Chapter 119

A Feigned Surrender and Cunning Plan Come to Nothing; Another Abdication Repeats the Same Old Pattern

Now Zhong Hui asked Jiang Wei to devise a plan for seizing Deng Ai. Jiang Wei said, “First order Army Inspector Wei Guan to arrest Deng Ai. If Deng Ai attempts to kill Wei Guan, his treason will be proven. You may then raise troops against him.” Zhong Hui was overjoyed and accordingly ordered Wei Guan to lead several dozen men into Chengdu and arrest Deng Ai and his son. Wei Guan’s soldiers tried to dissuade him, saying, “This is Minister of Works Zhong’s scheme to make General of the West Deng kill you, thereby proving Deng’s rebellion. You must not go!” Wei Guan said, “I have a plan of my own.” He first issued twenty or thirty proclamations, which read: “By imperial command, Deng Ai is to be arrested. No others shall be questioned. Those who come over promptly shall receive advancement and reward; any who dare hold back shall have their three clans exterminated.” He then prepared two prison carts and hastened through the night toward Chengdu.

By cockcrow, all the officers under Deng Ai who had seen the proclamation came and bowed in submission before Wei Guan’s horse. At the time, Deng Ai was still in his residence and had not yet risen. Wei Guan burst in with several dozen men and shouted, “By imperial command, Deng Ai and his son are under arrest!” Deng Ai, greatly startled, tumbled out of bed. Wei Guan ordered the warriors to bind him and put him in a prison cart. His son Deng Zhong came out to inquire and was likewise seized, bound, and placed in the other cart. The officers and clerks in the residence were aghast and were about to fight to rescue them when they saw a great cloud of dust rising. Scouts reported that Minister of Works Zhong was approaching with a large army. The men scattered in every direction. Zhong Hui and Jiang Wei dismounted and entered the residence, where they saw Deng Ai and his son already bound. Zhong Hui lashed Deng Ai on the head with his whip and cursed him: “You calf-herding whelp! How dare you act like this?” Jiang Wei also cursed him: “You reckless fellow, who staked all on desperate fortune—has your day come at last?” Deng Ai cursed them in return. Zhong Hui sent Deng Ai and his son under guard to Luoyang. He then entered Chengdu and took possession of all Deng Ai’s troops and horses, and his prestige rose tremendously. He said to Jiang Wei, “Only today have I attained the desire of my life.” Jiang Wei replied, “In former times Han Xin refused to heed Kuai Tong’s counsel and met disaster in Weiyang Palace. Grandee Zhong would not follow Fan Li to the Five Lakes and in the end died upon his own sword. Were not the fame and achievements of these two men illustrious? Yet they failed to perceive where profit and peril lay and did not seize their opportunity soon enough. Now, my lord, your great achievement is accomplished, and your power causes your sovereign to tremble. Why not take boat and vanish from the world, ascend the ridges of Mount Emei, and roam with Master Red Pine?” Zhong Hui laughed and said, “You are mistaken. I am not yet forty and am only now thinking of advancing to greater things. How could I imitate such retirement and idleness?” Jiang Wei said, “If you will not retire, then you should promptly devise a sound plan. That lies well within Your Excellency’s wisdom and ability, and there is no need to trouble this old man for advice.” Zhong Hui clapped his hands and laughed. “Boyue understands my heart!” From then on, the two discussed great affairs every day. Jiang Wei secretly wrote to the Latter Emperor: “I beg Your Majesty to endure a few days of humiliation. I shall cause the imperiled altars of the state to become secure again and the darkened sun and moon to shine once more. I will assuredly not allow the House of Han to perish forever.”

Now while Zhong Hui and Jiang Wei were plotting rebellion, a sudden report came that a letter had arrived from Sima Zhao. Zhong Hui received it and read: “I fear the Minister of Works may be unable to arrest Deng Ai, so I have personally stationed troops at Chang’an. We shall meet before long; I send this notice in advance.” Zhong Hui was greatly alarmed. “My forces outnumber Deng Ai’s several times over. If all he wanted was for me to capture Deng Ai, the Duke of Jin knows I could manage it alone. Now he is bringing troops here in person because he suspects me.” He therefore consulted Jiang Wei. Jiang Wei said, “When a ruler suspects his subject, that subject must die. Have you not seen what befell Deng Ai?” Zhong Hui said, “My mind is made up. If we succeed, we shall gain the empire; if we fail, we shall withdraw into western Shu, and I shall still be no less than another Liu Bei.” Jiang Wei said, “I recently heard that Empress Dowager Guo has died. You can falsely claim she left a testamentary edict ordering you to punish Sima Zhao for his crime of murdering the sovereign at the southern palace gate. With my lord’s abilities, the Central Plain may be swept up and pacified as easily as rolling a mat.” Zhong Hui said, “Boyue shall command the vanguard. When the enterprise succeeds, we shall share wealth and honor.” Jiang Wei replied, “I am willing to render such humble service as a dog or horse. I fear only that the generals will not submit.” Zhong Hui said, “Tomorrow is the Lantern Festival. We shall illuminate the old palace with a great display of lanterns and invite all the generals to a banquet. Any who refuse us shall be put to death.” Jiang Wei rejoiced inwardly. The next day, Zhong Hui and Jiang Wei invited the generals to a feast. After several rounds of wine, Zhong Hui raised his cup and burst into loud weeping. The generals asked in alarm why he wept. Zhong Hui said, “When Empress Dowager Guo was near death, she left this testamentary edict. Because Sima Zhao murdered the sovereign at the southern palace gate, committing treasonous and lawless crimes, and because he will soon usurp the state of Wei, she ordered me to punish him. Each of you must sign your name so that together we may accomplish this enterprise.” All were greatly shocked and looked at one another. Zhong Hui drew his sword and said, “Whoever disobeys shall die!” Terrified, they had no choice but to comply. When all had signed, Zhong Hui confined the generals within the palace under strict armed guard. Jiang Wei said, “I see that the generals will not submit. I ask that they be buried alive.” Zhong Hui said, “I have already ordered a pit dug within the palace and several thousand heavy clubs placed beside it. Those who refuse us shall be beaten to death and thrown into the pit.”

