Chapter 106

Gongsun Yuan Is Defeated and Dies at Xiangping; Sima Yi Feigns Illness to Deceive Cao Shuang

Now Gongsun Yuan was the grandson of Gongsun Du of Liaodong and the son of Gongsun Kang. In the twelfth year of Jian’an, when Cao Cao pursued Yuan Shang but had not yet reached Liaodong, Gongsun Kang beheaded Yuan Shang and presented his head to Cao Cao, who enfeoffed Kang as Marquis of Xiangping. After Kang’s death, he left two sons, the elder named Huang and the younger Yuan, both still children; so Kang’s younger brother, Gongsun Gong, succeeded to his office. During Cao Pi’s reign, Gong was appointed General of Chariots and Cavalry and Marquis of Xiangping. In the second year of Taihe, Gongsun Yuan, now grown to manhood and accomplished in both civil and military affairs, being by nature headstrong and fond of strife, seized the position of his uncle Gongsun Gong. Cao Rui appointed Yuan General Who Proclaims Might and Administrator of Liaodong. Later, Sun Quan sent Zhang Mi and Xu Yan to Liaodong with gold, treasures, pearls, and jade, and enfeoffed Yuan as King of Yan. Fearing the power of the Central Plain, Yuan beheaded Zhang Mi and Xu Yan and sent their heads to Cao Rui. Rui then appointed Yuan Grand Marshal and Duke of Lelang. Still unsatisfied, Yuan took counsel with his followers, proclaimed himself King of Yan, and inaugurated the first year of the Shaohan era. His deputy commander Jia Fan remonstrated: “The Central Court has treated my lord with the rank of one of the highest nobles; that is no mean or lowly station. If you now turn against it and rebel, you will truly be acting against right. Moreover, Sima Yi is exceedingly skilled in warfare. Even Marquis Zhuge of Shu in the west could not defeat him—how much less could my lord?”

Gongsun Yuan flew into a rage and ordered his attendants to bind Jia Fan and take him away for execution. Lun Zhi, an army adviser, remonstrated: “Jia Fan speaks truly. The Sage said, ‘When a state is about to perish, monstrous portents are certain to appear.’ Of late, strange occurrences have repeatedly been seen within our realm. Not long ago, a dog wearing a headcloth and cap, its body clad in red, climbed onto a roof and walked like a man. Again, when villagers south of the city were cooking rice, a small child suddenly appeared inside the steamer, boiled to death. And in the northern market of Xiangping, the ground suddenly sank into a pit, from which emerged a lump of flesh several feet around. It had a complete head and face, with eyes, ears, mouth, and nose, but no hands or feet; neither blade nor arrow could wound it, and no one knew what creature it was. A diviner cast a prognostication and said:

‘It has a form, yet is not formed;It has a mouth, yet makes no sound.The state is doomed to perish,And thus this shape has now appeared.’

“These three things are all inauspicious omens. My lord should shun calamity and seek good fortune; you must not act lightly or recklessly.” Gongsun Yuan burst into a towering fury and ordered his guards to bind Lun Zhi and behead him in the marketplace together with Jia Fan. He then appointed the Senior General Bei Yan commander-in-chief and Yang Zuo vanguard, raised one hundred fifty thousand troops from Liaodong, and came charging toward the Central Plain.

The frontier officials reported the matter to Cao Rui, Emperor of Wei. Greatly alarmed, Rui summoned Sima Yi to court for consultation. Yi memorialized: “The forty thousand horse and foot under my command will be sufficient to destroy the rebels.” Rui said, “Your troops are few and the road is long. I fear recovery of the region will be difficult.” Yi replied, “Victory does not depend on having many troops, but on the ability to devise surprises and employ wisdom. Trusting in Your Majesty’s abundant good fortune, I shall surely capture Gongsun Yuan and present him to Your Majesty.” Rui asked, “What course do you expect Gongsun Yuan to take?” Yi replied, “If Yuan abandons his city and flees in advance, that will be his best plan. If he defends Liaodong and resists the imperial army, that will be his middle plan. If he merely sits within Xiangping and holds it, that will be his worst plan, and he will certainly be captured by me.” Rui asked, “How long will the journey there and back require?” Yi replied, “The distance is four thousand li: one hundred days to go, one hundred days to attack, and sixty days to rest. Roughly a year will suffice.” Rui asked, “But what if Wu or Shu invades?” Yi replied, “I have already settled a plan for defense. Your Majesty need not be concerned.” Rui was overjoyed and at once ordered Sima Yi to raise an army and march against Gongsun Yuan. Taking leave of the court, Yi departed the capital and appointed Hu Zun vanguard, ordering him to lead the forward division ahead and encamp in Liaodong. Scouts swiftly reported this to Gongsun Yuan. Yuan ordered Bei Yan and Yang Zuo to divide eighty thousand troops between them and station them at Liaosui, where they dug an encircling trench more than twenty li long and ringed it with chevaux-de-frise, making the defenses exceedingly secure. Hu Zun sent a man to report this to Sima Yi. Yi laughed and said, “The rebels refuse to fight because they mean to wear out my army. I judge that most of their forces are here, leaving their lair empty. Better to abandon this place and make straight for Xiangping. The rebels will surely go to its rescue; then we shall strike them on the road and win complete success.” He therefore marshaled his troops and advanced by a byway toward Xiangping.

Meanwhile, Bei Yan and Yang Zuo were conferring. “If the Wei army attacks,” they said, “we must not engage it. They have come a thousand li, and their provisions cannot keep pace; they cannot hold out for long. When their food is exhausted, they will certainly retreat. Once they withdraw, we shall send out a surprise force to strike them, and Sima Yi may be captured. Formerly, when Sima Yi stood against the army of Shu, he held fast south of the Wei River, and Kongming eventually died in the army. The principle today is precisely the same.” While the two were still deliberating, a sudden report came: “The Wei army has gone south.” Bei Yan exclaimed in alarm, “They know that our forces in Xiangping are few and have gone to strike our home base. If Xiangping is lost, there will be no advantage in our holding this place.” They therefore struck camp and set off in pursuit. Scouts had already sped the news to Sima Yi. Yi laughed and said, “They have fallen into my trap!” He ordered Xiahou Ba and Xiahou Wei each to lead a force and lie in ambush on the banks of the Ji River: “When the Liaodong army arrives, attack together from both sides.” The two received the plan and departed. Before long they saw Bei Yan and Yang Zuo leading their troops toward them. At the boom of a cannon, drums thundered and banners waved on either side. Xiahou Ba charged from the left and Xiahou Wei from the right. Bei Yan and Yang Zuo had no heart for battle and fought their way out to flee. Reaching Mount Shou, they encountered Gongsun Yuan’s army; joining forces with it, they wheeled about and again engaged the Wei troops. Bei Yan rode forth and cursed them: “Rebel generals, cease your treacherous tricks! Do you dare come out and fight?” Xiahou Ba spurred forward, brandishing his sword, and met him. They had fought only a few bouts when Xiahou Ba cut Bei Yan down from his horse with a single stroke. The Liaodong army fell into great disorder. Ba drove his troops in upon them, and Gongsun Yuan led the defeated remnants back into Xiangping, shut the gates, and held fast without emerging. The Wei army closed in around the city on all four sides.

