Chapter 80

Cao Pi Deposes the Emperor and Usurps the Han; the King of Hanzhong Assumes the Throne and Continues the Great Line

Now Hua Xin and the assembled civil and military officials entered to see Emperor Xian. Hua Xin memorialized: “We humbly observe that since the Prince of Wei ascended to his present station, his virtue has spread throughout the four quarters and his benevolence has reached all living things. He surpasses antiquity and excels the present age; even Tang Yao and Yu Shun could not exceed him. The assembled ministers have deliberated and concluded that the mandate of Han has come to an end. We hope Your Majesty will emulate the way of Yao and Shun and abdicate the altars of soil and grain, the mountains and rivers, to the Prince of Wei. Above, this will accord with the will of Heaven; below, with the wishes of the people. Your Majesty may then peacefully enjoy the blessings of ease and leisure. Great will be the good fortune of your ancestors, and great the good fortune of all living souls! Having resolved upon this course, we have come expressly to submit our petition.” The emperor was greatly alarmed by this memorial and for a long while said nothing. Then, looking upon the assembled officials, he wept and said, “I reflect that Gaozu took up his three-foot sword, slew the serpent, and raised the standard of righteousness; he overthrew Qin, destroyed Chu, and established the imperial foundation. The succession has been handed down from generation to generation for four hundred years. Though We lack ability, We have committed no grave fault. How could We bear lightly to cast away the great enterprise of Our ancestors? Let all you officials deliberate again and reach an impartial decision.”

Hua Xin brought Li Fu and Xu Zhi forward and memorialized: “If Your Majesty does not believe us, you may question these two men.” Li Fu memorialized: “Since the Prince of Wei assumed his present station, qilins have been born, phoenixes have appeared in ceremony, yellow dragons have manifested themselves, auspicious grain has flourished, and sweet dew has descended. These are favorable omens displayed by Heaven, signs that Wei is destined to replace Han.” Xu Zhi then memorialized: “We ministers are charged with observing the heavens. At night we have studied the celestial patterns and seen that the allotted span of the Fiery Han has ended and that Your Majesty’s imperial star has grown hidden and dim. The celestial signs of Wei reach to the utmost limits of heaven and encompass the earth; all they portend would be difficult to recount. Moreover, they correspond to the prophetic charts. The prophecy says:

‘A ghost stands beside;Joined with “entrust,” they abide.It shall replace Han—No words can declare.“Speech” lies to the east,“Horse” to the west;Two suns shine together,Shifted above and below.’

“From this it follows that Your Majesty should abdicate without delay. ‘A ghost stands beside’ and ‘joined with “entrust”’ form the character Wei. ‘Speech lies to the east, horse to the west’ forms the character Xu. ‘Two suns shine together, shifted above and below’ forms the character Chang. This signifies that Wei is to receive the abdication of Han at Xuchang. We pray Your Majesty will examine this.” The emperor said, “Auspicious portents, prophetic charts, and cryptic texts are all empty falsehoods. How can you use such falsehoods to urge Us suddenly to abandon the foundation established by Our ancestors?” Wang Lang memorialized: “From ancient times onward, whatever rises must fall, and whatever flourishes must decline. How could there be a state that never perishes or a house that never fails? The Han dynasty has been transmitted for more than four hundred years, but now, in Your Majesty’s reign, its allotted span is exhausted. You should withdraw without delay and must not hesitate. Delay will only breed calamity.” The emperor burst into tears and withdrew into the rear hall. The assembled officials retired with mocking smiles.

The next day, the officials again assembled in the great hall and ordered a eunuch to summon Emperor Xian. Overcome with anxiety and fear, the emperor dared not appear. Empress Cao said, “The assembled officials request that Your Majesty hold court. Why does Your Majesty refuse?” The emperor wept and said, “Your brother seeks to usurp the throne and has ordered the officials to coerce Us. That is why We will not go out.” Empress Cao flew into a rage. “How can my brother commit such a rebellious and treasonous act?” Before she had finished speaking, Cao Hong and Cao Xiu entered wearing swords and demanded that the emperor come out to the hall. Empress Cao reviled them: “You are all traitorous rebels! Coveting wealth and rank, you have conspired together in treason! My father’s achievements overshadowed the whole realm, and his might shook all beneath Heaven, yet even he dared not usurp the sacred throne. Now my brother has held his station for only a short while, and already he plots to usurp Han. August Heaven will surely deny him its blessing!” When she had finished, she wept bitterly and returned to the inner palace. All the attendants around her sighed and shed tears.

Cao Hong and Cao Xiu pressed Emperor Xian to come out to the hall. Unable to withstand their coercion, the emperor had no choice but to change his robes and appear in the front hall. Hua Xin memorialized: “Your Majesty should follow the proposal we made yesterday and thereby escape a great calamity.” The emperor wept bitterly and said, “All of you have long eaten the stipends of Han. Many among you are descendants of meritorious ministers of this dynasty. How can you bear to commit such a disloyal act?” Hua Xin replied, “If Your Majesty refuses to follow the common decision, I fear disaster will arise within the palace walls at any moment. It is not that we ministers are disloyal to Your Majesty.” The emperor said, “Who would dare murder Us?” Hua Xin cried sternly, “Everyone beneath Heaven knows that Your Majesty lacks the fortune of a sovereign, and thus the four quarters have fallen into chaos! Had the Prince of Wei not been at court, more than one man would have murdered Your Majesty. Yet Your Majesty still does not acknowledge his kindness or repay his virtue. Do you truly intend to make the whole world unite in attacking you?” The emperor was greatly alarmed and rose, flinging back his sleeves. Wang Lang signaled Hua Xin with his eyes. Hua Xin strode forward, seized the imperial robe, and, his face transformed with anger, demanded, “Will you consent or not? Give us your answer at once!” The emperor trembled and could not reply. Cao Hong and Cao Xiu drew their swords and shouted, “Where is the Keeper of the Seals and Regalia?” Zu Bi came forward at once and answered, “The Keeper of the Seals and Regalia is here!” Cao Hong demanded the Imperial Seal. Zu Bi rebuked him: “The Imperial Seal is the treasure of the Son of Heaven! How dare you demand it without authority?” Cao Hong ordered the armed guards to drag him out and behead him. Zu Bi continued reviling them until the moment of his death. A later poet praised him:

When lawless traitors seized all power, the house of Han was lost;They falsely called it abdication, aping Yu and Tang.The hundred lords throughout the court all bowed before the Wei;One loyal minister alone remained—the Keeper of the Seals.