At the time, Zhong Hui’s trusted general Qiu Jian was at his side. Qiu Jian had formerly served under Army Protector Hu Lie, who was now also being held under guard in the palace. Qiu Jian secretly informed Hu Lie of what Zhong Hui had said. Greatly alarmed, Hu Lie tearfully told him, “My son Hu Yuan commands troops outside. How could he know Zhong Hui harbors such designs? If you remember our former bond, contrive to send him word; then even if I die, I shall have no regret.” Qiu Jian said, “My former lord, do not worry. Allow me to devise a way.” He went out and said to Zhong Hui, “My lord is holding the generals under gentle confinement, but it is inconvenient to supply them with food and water. One man should be allowed to come and go, carrying provisions and messages.” Zhong Hui had always listened to Qiu Jian and therefore placed him in charge of the prisoners. He instructed him, “I entrust you with a grave responsibility. You must not allow anything to leak out.” Qiu Jian said, “Set your mind at ease, my lord. I have strict methods of my own.” Qiu Jian secretly allowed one of Hu Lie’s trusted men to enter. Hu Lie gave the man a secret letter, which he carried with all speed to Hu Yuan’s camp. After recounting the matter in detail, he presented the letter. Hu Yuan was greatly alarmed and circulated it throughout all the camps. The generals were furious and hurried to Hu Yuan’s camp to confer. “Even if we must die,” they said, “how could we ever follow a rebel minister?” Hu Yuan said, “At noon on the eighteenth day of the first month, we shall make a sudden charge inside. This is how we shall proceed.” Army Inspector Wei Guan was delighted with Hu Yuan’s plan. He put his troops in order and had Qiu Jian relay the scheme to Hu Lie, who informed the other generals.

Now Zhong Hui summoned Jiang Wei and asked him, “Last night I dreamed that several thousand great serpents were biting me. Does this portend good or evil?” Jiang Wei replied, “Dreams of dragons and serpents are always auspicious omens.” Zhong Hui was pleased and believed him. He then said to Jiang Wei, “Our weapons and equipment are ready. What if we release the generals and question them?” Jiang Wei said, “These men all harbor disloyal thoughts. If they live long, they will surely cause harm. Better to kill them without delay.” Zhong Hui agreed and immediately ordered Jiang Wei to lead warriors to kill the Wei generals. Jiang Wei accepted the command and was just about to act when a sudden pain seized his heart and he fell unconscious to the ground. His attendants helped him up, and only after a long while did he revive. Suddenly it was reported that a tumult of voices had arisen outside the palace. Just as Zhong Hui sent someone to investigate, mighty shouts rose on every side and countless soldiers came pouring in from all directions. Jiang Wei said, “The generals must have risen in revolt. We must kill them first.” Another report came: the soldiers had already broken inside. Zhong Hui ordered the palace doors barred and sent troops onto the roof to hurl tiles down upon the attackers. Several dozen men were killed in the fighting. Flames rose on all sides outside the palace, and the troops hacked open the doors and rushed in. Zhong Hui drew his sword and personally killed several men, but a volley of arrows brought him down. The generals cut off his head. Jiang Wei drew his sword, mounted the palace steps, and charged back and forth among the enemy; but unhappily, the pain in his heart grew still more intense. Raising his face to heaven, Jiang Wei cried, “My plan has failed—such is Heaven’s decree!” He then cut his own throat and died, at the age of fifty-nine. Several hundred men died within the palace. Wei Guan proclaimed, “Let all troops return to their respective camps and await the prince’s command.” The Wei soldiers, contending with one another to avenge themselves, cut open Jiang Wei’s belly and found his gallbladder as large as a hen’s egg. The generals then seized and killed every member of Jiang Wei’s household. When Deng Ai’s former troops saw that Zhong Hui and Jiang Wei were dead, they set out that very night to pursue and rescue Deng Ai. Someone promptly reported this to Wei Guan. Wei Guan said, “It was I who arrested Deng Ai. If I let him live now, I shall have no place to bury my body!” Army Protector Tian Xu said, “When Deng Ai captured Jiangyou, he wished to kill me, and I escaped only because the officers interceded. Today I shall avenge that wrong.” Wei Guan was overjoyed and sent Tian Xu with five hundred soldiers in pursuit. They reached Mianzhu just as Deng Ai and his son had been freed from their prison carts and were preparing to return to Chengdu. Deng Ai supposed that his own troops had arrived and made no preparations. Before he could question them, Tian Xu cut him down with a single stroke. Deng Zhong also died amid the melee. A later poet lamented Deng Ai:

From childhood skilled in strategy,Full of designs, adept in war;A level gaze discerned the land,An upturned face read heaven’s signs.His horse reached where the mountain broke,His troops came where stone pathways forked.His triumph won, his body slain,His soul haunts clouds above the Han.

Another poem laments Zhong Hui:

In childhood famed for early wit,He served once as a Palace Scribe.His brilliant schemes amazed the Simas;Men hailed him as a second Zifang.At Shouchun much wise counsel came;At Sword Pass his hawk’s valor shone.He would not hide like Tao Zhu did;His wandering soul mourns its old home.

Another poem laments Jiang Wei:

Tianshui boasted of this hero;Liangzhou produced this wondrous man.His line descended from Shangfu;His art came down from Marquis Wu.With boundless courage, what feared he?His mighty heart swore never to turn.The day he died within Chengdu,A Han commander left grief behind.

Now Zhong Hui, Jiang Wei, and Deng Ai were dead, and Zhang Yi and others had also perished in the melee. Crown Prince Liu Xuan and Guan Yi, Marquis of Hanshou Village, were both killed by the Wei troops. Soldiers and civilians fell into utter chaos, trampling one another, and the dead were beyond counting. Ten days later, Jia Chong arrived first and issued proclamations to reassure the people. Only then was order restored. He left Wei Guan to guard Chengdu and moved the Latter Emperor to Luoyang. Only a few men accompanied him: Fan Jian, Prefect of the Masters of Writing; Zhang Shao, Palace Attendant; Qiao Zhou, Grandee of Splendid Happiness; Xi Zheng, Gentleman of the Palace Library; and several others. Liao Hua and Dong Jue both pleaded illness and would not rise; later, both died of grief.

At this time, the fifth year of Jingyuan under Wei was changed to the first year of Xianxi. It was the third month of spring. The Wu general Ding Feng, seeing that Shu had fallen, withdrew his army and returned to Wu. Hua He, Palace Secretariat Drafter, memorialized the ruler of Wu, Sun Xiu: “Wu and Shu are as lips and teeth. ‘When the lips are gone, the teeth grow cold.’ I judge that Sima Zhao will soon attack Wu. I beg Your Majesty to strengthen the defenses.” Sun Xiu followed his advice. He appointed Lu Kang, son of Lu Xun, Senior General Who Guards the East and Inspector of Jingzhou, and ordered him to defend the mouth of the river. General of the Left Sun Yi was assigned to guard the strategic passes around Southern Xuzhou. Several hundred camps were established all along the Yangzi, and the veteran general Ding Feng was given overall command, to guard against the Wei army.

When Huo Ge, Administrator of Jianning, heard that Chengdu had fallen, he donned mourning clothes, faced west, and wept aloud for three days. His generals all said, “Since the sovereign of Han has lost his throne, why do we not surrender at once?” Huo Ge said tearfully, “The roads are cut off, and we do not yet know whether our sovereign is safe. If the ruler of Wei treats him with due courtesy, it will not be too late for us to surrender the city. But if by any chance our sovereign is endangered or humiliated, then when the ruler is disgraced, the minister must die. How could we surrender?” All agreed with his words, and a man was sent to Luoyang to learn what had become of the Latter Emperor.