It was then autumn, and rain fell continuously for a month without ceasing. Water stood three feet deep over the level ground, and grain transports could sail from the mouth of the Liao River straight to the walls of Xiangping. The Wei troops were all in the water and could neither move nor rest in comfort. Pei Jing, Controller of the Left, entered the commander’s tent and reported: “The rain does not stop, and the camp is deep in mud. The army cannot remain here. I beg that we move to the hills ahead.” Sima Yi angrily replied, “Gongsun Yuan will be captured within a day or two. How can we move camp? Anyone who speaks again of moving camp will be beheaded!” Pei Jing murmured assent and withdrew. A short while later, Qiu Lian, Controller of the Right, also came to report: “The soldiers are suffering from the floodwaters. I beg the Grand Commandant to move the camp to higher ground.” Yi was furious. “My military order has already been issued. How dare you deliberately defy it?” He immediately ordered Qiu Lian dragged out and beheaded, and had his head hung outside the southern gate. The whole army was thereby struck with awe.

Sima Yi ordered the men and horses of two encampments to withdraw temporarily twenty li, allowing the soldiers and people inside the city to come out to cut firewood and graze their cattle and horses. Chen Qun, an army marshal, asked: “When the Grand Commandant formerly attacked Shangyong, he divided his army into eight columns, hastened to the city in eight days, and captured Meng Da alive, thereby achieving great merit. Now you have brought forty thousand armored troops several thousand li, yet you do not order them to assault the city. Instead, you make them remain for a long time in the mire and even allow the rebels to cut wood and graze their animals. I truly do not understand the Grand Commandant’s intention.” Yi laughed and said, “Do you not understand the art of war? Formerly, Meng Da had abundant provisions but few troops, while I had little food but many troops; therefore, I had no choice but to fight quickly. Only by taking him unawares and suddenly attacking could I prevail. Now the Liaodong forces are many and ours are few; the rebels are hungry while we are well fed. Why expend our strength in a storming attack? We should let them flee of their own accord and then seize the opportunity to strike them. By leaving a road open and not cutting off their woodcutting and grazing, I am giving them leave to flee.” Chen Qun bowed in admiration.

Sima Yi then sent a man to Luoyang to hasten the dispatch of provisions. Cao Rui, Emperor of Wei, held court. All the ministers memorialized: “Of late the autumn rains have continued for a month without ceasing, and both men and horses are exhausted. Sima Yi should be recalled and the campaign suspended for the time being.” Rui said, “Grand Commandant Sima is highly skilled in the use of troops. He can master changing circumstances in the face of danger and has many excellent stratagems. Gongsun Yuan’s capture may be awaited within a fixed number of days. Why need you be concerned?” Thus he rejected the ministers’ remonstrance and sent men to convey provisions to Sima Yi’s army. Several more days passed while Yi remained in camp; then the rain ceased and the sky cleared. That night Yi stepped outside his tent and raised his eyes to study the heavens. Suddenly he saw a star as large as a peck measure, trailing a stream of light several fathoms long. From northeast of Mount Shou it fell southeast of Xiangping. The officers and men in every camp were all terrified. But Yi rejoiced greatly at the sight and said to his generals, “Five days from now, Gongsun Yuan will certainly be beheaded at the place where that star fell. Tomorrow we may unite all our strength and attack the city.”

The generals received their orders. At dawn the next day, they led their troops to close around the city from all four sides. They raised earthen mounds, dug tunnels, erected artillery platforms, and set up scaling ladders, attacking without respite by day or night. Arrows fell into the city like driving rain. Within the walls Gongsun Yuan’s provisions were exhausted, and the people slaughtered their cattle and horses for food. All were bitter and resentful, and none had any will to defend the city. They wished to cut off Yuan’s head, offer up the city, and surrender. When Yuan heard this, he was filled with alarm and anxiety, and hastily ordered his Chancellor of State, Wang Jian, and his Censor-in-Chief, Liu Fu, to go to the Wei camp and sue for surrender. The two were lowered by ropes from the city wall and came to tell Sima Yi: “We beg the Grand Commandant to withdraw twenty li; then our lord and his ministers will come in person to surrender.” Yi flew into a rage. “Why does Gongsun Yuan not come himself? This is utterly unreasonable!” He ordered the guards to drag the two men out and behead them, then gave their heads to their attendants.

When the attendants returned with their report, Gongsun Yuan was greatly alarmed and sent Palace Attendant Wei Yan to the Wei camp. Sima Yi took his seat in the command tent, with his assembled generals standing on either side. Wei Yan advanced on his knees and knelt beneath the tent, saying, “I beg the Grand Commandant to quell his thunderous anger. On a fixed day we shall first send the heir, Gongsun Xiu, as a hostage. Then our lord and his ministers will bind themselves and come to surrender.” Yi said, “There are five essentials in warfare: if one can fight, one ought to fight; if one cannot fight, one ought to defend; if one cannot defend, one ought to flee; if one cannot flee, one ought to surrender; and if one cannot surrender, one ought only to die. What need is there to send a son as hostage?” He ordered Wei Yan to return and report his words to Gongsun Yuan. Clutching his head, Yan scurried away like a rat and returned to tell Yuan. Gongsun Yuan was terrified. After secretly settling a plan with his son Gongsun Xiu, he selected a thousand horse and foot. That night, during the second watch, he opened the southern gate and fled toward the southeast. Seeing no one about, Yuan secretly rejoiced. But before he had gone ten li, a cannon suddenly boomed from the hills, and drums and horns sounded together. A body of troops barred the way, with Sima Yi in the center, Sima Shi on the left, and Sima Zhao on the right. The two cried aloud, “Rebels, do not flee!” Gongsun Yuan was aghast and hastily turned his horse to seek another road of escape. But Hu Zun’s troops had already arrived. To the left were Xiahou Ba and Xiahou Wei; to the right were Zhang Hu and Yue Chen. They encircled him on all sides like an iron barrel. Gongsun Yuan and his son had no choice but to dismount and offer their surrender. From horseback, Sima Yi looked around at his generals and said, “On the bingyin night several nights ago, I saw a great star fall at this place; tonight, the renshen night, the omen has been fulfilled.” The generals offered congratulations, saying, “The Grand Commandant’s divine foresight is truly marvelous!” Yi gave the order for their execution. Gongsun Yuan and his son were put to death facing each other. Sima Yi then marshaled his army and advanced to take Xiangping. Before he had reached the city walls, Hu Zun had already led troops inside. The people burned incense and bowed to welcome them. The entire Wei army entered the city. Seated in the government hall, Yi had all Gongsun Yuan’s clansmen, together with the officials and others who had conspired with him, put to death—more than seventy heads in all. He issued proclamations reassuring the people. Someone reported to Yi: “Jia Fan and Lun Zhi bitterly remonstrated with Yuan against rebelling, and both were killed by him.” Yi therefore honored their graves and conferred distinction on their descendants. He took the wealth stored in the treasury and distributed it among the three armies as a reward for their labors, then withdrew his forces and returned to Luoyang.