The emperor trembled without cease. Below the steps he saw several hundred men in armor bearing spears, all soldiers of Wei. Weeping, the emperor said to the assembled ministers, “We are willing to abdicate all beneath Heaven to the Prince of Wei. We ask only that Our failing breath be spared, so that We may live out Our natural years.” Jia Xu said, “The Prince of Wei will certainly not betray Your Majesty. Your Majesty should issue the edict without delay, so as to settle the minds of all.” The emperor had no choice but to order Chen Qun to draft an edict abdicating the state. He commanded Hua Xin to bear the edict and seal and lead all the officials directly to the palace of the Prince of Wei to present them. Cao Pi was overjoyed. He opened the edict and read:

“We have occupied the throne for thirty-two years and have endured the overturning and convulsion of all beneath Heaven. Fortunately, through the divine aid of Our ancestors, We survived despite every peril. Yet now, looking upward, We behold the signs of Heaven; looking downward, We discern the hearts of the people. The allotted span of the Fiery Essence has ended, and the cycle of destiny rests with the house of Cao. Thus the former prince established deeds of divine martial power, and the present prince displays the brilliance of enlightened virtue, thereby answering the appointed time. The succession revealed by the calendar is manifest and can surely be known. When the Great Way prevails, all beneath Heaven belongs to all. Tang Yao did not favor his own son, and his name has been proclaimed through eternity. We humbly yearn to emulate him. We therefore follow the precedent of Yao and abdicate the throne to the Chancellor of State, the Prince of Wei. Let the prince not refuse!”

When Cao Pi had finished hearing the edict, he wished to accept it at once. Sima Yi remonstrated: “You must not. Though the edict and seal have arrived, Your Highness should first submit a memorial modestly declining them, so as to silence the slanders of the world.” Cao Pi followed his advice and ordered Wang Lang to compose a memorial in which he professed that his virtue was too slight and requested that another man of great worth be sought to succeed to the imperial throne. After reading the memorial, the emperor became deeply alarmed and uncertain. He said to the ministers, “The Prince of Wei has modestly declined. What are We to do?” Hua Xin said, “In former days, when King Wu of Wei was offered the princely title, he declined three times, and each time an edict refused his request. Only then did he accept. Your Majesty may now issue another edict, and the Prince of Wei will naturally consent.”

The emperor, having no alternative, again ordered Huan Jie to draft an edict. He dispatched Zhang Yin, emissary of the Temple of Gaozu, to carry the imperial tally and present the seal at the palace of the Prince of Wei. Cao Pi opened the edict and read:

“Attend, O Prince of Wei: You have submitted a memorial modestly declining. We humbly reflect that the Way of Han has long been in decline. Fortunately, King Wu, Cao Cao, by his virtue answered the ordained cycle, raised and displayed his divine martial power, cut down the cruel and violent, and pacified the realm of Xia. Now you, Prince Pi, have inherited and continued his former enterprise. Your perfect virtue shines gloriously; the influence of your instruction extends over the Four Seas, and the winds of your benevolence spread through the eight regions. Heaven’s ordained succession rests indeed in your person. In former times, Yu Shun accomplished twenty great deeds, and Fangxun abdicated all beneath Heaven to him. Great Yu performed the labor of dredging and channeling the waters, and Chonghua abdicated the imperial throne to him. Han inherited the destiny of Yao and possesses the duty of transmitting the throne to a sage. In further obedience to the spirits of Heaven and earth, and to continue Heaven’s manifest mandate, We command Acting Censor-in-Chief Zhang Yin to carry the imperial tally and present the Emperor’s seal and ribbon. Let the prince accept them!”

Cao Pi received the edict with delight and said to Jia Xu, “Though the edict has now come twice, I still fear that before the world and later generations I will not escape the name of usurper.” Jia Xu replied, “This matter is easily resolved. Order Zhang Yin to carry the seal and ribbon back once more. Then have Hua Xin instruct the Han emperor to build a terrace named the Abdication Terrace. Choose an auspicious day and favorable hour, assemble all ministers and nobles, high and low, beneath it, and have the Son of Heaven personally present the seal and ribbon and abdicate all beneath Heaven to Your Highness. In this way you may dispel every doubt and silence all dispute.” Cao Pi was overjoyed. He immediately ordered Zhang Yin to carry the seal and ribbon back and again submitted a memorial modestly declining. Zhang Yin returned and reported to Emperor Xian. The emperor asked the ministers, “The Prince of Wei has declined again. What is his intention?” Hua Xin memorialized: “Your Majesty may build a terrace and name it the Abdication Terrace. Assemble the nobles, ministers, and common people, and openly abdicate the throne. Then Your Majesty’s sons and grandsons, generation after generation, will surely receive the favor of Wei.” The emperor complied. He therefore dispatched officials of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices to divine a site at Fanyang, where they built a lofty terrace of three tiers. The abdication was fixed for the hour of the tiger on the gengwu day of the tenth month.

When the appointed day arrived, Emperor Xian invited Cao Pi, Prince of Wei, to ascend the terrace and receive the abdication. Beneath the terrace were assembled more than four hundred officials, high and low, together with over three hundred thousand imperial guards, Tiger Warriors, and palace troops. The emperor personally held out the Imperial Seal and presented it to Cao Pi. Cao Pi accepted it. The assembled ministers knelt beneath the terrace and listened as the investiture was read:

“Attend, O Prince of Wei: In ancient times, Tang Yao abdicated the throne to Yu Shun, and Shun likewise bestowed his mandate upon Yu. The Mandate of Heaven does not remain forever in one place but returns only to the virtuous. The Way of Han has declined, and over the generations order has been lost. By the time it descended to Our person, great disorder had deepened into darkness. A host of villains reveled in rebellion, and all within the realm was overturned. Relying upon the divine martial power of King Wu, We were delivered from peril throughout the four quarters. He pacified the realm of Xia and thereby preserved and secured Our ancestral temples. It was not We alone who obtained peace; all the Nine Domains truly received his bounty. Now you, O Prince, have reverently inherited his former enterprise and made your virtue resplendent. You have enlarged the mighty achievements of civil and martial rule and made illustrious the glorious deeds of your father. The august spirits have sent down auspicious signs, and gods and men alike have revealed their portents. Great indeed are your enlightened works, and the multitudes have urged Us to issue this command. All say that your measure may be compared with Yu Shun’s. Therefore, in accordance with Our precedent from Tang Yao, We respectfully yield Our throne to you. Ah! Heaven’s ordained succession rests in your person. May you reverently comply with this great rite, receive the homage of the myriad states, and solemnly uphold the Mandate of Heaven!”

