“Your Majesty has slain the mother—how can I bear to kill the child as well?”
Hearing these words, Cao Pi threw down his bow and said, “My son, you would indeed make a benevolent and virtuous ruler.”
This incident helped Cao Pi make up his mind to confer on Rui the title of Prince of Pingyuan. In the fifth month Cao Pi fell ill with colds, and medical treatment was of no avail. So three chief generals were summoned to his bedside. They were Cao Zhen, Chen Qun, and Sima Yi. When they had come, the Emperor’s son, Cao Rui, was also called in, and the dying ruler said: “I am grievously ill, and my end is near. I confide to your good care and guidance this son of mine. You must support him and do not fail to live up to my trust in you.”
“Why does Your Majesty say such words?” they replied in alarm. “We will do our utmost to serve you for a thousand falls and a myriad years.”
Cao Pi said, “This year the city gates suddenly collapsed for no apparent reasons. That was an ill omen, and I knew then I was about to die.”
At that moment attendants came in to announce the arrival of Cao Xiu, another high-ranking general, who had come to ask after his lord’s health. When he was called into the chamber, Cao Pi said to him: “You and these three are the pillars and cornerstones of the state. If you will work together with one mind and uphold my son’s authority, I can close my eyes in peace.”
These were his last words. A flood of tears gushed forth, and he sank back on the couch, dead. He was forty years of age and had reigned for seven years.
The four ministers raised the wailing for the dead and forthwith busied themselves with setting up Cao Rui as Emperor of Wei. The late Emperor received the posthumous title of “Emperor Wen.” The late Empress, Lady Zhen, mother of the new Emperor, was given the title of “Empress Wen-Zhao.”
Honors were then distributed in celebration of the new reign. Sima Yi and six others were given the highest positions, while the rest of the civil and military officials were also promoted. A general amnesty was declared throughout the land.
At that time the two western districts of Yong and Liang lacked a commander to defend them. Sima Yi offered himself for the post in a memorial to the new Emperor and was appointed chief of the forces in these regions. Soon he left to take up his new office.
In due time news of all this reached Zhuge Liang, who became greatly perturbed. His anxiety was not about the death of Cao Pi and the succession of his son, but about Sima Yi, whom he knew was very crafty and whose new position as commander of the forces might pose a serious threat to Shu. He felt that he should attack Sima Yi before the latter was able to train his army.
Ma Su said, “You, sir, have just returned from an arduous and exhausting expedition, and should take time to recuperate your men and horses before launching another military campaign. However, I have a scheme to make Cao Rui bring about the destruction of Sima Yi. May I lay it before you?”
“What is your plan?” asked Zhuge Liang.
“Although Sima Yi is an important minister of Wei, he is not really trusted by the new king. We can send someone secretly to Luoyang and Yejun to disseminate rumors that Sima Yi is intending to rebel. In addition, we can fabricate a proclamation to the whole country in his name and post it up at various places so as to arouse Cao Rui’s suspicion of him, and he will surely put Sima Yi to death.”
Zhuge Liang adopted the plan.
Away in Yecheng, one day a notice suddenly appeared on the city gate. The wardens of the gate took it down and presented it before Cao Rui. This is what it said:
“I, Sima Yi, General of Cavalry, Commander of the forces of Yong and Liang, proclaim to the world in the name of faith and justice: The late Emperor Wu (Cao Cao), who founded Wei Dynasty, formerly intended to set up Prince of Chen Si (Cao Zhi) as his successor. Unfortunately, calumny spread abroad, and the rightful heir has been a dragon held in confinement for many years. His grandson, Cao Rui, who has never followed a virtuous course, has assumed the highest place against the unfulfilled wishes of the founder of our dynasty. Now I, in accordance with the will of Heaven and the desires of the people, have decided on the day to set my army in motion. When that day arrives I call upon each one of you to pledge loyalty to your new lord. Whoever dares to disobey will suffer the complete destruction of his clan. You are hereby informed that you may all know how to act.”
After reading it the young Emperor turned pale with fright and he hastened to call a council of his ministers for advice.