When the Latter Emperor reached Luoyang, Sima Zhao had already returned to court. Sima Zhao rebuked him: “You were licentious and without principle; you cast aside the worthy and ruined the government. By rights, you ought to be put to death.” The Latter Emperor’s face turned ashen, and he knew not what to do. The civil and military officials all memorialized: “Though the ruler of Shu lost the foundations of his state, he was fortunate enough to surrender early. He should be pardoned.” Sima Zhao therefore enfeoffed Liu Shan as Duke of Anle, granted him a residence, provided him with a monthly allowance, and bestowed ten thousand bolts of silk and one hundred male and female servants upon him. His son Liu Yao and his ministers Fan Jian, Qiao Zhou, Xi Zheng, and the rest all received noble rank. The Latter Emperor gave thanks for the favor and withdrew from the palace. Because Huang Hao had corrupted the state and harmed the people, Sima Zhao ordered warriors to take him to the public execution ground, where he was put to death by slow slicing. When Huo Ge learned that the Latter Emperor had received a fief, he led his soldiers to surrender. The next day, the Latter Emperor personally went to Sima Zhao’s residence to bow and offer thanks. Sima Zhao held a banquet in his honor. First he had the music and dances of Wei performed before them. The former officials of Shu were overcome with sorrow, but the Latter Emperor alone looked pleased. Sima Zhao then ordered men of Shu to perform the music of Shu. All the former Shu officials shed tears, while the Latter Emperor laughed and made merry as though nothing were amiss. When the wine had brought them halfway to intoxication, Sima Zhao said to Jia Chong, “How can a man be so utterly devoid of feeling? Even if Zhuge Kongming had lived, he could not have preserved such a ruler for long—much less Jiang Wei!” He then asked the Latter Emperor, “Do you ever think of Shu?” The Latter Emperor replied, “I am happy here and do not think of Shu.” Shortly afterward, the Latter Emperor rose to change his clothes. Xi Zheng followed him into a side chamber and said, “How could Your Majesty answer that you do not think of Shu? If he asks again, weep and reply, ‘The graves of my ancestors lie far away in Shu. My heart grieves for the west, and not a day passes when I do not think of it.’ The Duke of Jin will then surely allow Your Majesty to return to Shu.” The Latter Emperor committed these words firmly to memory and returned to his place. When he was slightly drunk, Sima Zhao again asked, “Do you ever think of Shu?” The Latter Emperor answered as Xi Zheng had instructed. He wished to weep, but no tears came, so he closed his eyes. Sima Zhao said, “Why does that sound exactly like something Xi Zheng would say?” The Latter Emperor opened his eyes and stared at him in astonishment. “It is exactly as Your Excellency says.” Sima Zhao and all those around him burst out laughing. From this, Sima Zhao was greatly pleased with the Latter Emperor’s honesty and no longer harbored the least suspicion of him. A later poet lamented:

He chased delight with smiling face,Nor mourned the least his country’s fall.Content abroad, his homeland lost—Thus was the Latter Emperor proved a fool.

Now because Sima Zhao had won great merit by conquering the Riverlands, the ministers at court proposed that he be raised to princely rank and memorialized the ruler of Wei, Cao Huan. At the time, Cao Huan was emperor in name but in truth had no power to decide anything. All government lay in the hands of the Sima clan, and he dared not refuse. He therefore raised Sima Zhao, Duke of Jin, to Prince of Jin; he posthumously honored Sima Zhao’s father, Sima Yi, as Prince Xuan and his elder brother, Sima Shi, as Prince Jing. Sima Zhao’s wife was the daughter of Wang Su, and she had borne him two sons. The elder, Sima Yan, was imposing in stature and appearance; his hair, when unbound, reached the ground, and his hands hung below his knees. He was intelligent, valiant, and martial, with courage surpassing other men. The younger, Sima You, was gentle in nature, respectful, frugal, filial, and brotherly. Sima Zhao loved him dearly, and because Sima Shi had no son, Sima You had been adopted to continue his line. Sima Zhao often said, “The empire belongs to my elder brother.” Thus, after receiving the title Prince of Jin, Sima Zhao wished to establish Sima You as his heir. Shan Tao remonstrated: “To displace the elder and establish the younger violates ritual and invites misfortune.” Jia Chong, He Zeng, and Pei Xiu likewise remonstrated: “Your eldest son is wise, divinely gifted, and martial, with abilities that transcend his age. The hopes of the people already gather around him, and his heaven-marked appearance is not that of a mere subject.” Sima Zhao hesitated and could not decide. Grand Commandant Wang Xiang and Minister of Works Xun Yi remonstrated: “In former ages, establishing the younger son often brought disorder to the state. We beg Your Highness to reflect upon it.” Sima Zhao thereupon made his eldest son, Sima Yan, heir apparent.

The ministers reported: “Some years ago, in Xiangwu County, a man descended from heaven. He stood more than twenty feet tall, and his footprints measured three feet and two inches. He had white hair and a grizzled beard, wore an unlined yellow robe and a yellow headcloth, and leaned upon a staff tipped with goosefoot. He called himself the King of the People and said, ‘I have come to tell you this: the ruler under Heaven shall change, and you shall immediately behold Great Peace.’ He walked through the marketplace in this fashion for three days and then suddenly disappeared. This is an auspicious sign for Your Highness. Your Highness may assume the crown with twenty pendant strands, raise the banners of the Son of Heaven, have the roads cleared when you go forth and barred when you enter, ride the golden-root carriage drawn by six horses, raise the princely consort to the rank of queen, and establish the heir apparent as crown prince.” Sima Zhao rejoiced inwardly. He returned to the palace and was about to drink wine when he suddenly suffered a stroke and lost the power of speech. The next day, his illness became critical. Grand Commandant Wang Xiang, Minister of the Masses He Zeng, Minister of Works Xun Yi, and the other high ministers entered the palace to inquire after his health. Unable to speak, Sima Zhao pointed with his hand toward Crown Prince Sima Yan and died. It was the xinmao day of the eighth month.

