««« Chapter 109 »»» A Ruse Of A Han General: Sima Zhao Is Surrounded; Retribution For The House Of Wei: Cao Fang Is Dethroned.

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1 It was the autumn of the sixteenth year of Long Enjoyment (AD 253), and Jiang Wei's army of two hundred thousand was ready to march against the north. Liao Hua and Zhang Yi were Leaders of the Van; Xiahou Ba was Army Strategist; Zhang Ni was in command of the commissariat. The army marched out by the Yangping Pass.	» Liu Bei -- Liao Hua -- Friggin hell this guy must be immortal hes been here since the days of Guan Yu after Lu Bu, Diao Chan etc. » Seraph -- He could have joined at a very young age -- Especially if he where to join a mob like the Y.T. Rebellion. And yes, they did come up with smeweird names. but this isn't nearly asodd (too me, anyway) as the titles rewarded to officers befoe they even begin a campaign. » Super Dian Wei -- post -- I guess Liao Hua was like a mix of Ma Chao and Huang Zhong: started early and died old... a decent fighter too. » Shokyo -- Long Enjoyment? Rebuilt Tranquility? Do they have to come up with names for every new era? » JiaGai -- Well, yes. -- Every time a new Emperor rose to the throne it was changed automatically to match his reign. If the Emperor felt it necessary, he might change it during his reign as well. Each era had a new name to inaugurate it. » jolteony -- Liao Hua -- Seraph's correct if Liao Hua had join at Lu Bu's time with 13 years he could be here with 68/69 still » apbandit -- Liao Hua -- I THINK, though I'm not really sure, Liao hua was lived to see the rise of the Shu kingdoms and was around for the fall of the kingdoms also. the guy must've seen a lot of things in his lifetime.
2 Discussing the plan of campaign with Xiahou Ba, Jiang Wei said, "Our former attack on Yongzhou failed, so this time they will doubtless be even better prepared to resist. What do you suggest?"
3 Xiahou Ba replied, "Nanan is the only well-provided place in all Longshang. If we take that, it will serve as an excellent base. Our former ill-success was due to the non-arrival of the Qiangs. Let us therefore send early to tell them to assemble at Longyou, after which we will move out at Shiying and march to Nanan by way of Dongting."
4 "You spoke well," said Jiang Wei.
5 He at once sent Xi Zheng as his envoy, bearing gifts of gold and pearls and silk to win the help of the King of the Qiangs, whose name was Mi Dang. The mission was successful: King Mi Dang accepted the presents and sent fifty thousand troops to Nanan under the Qiang General Ehe Shaoge.
6 When Guo Huai heard of the threatened attack, he sent a hasty memorial to Capital Luoyang.
7 Sima Shi at once asked his leaders, "Who will go out to meet the army from the west?"
8 Xu Zi volunteered, and as Sima Shi had a high opinion of his capacity, he appointed Xu Zi as Leader of the Van. The brother of the Prime Minister, Sima Zhao, went as Commander-in-Chief.
9 The Wei army set out for West Valley Land, reached Dongting, and there fell in with Jiang Wei. When both sides were arrayed Xu Zi, who wielded a mighty splitter-of-mountains ax as his weapon, rode out and challenged. Liao Hua went forth to accept, but after a few bouts he took advantage of a feint and fled.
10 Then Zhang Yi set his spear and rode forth to continue the fight. He also soon fled and returned within his own ranks. Thereupon Xu Zi gave the signal to fall on in force, and the army of Shu lost the day. They retired ten miles, Sima Zhao also drew off his troops, and both sides encamped.
11 "Xu Zi is very formidable. How can we overcome him?" asked Jiang Wei.
12 "Tomorrow make pretense of defeat and so draw them into an ambush," replied Xiahou Ba.