When the investiture had been read, Cao Pi, Prince of Wei, received the eight great rites and ascended the imperial throne. Jia Xu led all the officials, high and low, in paying homage beneath the terrace. The first year of Yankang was changed to the first year of Huangchu, and the dynasty was named Great Wei. Cao Pi immediately issued a decree granting a general amnesty throughout the realm. He conferred upon his father, Cao Cao, the posthumous title Emperor Wu, Taizu. Hua Xin memorialized: “‘There are not two suns in Heaven, nor two sovereigns over the people.’ Now that the Han emperor has abdicated all beneath Heaven, by right he must withdraw to the rank of a feudatory. We beg Your Majesty to issue a clear decree specifying where the house of Liu is to be settled.” Having spoken, he forced Emperor Xian to kneel beneath the terrace and receive the decree. Cao Pi decreed that the emperor be enfeoffed as Duke of Shanyang and ordered him to depart that very day. Hua Xin gripped his sword, pointed at the emperor, and said sternly, “To enthrone one emperor and depose another is the constant way of antiquity! His present Majesty is benevolent and cannot bear to harm you, so he has enfeoffed you as Duke of Shanyang. You will depart today. Unless summoned, you are not permitted to enter the imperial court!” Emperor Xian, with tears in his eyes, bowed in gratitude, mounted his horse, and departed. The soldiers and common people beneath the terrace were overcome with sorrow at the sight. Cao Pi said to his ministers, “Now We understand the deeds of Shun and Yu!” The ministers all cried, “Long live the Emperor!” A later poet, looking upon the Abdication Terrace, lamented:

With grievous toil the two Han houses built their mighty state,Yet in a single morning lost their ancient realm.Huangchu would imitate the deeds of Tang and Yu—But soon the house of Sima watched and learned the pattern.

The assembled officials asked Cao Pi to offer thanks to Heaven and earth. Just as Cao Pi began to bow, a strange wind suddenly arose before the terrace. It whirled sand and drove stones with the fury of a torrential rain, until no one could see the person facing him. Every torch and candle on the terrace was blown out. Cao Pi collapsed in terror upon the terrace. The officials hastily carried him down, and only after a long while did he regain consciousness. His attendants supported him into the palace, and for several days he was unable to hold court. When his illness had somewhat improved, he came out to the hall and received the congratulations of his ministers. He appointed Hua Xin Minister of the Masses and Wang Lang Minister of Works. Every official, high and low, received promotion or reward. Cao Pi had not yet fully recovered and suspected that the palaces at Xuchang were haunted by many malign spirits. He therefore left Xuchang for Luoyang, where he undertook extensive palace construction.

Before long, a messenger reached Chengdu and reported that Cao Pi had proclaimed himself Emperor of Great Wei and was building palaces at Luoyang. It was also rumored that the Han emperor had already been murdered. When the Prince of Hanzhong heard this, he wept bitterly throughout the day. He ordered all officials to don mourning and arranged a distant sacrificial service facing toward the late emperor, upon whom he conferred the honored posthumous title Emperor Xiaomin. Xuande became so distressed that he fell ill and could no longer attend to affairs. He entrusted all government business to Kongming. Kongming conferred with Grand Tutor Xu Jing and Grandee of Splendid Happiness Qiao Zhou, saying that the realm could not be without a sovereign for a single day and proposing that the Prince of Hanzhong be exalted as emperor. Qiao Zhou said, “Recently there have appeared the auspicious signs of propitious winds and celebratory clouds. At the northwestern corner of Chengdu, a yellow vapor rose several dozen fathoms and soared into the sky. The imperial star has appeared in the constellations of the Net, Stomach, and Mane, shining as brilliantly as the moon. These signs plainly declare that the Prince of Hanzhong must ascend the imperial throne and continue the succession of Han. What room remains for doubt?”

Thereupon Kongming and Xu Jing led all the civil and military officials in presenting a memorial asking the Prince of Hanzhong to ascend the imperial throne. When the prince read it, he was greatly alarmed and said, “Do you wish to make me a man without loyalty or righteousness?” Kongming memorialized: “Not so. Cao Pi has usurped Han and enthroned himself. Your Highness is a scion of the imperial house of Han and should by right succeed to its line and continue its sacrifices.” The Prince of Hanzhong’s face darkened with anger. “Would I imitate the deeds of a traitorous rebel?” He flung back his sleeves, rose, and entered the inner palace. The officials all dispersed. Three days later, Kongming again led the assembled officials to court and requested that the Prince of Hanzhong come forth. They all bowed low before him. Xu Jing memorialized: “The Han Son of Heaven has now been murdered by Cao Pi. If Your Highness does not ascend the imperial throne and lead the army to punish the rebel, you cannot fulfill the demands of loyalty and righteousness. Everyone beneath Heaven now desires Your Highness for sovereign, so that you may avenge Emperor Xiaomin. If you refuse the proposal of your ministers, you will disappoint the hopes of the people.” The Prince of Hanzhong said, “Though I am a descendant of Emperor Jing, I have bestowed no virtue or beneficence upon the people. If I suddenly enthrone myself as emperor, how will I differ from a usurper?” Kongming repeatedly urged him with all earnestness, but the Prince of Hanzhong steadfastly refused. Kongming then devised a plan and said to the assembled officials, “Do thus and thus.” Thereupon Kongming feigned illness and ceased to appear.