Hua Xin said, “That was the reason why he requested the governorship of Yong and Liang. I remember the late Emperor Wu once saying to me, ‘Sima Yi has the eyes of an eagle and the glances of a wolf. He should not be entrusted with military power lest he harm the state. Now his rebellious spirit is burgeoning. Your Majesty must put him to death without delay.”
Wang Lang supported this view. “Sima Yi is an expert in military strategies and tactics. He has always cherished great ambitions and would cause trouble if he were not put down at once.”
Following their proposal, Cao Rui decided to issue an edict, intending to lead an army himself to punish the rebellious minister. Suddenly Cao Zhen stood forth and objected: “No, this will not do. Your father, the late Emperor, confided the care of Your Majesty to us four (of whom Sima Yi was one) because he trusted Sima Yi for his loyalty. So far it is not certain what has really happened. If you hastily send an army to repress him, you may force him into rebellion. This may well be one of the tricks of Shu or Wu to cause dissension in our midst, so that an opportunity can be found to further their own schemes. Pray reflect upon this before you act.”
“But if Sima Yi does contemplate a revolt, what then?” asked Cao Rui.
Cao Zhen replied, “If Your Majesty suspects him, you can do as the founder of Han once did when he made that deceitful trip to Yunmeng. You can go to Anyi and Sima Yi will assuredly come out to meet you. Then if you find anything suspicious with his movements, you can arrest him right in front of your carriage.”
Cao Rui agreed. Leaving Cao Zhen to administer state affairs, the young Emperor personally led the Imperial Guard, to the number of 100,000 men, and traveled to Anyi. Ignorant of the reason of his coming and anxious to show off his military authority, Sima Yi went to welcome his lord with all the pomp of the commander of a great army. As he approached with his large force of several hundred thousand men, the courtiers said to the Emperor that Sima Yi’s arrival with such a huge army could only mean that he intended to rebel. The Emperor hastened to order Cao Xiu out with his men to resist him. Seeing the approach of an army, Sima Yi knelt by the roadside, thinking that the Emperor had come in person.
Cao Xiu advanced and said, “Chong-da,* the late Emperor entrusted you with the heavy responsibility of caring for his heir; why do you rebel?”
Startled, Sima Yi turned pale and broke out in a cold sweat as he asked the reason for such a charge. Cao Xiu told him what had occurred.
“This is a vile plot of our enemies in Wu and Shu to set our lord and his minister at each other’s throat so that they might get a chance to attack us,” he said. “I must see the Son of Heaven and explain.”
Ordering his army to withdraw, he went forth alone to the Emperor’s chariot, where he bowed low and said in tears: “I am entrusted by the late Emperor to care for the welfare of Your Majesty. How dare I ever betray his trust? This must be the plot of our enemy. Pray let me lead an army to destroy Shu first and then to attack Wu, and so show my gratitude to the late Emperor and Your Majesty and manifest my own true heart.”
Cao Rui hesitated, unable to make a decision. Then Hua Xin intervened: “In any case deprive him of his military power and let him go into retirement.”
And thus it was decided. Sima Yi was stripped of his office and retired to his native village. Cao Xiu succeeded him as commander of the forces of Yong and Liang, and Cao Rui returned to Luoyang.
Zhuge Liang rejoiced when spies brought news of the success of this ruse.
“Sima
Yi and the forces he commanded in Yong and Liang have been the obstacles in my long-awaited attack on Wei. Now that he has fallen I have no more anxiety.”
The next day at the great assembly of officials in court, Zhuge Liang presented a memorial for the expedition he proposed.
“Your humble servant Liang has this to say: The late Emperor died in the middle of accomplishing his noble task of restoring the rule of Han. At present the empire is divided into three parts. As our country is weak, it faces the most critical issue of survival. Still, in court our officials are not remiss in their duty, and on the battlefield loyal and devoted soldiers sacrifice their lives, for they remember the special kindness of the late Emperor and wish to show their gratitude to him by rendering their service to Your Majesty. Therefore it would indeed be fitting for Your Majesty to extend your holy influence to glorify the memory of the late Emperor’s virtue and strengthen the morale of your heroic officers, but not to debase yourself by following unrighteous instructions and so preventing remonstrance from honest men.