13 "But remember whose son this Sima Zhao is," said Jiang Wei. "Sima Zhao cannot be a novice in war. If he sees a likely spot for an ambush, he will halt. Now the troops of Wei have cut our transportation many times. Let us do the same to them, and we may slay this Xu Zi."	» Flying Flash Swallow -- Xu Zi -- An axe wielding Xu? I know surnames are common in China, but is this guy related to Xu Huang? » JiaGai -- Considering... -- ... Luo Guanzhong has mentioned all previous relations to famous heroes, if he was, he'd probably have said so.
14 He called in Liao Hua and Zhang Yi and gave them secret orders, sending them in different directions. Then he laid iron thorns along all the approaches and planted thorny barriers as if making a permanent defense. When the troops of Wei came up and challenged, the troops of Shu refused battle.	» MasterMaChao -- secret order? -- Sounds like he has followed on the ways of Zhuge
15 The scouts reported to Sima Zhao: "The Shu supplies are coming up along the rear of Iron Cage Mountain, and they are using the wooden oxen and running horses as transport. The Shu army are building permanent defenses and are awaiting the arrival of their allies the Qiang tribes."
16 Then said Sima Zhao to Xu Zi, "We formerly defeated the army of Shu by cutting off supplies, and we can do that again. Let five thousand troops go out tonight and occupy the road."
17 About the middle of the first watch Xu Zi marched across the hills. When he came to the other side, he saw a couple of hundred soldiers driving a hundred or so heads of mechanical animals laden with grain and forage. His army rushed down upon them with shouts, and the troops of Shu, seeing that their road was impassable, abandoned their supplies and ran away. Xu Zi took possession of the supply train, which he sent back to his own camp under the escort of half his troops. With the other half he set out in pursuit.
18 About three miles away, the road was found blocked with carts set across the track. Some of his soldiers dismounted to clear the way. But as they did so, the brushwood on both sides burst into a blaze. Xu Zi at once drew off his force and turned to retire, but coming to a defile he found the road again blocked with wagons, and again the brushwood began to burn. He made a dash to escape, but before he could get clear a bomb roared, and he saw the troops of Shu coming down on him from two directions. Liao Hua and Zhang Yi from left and right fell on Xu Zi with great fury, and the troops of Wei were wholly defeated. Xu Zi himself got clear, but without any following.
19 He struggled on till he and his steed were almost spent with fatigue. Presently he saw another company of the enemy in his way, and the leader was Jiang Wei. Before he could make any resistance, Jiang Wei's spear thrust him down, and as Xu Zi lay on the ground he was cut to pieces.
20 Meanwhile those troops of Wei who had been sent to escort to camp the convoy of supplies which they had seized were captured by Xiahou Ba. They surrendered. Xiahou Ba then stripped them of their weapons and clothing and therein disguised some of his own soldiers. Holding aloft banners of Wei, these disguised soldiers made for the Wei camp. When they arrived, they were mistaken by those in the camp for comrades, and the gates were thrown open. They rushed in and began to slay. Taken wholly by surprise, Sima Zhao leaped upon his steed and fled. But Liao Hua met him and drove him back. Then appeared Jiang Wei in the path of retreat, so that no road lay open. Sima Zhao made off for the hills, hoping to be able to hold out on the Iron Cage Mountain.
21 Now there was only one road up the hill, which rose steeply on all sides. And the hill had but one small spring of water, enough to serve a hundred people or so, while Sima Zhao's force numbered six thousand. Their enemies had blocked the only road of escape. This one fountain was unequal to supplying the needs of the beleaguered army, and soon they were tormented with thirst.
22 In despair, Sima Zhao looked up to heaven and sighed, saying, "Death will surely come to me here!"
23 The host of Wei on Iron Cage Mountain Were once fast held by Jiang Wei's skill; When Pang Juan first crossed the Maling Hills, His strategy was reckoned fine As Xiang Yu at the Nine Mountains; Both bent opponents to their will.
24 In this critical situation Secretary Wang Tao reminded his leader of what Geng Gong had done in ancient time, saying, "O General, why do you not imitate Geng Gong, who, being in great need, prostrated himself and prayed at a well, wherefrom he afterwards was supplied with sweet water?"