When the Prince of Hanzhong heard that Kongming was gravely ill, he went personally to his residence and proceeded directly to his bedside. “What illness has afflicted you, Military Adviser?” he asked. Kongming replied, “My heart burns with anxiety. I have not long to live.” The Prince of Hanzhong asked, “What troubles you, Military Adviser?” He asked several times, but Kongming merely pleaded the severity of his illness, closed his eyes, and made no reply. The Prince of Hanzhong questioned him again and again. At last Kongming heaved a deep sigh and said, “From the time I left my thatched cottage, I have had the good fortune to meet Your Highness and follow you to this day. You have heeded my words and adopted my plans. Now, fortunately, Your Highness possesses the lands of the Two Rivers, and the predictions I made in former days have not proved false. At present, Cao Pi has usurped the throne, and the sacrifices of Han are about to be severed. All the civil and military officials wish to enthrone Your Highness, destroy Wei, restore Liu, and together win achievement and renown. Yet contrary to all expectation, Your Highness obstinately refuses. The officials are all resentful and before long will certainly disperse. If the civil and military officials all leave, Wu and Wei will attack, and the Two Rivers will be impossible to defend. How can I not be troubled?” The Prince of Hanzhong said, “I do not mean to refuse. I merely fear what the people of the world will say.” Kongming replied, “The Sage said: ‘If the name is not correct, then words will not accord with reason.’ Now Your Highness possesses a correct name and a just claim. What is there for anyone to criticize? Have you not heard it said: ‘If Heaven offers and one does not take, one will suffer the blame instead’?” The Prince of Hanzhong said, “When you have recovered from your illness, Military Adviser, it will not be too late to proceed.” Upon hearing this, Kongming sprang up from the couch and struck the folding screen. All the civil and military officials waiting outside entered, bowed to the ground, and said, “Since Your Highness has granted our request, we beg you to choose a day and perform the great ceremony.” The Prince of Hanzhong looked and saw Grand Tutor Xu Jing; General Who Pacifies Han Mi Zhu; Marquis of Qingyi Shang Ju; Marquis of Yangquan Liu Bao; Assistant Officer Zhao Zuo; Administrative Officer Yang Hong; Consultant Du Qiong; Aide Zhang Shuang; Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices Lai Gong; Minister of Splendid Happiness Huang Quan; Libationer He Zong; Academician Yin Mo; Director of Education Qiao Zhou; Grand Marshal Yin Chun; Assistant General Zhang Yi; Minister Steward Wang Mou; Erudite of Illustrious Letters Yi Ji; Gentleman-Aide Qin Mi; and many others.

The Prince of Hanzhong said in alarm, “All of you are forcing me into unrighteousness.” Kongming said, “Since Your Highness has granted our request, we may build a terrace, choose an auspicious day, and reverently perform the great ceremony.” They immediately escorted the Prince of Hanzhong back to his palace. Meanwhile, Kongming appointed Erudite Xu Ci and Remonstrant Counselor Meng Guang to direct the rites and build a terrace south of Wudan in Chengdu. When all preparations were complete, the assembled officials arranged the imperial carriage and regalia and welcomed the Prince of Hanzhong to ascend the altar and offer sacrifice. Upon the altar, Qiao Zhou read the sacrificial declaration in a loud, clear voice:

“On the first day, bingwu, of the fourth month in the twenty-sixth year of Jian’an, and on the twelfth day thereafter, dingsi, Emperor Bei ventures solemnly to proclaim before August Heaven and Sovereign Earth: Han possessed all beneath Heaven, and its ordained succession was without limit. Formerly, Wang Mang usurped and stole the throne, but Emperor Guangwu rose in wrath and put him to death, restoring the altars of soil and grain. Now Cao Cao, relying upon armed force, practiced cruelty and murdered sovereign and empress; his crimes and wickedness reached to Heaven. Cao’s son Pi has continued to revel in violence and rebellion and has stolen and occupied the sacred throne. The ministers and commanders hold that the sacrifices of Han have fallen into ruin and that Bei must perpetuate them, succeed the two Martial Ancestors, and personally execute the punishment of Heaven. Bei feared that, being without virtue, he would disgrace the imperial throne; he therefore consulted the common people, as well as rulers and chieftains even in the remotest wildernesses. All declared: ‘The Mandate of Heaven cannot go unanswered; the ancestral enterprise cannot long remain interrupted; the Four Seas cannot be without a sovereign. All within the realm look expectantly to Bei alone.’ Bei stands in awe of Heaven’s manifest mandate and likewise fears that the enterprise of Gaozu and Guangwu may fall to the ground. He has therefore reverently chosen an auspicious day, ascended the altar to offer sacrifice and make proclamation, received the imperial seal and ribbon, and assumed the governance of the four quarters. May the divine powers accept this offering, bless the house of Han, and preserve its ordained succession forever!”

When the sacrificial declaration had been read, Kongming led the assembled officials in reverently presenting the Imperial Seal. The Prince of Hanzhong accepted it and held it upon the altar, but repeatedly declined, saying, “Bei possesses neither ability nor virtue. I ask that you choose a man of ability and virtue to receive it.” Kongming memorialized: “Your Highness has pacified the Four Seas, and your achievements and virtue shine throughout the realm. Moreover, you descend from the imperial lineage of the Great Han. You should assume the rightful station at once. The sacrifice has already been offered and the proclamation made to the gods of Heaven. Why decline again?” Every civil and military official cried, “Long live the Emperor!” When the rites of obeisance and ceremonial dancing had been completed, the reign title was changed to the first year of Zhangwu. Lady Wu, the imperial consort, was installed as empress, and the eldest son, Liu Shan, was named crown prince. The second son, Liu Yong, was enfeoffed as Prince of Lu, and Liu Li as Prince of Liang. Zhuge Liang was appointed Chancellor of State, and Xu Jing Minister of the Masses. Every official, high and low, received promotion or reward. A general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the realm. Among the soldiers and people of the Two Rivers, none failed to leap for joy.

The next day, court was convened. When the civil and military officials had completed their obeisances, they arrayed themselves in two ranks. The First Sovereign issued a decree: “From the time We swore brotherhood with Guan and Zhang in the Peach Garden, We vowed to share life and death. Alas, Our second brother Yunchang was murdered by Sun Quan of Eastern Wu. If We fail to avenge him, We betray Our oath. We intend to raise the entire military strength of the realm, attack Eastern Wu, capture the rebel alive, and wipe away this hatred!” Before he had finished, one man stepped out from the ranks, bowed low beneath the steps, and remonstrated: “You must not.” The First Sovereign looked and saw that it was Zhao Yun, General of Tiger Might. Thus it was:

Before the sovereign could enact the punishment of Heaven,A minister stepped forth, his forthright counsel heard.

