also relied on his great achievements and resented receiving no substantial reward, so he voiced his grievance to Fei Yi: “When the Chancellor first died, if I had taken the entire army over to Wei, would I now be left in such obscurity?” Fei Yi secretly submitted a full account of these words to the Latter Emperor. The Latter Emperor was furious and ordered Yang Yi imprisoned and interrogated, intending to execute him. Jiang Wan memorialized, “Though Yang Yi is guilty, he previously rendered many services while following the Chancellor. He should not yet be executed, but ought to be stripped of rank and reduced to a commoner.” The Latter Emperor agreed and demoted Yang Yi, sending him to Jia Commandery in Hanzhong to live as a commoner. Overcome by shame, Yang Yi cut his own throat and died.

In the thirteenth year of Jianxing under the Shu-Han, the third year of Qinglong under Cao Rui, ruler of Wei, and the fourth year of Jiahe under Sun Quan, ruler of Wu, none of the Three Kingdoms raised armies. To speak only of Wei: its ruler appointed Sima Yi Grand Commandant, granting him overall command of the armed forces and responsibility for pacifying and securing all the frontiers. Sima Yi bowed in thanks and returned to Luoyang. The ruler of Wei remained in Xuchang, where he undertook vast building projects and constructed official palaces. In Luoyang he also built Chaoyang Hall and Taiji Hall, as well as the Zongzhang Tower, each a hundred feet high. He further erected Chonghua Hall, the Blue Sky Pavilion, the Phoenix Tower, and the Nine Dragons Pool. He ordered the court scholar Ma Jun to supervise the construction, which was lavish in the extreme: carved beams and painted rafters, green-glazed tiles and golden bricks, all glittering brilliantly in the sunlight. More than thirty thousand skilled artisans were selected from throughout the realm, along with more than three hundred thousand laborers, who worked day and night without pause. The people were exhausted and impoverished, and their complaints never ceased. Cao Rui also issued an edict ordering construction in the Fragrant Grove Garden and made all the dukes and ministers carry earth and plant trees there. Minister of Education Dong Xun submitted a sharply worded remonstrance:Since the Jian’an era, men have died in battles across the countryside. Some families and entire households have been wiped out; even among those who survive, many are orphaned, old, or infirm. If the present palaces were cramped and Your Majesty wished to enlarge them, the work should still be timed so as not to interfere with farming. How much less justification is there for constructing useless things? Your Majesty has honored your ministers, distinguished them with caps and crowns, clothed them in embroidered robes, and carried them in splendid carriages, thereby setting them apart from common men. Yet now you make them carry timber and shoulder earth, soiling their bodies and covering their feet with mud. This diminishes the state’s glory merely to exalt useless works and is utterly senseless. Confucius said, “A ruler employs his ministers according to ritual, and ministers serve their ruler with loyalty.” Without loyalty or ritual, how can a state stand? I know that once these words leave my mouth, I must die. Yet I count myself as no more than one hair on an ox: my life brings no benefit, and what loss can my death cause? Holding my brush, I shed tears, and in my heart I bid farewell to the world. I have eight sons. After I die, they will become a burden upon Your Majesty. Trembling beyond measure, I await your command!

After reading the memorial, Cao Rui said angrily, “Is Dong Xun not afraid to die?” His attendants petitioned for his execution. Cao Rui said, “This man has always possessed loyalty and righteousness. For now, strip him of rank and reduce him to a commoner. But if anyone else speaks recklessly, he will certainly be executed!” At the time, Zhang Mao, courtesy name Yancai, an attendant to the crown prince, also submitted a strongly worded remonstrance. Cao Rui ordered him executed. That same day he summoned Ma Jun and asked him, “I am building lofty terraces and towering pavilions so that I may commune with the immortals and seek the secret of eternal youth and everlasting life.” Ma Jun memorialized, “Of the twenty-four emperors of the Han dynasty, Emperor Wu reigned the longest and lived to the greatest age, because he imbibed the essence of the sun and the radiance of the moon from Heaven. In the palace at Chang’an, he once built the Cypress Beam Terrace. On top of it stood a bronze figure holding a basin in its hands, called the Dew-Receiving Basin. During the third watch of the night, it caught the pure dew descending from the Northern Dipper. This was called ‘celestial nectar,’ or ‘sweet dew.’ If this water is mixed with powdered fine jade and consumed, it can reverse old age and restore youth.” Cao Rui was delighted and said, “You may now lead laborers to Chang’an by forced night marches, take down the bronze figure, and move it to the Fragrant Grove Garden.”