25 So the leader went to the summit of the hill and knelt beside the spring and prayed thus:
26 "The humble Sima Zhao received a command to repulse the army of Shu. If he is to die here, then may this spring cease its flow, when he will end his own life and let his soldiers yield to the enemy. But if his allotted span of life be not reached, then, O Blue Vault, increase the flow of water and save the lives of this multitude."
27 Thus he prayed; and the waters gushed forth in plenty, so that they all quenched their thirst and lived.	» cFodder -- It's just that easy folks!
28 Jiang Wei had surrounded the hill, holding the army thereon as in a prison.
29 He said to his officers, "I have always regretted that our great Prime Minister was unable to capture Sima Yi in the Gourd Valley, but now I think his son is doomed to fall into our hands!"
30 However, news of the dangerous position of Sima Zhao had come to Guo Huai, who set about a rescue.
31 Chen Tai said to him, "Jiang Wei has made a league with the Qiangs, and they have arrived to help him. If you go away to rescue Sima Zhao, the Qiangs will attack from the rear. Therefore I would propose to send someone to the tribespeople to try to create a diversion and get them to retire. If they are disposed of, you may go to the rescue of Sima Zhao."
32 Guo Huai saw there was much reason in this, and told Chen Tai to take a force of five thousand troops and go to the camp of the King of the Qiangs. When Chen Tai reached the camp, he threw off his armor and entered weeping and crying that he was in danger of death.
33 He said, "Guo Huai sets himself up as superior to everyone and is trying to slay me. Therefore I have come to offer my services to you. I know all the secrets of the Wei army, and, if you will, this very night I can lead you to their camp. I have friends in the camp to help, and you can destroy it."
34 King Mi Dang was taken with the scheme, and sent his General Ehe Shaoge to go with Chen Tai. The deserters from Wei were placed in the rear, but Chen Tai himself rode with the leading body of the Qiangs. They set out at the second watch and soon arrived. They found the gates open, and Chen Tai rode in boldly. But when Ehe Shaoge and his troops galloped in, there suddenly arose a great cry as soldiers and horses went tumbling into great pits. At the same time Chen Tai came round in the rear and attacked, while Guo Huai appeared on the flank. The Qiangs trampled each other down, and many were killed. Those who escaped death surrendered, and the leader, Ehe Shaoge, committed suicide in a pit.
35 Guo Huai and Chen Tai then hastened back into the camp of the Qiangs. Mi Dang, taken unprepared, rushed out of his tent to get to horse, but was made prisoner. He was taken before Guo Huai, who hastily dismounted, loosed the prisoner's bonds, and soothed him with kindly words.
36 "Our government has always regarded you as a loyal and true friend," said Guo Huai. "Why then are you helping our enemies?"
37 Mi Dang sank to the ground in confusion, while Guo Huai continued, "If you will now raise the siege of Iron Cage Mountain and drive off the troops of Shu, I will memorialize the Throne and obtain a substantial reward for you."
38 Mi Dang agreed. He set out forthwith, his own army leading and the army of Wei in the rear. At the third watch he sent on a messenger to tell Jiang Wei of his coming. And the Shu leader was glad. Mi Dang was invited to come. On the march the soldiers of Wei had mingled with the Qiangs, and many of them were in the forefront of the army.
39 As they drew near the camp, Jiang Wei gave order: "The army are to camp outside. Only the King can enter the gate."
40 Mi Dang went up toward the gate with a hundred or more followers, and Jiang Wei with Xiahou Ba went to welcome him. Just as they met, before Mi Dang could say a word, the Wei generals dashed on past him and set on to slay. Jiang Wei was taken aback, leaped on his steed and fled, while the mixed force of troops of Wei and Qiangs drove the camp defenders before them and sent them flying.