What counsel Zilong offered will be revealed in the chapter that follows.

Cao Pi Deposes the Emperor and Usurps the Han; the King of Hanzhong Assumes the Throne and Continues the Great Line

Meanwhile, Hua Xin and the other civil and military officials went in to see Emperor Xian. Hua Xin memorialized: “We humbly observe that since the King of Wei ascended to his position, his virtue has spread throughout the realm and his benevolence has extended to all living things. He surpasses both antiquity and the present; even Yao and Shun could not have exceeded him. The assembled ministers have deliberated and concluded that the mandate of the Han has ended. We hope Your Majesty will follow the example of Yao and Shun and abdicate the realm, with its mountains and rivers and its altars of soil and grain, to the King of Wei. This will accord with Heaven’s will above and the people’s wishes below. Your Majesty will then peacefully enjoy a life of ease and leisure. What great good fortune for your ancestors! What great good fortune for all living people! We have reached this decision and have come especially to submit our request.” The Emperor was greatly shocked when he heard this memorial. For a long while he said nothing. Then, looking over the assembled officials, he wept and said, “I think of how Gaozu raised a three-foot sword, slew the serpent, and began his righteous uprising; how he overthrew Qin, destroyed Chu, and founded this great inheritance, which has passed down through the generations for four hundred years. Though We lack ability, We have committed no wrongdoing. How could We bear to cast aside Our ancestors’ great enterprise so lightly? All of you officials must deliberate together again.”

Hua Xin brought Li Fu and Xu Zhi forward and memorialized: “If Your Majesty does not believe us, you may question these two men.” Li Fu memorialized: “Since the King of Wei took his position, a qilin has been born, phoenixes have come to pay homage, a yellow dragon has appeared, auspicious grain has flourished, and sweet dew has descended. These are propitious signs shown by Heaven, indicating that Wei is destined to replace Han.” Xu Zhi then memorialized: “We are charged with observing the heavens. At night we have examined the celestial signs and seen that the allotted span of the Fiery Han has ended and that Your Majesty’s imperial star is hidden and gives no light. As for the celestial signs over the state of Wei, they reach to the utmost heights of Heaven and illuminate the earth; there is too much to tell. Moreover, they correspond to prophetic diagrams and texts. The prophecy says:

‘A ghost stands beside;The yielding stalks join.It shall replace Han—No more need be said.Speech lies in the east;Noon lies in the west.Two suns shine together,Shifting above and below.’

“Judging by this, Your Majesty should abdicate without delay. ‘A ghost stands beside’ and ‘the yielding stalks join’ form the character ‘Wei.’ ‘Speech lies in the east’ and ‘noon lies in the west’ form the character ‘Xu.’ ‘Two suns shine together, shifting above and below’ forms the character ‘Chang.’ This means that Wei is destined to receive Han’s abdication at Xuchang. We beg Your Majesty to consider it.” The Emperor said, “Auspicious signs and prophetic diagrams are all empty fabrications. How can you use such falsehoods to demand that We abruptly abandon Our ancestors’ inheritance?” Wang Lang memorialized: “From ancient times onward, whatever rises must fall, and whatever flourishes must decline. Has there ever been a state that did not perish or a house that did not fail? The Han dynasty has been transmitted for more than four hundred years. Now that it has reached Your Majesty, its allotted span is exhausted. You should withdraw without delay and must not hesitate. Delay will only give rise to disaster.” The Emperor burst into tears and withdrew to the rear hall. The officials left with mocking smiles.

The next day, the officials assembled in the great hall again and ordered the eunuchs to go in and summon Emperor Xian. The Emperor was so anxious and afraid that he dared not come out. Empress Cao said, “The assembled officials are asking Your Majesty to hold court. Why does Your Majesty refuse?” The Emperor wept and said, “Your brother intends to usurp the throne and has ordered the officials to pressure Us. That is why We will not go out.” Empress Cao flew into a rage. “How can my brother commit such treason and rebellion?” Before she had finished speaking, Cao Hong and Cao Xiu entered wearing swords and demanded that the Emperor come out to the hall. Empress Cao cursed them bitterly: “You are all traitorous rebels! In hopes of wealth and rank, you have joined together in a treasonous plot! My father’s achievements covered the whole realm, and his might shook the empire, yet even he did not dare usurp the sacred throne. Now my brother has held his position for only a short time, and already he thinks of usurping Han. August Heaven will surely grant him no blessing!” When she had finished, she went weeping bitterly into the inner palace. All the attendants around her sobbed and shed tears.

Cao Hong and Cao Xiu forcefully demanded that Emperor Xian come out to the hall. Unable to withstand their pressure, the Emperor had no choice but to change his clothes and enter the front hall. Hua Xin memorialized: “Your Majesty should follow the proposal we made yesterday and spare yourself a great calamity.” The Emperor wept bitterly and said, “All of you have long eaten the stipends of Han. Many among you are descendants of meritorious officials of the Han court. How can you bear to commit such disloyal acts?” Hua Xin said, “If Your Majesty refuses to follow the common decision, I fear that at any moment disaster may erupt within the palace walls. It is not that we are disloyal to Your Majesty.” The Emperor said, “Who would dare murder Us?” Hua Xin said sternly, “Everyone in the realm knows that Your Majesty lacks the fortune to rule, and this has caused turmoil in every quarter! If not for the King of Wei’s presence at court, more than one man would have murdered Your Majesty. Yet Your Majesty still does not recognize his kindness or repay his virtue. Do you truly mean to make everyone in the realm rise together against you?” The Emperor was greatly alarmed and rose with an angry sweep of his sleeve. Wang Lang signaled to Hua Xin with his eyes. Hua Xin strode forward, seized the imperial robe, and demanded with a changed expression, “Will you consent or not? Give us your answer at once!” The Emperor trembled and could not reply. Cao Hong and Cao Xiu drew their swords and shouted, “Where is the Keeper of the Seals?” Zu Bi came out at once and said, “The Keeper of the Seals is here!” Cao Hong demanded the jade seal. Zu Bi rebuked him: “The jade seal is the Son of Heaven’s treasure! How dare you demand it without authority?” Cao Hong shouted for the guards to drag him out and behead him. Zu Bi died cursing them without cease. A later poet praised him:

Treason seized all power, and the house of Han was lost;They falsely called it abdication, aping Yu and Tang.Throughout the court, the lords all bowed to honor Wei;One loyal minister alone was seen—the Keeper of the Seals.