He Zeng said, “All the great affairs of the realm rest with the Prince of Jin. We must establish the crown prince as Prince of Jin before conducting the sacrifices and burial.” That very day, Sima Yan succeeded as Prince of Jin. He appointed He Zeng Chancellor of Jin, Sima Wang Minister of the Masses, Shi Bao General of Agile Cavalry, and Chen Qian General of Chariots and Cavalry. He posthumously honored his father as Prince Wen. When the burial was completed, Sima Yan summoned Jia Chong and Pei Xiu into the palace and asked, “Cao Cao once said, ‘If Heaven’s mandate rests with me, then perhaps I shall be King Wen of Zhou.’ Did this truly happen?” Jia Chong said, “For generations Cao Cao’s house had received the bounty of Han. He feared men would accuse him of usurpation and treason, and therefore spoke those words. By them, he plainly instructed Cao Pi to become emperor.” Sima Yan said, “How does my father compare with Cao Cao?” Jia Chong replied, “Though Cao Cao’s achievements overshadowed all the realm, the common people feared his might but cherished no gratitude for his virtue. His son Cao Pi inherited his enterprise, but levies and labor services were exceedingly burdensome. The people were driven east and west and knew not one peaceful year. Later, our Princes Xuan and Jing repeatedly won great merit and spread benevolence and virtue. The hearts of all under Heaven have long since turned to us. Prince Wen annexed western Shu, and his merit embraces the whole world. How could Cao Cao compare with him?” Sima Yan said, “Cao Pi could succeed to the imperial line of Han. Can I not succeed to the imperial line of Wei?” Jia Chong and Pei Xiu bowed twice and memorialized: “Your Highness should indeed follow Cao Pi’s precedent in succeeding Han. Rebuild the Altar of Abdication, proclaim the matter throughout the realm, and ascend the imperial throne.”

Sima Yan was overjoyed. The next day, he entered the inner palace wearing his sword. At this time, the ruler of Wei, Cao Huan, had not held court for several days. His mind was distracted, and he had lost all composure. Sima Yan went straight into the rear palace. In alarm, Cao Huan descended from the imperial couch to receive him. Once Sima Yan was seated, he asked, “By whose strength was the empire of Wei established?” Cao Huan replied, “It was wholly the gift of the fathers and grandfathers of the Prince of Jin.” Sima Yan smiled. “As I observe Your Majesty, in civil affairs you cannot discourse upon the Way, and in military affairs you cannot govern the state. Why not yield it to a man of ability and virtue?” Cao Huan was greatly alarmed. His mouth shut fast, and he could not speak. Zhang Jie, a Gentleman Attendant of the Yellow Gate who stood nearby, shouted, “The Prince of Jin speaks falsely! In former days, the Grand Progenitor, Emperor Wu, swept away enemies in the east and west and campaigned north and south. It was no easy matter to gain this empire. The present Son of Heaven is virtuous and without fault. Why should he yield it to another?” Sima Yan flew into a rage. “These altars of soil and grain belong to the Great Han! Cao Cao held the Son of Heaven hostage to command the feudal lords, set himself up as Prince of Wei, and usurped the House of Han. For three generations, my grandfather, father, and great-uncle supported Wei. That the empire was won was not the accomplishment of the Cao clan but truly the strength of the Sima clan. All within the Four Seas know it. Why should I be unworthy today to succeed to the empire of Wei?” Zhang Jie said again, “If you mean to do this, you are a traitor who usurps the state!” Sima Yan was furious. “I am avenging the House of Han! What is wrong with that?” He shouted to the warriors, who beat Zhang Jie to death with a flurry of clubs below the hall. Cao Huan knelt, weeping, and pleaded with him. Sima Yan rose, descended from the hall, and departed. Cao Huan said to Jia Chong and Pei Xiu, “The crisis has come. What am I to do?” Jia Chong said, “Heaven’s allotted span has ended. Your Majesty must not oppose Heaven. You should follow the precedent of Emperor Xian of Han: rebuild the Altar of Abdication, prepare the grand ceremonies, and abdicate the throne to the Prince of Jin. Above, this will accord with Heaven’s will; below, it will comply with the people’s desires. Your Majesty will then be preserved from harm.” Cao Huan agreed and ordered Jia Chong to build the Altar of Abdication. On the jiazi day of the twelfth month, Cao Huan personally held the imperial seal transmitted through the ages and stood upon the altar, while all the civil and military officials assembled. A later poet lamented:

Jin’s princely state followed the mold of Wei;Chenliu’s fate matched Shanyang’s before.Again they played the Altar of Abdication scene;Looking back upon those years brings only grief.

Prince of Jin Sima Yan was invited to ascend the altar and receive the grand rites. Cao Huan descended from the altar, donned the robes of a duke, and stood at the head of the ranks. Sima Yan sat erect upon the altar. Jia Chong and Pei Xiu stood to his left and right holding swords and ordered Cao Huan to bow twice, prostrate himself, and receive the command. Jia Chong said, “Since the twenty-fifth year of Jian’an under Han, when Wei received Han’s abdication, forty-five years have passed. Now Heaven’s bounty to Wei has ended forever, and Heaven’s mandate rests with Jin. The merits and virtues of the Sima clan have grown ever more exalted, reaching the limits of heaven and earth. The Prince of Jin may now assume the rightful place of emperor and succeed to the imperial line of Wei. You are enfeoffed as Prince of Chenliu and shall depart to reside at Jinyong City. You shall set out at once and may not enter the capital again without an imperial summons.” Cao Huan tearfully gave thanks and departed. Grand Tutor Sima Fu wept and bowed before Cao Huan, saying, “I am a minister of Wei, and to the end I shall never betray Wei.” Seeing him act thus, Sima Yan enfeoffed Sima Fu as Prince of Anping. Sima Fu refused the title and withdrew. That day, all the civil and military officials bowed twice below the altar and shouted, “Long live the Emperor!” Sima Yan succeeded to the imperial line of Wei, named his dynasty Great Jin, changed the reign title to the first year of Taishi, and proclaimed a general amnesty throughout the realm. Thus Wei perished. A later poet lamented:

The state of Jin was fashioned after Wei;Chenliu’s path resembled Shanyang’s.Again before the altar abdication came;To look back on those years brings only pain.

Emperor Sima Yan of Jin posthumously honored Sima Yi as Emperor Xuan, his uncle Sima Shi as Emperor Jing, and his father Sima Zhao as Emperor Wen. He established seven ancestral temples to glorify his forebears. Who were honored in those seven temples? Sima Jun, General Who Conquers the West under Han, begot Sima Liang, Administrator of Yuzhang; Sima Liang begot Sima Jun, Administrator of Yingchuan; Sima Jun begot Sima Fang, Intendant of Jingzhao; Sima Fang begot Emperor Xuan, Sima Yi; and Sima Yi begot Emperor Jing, Sima Shi, and Emperor Wen, Sima Zhao. These constituted the seven ancestral temples. Once the great affairs had been settled, the emperor held court each day to deliberate plans for conquering Wu. Truly:

The Han house walls and cities are no longer as of old;The rivers and mountains of Wu shall soon be changed again.

How Wu was to be conquered will be told in the chapter that follows.