Ma Jun accepted the order and led ten thousand men to Chang’an. He ordered them to erect wooden scaffolding all around the Cypress Beam Terrace and climb to its summit. Before long, five thousand men were hauling on ropes and cables as they wound their way upward. The Cypress Beam Terrace was two hundred feet high, and the bronze pillar was ten arm-spans around. Ma Jun ordered the bronze figure dismantled first. Many men combined their strength and took it down, whereupon tears suddenly streamed from the bronze figure’s eyes. Everyone was greatly alarmed. All at once, a violent wind arose beside the terrace, hurling sand and stones with the force of a sudden downpour. A tremendous crash sounded like Heaven collapsing and earth splitting apart. The terrace tilted and the pillar fell, crushing more than a thousand men to death. Ma Jun took the bronze figure and golden basin back to Luoyang, entered the presence of the ruler of Wei, and presented the bronze figure and Dew-Receiving Basin. The ruler of Wei asked, “Where is the bronze pillar?” Ma Jun replied, “The pillar weighs a million catties and could not be transported here.” Cao Rui ordered the bronze pillar smashed into pieces and brought to Luoyang. It was cast into two bronze figures called “Wengzhong,” which were placed outside the Sima Gate. He also had a bronze dragon and bronze phoenix cast. The dragon stood forty feet high and the phoenix more than thirty feet high, and both were placed before the palace hall. In the Shanglin Park, he planted rare flowers and exotic trees and kept precious birds and strange beasts. Imperial Tutor Yang Fu submitted a remonstrance:

I have heard that Yao esteemed a thatched roof, and the myriad states dwelt in peace; Yu kept his palace humble, and all beneath Heaven rejoiced in their work. Even under the Shang and Zhou, halls were sometimes raised only three feet and measured only nine mats across. Among the sage emperors and enlightened kings of antiquity, none ever exhausted the wealth and strength of the people to build lofty and magnificent palaces. Jie built chambers of precious stone and stables adorned with ivory; Zhou built the Tilting Palace and Deer Terrace, and thereby lost the altars of his state. King Ling of Chu brought disaster upon himself by building the Zhanghua Terrace. The First Emperor of Qin built Epang Palace, and the calamity reached his son: all beneath Heaven rebelled, and the dynasty perished in its second generation. No ruler who disregarded the strength of the people to gratify the desires of his eyes and ears has ever escaped destruction. Your Majesty should take Yao, Shun, Yu, Tang, King Wen, and King Wu as your models, and Jie, Zhou, Chu, and Qin as warnings. Yet you now indulge yourself in leisure and pleasure and devote yourself solely to adorning palaces. This will certainly bring the disaster of danger and ruin. The ruler is the head, and his ministers are his arms and legs. They are one body in survival or destruction and share alike in gain and loss. Though I am dull and timid, how could I forget the duty of a remonstrating minister? Unless my words are sharp and urgent, they cannot move Your Majesty. I have respectfully knocked upon my coffin and bathed myself, and now lie prostrate awaiting severe punishment.

When the memorial was submitted, Cao Rui ignored it and merely pressed Ma Jun to hasten construction of the lofty terrace and install the bronze figure and Dew-Receiving Basin. He also issued an edict ordering a broad selection of beautiful women from throughout the realm to be brought into the Fragrant Grove Garden. Officials submitted remonstrance after remonstrance, but Cao Rui listened to none of them.

Now Cao Rui’s empress, Lady Mao, was a native of Henei. Years earlier, when Cao Rui was Prince of Pingyuan, they had loved each other dearly. When he ascended the imperial throne, he made her empress. Later, however, Cao Rui favored Lady Guo, and Empress Mao lost his affection. Lady Guo was beautiful and clever, and Cao Rui doted on her greatly. He amused himself with her every day and did not leave the palace quarters for more than a month. In the third month of spring that year, all the flowers in the Fragrant Grove Garden burst into bloom. Cao Rui went there with Lady Guo to admire the flowers and drink wine. Lady Guo said, “Why not invite the Empress to enjoy herself with us?” Cao Rui replied, “If she were here, I could not swallow a single drop.” He therefore passed word to the palace maids that Empress Mao was not to be told. Empress Mao had noticed that Cao Rui had not entered her main palace for more than a month. That day she took more than ten palace women to the Emerald Blossom Tower to pass the time. Hearing loud and brilliant music, she asked, “Where is that music being played?” A palace attendant reported, “His Majesty and Lady Guo are admiring the flowers and drinking in the imperial garden.” When Empress Mao heard this, she was distressed and returned to her palace to rest. The next day, Empress Mao rode in a small carriage out of her palace for an excursion and happened to meet Cao Rui in a winding corridor. She smiled and said, “Your Majesty visited the northern garden yesterday. You must have enjoyed yourself greatly!” Cao Rui was furious. He immediately ordered everyone who had attended him the previous day to be seized and brought before him, then rebuked them: “When I visited the northern garden yesterday, I forbade those around me from letting Empress Mao know. How was the secret disclosed?” He ordered the palace officers to behead every attendant who had served him there. Empress Mao was horrified and turned her carriage back to her palace. Cao Rui immediately issued an edict commanding Empress Mao to die, then made Lady Guo empress. None of the court officials dared remonstrate. Then one day, Guanqiu Jian, Inspector of Youzhou, suddenly submitted a memorial reporting that Gongsun Yuan of Liaodong had rebelled, proclaimed himself King of Yan, inaugurated the first year of the Shaohan era, built palaces, established a palace administration, and raised troops to invade, throwing the north into turmoil. Cao Rui was greatly alarmed and immediately assembled the civil and military officials to discuss a strategy for raising an army and repelling Gongsun Yuan. Truly:He had scarcely wearied the heartland with his building works,When war arose once more beyond the borders.How he would resist it remains unknown; read on for the explanation.