The Emperor continued to tremble. Below the steps he saw several hundred men in armor carrying spears; all were soldiers of Wei. Weeping, the Emperor said to the assembled ministers, “We are willing to abdicate the realm to the King of Wei. We only beg that Our faint breath be spared so that We may live out Our natural years.” Jia Xu said, “The King of Wei will surely not betray Your Majesty. Your Majesty should issue the edict without delay and set everyone’s mind at ease.” The Emperor had no choice but to order Chen Qun to draft an edict abdicating the realm. He then ordered Hua Xin to carry the edict and seal and lead the assembled officials directly to the palace of the King of Wei to present them. Cao Pi was overjoyed. He opened and read the edict:

“We have occupied the throne for thirty-two years. The realm has suffered upheaval and collapse, but fortunately, through the spirits of Our ancestors, it survived its peril. Yet now, when We look up to examine the signs of Heaven and look down to observe the hearts of the people, We see that the allotted span of the fiery essence has ended and that the course of destiny rests with the Cao clan. Thus the former king established a record of divine martial achievement, and now the present king displays the brilliance of enlightened virtue, thereby answering the appointed time. The succession ordained by Heaven is perfectly clear and may truly be known. When the Great Way prevails, the realm belongs to all. Tang Yao did not reserve it for his own son, and his fame has spread through eternity. We deeply admire him. We will now follow the precedent of Yao and abdicate the throne to the Chancellor, the King of Wei. Let the King not refuse!”

When Cao Pi had finished hearing the edict, he was about to accept it. Sima Yi remonstrated: “You must not. Although the edict and seal have arrived, Your Highness should first submit a memorial humbly declining them, so as to silence all accusations throughout the realm.” Cao Pi followed his advice and ordered Wang Lang to compose a memorial stating that his virtue was too slight and requesting that some other man of great worth be found to succeed to the imperial throne. When the Emperor read the memorial, he became deeply alarmed and uncertain. He said to the assembled ministers, “The King of Wei declines so modestly. What are We to do?” Hua Xin said, “When King Wu of Wei was granted the title of king, he declined it three times, and each time the edict refused his request. Only then did he accept it. Your Majesty may issue another edict now, and the King of Wei will naturally consent.”

The Emperor had no choice but to order Huan Jie to draft another edict. He sent Zhang Yin, emissary of the Gaozu Temple, bearing the imperial tally and carrying the seal to the palace of the King of Wei. Cao Pi opened and read the edict:

“We address you, King of Wei: You have submitted a memorial modestly declining. We reflect that the Way of Han has long been declining. Fortunately, King Wu, Cao Cao, received the mandate through his virtue, displayed his divine martial power, cut down the violent and wicked, and pacified the realm of Xia. Now you, King Pi, have inherited and continued his former work. Your perfect virtue shines brilliantly, your fame and teachings extend across the Four Seas, and the winds of your benevolence spread through all eight regions. Heaven’s ordained succession truly rests in your person. Long ago, Yu Shun performed twenty great achievements, and Fangxun abdicated the realm to him. Great Yu accomplished the work of dredging and channeling the waters, and Chonghua abdicated the imperial throne to him. Han inherited the mandate of Yao and therefore bears the obligation to transmit it to a sage. In addition, We comply with the spiritual powers and continue Heaven’s radiant command. We therefore send Acting Censor-in-Chief Zhang Yin, bearing the imperial tally, to deliver the Emperor’s seal and ribbon. Let the King accept them!”

Cao Pi received the edict with delight and said to Jia Xu, “Although two edicts have now been issued, I still fear that in the eyes of the realm and later generations, I will not escape the charge of usurpation.” Jia Xu said, “That is extremely easy to resolve. Order Zhang Yin to carry the seal and ribbon back again, and have Hua Xin instruct the Han Emperor to build a terrace called the ‘Abdication Terrace.’ Choose an auspicious day and fortunate hour, assemble all the high and low-ranking lords and ministers beneath the terrace, and have the Son of Heaven personally present the seal and ribbon and abdicate the realm to Your Highness. In this way, all doubts can be dispelled and every objection silenced.” Cao Pi was delighted. He immediately ordered Zhang Yin to carry the seal and ribbon back, along with another memorial humbly declining. Zhang Yin returned and reported to Emperor Xian. The Emperor asked the assembled ministers, “The King of Wei has declined again. What does he intend?” Hua Xin memorialized: “Your Majesty may build a terrace called the ‘Abdication Terrace’ and assemble the lords, ministers, and common people so that the abdication may be conducted openly and clearly. Then Your Majesty’s sons and grandsons for generation after generation will surely receive the favor of Wei.” The Emperor followed his advice. He sent officials of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices to divine a site at Fanyang, where they built a terrace three tiers high. The abdication was set for the hour of the tiger on the gengwu day of the tenth month.

When the appointed day arrived, Emperor Xian invited Cao Pi, King of Wei, to ascend the terrace and receive the abdication. More than four hundred officials of high and low rank assembled below the terrace, along with more than three hundred thousand Imperial Forest Guards, Rapid-as-Tigers Guards, and palace troops. The Emperor personally held out the jade seal and presented it to Cao Pi. Cao Pi accepted it. The ministers below the terrace knelt to hear the investiture proclamation:

“We address you, King of Wei: In ancient times, Tang Yao abdicated the throne to Yu Shun, and Shun in turn commanded Yu to succeed him. Heaven’s mandate does not remain forever in one place, but returns only to the virtuous. The Way of Han has declined, and the order of the age has been lost. By the time it descended to Our person, great disorder had grown ever darker. A host of villains indulged in rebellion, and all within the realm was overturned. Relying upon King Wu’s divine martial power, the empire was rescued from danger in every quarter, the realm of Xia was pacified, and Our ancestral temples were preserved in peace. It was not We alone who obtained security; all the Nine Domains truly received his blessings. Now, O King, you reverently carry on his former work and make your virtue shine. You have enlarged the great enterprise of civil and martial achievement and made illustrious the magnificent accomplishments of your father. Imperial spirits have sent down auspicious signs, and men and gods alike have revealed portents. You have truly displayed brilliant service, and the multitudes have urged Us to deliver the mandate. All say that your measure of virtue can equal that of Yu Shun. Therefore We follow the precedent of Tang and respectfully yield Our position to you. Ah! Heaven’s ordained succession rests in your person. Let the ruler reverently obey this great rite, receive the homage of the myriad states, and solemnly accept the mandate of Heaven!”