A Feigned Surrender and Cunning Plan Come to Nothing; Another Abdication Repeats the Same Old Pattern

Now Zhong Hui asked Jiang Wei to devise a plan for arresting Deng Ai. Jiang Wei said, “First order Army Inspector Wei Guan to arrest him. If Deng Ai tries to kill Wei Guan, his treason will be proven. Then, General, you may raise troops and attack him.” Zhong Hui was delighted and ordered Wei Guan to take several dozen men into Chengdu to arrest Deng Ai and his son. Wei Guan’s soldiers tried to stop him, saying, “This is Zhong Hui’s scheme to have Deng Ai, General Who Conquers the West, kill you, thereby proving Deng Ai’s treason. You must not go.” Wei Guan said, “I have a plan of my own.” He first issued twenty or thirty proclamations. They read: “By imperial decree, Deng Ai is to be arrested. No one else will be called to account. Those who come over at once will receive promotions and rewards. Anyone who dares remain in hiding will have all three branches of his family exterminated.” He then prepared two prison carts and traveled through the night toward Chengdu.

By cockcrow, all the officers under Deng Ai who had seen the proclamations came and surrendered before Wei Guan’s horse. At the time, Deng Ai was still asleep in his residence. Wei Guan burst in with several dozen men and shouted, “By imperial decree, Deng Ai and his son are under arrest!” Deng Ai was so startled that he rolled out of bed. Wei Guan ordered the guards to bind him and put him in a prison cart. His son Deng Zhong came out to ask what was happening and was also seized, bound, and placed in a prison cart. The officers and officials in the residence were greatly alarmed and were about to fight to rescue them when they saw an enormous cloud of dust rising in the distance. Scouts reported that Minister over the Masses Zhong Hui was approaching with a great army. Everyone scattered and fled. Zhong Hui and Jiang Wei dismounted and entered the residence, where they saw Deng Ai and his son already bound. Zhong Hui struck Deng Ai on the head with his whip and cursed him: “You calf-herding brat! How dare you behave like this!” Jiang Wei also cursed him: “You common brute, you took desperate risks and trusted to luck. Did you ever think this day would come?” Deng Ai cursed them in return. Zhong Hui sent Deng Ai and his son under guard to Luoyang. He then entered Chengdu and took possession of all Deng Ai’s troops and horses, causing his prestige to soar. He said to Jiang Wei, “Only today have I finally fulfilled my lifelong ambition.” Jiang Wei said, “In former times, Han Xin refused to heed Kuai Tong’s advice and met disaster in Weiyang Palace. Grandee Zhong refused to follow Fan Li to the Five Lakes and in the end was forced to fall on his sword. Were the achievements and reputations of these two men not glorious? Their only failing was that they did not clearly understand where advantage and danger lay, and were too slow to recognize their opportunity. Now, sir, your great achievement is complete, and your power makes your own lord tremble. Why not take a boat and vanish from the world, climb the heights of Mount Emei, and roam with Master Red Pine?” Zhong Hui laughed and said, “Your words are mistaken. I am not yet forty and am just thinking of advancing further. How could I imitate such a life of retirement?” Jiang Wei said, “If you will not retire, then you must devise a sound plan at once. But that lies well within your wisdom and ability, so there is no need for this old man to advise you.” Zhong Hui clapped his hands and laughed. “Boyue understands my heart.” From then on, the two discussed great affairs every day. Jiang Wei secretly wrote to the Latter Emperor: “I beg Your Majesty to endure a few days of humiliation. I will make the state secure again after its peril and make the sun and moon shine again after their darkness. I will never allow the house of Han to perish forever.”

Now while Zhong Hui and Jiang Wei were plotting rebellion, a sudden report came that a letter had arrived from Sima Zhao. Zhong Hui received it and read: “I fear that the Minister over the Masses may not be able to arrest Deng Ai, so I have personally stationed troops at Chang’an. We shall meet very soon, but I send this notice ahead.” Zhong Hui was greatly alarmed and said, “My troops outnumber Deng Ai’s several times over. If all he wanted was for me to arrest Deng Ai, the Duke of Jin knows I could do it alone. Now he is personally leading troops here because he suspects me.” He therefore consulted Jiang Wei. Jiang Wei said, “When a lord suspects his minister, that minister is certain to die. Have you not seen what happened to Deng Ai?” Zhong Hui said, “My mind is made up. If the enterprise succeeds, I will gain the empire. If it fails, I will withdraw into western Shu and still become another Liu Bei.” Jiang Wei said, “I recently heard that Empress Dowager Guo has died. You can falsely claim that she left a final edict ordering you to attack Sima Zhao and punish him for the crime of murdering his sovereign at the southern palace gate. With your abilities, my lord, the Central Plains can be swept up and pacified as easily as rolling up a mat.” Zhong Hui said, “Boyue shall command the vanguard. Once we succeed, we will share wealth and honor.” Jiang Wei said, “I am willing to render what little service I can, like a dog or horse. I fear only that the other generals will refuse to obey.” Zhong Hui said, “Tomorrow is the Lantern Festival. We will fill the former palace with lanterns and invite the generals to a banquet. Anyone who refuses to join us will be executed.” Jiang Wei was secretly delighted. The next day, Zhong Hui and Jiang Wei invited the generals to a banquet. After several rounds of wine, Zhong Hui held up his cup and began weeping loudly. The generals asked in alarm why he was crying. Zhong Hui said, “Empress Dowager Guo left a final edict before her death. Sima Zhao murdered the sovereign at the southern palace gate, an act of monstrous treason and lawlessness, and sooner or later he will usurp the throne of Wei. She therefore ordered me to attack him. Each of you must sign your name so that together we may accomplish this enterprise.” They were all greatly alarmed and looked at one another. Zhong Hui drew his sword and said, “Anyone who disobeys will be executed!” Terrified, they had no choice but to comply. After they had all signed, Zhong Hui confined them inside the palace and placed strict guards around them. Jiang Wei said, “I can see that the generals remain unwilling. I ask that you bury them alive.” Zhong Hui said, “I have already ordered a pit dug inside the palace and several thousand heavy clubs placed beside it. Anyone who refuses to obey will be beaten to death and thrown into the pit.”