41 When Jiang Wei leaped upon his steed at the gate, he had no weapon in his hand, only his bow and quiver hung at his shoulder. In his hasty flight the arrows fell out and the quiver was empty, so when he set off for the hills with Guo Huai in pursuit, Jiang Wei had nothing to oppose to the spears of his pursuers. As they came near he laid hands upon his bow and made as if to shoot. The string twanged and Guo Huai blenched. But as no arrow went flying by, Guo Huai knew Jiang Wei had none to shoot. Guo Huai therefore hung his spear, took his bow and shot. Jiang Wei caught the arrow as it flew by and fitted it to his bowstring. He waited till Guo Huai came quite near, when he pulled the string with all his force and sent the arrow flying straight at Guo Huai's face. Guo Huai fell even as the bowstring sang.	» Super Dian Wei -- WHAT A SHOT! -- Just catching the thing would have been nice enough for me, but to use that same arrow to kill him... AMAZING. » JiaGai -- You can just hear the dramatic music playing as Jiang Wei catches the arrow. -- And everything goes all slo-mo while he draws the bow and fires it. Truly a scene straight out of an action movie. » DragonAtma -- Jiang Wei -- OWNAGE. Zhuge Liang's extremely intelligent, and Zhao Yun is a supreme warrior, but Jiang Wei excels at EVERYTHING. » BraveZuMao -- DragonAtma is right. -- I know that this is probably a physically impossible thing to do, but it was still great. Jiang Wei is single handedly trying to revive Shu and going on all Xu Huang on the guys face is a good way to show he is still trying. » JoeYun -- it's not physically impossible -- just bloody hard! that really is pure ownage! » IloveNDfootball -- However, he is not as good as either at what they excel in. » Seraph -- Well, there was no one else to excel at one of the fields... -- so he shoulders it all and does a great job. In summary, Guo Huai got PWNED! » cFodder -- I've seen this before... -- ...while watching the animated film 'Mononoke Hime'. Given the oriental origins of the film, I wonder now whether this was a case of great minds thinking alike or was actually ripped off from RoTK. No matter - it still kicks the proverbial rectum.
42 Jiang Wei pulled up and turned to finish his fallen enemy, but the soldiers of Wei were nearly upon him, and he had only time to snatch up Guo Huai's spear and ride off. Now that Jiang Wei was armed and their own leader wounded, the soldiers of Wei had no more desire to fight. They picked up their general and carried him to camp. There the arrow-head was pulled out, but the flow of blood could not be stanched, and Guo Huai died.
43 Sima Zhao descended from the hill as soon as Jiang Wei moved away, and pursued some distance before returning.
44 Xiahou Ba forced his way out and rejoined Jiang Wei as soon as he could, and they marched away together. The losses of Shu in this defeat were very heavy. On the road they dared not halt to muster or reform, but went helter-skelter into Hanzhong. In that campaign, though the Shu army were defeated, they had killed Xu Zi and Guo Huai on the other side and had damaged the prestige of Wei. Thus Jiang Wei's achievement made up for his offense.
45 After rewarding the Qiangs for their help, Sima Zhao led his army back to Capital Luoyang, where he joined his brother Sima Shi in administering the government. They were too strong for any of the officers to dare opposition, and they terrorized Cao Fang, the Ruler of Wei, so that he shook with fright whenever he saw Sima Shi at court, and felt as if needles were being stuck into his back.	» BraveZuMao -- ......... graphic » Kendonagasaki -- and after that fang would feel his garments being soaked in urine.
46 One day, when the Ruler of Wei was holding a court, Sima Shi came into the hall wearing his sword. Cao Fang hastily left his dragon throne to receive him.
47 "What does this mean? Is this the correct etiquette for a prince when his minister approaches?" said Sima Shi, smiling. "I pray Your Majesty remember your dignity and listen while the ministers address the Throne."
48 Court business then proceeded. Sima Shi decided every question without reference to the Ruler of Wei; and when Sima Shi retired, he stalked haughtily down the hall and went home, followed by his escort, which numbered thousands of horse and foot.
49 When the Ruler of Wei left the court, only three followed him to the private apartments. They were Minister Xiahou Xuan, Secretary Li Feng, and High Minister Zhang Qi. Zhang Qi was the father of his consort, Empress Zhang. Sending away the servants, Cao Fang and these three went into a private chamber.