Meanwhile, the Emperor of Wei was in his palace. One night, during the third watch, a sudden chill wind blew out the lamps. He saw Empress Mao leading several dozen palace women, who came weeping before his seat and demanded his life. Cao Rui fell ill because of this. As his sickness steadily worsened, he ordered the Palace Attendants and Grand Masters of Splendid Happiness Liu Fang and Sun Zi to take charge of all affairs of the Privy Secretariat. He also summoned Cao Yu, King of Yan and son of Emperor Wen, appointing him Senior General to assist the heir apparent, Cao Fang, as regent. Cao Yu was modest, frugal, mild, and gentle by nature. Unwilling to assume so great a responsibility, he firmly declined the appointment. Rui summoned Liu Fang and Sun Zi and asked, “Who within the imperial clan is capable of undertaking it?” The two had long been indebted to Cao Zhen for his favors, and so recommended: “Only Cao Shuang, son of Cao Zidan, is fit.” Rui accepted their recommendation. The two further memorialized: “If Cao Shuang is to be employed, the King of Yan must be sent back to his fief.” Rui approved their words. They thereupon asked Rui to issue an edict, which they carried out and proclaimed to the King of Yan: “By the Emperor’s handwritten edict, the King of Yan is ordered to return to his fief and must set out this very day. Without an edict, he is forbidden to enter the court.” Weeping, the King of Yan departed. Cao Shuang was then appointed Senior General and placed in overall charge of the government.

Cao Rui’s illness grew steadily more critical, and he urgently sent an envoy bearing the imperial tally and an edict recalling Sima Yi to court. On receiving the command, Yi went directly to Xuchang and entered to see the Emperor of Wei. Rui said, “I feared only that I would not see you again. Now that I have seen you today, I may die without regret.” Yi bowed his head to the ground and memorialized: “While on the road, I heard that Your Majesty’s sacred person was unwell. I bitterly regretted that wings did not spring from my sides so that I might fly to the palace gates. To behold the dragon countenance today is my great good fortune.” Rui summoned the heir apparent Cao Fang, the Senior General Cao Shuang, the Palace Attendants Liu Fang and Sun Zi, and the others, and had them all come before the imperial couch. Grasping Sima Yi’s hand, Rui said, “In former days, when Liu Xuande lay mortally ill at Baidi City, he entrusted his young son Liu Shan to Zhuge Kongming. Kongming thereafter exhausted all his loyalty and did not rest until death. If such a thing could be done in a remote and partial realm, how much more should it be so in a great empire? My young son Cao Fang is only eight years old and cannot bear responsibility for the altars of state. I trust that the Grand Commandant, together with my kinsman and the veteran ministers of distinguished service, will exert all your strength to support him and not betray my heart!” He then called Cao Fang and said, “Zhongda is as one body with me. You must honor and revere him.” Rui ordered Yi to bring Fang close. Fang threw his arms around Yi’s neck and would not let go. Rui said, “Grand Commandant, do not forget the affection my young son has shown you today!” When he had spoken, tears streamed down his face. Yi bowed his head to the ground and wept. The Emperor of Wei sank into a stupor and could no longer speak; he merely pointed at the heir apparent. A moment later, he died. He had reigned thirteen years and was thirty-six years of age. It was late in the first month of spring, in the third year of Jingchu of Wei.

Sima Yi and Cao Shuang then supported the heir apparent Cao Fang in ascending the imperial throne. Fang’s style was Lanqing. He was Cao Rui’s adopted son, and his origins had been kept secret within the palace, so that no one knew whence he had come. Cao Fang bestowed on Rui the posthumous title Emperor Ming and buried him at Gaopingling. He honored Empress Guo as Empress Dowager and inaugurated the first year of the Zhengshi era. Sima Yi and Cao Shuang assisted in the government. Shuang treated Yi with the utmost deference, and in every important matter he always informed him first. Shuang’s style was Zhaobo. From childhood he had gone in and out of the palace, and Emperor Ming, finding him prudent and circumspect, had greatly esteemed and favored him. Cao Shuang had five hundred retainers, among whom five men prided themselves on fashionable brilliance. The first was He Yan, styled Pingshu; the second was Deng Yang, styled Xuanmao, a descendant of Deng Yu; the third was Li Sheng, styled Gongzhao; the fourth was Ding Mi, styled Yanjing; and the fifth was Bi Gui, styled Zhaoxian. There was also the Minister of Agriculture, Huan Fan, styled Yuanze, who possessed considerable intelligence and resourcefulness and was commonly called “the Mastermind.” All these men enjoyed Cao Shuang’s confidence. He Yan told Shuang, “My lord’s supreme authority must not be entrusted to another, lest it bring future trouble.” Shuang said, “Lord Sima and I alike received the late Emperor’s charge to safeguard the orphaned heir. How could I bear to betray him?” He Yan replied, “In former days, when your honored father and Zhongda defeated the army of Shu, your father repeatedly suffered humiliation at this man’s hands, and because of it he ultimately died. Why does my lord not perceive this?” Cao Shuang suddenly awakened to the danger. After settling a plan in consultation with numerous officials, he entered and memorialized Cao Fang, Emperor of Wei: “Sima Yi’s merit is lofty and his virtue weighty. He may be promoted to Grand Tutor.” Fang consented, and from that time all military authority passed into Cao Shuang’s hands.

Cao Shuang appointed his younger brother Cao Xi Commander of the Central Army, Cao Xun General of the Martial Guard, and Cao Yan Cavalier in Regular Attendance. Each commanded three thousand imperial guards and was free to enter and leave the forbidden palace. Shuang also appointed He Yan, Deng Yang, and Ding Mi Masters of Writing, Bi Gui Colonel-Director of Retainers, and Li Sheng Intendant of Henan. These five men discussed affairs with Cao Shuang day and night. Thus the number of retainers at Cao Shuang’s gate increased daily. Sima Yi pleaded illness and ceased appearing at court, while both his sons also resigned their offices and lived in retirement. Every day Cao Shuang drank wine and made merry with He Yan and the others. His clothing, utensils, and vessels were in no way different from those of the imperial court. Whenever rare curios and precious objects were presented as tribute from the various regions, he first took the finest for himself and only then sent the remainder into the palace. Lovely women and beautiful girls filled his mansion and courtyards. Zhang Dang, a palace eunuch, fawned upon Cao Shuang and secretly selected seven or eight of the late Emperor’s concubines and sent them into Shuang’s residence. Shuang also chose thirty or forty daughters of respectable families skilled in song and dance to serve as his household entertainers. He built many-storied towers and painted pavilions, had vessels fashioned of gold and silver, and employed several hundred skilled craftsmen to labor day and night.