At the time, a trusted officer named Qiu Jian was standing nearby. Qiu Jian had formerly served under Army Protector Hu Lie, who was now also being held under guard in the palace. Qiu Jian secretly reported Zhong Hui’s words to Hu Lie. Hu Lie was greatly alarmed and tearfully said, “My son Hu Yuan is commanding troops outside. How could he know that Zhong Hui harbors such intentions? For the sake of our past friendship, please get word to him. Then even if I die, I will have no regrets.” Qiu Jian said, “My former lord, do not worry. Allow me to find a way.” He went out and said to Zhong Hui, “My lord is keeping the generals under loose confinement inside, but it is inconvenient to supply them with food and water. You should allow one man to go back and forth carrying provisions.” Zhong Hui had always trusted Qiu Jian, so he placed him in charge of supervising the prisoners. Zhong Hui instructed him, “I am entrusting you with a matter of the utmost importance. Do not let anything leak out.” Qiu Jian said, “Do not worry, my lord. I have strict methods of my own.” Qiu Jian secretly arranged for one of Hu Lie’s trusted men to enter. Hu Lie gave the man a secret letter, and he hurried with it to Hu Yuan’s camp, explained the whole matter in detail, and presented the letter. Hu Yuan was greatly alarmed and showed it throughout all the camps. The officers were furious and hurried to Hu Yuan’s camp to confer. They said, “Even if we must die, how could we ever follow a traitorous minister?” Hu Yuan said, “At noon on the eighteenth day of the first month, we will suddenly force our way inside. This is how we shall proceed.” Army Inspector Wei Guan was delighted with Hu Yuan’s plan. He immediately readied his troops and had Qiu Jian convey the plan to Hu Lie, who informed the other generals.

Now Zhong Hui summoned Jiang Wei and asked, “Last night I dreamed that several thousand great serpents were biting me. Does this signify good or ill fortune?” Jiang Wei said, “Dreams of dragons and serpents are always auspicious omens.” Zhong Hui was pleased and believed him. He then said to Jiang Wei, “Our weapons and equipment are ready. What do you think of releasing the generals and asking them to join us?” Jiang Wei said, “All these men harbor disloyal thoughts. If left alive, they will eventually cause trouble. It would be better to kill them at once.” Zhong Hui agreed and ordered Jiang Wei to lead armed guards to kill the Wei generals. Jiang Wei accepted the order and was just about to act when a sudden pain struck his heart and he collapsed unconscious. His attendants helped him up, and it was a long while before he revived. Suddenly, a report came that a tumult of voices had arisen outside the palace. Zhong Hui was just sending someone to investigate when tremendous shouting erupted, and countless troops appeared from every direction. Jiang Wei said, “The generals must be rebelling. We should execute them first.” Another report came that the soldiers had already forced their way inside. Zhong Hui ordered the palace doors shut and had his soldiers climb onto the roof and strike the attackers with tiles. Several dozen men on both sides were killed. Fires broke out all around the palace, and the troops outside hacked through the doors and charged in. Zhong Hui drew his sword and personally killed several men, but a volley of arrows brought him down. The officers cut off his head. Jiang Wei drew his sword, went up into the hall, and charged back and forth among the enemy, but unfortunately the pain in his heart grew worse. He raised his face to Heaven and shouted, “My plan has failed! It is the will of Heaven!” He then cut his own throat and died. He was fifty-nine years old. Several hundred men died inside the palace. Wei Guan said, “All troops are to return to their camps and await the prince’s orders.” The Wei soldiers, eager to take revenge, cut open Jiang Wei’s belly and found that his gallbladder was as large as a hen’s egg. The officers then seized and killed every member of Jiang Wei’s household. When Deng Ai’s former soldiers saw that Zhong Hui and Jiang Wei were dead, they set off during the night to pursue and rescue Deng Ai. Someone quickly informed Wei Guan. Wei Guan said, “I was the one who arrested Deng Ai. If I allow him to live now, I will have no place to be buried.” Army Protector Tian Xu said, “When Deng Ai captured Jiangyou, he wanted to execute me, and I escaped only because the other officers pleaded for me. Today I shall avenge that grievance.” Wei Guan was delighted and sent Tian Xu with five hundred soldiers in pursuit. They caught up at Mianzhu just as Deng Ai and his son had been released from their prison carts and were preparing to return to Chengdu. Deng Ai assumed they were his own former troops and made no preparations. Before he could ask what was happening, Tian Xu cut him down with a single stroke. Deng Zhong also died amid the melee. A later poet lamented Deng Ai:

From childhood he knew how to plan,Full of schemes and skilled in war.One steady gaze revealed the land;One upward look discerned the stars.His horse reached mountains where roads ceased;His troops came, and stone paths opened.His great work done, he suffered death;His spirit haunts the clouds above the Han.

Another poem laments Zhong Hui:

Praised in childhood for precocious wisdom,He once served as a Gentleman of the Secretariat.His subtle plans amazed the Sima clan;The age acclaimed him as another Zhang Liang.At Shouchun he offered many brilliant counsels;At Jiange he displayed the eagle’s might.He would not learn Tao Zhu’s art of hiding;His wandering spirit mourns its native land.

Another poem laments Jiang Wei:

Tianshui boasted of its splendid hero;Liangzhou produced this rarest talent.His lineage descended from the Grand Duke;His arts were handed down by Marquis Wu.With matchless courage, he knew no fear;His mighty heart swore never to retreat.On the day he died at Chengdu,The generals of Han inherited endless grief.

Now Zhong Hui, Jiang Wei, and Deng Ai were dead, and Zhang Yi and the others also died amid the fighting. Crown Prince Liu Xuan and Guan Yi, Marquis of Hanshou Village, were both killed by the Wei troops. Soldiers and civilians fell into complete chaos, trampling one another, and the dead were beyond counting. Ten days later, Jia Chong arrived first and issued proclamations to reassure the people. Only then was order restored. He left Wei Guan to guard Chengdu and moved the Latter Emperor to Luoyang. Only a few officials accompanied him: Fan Jian, Director of the Imperial Secretariat; Zhang Shao, Palace Attendant; Qiao Zhou, Grandee of Splendid Happiness; Xi Zheng, Gentleman of the Palace Library; and several others. Liao Hua and Dong Jue both claimed illness and refused to rise, and later both died of grief.

It was then the fifth year of the Jingyuan era of Wei, which was changed to the first year of Xianxi. In the third month of spring, the Wu general Ding Feng, seeing that Shu had fallen, withdrew his troops and returned to Wu. Hua He, Assistant Director of the Secretariat, submitted a memorial to Sun Xiu, ruler of Wu: “Wu and Shu were as lips and teeth. ‘When the lips are gone, the teeth grow cold.’ I believe Sima Zhao’s invasion of Wu is imminent. I beg Your Majesty to strengthen our defenses.” Sun Xiu accepted his advice and appointed Lu Kang, son of Lu Xun, Senior General Who Guards the East and Governor of Jingzhou, ordering him to defend the mouth of the river. He ordered General of the Left Sun Yi to guard the strategic passes around Southern Xu, and established several hundred military encampments along the Yangtze. The veteran general Ding Feng was placed in overall command to defend against the Wei forces.