50 Seizing his father-in-law's hand, Cao Fang began to weep, saying, "That man Sima Shi treats me as a child and regards the officers of state as if they were so many straws. I am sure the throne will be his one day."	» cFodder -- Mwahahaa... -- Silly Cao! Now you know how Emperor Xian felt! Ah, the workings karma are glorious indeed.
51 And he wept bitterly.
52 Said Li Feng, "Do not be so sad, Sire. I am but a poor sort of person. But if Your Majesty will give me authority, I will call together all the bold people in the country and slay this man."
53 "It was from fear of this man that my brother Xiahou Ba was forced to go over to Shu," said Xiahou Xuan. "If Sima Shi were destroyed, my brother could return. I belong to a family related to the rulers of the state for many generations, and I cannot sit still while a wretch ruins the government. Put my name in the command as well, and we will work together to remove him."
54 "But I am afraid we can not overcome him," said Cao Fang.
55 They wept and said, "We pledge ourselves to work together for the destruction of the tyrant, and to show our gratitude to Your Majesty!"	» JiaGai -- History repeats -- Boy, does this scene seem familiar. » Flying Flash Swallow -- humor -- Oh No! Didn't anyone check behind the screen!!!! And why do we always have to write our names down?
56 Cao Fang them stripped himself of his innermost garment, gnawed his finger till the blood flowed, and with his finger-tip traced a command in blood.	» Flying Flash Swallow -- more humor -- Would the scene be complete without a blood edict? Now all we need is some sort of girdle...
57 He gave it to his father-in-law, Zhang Qi, saying, "My ancestor, Emperor Cao, put to death Dong Cheng for just such a matter as this, so you must be exceedingly careful and maintain the greatest secrecy."
58 "Oh, why use such ill-omened words?" cried Li Feng. "We are not like Dong Cheng, and Sima Shi cannot compare to the Founder. Have no doubts."
59 The three conspirators took leave and went out carrying the edict with them. Beside the Donghua Gate of the Palace, they saw Sima Shi coming to meet them wearing a sword. Following him were many armed guards. The three ministers took the side of the road to let the party go by.
60 "Why are you three so late in leaving the Palace?" asked Sima Shi.
61 "His Majesty was reading, and we stayed with him," said Li Feng.
62 "What was he reading?"
63 "The histories of the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties."
64 "What questions did the Emperor ask as he read those books?"
65 "He asked about Yi Yin and how he upheld the Shang; and the Duke of Zhou, how he acted when he was regent. And we told His Majesty that you were both Yi Yin and the Duke of Zhou to him."	» Explainer -- Yi Yin and Duke of Zhou -- Yi Yin was was helper and prime minister of King Tang, the founder of Shang Dynasty. After King Tang's death, Yi Yin served his sons and grandson. Soon after Tai Jia, King Tang's grandson, ascended the throne, he committed many faults, and Yi Yin, acting as regent, exiled Tai Jia to Tong Palace---the burial place of King Tang. After three years Yi Yin returned him the throne. Tai Jia eventually became an enlightened emperor. Shang Dynasty lasted for 650 years (BC 1700-1050). It was this act of Yi Yin rather than his services in building up an empire that has made him immortal. Whether he did right in temporarily dethroning the king was open to question, until a final verdict was rendered by Mencius who thought that his ends amply justified his means. This historical event attests the extent of the power exercised by a prime minister in those days. Duke of Zhou was brother of King Wu, who was the founder of Zhou Dynasty. After King Wu's death, the Duke of Zhou served his young son as regent. The Duke of Zhou completely ended the Shang domination, and he helped establish the Zhou administrative framework, which served as a model for future Chinese dynasties. Zhou Dynasty lasted for 800 years (BC 1050-221).
66 Sima Shi smiled grimly and said, "Why did you compare me with those two when in your hearts you think me a rebel like Wang Mang and Dong Zhuo?"	» Explainer -- Wang Mang -- Wang Mang (BC 45-AD 23) regent and a nephew of the empress dowager Wang. He assumed the throne from AD 9 to 23, until rebellions removed him, and Liu Xiu restored Han two years later.