Now He Yan heard that Guan Lu of Pingyuan was versed in the occult arts and invited him to discuss the Book of Changes. Deng Yang was present at the time and asked Guan Lu, “You claim to understand the Changes, yet your speech never touches upon its language or principles. Why is that?” Guan Lu replied, “One who truly understands the Changes does not speak of the Changes.” He Yan laughed and praised him: “That may indeed be called saying what is essential without needless words.” He then said to Guan Lu, “Cast a hexagram for me and see whether I may attain the rank of one of the Three Excellencies.” He also asked, “For several nights I have dreamed of scores of greenbottle flies gathering on my nose. What omen is this?” Guan Lu replied, “Yuan and Kai assisted Shun, and the Duke of Zhou aided the Zhou dynasty; all, through harmony, benevolence, modesty, and reverence, enjoyed abundant blessings. Now, my lord, your rank is exalted and your power great, yet few cherish your virtue and many fear your might. This is hardly the way to seek blessings through caution. Moreover, the nose is a mountain. A mountain remains long in its lofty station only when its height brings no danger. Now foul and loathsome greenbottle flies gather upon it. Those who stand in lofty places may fall—how can you not be afraid? I pray that my lord will take from his abundance to make good what others lack and never tread where ritual forbids. Then the rank of the Three Excellencies may be attained, and the greenbottle flies may be driven away.” Deng Yang angrily said, “That is nothing but the stale talk of an old pedant!” Guan Lu replied, “An old scholar sees what has not yet come to birth; stale talk sees what has not yet been spoken.” With that he flicked his sleeves and departed. The two men laughed loudly and said, “He is truly a mad eccentric!” On reaching home, Guan Lu told his maternal uncle what had happened. His uncle was greatly alarmed. “He Yan and Deng Yang wield immense power. How could you offend them?” Guan Lu replied, “I was speaking with dead men. What have I to fear?” His uncle asked why. Guan Lu said, “When Deng Yang walks, his sinews do not bind his bones and his pulse does not govern his flesh. When he rises and stands, he sways and leans as though he had neither hands nor feet. This is the physiognomy called ‘the ghost’s agitation.’ As for He Yan’s appearance, his soul does not keep to its dwelling, his blood lends no bloom to his complexion, and his vital essence drifts like smoke; his countenance resembles withered wood. This is the physiognomy called ‘the ghost’s seclusion.’ Sooner or later both men will suffer the calamity of violent death. Why should they be feared?” His uncle called Guan Lu a madman and went away.

Now Cao Shuang often went hunting with He Yan, Deng Yang, and the others. His younger brother Cao Xi remonstrated: “Elder Brother, your power and authority are too great, yet you delight in going abroad to hunt. If someone should plot against you, regret would come too late.” Shuang rebuked him: “Military authority is in my hands. What is there to fear?” Huan Fan, Minister of Agriculture, also remonstrated, but Shuang would not listen. At this time Cao Fang, Emperor of Wei, changed the tenth year of Zhengshi to the first year of Jiaping. Cao Shuang had long monopolized power but did not know whether Zhongda’s illness was real or feigned. Just then the Emperor of Wei appointed Li Sheng Inspector of Jingzhou. Cao Shuang at once ordered Li Sheng to go and take leave of Zhongda, using the occasion to discover the truth. Sheng went directly to the Grand Tutor’s residence, and a gate officer soon reported his arrival within. Sima Yi said to his two sons, “Cao Shuang has sent this man to learn whether my illness is genuine.” He removed his cap, loosened his hair, climbed into bed, and sat wrapped in blankets. He then ordered two maidservants to support him with a staff before admitting Li Sheng into the residence. Sheng came before the bed and bowed. “I have not seen the Grand Tutor for some time. Who could have imagined that your illness had become so grave? The Son of Heaven has now appointed me Inspector of Jingzhou, and I have come especially to take my leave.” Yi pretended to answer, “Bingzhou lies close to Shuofang. Take care to prepare its defenses.” Sheng said, “I have been appointed Inspector of Jingzhou, not Bingzhou.” Yi smiled and said, “So you have just come from Bingzhou?” Sheng replied, “From Qingzhou in Shandong.” Yi laughed loudly. “Ah, so you have come from Qingzhou.” Sheng said, “How has the Grand Tutor fallen so ill?” The attendants said, “The Grand Tutor is deaf.” Sheng said, “I beg the use of brush and paper.” The attendants brought him brush and paper. When Sheng had finished writing, he presented the message. Yi looked at it and smiled. “My illness has made me deaf. Take care of yourself on your journey.” Having said this, he pointed to his mouth. A maidservant brought him broth. Yi put his mouth to the bowl, but the broth streamed all over the front of his robe. He then made choking sounds and said, “I am now old and mortally ill; death will come within a day or two. My two sons are unworthy, and I hope you will instruct them. If you see the Senior General, I beg you by all means to look after my two sons!” With that he fell back upon the bed, his voice hoarse and his breath coming in gasps. Li Sheng bowed farewell to Zhongda, returned to Cao Shuang, and related every detail. Shuang rejoiced greatly and said, “If this old man dies, I shall have nothing to worry about!”

When Sima Yi saw that Li Sheng had gone, he rose and said to his two sons, “Li Sheng will return and report what he has seen, and Cao Shuang will no longer be wary of me. We need only wait until he leaves the city to hunt; then we may act against him.” Before many days had passed, Cao Shuang invited Cao Fang, Emperor of Wei, to visit Gaopingling and offer sacrifice to the late Emperor. Officials great and small all accompanied the imperial carriage out of the city. Cao Shuang, bringing his three younger brothers, his confidants He Yan and the others, and the imperial guards, was proceeding in escort of the Emperor when Huan Fan, Minister of Agriculture, reined up his horse and remonstrated: “My lord has overall command of the palace troops. It is not fitting that all you brothers should leave the city together. If some upheaval occurs within the capital, what will you do?” Pointing his whip at Huan Fan, Shuang rebuked him: “Who would dare make trouble? Speak no more such nonsense!” That day, when Sima Yi saw Cao Shuang leave the city, he rejoiced inwardly. At once he summoned the old subordinates who had fought and vanquished enemies under him, together with several dozen household generals. Taking his two sons, he mounted and rode straight out to plot the destruction of Cao Shuang. Truly:

Behind closed doors, new vigor was bound to rise;Now, leading forth his troops, he showed his hero’s might.