When Huo Ge, Administrator of Jianning, heard that Chengdu had fallen, he put on mourning clothes, faced west, and wept bitterly for three days. His officers all said, “Now that the sovereign of Han has lost his throne, why do we not surrender at once?” Huo Ge replied through his tears, “The roads are cut off, and we do not yet know whether our lord is safe or in danger. If the ruler of Wei treats him with proper courtesy, it will not be too late for us to surrender the entire city. But if our lord should be endangered or humiliated, then when the lord is dishonored, his ministers must die. How could we surrender?” They agreed with him and sent a man to Luoyang to learn what had become of the Latter Emperor.

When the Latter Emperor arrived at Luoyang, Sima Zhao had already returned to the court. Sima Zhao rebuked him: “You were dissolute and without principle. You cast aside worthy men and ruined the government. By rights, you should be executed.” The Latter Emperor’s face turned ashen, and he did not know what to do. The civil and military officials all memorialized: “Though the ruler of Shu destroyed the order of his state, he was fortunate enough to surrender early. He should be pardoned.” Sima Zhao therefore enfeoffed Liu Shan as Duke of Anle, gave him a residence and a monthly allowance, and bestowed on him ten thousand bolts of silk and one hundred male and female servants. Liu Shan’s son Liu Yao and his ministers Fan Jian, Qiao Zhou, Xi Zheng, and the others were all granted noble titles. The Latter Emperor thanked Sima Zhao for his favor and withdrew. Because Huang Hao had corrupted the state and harmed the people, Sima Zhao ordered armed guards to take him to the public execution ground, where he was put to death by slow slicing. When Huo Ge learned that the Latter Emperor had received a noble title, he led his troops in surrender. The next day, the Latter Emperor personally went to Sima Zhao’s residence and bowed in gratitude. Sima Zhao gave a banquet in his honor. First, musicians performed the music and dances of Wei. The former officials of Shu were deeply saddened, but the Latter Emperor alone looked delighted. Sima Zhao then ordered performers from Shu to play the music of Shu. All the former Shu officials shed tears, but the Latter Emperor laughed and enjoyed himself as if nothing were wrong. When they were half drunk, Sima Zhao said to Jia Chong, “How can a man be so utterly without feeling? Even if Zhuge Kongming were still alive, he could not have preserved this man’s rule for long, much less Jiang Wei.” Then he asked the Latter Emperor, “Do you ever miss Shu?” The Latter Emperor replied, “I am happy here and do not miss Shu.” A short while later, the Latter Emperor rose to change his clothes. Xi Zheng followed him to a side chamber and said, “Your Majesty, how could you answer that you do not miss Shu? If he asks again, you should weep and reply, ‘The graves of my ancestors lie far away in Shu. My heart always grieves for the west, and not a day passes that I do not think of it.’ The Duke of Jin will surely allow Your Majesty to return to Shu.” The Latter Emperor committed this firmly to memory and returned to the banquet. When the wine had made him slightly drunk, Sima Zhao again asked, “Do you ever miss Shu?” The Latter Emperor answered as Xi Zheng had instructed him. Wanting to cry but unable to produce any tears, he closed his eyes. Sima Zhao said, “Why does that sound exactly like something Xi Zheng would say?” The Latter Emperor opened his eyes, stared at him in surprise, and said, “It is exactly as you say.” Sima Zhao and everyone around him burst out laughing. From then on, Sima Zhao was greatly pleased by the Latter Emperor’s apparent honesty and no longer had any suspicions of him. A later poet lamented:

Chasing pleasure, he laughed with a beaming face,And showed no trace of grief for danger or ruin.Happy in a foreign land, forgetting his old realm,Only then was the Latter Emperor known as a fool.

Now because Sima Zhao had won merit by conquering Sichuan, the ministers at court sought to raise him to the rank of king and submitted a memorial to Cao Huan, ruler of Wei. At the time, Cao Huan was emperor in name only and had no power to decide anything. All government was controlled by the Sima clan, so he did not dare refuse. He therefore elevated Sima Zhao, Duke of Jin, to King of Jin, gave Sima Zhao’s father Sima Yi the posthumous title King Xuan, and his elder brother Sima Shi the posthumous title King Jing. Sima Zhao’s wife was the daughter of Wang Su and had borne him two sons. The elder, Sima Yan, was tall and imposing. When he stood, his hair hung to the ground, and his hands reached below his knees. He was intelligent, brave, martial, and exceptionally daring. The younger, Sima You, was gentle in temperament, respectful, frugal, filial to his parents, and loving toward his elder brother. Sima Zhao loved him dearly. Because Sima Shi had no son, Sima Zhao had Sima You adopted as his heir. Sima Zhao often said, “The empire belongs to my elder brother.” After becoming King of Jin, Sima Zhao therefore wanted to make Sima You his heir apparent. Shan Tao remonstrated: “Setting aside the elder son to establish the younger violates the rites and is inauspicious.” Jia Chong, He Zeng, and Pei Xiu also remonstrated: “Your eldest son is wise, divinely gifted, and martial, with talents surpassing all others. The people’s hopes are already fixed upon him, and his heaven-given appearance is not that of a mere subject.” Sima Zhao hesitated and could not decide. Grand Commandant Wang Xiang and Minister of Works Xun Yi remonstrated: “In former ages, establishing a younger son often brought disorder to the state. We beg Your Highness to consider carefully.” Sima Zhao then named his eldest son, Sima Yan, heir apparent.

The ministers reported: “This year, in Xiangwu County, Heaven sent down a man over two zhang tall, whose footprints were three chi and two cun long. He had white hair and a gray beard, wore an unlined yellow robe and a yellow headcloth, and leaned on a staff of goosefoot wood. He called himself the King of the People and said, ‘I have come to tell you that the ruler of the empire is about to change, and great peace will appear at once.’ He walked through the marketplace in this way for three days and then suddenly vanished. This is an auspicious sign for Your Highness. Your Highness may wear the crown with twenty strands of jade pendants, raise the banners of the Son of Heaven, have the roads cleared when you go out and passage forbidden when you enter, ride a golden-root carriage drawn by six horses, elevate the royal consort to queen, and establish the heir apparent as crown prince.” Sima Zhao was secretly delighted. After returning to the palace, he was about to drink wine when he suddenly suffered a stroke and lost the power of speech. The next day his illness became critical. Grand Commandant Wang Xiang, Minister over the Masses He Zeng, Marshal Xun Yi, and the other high ministers entered the palace to inquire after his health. Sima Zhao could not speak. He pointed with his hand at Crown Prince Sima Yan and died. It was the xinmao day of the eighth month.