67 "How should we dare when we are your subordinates?" said the three ministers.
68 "You are a lot of flatterers," said Sima Shi, angrily. "And what were you crying about in that private chamber with the Emperor?"
69 "We did no such thing."
70 "Your eyes are still red: You cannot deny that!"
71 Xiahou Xuan then knew that the secrecy had been showed, so he broke out into a volley of abuse, crying, "Well, we were crying because of your conduct, because you terrorize over the Emperor and are scheming to usurp the Throne!"	» Yorak -- Not like Dong Cheng indeed. -- He was at least able to last longer than two minutes before he was found out. Way to go, guys! » Flying Flash Swallow -- hey -- Its the thought that counts. But thats the thing, the loyal party always seems to lack -- a brilliant planner, except the guy (names escape me) that arranged to use Diao Chan to get Lu Bu to kill Dong Zhou, that was pure genius. » Shokyo -- Wang Yun
72 "Seize him!" roared Sima Shi.
73 Xiahou Xuan threw back his sleeves and struck at Sima Shi with his fists, but the lictors pulled him back. Then the three were searched, and on Zhang Qi was found the blood-stained garment of the Emperor. They handed it to their chief, who recognized the object of his search, the secret edict. It said:
74 "The two Sima brothers have stolen away all my authority and are plotting to take the Throne. The edicts I have been forced to issue do not represent my wishes, and hereby all officers, civil and military, may unite to destroy these two and restore the authority of the Throne. These ends achieved, I will reward those who help to accomplish them."
75 Sima Shi, more angry than ever, said, "So you wish to destroy me and my brother. This is too much!"
76 He ordered his followers to execute the three on the public ground by waist-bisection and to destroy their whole clans.
77 The three reviled without ceasing. On the way to the place of execution, they ground their teeth with rage, spitting out the pieces they broke off. They died muttering curses.
78 Sima Shi then went to the rear apartments of the Palace, where he found the Emperor talking with his Consort.
79 Just as he entered, she was saying to the Emperor, "The Palace is full of spies, and if this comes out, it will mean trouble for me."
80 Sima Shi strode in, sword in hand.
81 "My father placed Your Majesty on the throne, a service no less worthy than that of Duke Zhou; I have served Your Majesty as Yi Yin served his master. Now is kindness met by enmity and service regarded as a fault. Your Majesty has plotted with two or three insignificant officials to slay me and my brother. Why is this?"
82 "I had no such intention," said Cao Fang.
83 In reply Sima Shi drew the garment from his sleeve and threw it on the ground.
84 "Who did this?"
85 Cao Fang was overwhelmed: His soul flew beyond the skies, his spirit lied to the ninth heaven.
86 Shaking with fear, he said, "I was forced into it. How could I think of such a thing?"
87 "To slander ministers by charging them with rebellion is an aggravated crime," said Sima Shi.
88 Cao Fang knelt at his feet, saying, "Yes, I am guilty. Forgive me."
89 "I beg Your Majesty to rise: The laws must be respected!"
90 Pointing to Empress Zhang, Sima Shi said, "She is of the Zhang house and must die!"
91 "Spare her!" cried Cao Fang, weeping bitterly.
92 But Sima Shi was obdurate. He bade the lictors lead her away, and she was strangled with a white silk cord at a Palace gate.	» Flying Flash Swallow -- that cord again -- The pattern is disturbing, you'd think they'd make an Emperor's hit squad to deal with jerks like these, but I guess power draws loyalty like a magnet, and the Simas have the most power now. » cFodder -- If I were emperor... -- I'd have one of my servants secretly trained to assassinate weiners that try and usurp my powerbase - you know stuff like having the edge of a serving platter filed off to a fine blade, so the aforementioned servant can decapitate the offending twat the next time he comes over for dinner. Simple, happens entirely within the royal court itself, and providing the servant is loyal there's really not any way the plot can get out. Gosh being an emperor must've been fun... unless you were an incompetent one I guess.