When the proclamation had been read, Cao Pi, King of Wei, received the eight forms of great ceremonial honor and ascended the imperial throne. Jia Xu led all the officials, high and low, in paying court below the terrace. The first year of Yankang was renamed the first year of Huangchu, and the dynastic name was declared Great Wei. Cao Pi immediately issued a decree granting a general amnesty throughout the realm. He bestowed on his father, Cao Cao, the posthumous title Taizu, Emperor Wu. Hua Xin memorialized: “‘There are not two suns in Heaven, nor two kings among the people.’ Since the Han Emperor has abdicated the realm, it is proper that he withdraw to a subordinate fief. We request a clear decree stating where the Liu clan is to be settled.” When he had finished, he forced Emperor Xian to kneel below the terrace and hear the decree. Cao Pi issued a decree enfeoffing the Emperor as Duke of Shanyang and ordered him to leave that very day. Hua Xin pressed a hand to his sword, pointed at the Emperor, and said sternly, “To establish one emperor and depose another is the constant way of antiquity! The present sovereign is benevolent and cannot bear to harm you, so he has enfeoffed you as Duke of Shanyang. You must leave today. Unless summoned, you are forbidden to enter the court!” Emperor Xian tearfully bowed in thanks, mounted a horse, and departed. The soldiers and common people below the terrace were deeply grieved at the sight. Cao Pi said to the assembled ministers, “Now I understand the deeds of Shun and Yu!” All the ministers cried, “Long live the Emperor!” A later poet, contemplating the Abdication Terrace, lamented:

The Han labored hard to build its realm through twice two hundred years,Yet in a single morning lost its ancient hills and streams.Huangchu sought to imitate the deeds of Tang and Yu;The Sima clan would later watch and follow this example.

The officials asked Cao Pi to offer thanks to Heaven and Earth. Just as Cao Pi was about to bow, a strange wind suddenly whirled up before the terrace. It hurled sand and sent stones flying, fierce as a sudden rainstorm, until no one could see the person facing him. Every torch on the terrace was blown out. Cao Pi collapsed in terror on the terrace. The officials hurriedly carried him down, and it was a long while before he regained consciousness. His attendants helped him into the palace, and for several days he was unable to hold court. Only when his illness had somewhat improved did he come out to the hall and receive the congratulations of the assembled ministers. He appointed Hua Xin Minister of the Masses and Wang Lang Minister of Works. Every official, high and low, received promotion or reward. Cao Pi’s illness had still not fully healed. Suspecting that the palaces at Xuchang were haunted by many evil spirits, he left Xuchang for Luoyang and began a vast program of palace construction.

Before long, someone reached Chengdu and reported that Cao Pi had proclaimed himself Emperor of Great Wei and was building palaces at Luoyang. Rumor also said that the Han Emperor had already been murdered. When the King of Hanzhong heard this, he wept all day. He ordered every official to put on mourning and arranged a distant sacrificial service, at which he bestowed on the Emperor the honored posthumous title Emperor Xiaomin. Xuande was so distressed by this that he fell ill and could no longer attend to affairs. He entrusted all government business to Kongming. Kongming consulted with Grand Tutor Xu Jing and Grandee of Splendid Happiness Qiao Zhou, saying that the realm could not go even one day without a sovereign and that they should honor the King of Hanzhong as emperor. Qiao Zhou said, “Recently there have been auspicious winds and celebratory clouds. At the northwestern corner of Chengdu, yellow vapor rose dozens of fathoms into the sky. The imperial star has appeared in the celestial regions of the Net, Stomach, and Hairy Head mansions, shining as brilliantly as the moon. This directly signifies that the King of Hanzhong should ascend the imperial throne and continue the line of Han. What further doubt can there be?”

Kongming and Xu Jing then led all the officials, high and low, in presenting a memorial requesting that the King of Hanzhong ascend the imperial throne. When the King of Hanzhong read the memorial, he was greatly shocked and said, “Do you wish to trap me into becoming a disloyal and unrighteous man?” Kongming memorialized: “Not at all. Cao Pi has usurped Han and established himself. Your Majesty is a descendant of the imperial house of Han, so by every principle you should succeed to its line and continue the sacrifices of Han.” The King of Hanzhong’s expression changed in anger. “How could I imitate the deeds of a traitorous rebel?” With an angry sweep of his sleeve, he rose and entered the inner palace. All the officials dispersed. Three days later, Kongming again led the officials into court and asked the King of Hanzhong to come out. They all bowed low before him. Xu Jing memorialized: “Now that the Han Son of Heaven has been murdered by Cao Pi, if Your Majesty does not ascend the imperial throne and lead the army to punish the traitor, you cannot be considered loyal and righteous. Everyone in the realm now desires Your Majesty as sovereign, so that you may avenge Emperor Xiaomin. If you refuse our proposal, you will disappoint the hopes of the people.” The King of Hanzhong said, “Though I am a descendant of Emperor Jing, I have never spread any virtuous blessings among the people. If I suddenly proclaim myself emperor now, how would that differ from usurpation?” Kongming repeatedly urged him, but the King of Hanzhong firmly refused. Kongming then devised a plan and told the assembled officials, “Do this and this.” Kongming then claimed to be ill and did not appear in public.