He Zeng said, “All the great affairs of the empire depend upon the King of Jin. We must first establish the crown prince as King of Jin, and only then perform the funeral rites.” That same day, Sima Yan assumed the title King of Jin. He appointed He Zeng Chancellor of Jin, Sima Wang Minister over the Masses, Shi Bao General of Agile Cavalry, and Chen Qian General of Chariots and Cavalry. He gave his father the posthumous title King Wen. After the burial ceremonies were complete, Sima Yan summoned Jia Chong and Pei Xiu to the palace and asked, “Cao Cao once said, ‘If Heaven’s mandate rests with me, then perhaps I shall be King Wen of Zhou.’ Did he really say this?” Jia Chong replied, “Cao Cao’s family had received the stipends of Han for generations, and he feared people would denounce him as a usurper and traitor. That was why he spoke those words. But he was clearly instructing Cao Pi to become emperor.” Sima Yan said, “How did my late father compare with Cao Cao?” Jia Chong replied, “Though Cao Cao’s achievements overshadowed all the realm, the common people feared his might without cherishing his virtue. His son Cao Pi inherited his enterprise, but the labor levies were extremely heavy, and the people were driven east and west without a peaceful year. Later, our King Xuan and King Jing repeatedly achieved great merit, spread benevolence, and bestowed virtue, so the hearts of the empire have long turned to us. King Wen annexed western Shu, and his achievement overshadowed the whole world. How could Cao Cao compare with him?” Sima Yan said, “Cao Pi still succeeded to the imperial authority of Han. Can I not succeed to the imperial authority of Wei?” Jia Chong and Pei Xiu bowed twice and memorialized: “Your Highness should follow the precedent by which Cao Pi succeeded Han. Rebuild the Altar of Abdication, proclaim the matter throughout the empire, and ascend the imperial throne.”

Sima Yan was delighted. The next day, he entered the inner palace wearing his sword. At the time, Cao Huan, ruler of Wei, had not held court for several days. His mind was dazed, and he had lost all composure. Sima Yan walked directly into the rear palace. Cao Huan hurried down from the imperial couch to receive him. Once seated, Sima Yan asked, “Through whose efforts does the empire of Wei exist?” Cao Huan said, “It is entirely due to the grace of the father and forefathers of the King of Jin.” Sima Yan smiled and said, “As I see it, Your Majesty lacks the civil ability to discourse on the Way and the martial ability to govern the realm. Why not yield the throne to someone of talent and virtue?” Cao Huan was greatly alarmed. His mouth froze, and he could not speak. Zhang Jie, a Palace Attendant of the Yellow Gates who stood nearby, shouted, “The King of Jin’s words are wrong! In former days, Emperor Wu, our Great Progenitor, swept away enemies in the east and west and campaigned north and south. He did not gain this empire easily. Today the Son of Heaven is virtuous and without fault. Why should he yield it to another?” Sima Yan angrily replied, “This state and its altars belong to the Great Han. Cao Cao held the Son of Heaven hostage to command the feudal lords, made himself King of Wei, and usurped the house of Han. My grandfather, father, and great-uncle served Wei through three generations. That the empire was won was not due to the ability of the Cao clan, but to the strength of the Sima clan. All within the Four Seas know this. Why should I not be worthy to succeed to the empire of Wei today?” Zhang Jie said again, “Anyone who seeks to do this is a traitor who usurps the state!” Sima Yan flew into a rage and said, “I am avenging the house of Han. What is wrong with that?” He ordered the guards to beat Zhang Jie to death with clubs at the foot of the hall. Cao Huan knelt before him, weeping and pleading. Sima Yan rose, descended from the hall, and left. Cao Huan said to Jia Chong and Pei Xiu, “The situation is now desperate. What am I to do?” Jia Chong said, “Your allotted span from Heaven has ended. Your Majesty must not oppose Heaven. You should follow the precedent of Emperor Xian of Han: rebuild the Altar of Abdication, prepare the full ceremonies, and abdicate the throne to the King of Jin. Above, this will accord with Heaven’s will; below, it will comply with the people’s desires. Then Your Majesty may remain safe from harm.” Cao Huan agreed and ordered Jia Chong to build the Altar of Abdication. On the jiazi day of the twelfth month, Cao Huan personally held the Hereditary Seal of the Realm and stood upon the altar before a great assembly of civil and military officials. A later poet lamented:

Jin’s institutions followed those of the King of Wei;Chenliu’s fate resembled that of Shanyang.Again the deed was done before the Altar of Abdication;Looking back upon those former years brings only grief.

They invited Sima Yan, King of Jin, to ascend the altar and receive the great ceremonial transfer. Cao Huan descended and, dressed in the robes of a duke, stood at the head of the ranks. Sima Yan sat upright upon the altar. Jia Chong and Pei Xiu stood on either side with swords in hand and ordered Cao Huan to bow twice, prostrate himself, and hear his command. Jia Chong said, “Since the twenty-fifth year of Jian’an under Han, when Wei received Han’s abdication, forty-five years have passed. Now Heaven’s favor toward Wei has ended forever, and the Mandate of Heaven rests with Jin. The achievements and virtue of the Sima clan have grown ever greater, reaching to the limits of Heaven and Earth. The King of Jin may now assume the rightful position of emperor and succeed to the imperial authority of Wei. You are hereby enfeoffed as Prince of Chenliu and are to leave for residence in Jinyong City. You will depart at once and may not enter the capital unless summoned by imperial edict.” Cao Huan tearfully expressed his gratitude and departed. Grand Tutor Sima Fu wept and bowed before Cao Huan, saying, “I have lived as a minister of Wei, and to the end I will never betray Wei.” Seeing this, Sima Yan enfeoffed Sima Fu as Prince of Anping. Sima Fu refused the title and withdrew. That day, all the civil and military officials bowed twice beneath the altar and cried, “Long live the Emperor!” Sima Yan succeeded to the imperial authority of Wei, named his dynasty Great Jin, changed the era name to the first year of Taishi, and proclaimed a general amnesty throughout the empire. Thus Wei perished. A later poet lamented:

The state of Jin was modeled on the King of Wei;Chenliu’s course resembled Shanyang’s.Again they reenacted the Altar of Abdication;Looking back upon the past brings only sorrow.

Emperor Sima Yan of Jin posthumously honored Sima Yi as Emperor Xuan, his uncle Sima Shi as Emperor Jing, and his father Sima Zhao as Emperor Wen. He established seven ancestral temples to glorify his forebears. Who were enshrined in those seven temples? Sima Jun, General Who Conquers the West under Han; Sima Liang, Administrator of Yuzhang, son of Sima Jun; Sima Jun, Administrator of Yingchuan, son of Sima Liang; Sima Fang, Intendant of Jingzhao, son of Sima Jun; Emperor Xuan Sima Yi, son of Sima Fang; and Emperor Jing Sima Shi and Emperor Wen Sima Zhao, sons of Sima Yi. These were the seven ancestral temples. Once the great affairs had been settled, the emperor held court every day to discuss plans for attacking Wu. Truly:

The cities and walls of Han are no longer as before;The rivers and mountains of Wu will soon change hands again.

How Wu was to be attacked will be revealed in the next chapter.