What became of Cao Shuang’s life will be told in the next chapter.

Gongsun Yuan Is Defeated and Dies at Xiangping; Sima Yi Feigns Illness to Deceive Cao Shuang

Now Gongsun Yuan was the grandson of Gongsun Du of Liaodong and the son of Gongsun Kang. In the twelfth year of Jian’an, when Cao Cao pursued Yuan Shang but had not yet reached Liaodong, Gongsun Kang beheaded Yuan Shang and presented his head to Cao Cao, who enfeoffed Kang as Marquis of Xiangping. After Kang died, he left two sons, the elder named Huang and the younger Yuan, both still children, so Kang’s younger brother Gongsun Gong succeeded to his office. In Cao Pi’s time, Gong was made General of Chariots and Cavalry and Marquis of Xiangping. In the second year of Taihe, Gongsun Yuan, now grown and accomplished in both civil and military affairs, was headstrong and fond of fighting. He seized the position of his uncle Gongsun Gong, and Cao Rui appointed him General Who Displays Valor and Administrator of Liaodong. Later, Sun Quan sent Zhang Mi and Xu Yan to Liaodong with gold, treasures, pearls, and jade, and conferred on Yuan the title King of Yan. Yuan, fearing the Central Plains, beheaded Zhang Mi and Xu Yan and sent their heads to Cao Rui. Rui then made Yuan Grand Marshal and Duke of Lelang. Still dissatisfied, Yuan consulted with his followers, proclaimed himself King of Yan, and inaugurated the first year of the Shaohan era. His deputy general Jia Fan remonstrated: “The Central Plains has treated you, my lord, with the rank of one of the highest nobles; you have not been held in contempt. If you now turn against them and rebel, you will truly be acting disloyally. Moreover, Sima Yi is highly skilled in warfare. Even Marquis Zhuge of Western Shu could not defeat him—how much less can you, my lord?”

Gongsun Yuan flew into a rage and ordered his attendants to bind Jia Fan and take him away for execution. Staff Officer Lun Zhi remonstrated: “Jia Fan’s words are correct. The sages say, ‘When a state is about to perish, monstrous portents are certain to appear.’ Recently, strange events have repeatedly occurred within our state. Not long ago, a dog wearing a kerchief and cap, with a red garment draped over its body, climbed onto a roof and walked like a man. In another case, villagers south of the city were cooking rice when a small child suddenly appeared inside the steamer, boiled to death. And in the northern market of Xiangping, the ground suddenly collapsed into a pit, from which there emerged a lump of flesh several feet around. It had a complete head and face, with eyes, ears, mouth, and nose, but no hands or feet, and neither blades nor arrows could injure it. No one knew what it was. A diviner interpreted it by saying, ‘It has form but is incomplete; it has a mouth but makes no sound. Because the state is doomed to destruction, it has appeared in this form.’ These three things are all inauspicious omens. You, my lord, should avoid disaster and seek good fortune. You must not act rashly.” Gongsun Yuan erupted in fury and ordered his warriors to bind Lun Zhi and Jia Fan and behead them together in the marketplace. He then appointed General-in-Chief Bei Yan as commander and Yang Zuo as vanguard, raised 150,000 troops from Liaodong, and came charging toward the Central Plains.

The frontier officials reported the news to the ruler of Wei, Cao Rui. Greatly alarmed, Rui summoned Sima Yi to court to discuss strategy. Yi memorialized: “The forty thousand cavalry and infantry under my command will be enough to defeat the rebels.” Rui said, “Your forces are few and the road is long. I fear it will be difficult to recover the region.” Yi replied, “Success in war does not depend on numbers, but on the ability to devise surprises and employ wisdom. Relying on Your Majesty’s great good fortune, I will certainly capture Gongsun Yuan and present him to you.” Rui asked, “What action do you expect Gongsun Yuan to take?” Yi replied, “If Yuan abandons the city and flees in advance, that will be his best course. If he defends Liaodong and resists our great army, that will be his middle course. If he sits and defends Xiangping, that will be his worst course, and he will certainly be captured by me.” Rui asked, “How long will the round trip take?” Yi replied, “The distance is four thousand li. It will take one hundred days to go there, one hundred days to attack, and sixty days to rest. About a year will be enough.” Rui asked, “What if Wu or Shu invades?” Yi replied, “I have already established a defensive plan. Your Majesty need not worry.” Rui was delighted and immediately ordered Sima Yi to raise an army and march against Gongsun Yuan. Yi took leave of the court and departed the capital. He appointed Hu Zun as vanguard and sent him ahead with the forward troops to establish camp in Liaodong. Scouts swiftly reported this to Gongsun Yuan. Yuan ordered Bei Yan and Yang Zuo to divide eighty thousand troops between them and station them at Liaosui. They dug encircling trenches extending more than twenty li and surrounded them with wooden abatis, making their defenses extremely secure. Hu Zun sent word of this to Sima Yi. Yi laughed and said, “The rebels refuse to fight us because they mean to wear down my army. I calculate that most of their forces are here, leaving their lair empty. We would do better to abandon this place and march straight for Xiangping. The rebels will certainly go to its rescue, and then we can strike them on the way and achieve complete success.” He therefore marshaled his troops and advanced toward Xiangping by side roads.

Meanwhile, Bei Yan and Yang Zuo discussed the situation. “If the Wei army comes to attack,” they said, “we must not engage them. They have come a thousand li, and their provisions cannot be maintained. They will find it difficult to hold out for long and will certainly withdraw once their supplies are exhausted. When they retreat, we will strike them with a surprise force, and Sima Yi can be captured. In the past, when Sima Yi confronted the army of Shu, he held firmly south of the Wei River, and Kongming eventually died in his own camp. The same principle applies today.” While they were still discussing this, a report suddenly arrived: “The Wei army has gone south.” Bei Yan was greatly alarmed. “They know that our forces in Xiangping are few,” he said, “and have gone to attack our main base. If Xiangping is lost, there will be no point in our defending this place.” They therefore struck camp and set out in pursuit. Scouts had already galloped ahead to report this to Sima Yi. Yi laughed and said, “They have fallen into my trap!” He ordered Xiahou Ba and Xiahou Wei each to lead a force into ambush on the banks of the Ji River, saying, “When the Liaodong troops arrive, attack together from both sides.” The two men accepted the plan and departed. Before long, they saw Bei Yan and Yang Zuo approaching with their troops. At the blast of a cannon, drums thundered and banners waved on both sides. Xiahou Ba charged out on the left and Xiahou Wei on the right. Bei Yan and Yang Zuo had no desire to continue the battle and forced a way through to escape. They fled as far as Mount Shou, where they encountered Gongsun Yuan’s army. Joining forces with him, they turned back to fight the Wei army again. Bei Yan rode forward and shouted abuse: “Rebel general, stop using your treacherous schemes! Do you dare come out and fight?” Xiahou Ba spurred forward, brandishing his saber, and met him. After only a few bouts, Xiahou Ba cut Bei Yan down from his horse with a single stroke. The Liaodong army fell into chaos. Ba drove his troops forward in pursuit, and Gongsun Yuan led the defeated soldiers back into Xiangping, where he shut the gates and held firm without coming out. The Wei army surrounded the city on all sides.