“The palace of the emperor and the office of the prime minister are of one administrative body and hence there must be one law governing the reward of the good and the punishment of the evil. Any evil doers and lawbreakers, as are those true and good souls, should be relegated to the officials in concern and be given what they deserve in order to manifest Your Majesty’s just and enlightened administration. Injustice is wrong, as is one law for the court and another for the government.
“The palace officials Guo You-zhi, Fei Yi, and Dong Yun are all honest men, loyal to the last degree. Therefore the late Emperor chose them to serve Your Majesty. My humble advice is to consult them in all palace matters, great or small, before taking any actions. That will be the sure means to correct errors and reap enormous advantages.
“General Xiang Chong is a man of fairness and well-balanced temperament, highly-versed in military matters, to whom, after observing him in previous battles, the late Emperor applied the epithet ‘capable.’ That is why there is a consensus of opinion that he should be made commander of Imperial Guard. My humble advice is to consult him in all military matters, great or small, whereby harmony will surely prevail in your military forces and each man will be used according to his ability.
“Keep company with worthy officials but stay away from vile flatterers. This policy enabled the Former Han (West Han) to prosper, while its reversal ruined the Latter Han (East Han). Every time the late Emperor discussed this with me, he would sigh and condemn the misconduct of Emperors Huan and Ling.
“The palace attendants Guo You-zhi, Fei Yi and court ministers Chen Zhen, Zhang Yi, and Jiang Wan are all men of incorruptible character, who will remain loyal to death. I pray that Your Majesty will stay close to them and hold them in confidence. Then the day will soon come when the House of Han is restored.
“I was originally but a commoner, a farmer in Nanyang, concerned only to secure my own safety in a troubled age and not interested in seeking a career among the contending nobles. The late Emperor, overlooking my inferior origin, condescended to seek me thrice in my humble cottage and consult me on the events of the time. Moved by his magnanimity, I consented to enter his service. Then came the invasion, and I took office at a moment of darkest outlook and severest danger. Now twenty-one years have elapsed. The late Emperor knew of my discretion, and on his deathbed he confided his grand mission to me. Since then, I have spent my days and nights in anxiety lest I should fail in my trust and so dim his glory. That is why I undertook the expedition in the fifth month to the wasteland of the deep south beyond the Lu River. Now the south is quelled, and our supply of arms sufficiently prepared. The time has come for me to lead the army to conquer the north. However incapable I am, I will do my utmost to remove the wicked and the vicious, restore the House of Han, and reestablish it in the old capital. This is my duty out of gratitude to the late Emperor and from loyalty to Your Majesty. As to weighing the pros and cons of every matter and submitting sound advice, the duty lies with Guo You-zhi, Fei Yi, and Dong Yun.
“I hope Your Majesty will delegate to me the task of repelling the rebels and restoring the Hans. Should I fail, then punish me for my fault and inform the spirit of the late Emperor. Should the three courtiers fail to advise you on the great task of restoration, then condemn them for their negligence.
“Your Majesty must also rely on your own wisdom to seek the right course and follow the correct counsel. Always bear in mind the late Emperor’s testament. How grateful I will be if Your Majesty will favor me by acting on my advice!
“Now I am about to depart on a distant expedition. Tears rise to my eyes as I prepare this memorial and scarcely do I know what I have written.”
After reading it through, the Emperor said, “My Father-Minister, you have only just returned from the fatiguing expedition to the south, and are hardly rested. I fear this march to the north will be too tiring for you.”
Zhuge Liang replied, “Since I received the late Emperor’s commission to take care of Your Majesty’s well-being, I have never slackened my efforts for a single day or night. The south being pacified, there is no danger of trouble inside the country. What better time than this to destroy the rebels and recover the northern territory?”
From the ranks of courtiers stood forth Qiao Zhou, who said: “I have been studying the aspect of the stars and I find that the northern quarter is exceptionally bright and strong. This is not the time to attack it.” Then turning to Zhuge Liang, he continued, “You, sir, understand very well the mysteries of the stars. Why do you try to oppose the forces of nature?”