When the King of Hanzhong heard that Kongming was gravely ill, he went personally to his residence. He proceeded directly to his bedside and asked, “Military Counselor, what illness has afflicted you?” Kongming replied, “My heart burns with anxiety. I do not have long to live.” The King of Hanzhong said, “Military Counselor, what troubles you?” He asked several times, but Kongming only insisted that he was seriously ill, closed his eyes, and made no reply. The King of Hanzhong questioned him again and again. Kongming heaved a deep sigh and said, “Ever since I left my thatched cottage, I have had the good fortune to encounter Your Majesty and follow you to this day. You have listened to my words and followed my plans. Now, fortunately, Your Majesty possesses the lands of the Two Rivers, so my former predictions have not proved false. At present Cao Pi has usurped the throne, and the sacrifices of Han are about to be severed. All the civil and military officials wish to enthrone Your Majesty as emperor, destroy Wei, restore the Liu house, and together achieve merit and fame. Unexpectedly, Your Majesty stubbornly refuses. All the officials now harbor resentment, and before long they will all disperse. If the civil and military officials scatter, Wu and Wei will attack, and the Two Rivers will be impossible to defend. How can I not be worried?” The King of Hanzhong said, “I am not trying to refuse. I merely fear what the people of the realm will say.” Kongming said, “The Sage said, ‘If the name is not correct, words will not accord with reason.’ Now Your Majesty’s title is rightful and your cause accords with reason. What is there for anyone to criticize? Have you not heard, ‘If Heaven offers and you do not take, you will instead suffer its punishment’?” The King of Hanzhong said, “Once the Military Counselor recovers, it will not be too late to proceed.” At these words, Kongming sprang from the bed and struck the folding screen. All the civil and military officials waiting outside entered, bowed to the floor, and said, “Since Your Majesty has granted our request, we ask you to choose a day and perform the great ceremony.” The King of Hanzhong looked at them and saw Grand Tutor Xu Jing; Mi Zhu, General Who Pacifies Han; Shang Ju, Marquis of Qingyi; Liu Bao, Marquis of Yangquan; Zhao Zuo, Assistant Administrator; Yang Hong, Administrative Officer; Du Qiong, Consultative Officer; Zhang Shuang, Aide; Lai Gong, Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices; Huang Quan, Minister of Splendid Happiness; He Zong, Libationer; Yin Mo, Scholar; Qiao Zhou, Director of Education; Yin Chun, Grand Marshal; Zhang Yi, Lieutenant General; Wang Mou, Minister of the Imperial Household; Yi Ji, Erudite of Illustrious Culture; Qin Mi, Gentleman-Aide; and many others.

The King of Hanzhong said in alarm, “It is all of you who have trapped me into unrighteousness.” Kongming said, “Since Your Majesty has granted our request, a terrace may now be built, an auspicious day chosen, and the great ceremony reverently performed.” They immediately escorted the King of Hanzhong back to the palace. Meanwhile, Kongming appointed Erudite Xu Ci and Remonstrant Counselor Meng Guang to oversee the rites, and a terrace was built south of Wudan in Chengdu. When all preparations were complete, the many officials arranged the imperial carriage and regalia and welcomed the King of Hanzhong to ascend the altar and offer sacrifice. From the altar, Qiao Zhou read the sacrificial proclamation aloud:

“On the first day, bingwu, of the fourth month in the twenty-sixth year of Jian’an, and on the twelfth day thereafter, dingsi, the Emperor Bei ventures to proclaim clearly to August Heaven and Sovereign Earth: Han possessed the realm, and its ordained succession was without limit. Formerly, Wang Mang treacherously usurped it, but Emperor Guangwu rose in wrath and put him to death, restoring the altars of soil and grain. Now Cao Cao, relying upon armed force, acted with savage cruelty, slaughtered the sovereign and empress, and piled crimes and evil as high as Heaven. Cao’s son Pi has again indulged in vicious rebellion and stolen the sacred throne. Our officers and soldiers believe that the sacrifices of Han have fallen into ruin and that Bei must prolong them, succeed the two founding ancestors Gaozu and Guangwu, and personally carry out Heaven’s punishment. Bei fears that he lacks the virtue and would disgrace the imperial throne. He has therefore consulted the common people, as well as the rulers of distant and remote lands, and all have said: ‘The mandate of Heaven cannot go unanswered; the ancestral enterprise cannot long remain abandoned; the Four Seas cannot be left without a sovereign. All beneath Heaven look expectantly to Bei alone.’ Bei stands in awe of Heaven’s radiant command and also fears that the achievements of Gaozu and Guangwu may fall to the ground. He has therefore reverently chosen this auspicious day, ascended the altar, and offered this proclamation. He receives the imperial seal and ribbon and will govern and watch over all four quarters. May the spirits accept the sacrifice, bless the house of Han, and preserve its imperial succession forever!”

When the sacrificial proclamation had been read, Kongming led the assembled officials in reverently presenting the jade seal. The King of Hanzhong accepted it and held it upon the altar, but repeatedly declined, saying, “Bei possesses neither talent nor virtue. I ask that a man of talent and virtue be chosen to receive it.” Kongming memorialized: “Your Majesty has pacified the Four Seas, and your achievements and virtue shine throughout the realm. Moreover, you belong to the imperial lineage of the Great Han and should assume your rightful position at once. The matter has already been proclaimed in sacrifice to the gods of Heaven. Why decline again?” All the civil and military officials cried, “Long live the Emperor!” When the ritual bows and ceremonial dances were completed, the reign title was changed to the first year of Zhangwu. Lady Wu was established as empress, and the eldest son, Liu Shan, as crown prince. The second son, Liu Yong, was enfeoffed as Prince of Lu, and Liu Li as Prince of Liang. Zhuge Liang was appointed Chancellor and Xu Jing Minister of the Masses. Every official, high and low, received promotion or reward. A general amnesty was declared throughout the realm. Among the soldiers and people of the Two Rivers, there was no one who did not rejoice.

The next day, court was held. After the civil and military officials had completed their bows, they arranged themselves in two ranks. The First Sovereign issued a decree: “Ever since I swore brotherhood with Guan and Zhang in the Peach Garden, we vowed to share life and death. Tragically, my second brother Yunchang was murdered by Sun Quan of Eastern Wu. If I do not avenge him, I will have betrayed our oath. I intend to raise the entire nation’s forces, attack Eastern Wu, capture the traitor alive, and wipe away this hatred!” Before he had finished speaking, one man stepped out from the ranks, bowed low below the steps, and remonstrated: “You must not.” The First Sovereign looked and saw Zhao Yun, General of Tiger Might. Indeed:

Before the sovereign could carry out Heaven’s punishment,A loyal minister stepped forth to speak his honest counsel.

What remonstrance Zilong offered will be explained in the next chapter.