It was then the season of continuous autumn rains, which did not stop for an entire month. The water stood three feet deep over the level ground, and supply boats could sail from the mouth of the Liao River directly to the walls of Xiangping. The Wei troops were all standing in water and could neither move nor rest in comfort. Pei Jing, the Left Area Commander, entered Sima Yi’s tent and said, “The rain will not stop, and the camp is deep in mud. The army cannot remain here. Please move it to the hills ahead.” Yi angrily replied, “Gongsun Yuan will be captured within a matter of days. How can we move the camp? Anyone who speaks again of moving the camp will be beheaded!” Pei Jing murmured his assent and withdrew. A short while later, Qiu Lian, the Right Area Commander, also came and reported, “The soldiers are suffering from the floodwaters. I beg you, Grand Commandant, to move the camp to higher ground.” Yi flew into a rage. “My military order has already been issued! How dare you deliberately defy it?” He immediately ordered Qiu Lian dragged out and beheaded, and had his head hung outside the southern gate. The whole army was thereby awed into obedience.

Sima Yi ordered the troops from two camps to withdraw temporarily by twenty li, allowing the soldiers and civilians inside the city to come out to gather firewood and graze their cattle and horses. Army Marshal Chen Qun asked, “When you, Grand Commandant, attacked Shangyong in the past, you divided your army into eight columns and rushed to the city in eight days, whereupon you captured Meng Da alive and achieved a great victory. Now you have brought forty thousand armored troops across several thousand li, yet you do not order them to attack the city. Instead, you make them remain for a long time in the mud and even allow the rebels to gather firewood and graze their animals. I truly do not understand your intention.” Yi laughed and said, “Do you not understand the art of war? In the past, Meng Da had abundant provisions but few soldiers, while I had little food but many soldiers. Therefore, I had no choice but to fight quickly. Only by taking him unawares and attacking suddenly could I win. Now the Liaodong troops are many and ours are few; the rebels are hungry while we are well fed. Why should we make a costly assault? We should let them flee of their own accord and then seize the opportunity to strike them. By leaving one road open and not cutting off their woodcutting and grazing, I am allowing them the chance to flee.” Chen Qun bowed in admiration.

Sima Yi then sent a man to Luoyang to press for more grain. The ruler of Wei, Cao Rui, convened court, and all the ministers memorialized: “Recently, the autumn rains have continued for a month without stopping, and the men and horses are exhausted. Sima Yi should be recalled, and the campaign suspended for the time being.” Rui replied, “Grand Commandant Sima is highly skilled in warfare. He adapts to danger and changing circumstances and possesses many excellent strategies. Gongsun Yuan’s capture may be expected within days. Why must you all worry?” He therefore rejected the ministers’ advice and sent men to transport grain to Sima Yi’s army. Several more days passed while Yi remained in camp, and then the rain stopped and the sky cleared. That night, Yi went outside his tent and looked up to observe the heavens. Suddenly, he saw a star as large as a peck measure, trailing a stream of light several yards long. It passed from northeast of Mount Shou and fell southeast of Xiangping. The officers and soldiers in every camp were terrified. Yi, however, was delighted. He said to his generals, “Five days from now, Gongsun Yuan will certainly be beheaded where that star fell. Tomorrow, we will concentrate all our strength on attacking the city.”

The generals received their orders. At dawn the next day, they led their troops to surround the city on all sides. They raised earthen mounds, dug tunnels, erected artillery platforms, and set up scaling ladders, attacking day and night without pause. Arrows flew into the city like driving rain. Inside the city, Gongsun Yuan’s provisions were exhausted, and the people slaughtered cattle and horses for food. Everyone was bitterly resentful, and none had any desire to continue the defense. They wanted to behead Yuan, present the city, and surrender. When Yuan heard this, he was deeply alarmed and distressed. In a panic, he ordered his Chancellor of State, Wang Jian, and his Censor-in-Chief, Liu Fu, to go to the Wei camp and ask for terms of surrender. The two men were lowered by ropes from the city wall and came before Sima Yi, saying, “Please withdraw twenty li, Grand Commandant, and our ruler and his ministers will come out and surrender.” Yi flew into a rage. “Why does Gongsun Yuan not come himself? This is utterly unreasonable!” He ordered the warriors to drag the two men out and behead them, then gave their heads to their attendants.

The attendants returned with the report, and Gongsun Yuan was greatly alarmed. He next sent Palace Attendant Wei Yan to the Wei camp. Sima Yi took his seat in the command tent and assembled his generals on either side. Wei Yan entered on his knees, knelt beneath the tent, and said, “I beg you, Grand Commandant, to calm your thunderous anger. On an appointed day, we will first send the heir, Gongsun Xiu, as a hostage. Afterward, our ruler and his ministers will come bound to surrender.” Yi said, “There are five essential courses in military affairs: those able to fight should fight; those unable to fight should defend; those unable to defend should flee; those unable to flee should surrender; and those unable to surrender should die. What need is there to send a son as a hostage?” He ordered Wei Yan to return and report this to Gongsun Yuan. Wei Yan clutched his head and scurried away like a rat, then returned and informed Gongsun Yuan. Greatly alarmed, Yuan secretly discussed matters with his son Gongsun Xiu and settled on a plan. They selected one thousand cavalry and infantry, opened the southern gate during the second watch that night, and fled toward the southeast. Seeing no one in their way, Yuan secretly rejoiced. They had gone less than ten li when they suddenly heard a cannon blast from the hills. Drums and horns sounded together, and a body of troops blocked their path. In the center was Sima Yi, with Sima Shi on his left and Sima Zhao on his right. The two cried out, “Rebels, do not flee!” Gongsun Yuan was greatly alarmed. He wheeled his horse around and desperately sought a road of escape, but Hu Zun’s troops had already arrived. Xiahou Ba and Xiahou Wei were on the left, and Zhang Hu and Yue Chen on the right. They surrounded him as tightly as an iron barrel. Gongsun Yuan and his son had no choice but to dismount and surrender. From horseback, Sima Yi looked around at his generals and said, “On the night of the bingyin day, I saw the great star fall at this place. Tonight, the renshen day, the omen is fulfilled.” The generals congratulated him, saying, “Your divine foresight is truly marvelous, Grand Commandant!” Yi gave the order for execution. Gongsun Yuan and his son were put to death before each other’s eyes. Sima Yi then marshaled his troops and advanced to take Xiangping. Before he could reach the city walls, Hu Zun had already led troops inside. The people burned incense and bowed in welcome. The entire Wei army entered the city. Yi took his seat in the government hall and had Gongsun Yuan’s clan, together with all the officials and others who had joined in his conspiracy, put to death. More than seventy heads were counted. He posted proclamations to reassure the people. Someone told him, “Jia Fan and Lun Zhi bitterly remonstrated with Yuan against rebelling, and both were killed by him.” Yi had their graves repaired and marked, honored their descendants, and distributed the property in the government storehouses as rewards for the troops. He then withdrew his army and returned to Luoyang.