“Heavenly courses are prone to changes,” replied Zhuge Liang. “It is wrong to accept one interpretation. I will first station my army in Hanzhong, where I will keep a close watch over the enemy’s movements and then act accordingly.”
Despite Qiao Zhou’s earnest pleadings, Zhuge Liang was determined to embark on the expedition. So Guo You-zhi, Dong Yun, and Fei Yi were ordered to attend to matters in the palace, while Xiang Chong was appointed commander of the Imperial Guard. Jiang Wan and Zhang Ni were entrusted with the administrative affairs of the prime minister. Ten others were also given special appointments. Altogether, over a hundred officials were appointed to administer Shu in the absence of Zhuge Liang.
After receiving the Emperor’s edict, Zhuge Liang returned to his residence and summoned the officers to listen to his orders. They all came, and to each was assigned a task in the great army of Zhuge Liang, Commander-in-Chief of the Northern Expedition, Prime Minister of Shu, Marquis of Wuxiang, Governor of Yizhou, and Director of Internal and External Affairs. At the same time a message was dispatched to Li Yan and his colleague, urging them to guard the border areas of Shu against Wu.
All being ready, the day of bing-yin (fourth day) in the third month of the fifth year of Jian Xing was chosen for the army to depart.
Suddenly there came forward a veteran general who cried out angrily: “Old I may be, yet I still have the valor of Lian Po and the heroism of Ma Yuan. These two ancient warriors never acknowledged their old age—why am I considered useless?”
It was Zhao Yun.
Zhuge Liang said, “Since I returned from the south, Ma Chao has died of illness and I feel as if I have lost a limb. Now, general, you are advanced in years. Any slight lapse would not only shake your reputation, but might also affect the morale of the whole army.”
Zhao Yun replied sternly: “From the day I first joined the late Emperor, I have never quailed in battle but have always pressed to the front to face the enemy. It is something to rejoice for a true warrior to die on the battlefield. Do you think I will regret it? Let me lead the van, I pray.”
Zhuge Liang tried his best to dissuade the veteran, but in vain. Zhao Yun was set on it, even threatening suicide there and then if his demand was not met. At last Zhuge Liang yielded on the condition that he would accept a comrade to accompany him.
At this Deng Zhi at once volunteered, “Incapable as I a
m, I will assist General Zhao and lead the van to destroy the enemy.”
Delighted, Zhuge Liang assigned 5,000 veterans for the vanguard, and with them went ten lesser officers.
After the vanguard had set out, the main body also started its march. The Emperor, accompanied by his whole court, went to see his minister off. The farewell was taken ten li ahead of the north gate, in the face of the grand army, its banners and pennons covering the entire field and its spears and swords standing like a forest. Then Zhuge Liang bade farewell to the Emperor and the army took the road to Hanzhong.
Naturally, this movement was duly reported in Luoyang. That day the young Emperor of Wei, Cao Rui, was meeting his officials in court when a minister stepped forth and said: “A report has just come in from the borders saying that Zhuge Liang has led an army of more than 300,000 men into Hanzhong. Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi are leading the vanguard.”
This alarmed the Emperor of Wei, who asked his officials if any of them would lead an army to repel the enemy’s advance. At once one man stood out, crying, “My father died in Hanzhong, and to my bitter regret his death is unavenged. I will go and destroy the enemy with my own fierce troops and I hope Your Majesty will also allow me to command the forces of the west. Besides avenging my father, I will render a service to the state. I will not flinch even if I have to die a myriad deaths.”
The speaker was Xiahou Mao, son of Xiahou Yuan. He was by nature very impulsive and also extremely stingy. When young he had been adopted by Xiahou Dun. When Xiahou Yuan was killed by Huang Zhong, Cao Cao had taken pity on him and married his daughter, Princess Qing-he, to him, so that he became one of his sons-in-law. For this position he enjoyed great deference at court. But although he held a military commission, he had never been in a battle. However, as he had requested the command, he was made commander-in-chief to lead the various forces of the west to oppose the enemy.
The Three Kingdoms, Volume 3: Welcome the Tiger: An Epic Chinese Tale of Loyalty and War in a Dynamic New Translation Page 25