Meanwhile, the ruler of Wei was in his palace. During the third watch one night, a sudden cold wind blew out the lamps. He saw Empress Mao leading several dozen palace women, weeping as they came before his seat to demand his life. Cao Rui fell ill as a result. As his illness steadily worsened, he ordered Palace Attendants and Grand Masters of Splendid Happiness Liu Fang and Sun Zi to take charge of all affairs of the Privy Council. He also summoned Cao Yu, King of Yan and son of Emperor Wen, appointing him General-in-Chief and ordering him to assist the heir, Cao Fang, as regent. Cao Yu was respectful, frugal, gentle, and mild by nature. Unwilling to assume such a great responsibility, he firmly declined the appointment. Rui summoned Liu Fang and Sun Zi and asked, “Who within the imperial clan is fit for the task?” The two men had long benefited from Cao Zhen’s favor, so they recommended, “Only Cao Zidan’s son, Cao Shuang, is suitable.” Rui accepted their recommendation. The two men further memorialized, “If Cao Shuang is to be employed, the King of Yan must be sent back to his fief.” Rui agreed. They then asked Rui to issue an edict, which they carried out and proclaimed to the King of Yan: “There is a handwritten edict from the Son of Heaven ordering the King of Yan to return to his fief. He must depart today. Without a further edict, he is not permitted to enter the court.” The King of Yan departed in tears. Cao Shuang was then appointed General-in-Chief and given overall control of the government.

Cao Rui’s illness became critical, and he urgently sent an envoy bearing the imperial tally and an edict recalling Sima Yi to court. Yi received the order and went directly to Xuchang, where he entered the palace to see the ruler of Wei. Rui said, “I feared only that I would not see you again. Now that I have seen you today, I can die without regret.” Yi knocked his head against the floor and memorialized, “While on the road, I heard that Your Majesty’s sacred person was unwell. I regretted that I had not grown two wings beneath my ribs so that I might fly to the palace gates. To behold the imperial countenance today is my great fortune.” Rui summoned the heir Cao Fang, General-in-Chief Cao Shuang, Palace Attendants Liu Fang and Sun Zi, and the others, and had them all come before the imperial bed. Rui took Sima Yi’s hand and said, “In former times, when Liu Xuande lay critically ill at Baidi City, he entrusted his young son Liu Shan to Zhuge Kongming. Kongming therefore exhausted all his loyalty in the boy’s service and did not rest until death. If such a thing could be done in a remote, divided state, how much more should it be done in a great realm? My young son Cao Fang is only eight years old and is incapable of governing the state. I trust that you, Grand Commandant, together with my imperial kinsman and the veteran ministers of merit, will exert all your strength in assisting him and not betray my hopes!” He then called Fang and said, “Zhongda and I are as one. You must honor and respect him.” He ordered Yi to bring Fang near. Fang threw his arms around Yi’s neck and would not let go. Rui said, “Grand Commandant, do not forget the affection my young son has shown you today!” When he had finished speaking, tears streamed down his face. Yi knocked his head against the floor and wept. The ruler of Wei sank into a stupor and could no longer speak. He merely pointed at the heir with his hand, and a moment later he died. He had reigned for thirteen years and lived to the age of thirty-six. It was late in the first lunar month, in the spring of the third year of Jingchu in Wei.

Sima Yi and Cao Shuang immediately supported the heir Cao Fang in ascending the imperial throne. Fang’s courtesy name was Lanqing. He was a foster son whom Cao Rui had adopted, but the matter had been kept secret within the palace, and no one knew where he had come from. Cao Fang gave Rui the posthumous title Emperor Ming and buried him at Gaoping Mausoleum. He honored Empress Guo as Empress Dowager and changed the era name to the first year of Zhengshi. Sima Yi and Cao Shuang served as regents. Shuang treated Yi with the utmost deference and always informed him beforehand of every important matter. Shuang’s courtesy name was Zhaobo. From childhood, he had been admitted freely into the palace. Emperor Ming had found him prudent and had greatly favored and respected him. Shuang had five hundred retainers, among whom five men especially prided themselves on fashionable sophistication. The first was He Yan, courtesy name Pingshu; the second was Deng Yang, courtesy name Xuanmao and a descendant of Deng Yu; the third was Li Sheng, courtesy name Gongzhao; the fourth was Ding Mi, courtesy name Yanjing; and the fifth was Bi Gui, courtesy name Zhaoxian. There was also Huan Fan, the Grand Minister of Agriculture, whose courtesy name was Yuanze. He possessed considerable intelligence and strategic ability, and many called him “the Mastermind.” Cao Shuang trusted all these men. He Yan told him, “Your great authority, my lord, must not be entrusted to another, or I fear it will create future trouble.” Shuang replied, “Duke Sima and I both received the late emperor’s command to care for his orphaned heir. How could I bear to betray him?” Yan said, “In former days, when your honored father and Zhongda fought the army of Shu, he repeatedly suffered humiliation at this man’s hands, and that caused his death. Why do you not recognize this, my lord?” Shuang suddenly understood. He consulted with the other officials and settled on a plan, then entered the palace and memorialized to the ruler of Wei, Cao Fang, “Sima Yi’s achievements are great and his virtue profound. He should be promoted to Grand Tutor.” Fang consented. From that time on, all military authority passed into Cao Shuang’s hands.

Cao Shuang appointed his younger brother Cao Xi as Central Army Commander, Cao Xun as General of the Martial Guard, and Cao Yan as Cavalier in Regular Attendance. Each commanded three thousand imperial guards and was permitted to enter and leave the inner palace at will. Shuang also appointed He Yan, Deng Yang, and Ding Mi as Masters of Writing, Bi Gui as Colonel Director of Retainers, and Li Sheng as Intendant of Henan. These five men discussed affairs with Cao Shuang day and night. The number of guests and retainers at Cao Shuang’s residence consequently increased by the day. Sima Yi claimed illness and ceased appearing at court, while both of his sons also resigned their offices and lived in retirement. Cao Shuang drank and amused himself every day with He Yan and the others. All the clothing, utensils, and furnishings he used were no different from those of the imperial court. Whenever curiosities, treasures, and rare objects were presented as tribute from the various regions, he first took the finest for himself and sent the rest into the palace. Beautiful women filled his residence and courtyards. Zhang Dang, a palace eunuch, fawned upon Cao Shuang and secretly selected seven or eight of the late emperor’s concubines to send to Shuang’s residence. Shuang also selected thirty or forty respectable young women skilled in singing and dancing to serve as his household entertainers. In addition, he built multistoried halls and painted pavilions, had vessels of gold and silver made, and employed several hundred skilled artisans to work day and night.

Now He Yan heard that Guan Lu of Pingyuan was skilled in the arts of calculation and invited him to discuss the Book of Changes. Deng Yang was present and asked Guan Lu, “You claim to understand the Changes, yet you have said nothing about the meanings of its words. Why is that?” Guan Lu replied, “One who truly understands the Changes does not speak of the Changes.” He Yan laughed and praised him, saying, “That may indeed be called saying what is essential without needless elaboration.” He then said to Guan Lu, “Cast a hexagram for me and see whether I may rise to one of the Three Excellencies.” He also asked, “For several nights I have dreamed that dozens of bluebottle flies gather on my nose. What does this omen mean?” Guan Lu replied, “Yuan and Kai assisted Shun, and the Duke of Zhou assisted the Zhou dynasty. Through harmony, benevolence, modesty, and respect, they all enjoyed abundant blessings. Today, my lord, your rank is exalted and your power great, yet few cherish your virtue and many fear your authority. This is hardly the way to seek blessings through caution. Moreover, the nose represents a mountain. A mountain is lofty but not dangerous, and for that reason it can long preserve its honored place. Now foul and loathsome bluebottle flies gather there. Those in lofty positions may fall—how can you not be afraid? I hope, my lord, that you will take from what is excessive and add to what is deficient, and never tread where propriety forbids. Then you may rise to one of the Three Excellencies, and the bluebottle flies may be driven away.” Deng Yang angrily said, “This is nothing but the usual talk of an old pedant!” Guan Lu replied, “The old pedant sees what does not yet exist; his usual talk sees what is not yet spoken.” He flicked his sleeves and departed. The two men laughed loudly and said, “He truly is a mad eccentric!” When Guan Lu returned home, he told his uncle what had happened. His uncle was greatly alarmed. “He Yan and Deng Yang possess enormous power,” he said. “How could you offend them?” Guan Lu replied, “I was speaking with dead men. What is there to fear?” His uncle asked him why. Guan Lu replied, “When Deng Yang walks, his sinews do not bind his bones, his veins do not govern his flesh, and when he rises and stands, he tilts and leans as if he had no hands or feet. These are the features of ‘ghostly agitation.’ When He Yan looks about, his spirit does not remain in its dwelling, his blood gives no color to his complexion, and his vital essence floats like smoke; his appearance is like withered wood. These are the features of ‘ghostly gloom.’ Sooner or later, both men will suffer disasters that cost them their lives. Why should I fear them?” His uncle departed without cursing Guan Lu as a madman.

Cao Shuang often went hunting with He Yan, Deng Yang, and the others. His younger brother Cao Xi remonstrated: “Brother, your authority is too great, yet you delight in going out to hunt. If someone plots against you, regret will come too late.” Shuang rebuked him: “Military authority is in my hands. What is there to fear?” Huan Fan, the Minister of Agriculture, also remonstrated with him, but Shuang would not listen. At this time, the ruler of Wei, Cao Fang, changed the tenth year of Zhengshi to the first year of Jiaping. Cao Shuang had long monopolized power, but he did not know whether Zhongda’s illness was real or feigned. Just then, the ruler of Wei appointed Li Sheng Inspector of Jing Province. Cao Shuang immediately ordered Li Sheng to go and take leave of Zhongda while secretly investigating his condition. Sheng went straight to the residence of the Grand Tutor, where a gate official promptly went inside to report his arrival. Sima Yi said to his two sons, “Cao Shuang has sent this man to discover whether my illness is real or false.” He removed his cap, let down his hair, climbed into bed, and sat wrapped in a quilt. He also ordered two maids to support him with canes before he invited Li Sheng inside. Sheng came before the bed and bowed. “I have not seen you for some time, Grand Tutor,” he said. “Who would have thought your illness had become so severe? The Son of Heaven has now appointed me Inspector of Jing Province, and I have come especially to take my leave.” Yi pretended to answer, “Bing Province lies near Shuofang. You must prepare its defenses well.” Sheng said, “I have been appointed Inspector of Jing Province, not Bing Province.” Yi smiled. “So you have just come from Bing Province?” Sheng said, “I mean Qing Province, east of the mountains.” Yi laughed loudly. “So you have come from Qing Province.” Sheng said, “Grand Tutor, how has your illness become as bad as this?” The attendants said, “The Grand Tutor is deaf.” Sheng said, “Please give me paper and a brush.” The attendants brought them to him. When Sheng had finished writing, he presented the message. Yi looked at it and smiled. “My illness has made me deaf. Take good care of yourself on your journey.” After speaking, he pointed to his mouth. A maid brought him some broth. Yi put his mouth to the bowl, but the broth ran all over the front of his robe. He made choking sounds and said, “I am now old and gravely ill. My death may come at any moment. My two sons are unworthy, and I hope you will instruct them. If you see the General-in-Chief, you must ask him to look after my two sons!” When he finished speaking, he collapsed onto the bed, his voice hoarse and his breath coming in gasps. Li Sheng bowed and took leave of Zhongda. He returned to Cao Shuang and gave him a detailed account of everything. Shuang was delighted. “If this old man dies,” he said, “I will have nothing left to worry about!”

After Sima Yi saw Li Sheng depart, he rose and said to his two sons, “When Li Sheng returns and reports what he has seen, Cao Shuang will certainly cease to be on guard against me. We need only wait until he leaves the city to hunt, and then we can act against him.” Before many days had passed, Cao Shuang invited the ruler of Wei, Cao Fang, to visit Gaoping Mausoleum and offer sacrifices to the late emperor. Officials high and low all accompanied the imperial procession out of the city. Shuang took his three younger brothers, his confidants He Yan and the others, and the imperial guards, and set out escorting the emperor. Huan Fan, the Minister of Agriculture, stopped Shuang’s horse and remonstrated: “My lord, you have overall command of the palace troops. It is not proper for all you brothers to leave the city together. If some upheaval occurs in the capital, what will you do?” Pointing his whip at him, Shuang rebuked him: “Who would dare cause an upheaval? Speak no more nonsense!” That day, when Sima Yi saw that Shuang had left the city, he was overjoyed. He immediately summoned the former subordinates who had fought and defeated enemies under him, together with several dozen household officers. Taking his two sons, he mounted his horse and set out to eliminate Cao Shuang. Indeed:

A closed door is certain one day to open on a brighter scene;Now, driving forth his troops, he displays his heroic might.

What became of Cao Shuang’s life will be told in the next chapter.