93 Now I recall another year; and lo! An empress borne away to shameful death. Barefooted, weeping bitterly she shrieks "Farewell," torn from her consort's arms. History repeats itself; time's instrument, Sima Shi avenges this on Cao Cao's heirs.
94 The day after these events, Sima Shi assembled all the officers and addressed them thus: "Our present lord is profligate and devoid of principle; familiar with the vile and friendly with the impure. He lends a ready ear to slander and keeps good people at a distance. His faults exceed those of the Prince of Changyi of old, and he has proved himself unfit to rule. Wherefore, following the precedents of Yi Yin and Huo Guang, I have decided to put him aside and to set up another, thereby to maintain the sanctity of the ruler and ensure tranquillity. What think you, Sirs?"	» Explainer -- post -- Huo Guang (BC ?-68) a general and regent of Han. After Emperor Wu died, Huo Guang became regent to three successive emperors, and the second one had been the Prince of Changyi, who was on the throne for only twenty-seven days. Huo Guang had the Prince of Changyi declared unfit to rule and deposed him. Even though Huo Guang contributed much to the empire's stabilization, after he died, he was distanced by the emperor and most of his family were executed for conspiracy charges. Yi Yin was was helper and prime minister of King Tang, the founder of Shang Dynasty. After King Tang's death, Yi Yin served his sons and grandson. Soon after Tai Jia, King Tang's grandson, ascended the throne, he committed many faults, and Yi Yin, acting as regent, exiled Tai Jia to Tong Palace---the burial place of King Tang. After three years Yi Yin returned him the throne. Tai Jia eventually became an enlightened emperor.
95 They all agreed, saying, "General, you are right to play the same part as Yi Yin and Huo Guang, thereby acting in accordance with Heaven and fulfilling the desire of humankind. Who dares dispute it?"
96 Then Sima Shi, followed by the whole of the officials, went to the Palace of Everlasting Peace and informed the Empress Dowager of his intention.
97 "Whom do you propose to place on the throne, General?" she asked.
98 "I have observed that Cao Ju, Prince of Pengcheng, is intelligent, benevolent, and filial. He is fit to rule the empire."
99 She replied, "He is my uncle, and it is not convenient. However, there is Cao Mao, Duke of Gaogui, and grandson of Emperor Pi. He is of mild temperament, respectful, and deferential, and may be set up. You, Sir, and the high officers of state might favorably consider this."
100 Then spoke one, saying, "Her Majesty speaks well: Cao Mao should be raised to the throne."
101 All eyes turned toward the speaker, who was Sima Fu, uncle of Sima Shi.
102 The Duke of Gaogui was summoned to the capital.
103 The Empress called Cao Fang into her presence in the Hall of Principles and blamed him, saying, "You are vicious beyond measure, a companion of lewd men and a friend of vile women. You are unfitted to rule. Therefore resign the imperial seal and revert to your status of Prince of Qi. You are forbidden to present yourself at court without special command."	» Explainer -- Qi -- Qi was an ancient state on the extreme eastern edge of the North China Plain in what is now Shandong and Hebei provinces. Became prominent under the leadership of Duke Huan and his adviser Guan Zhong during the Spring and Autumn period (BC 770-476). It nearly won the empire in the Warring States period (BC 475-221).
104 Cao Fang, weeping, threw himself at her feet. He gave up the seal, got into his carriage and went away. Only a few faithful ministers restrained their tears and bade him farewell.
105 Cao Cao, the mighty minister of Han, Oppressed the helpless; little then thought he That only two score swiftly passing years Would bring like fate to his posterity.	» Flying Flash Swallow -- Cao Cao -- I guess this event proves once and for all that Cao Cao is the bad guy of this book (I'm not arguing historically). By sacrificing order in the state to further his own power, Cao Cao's posterity is punished, which tells you one theme in this novel is that the Emperor always needs to be respected. » weiwushu -- there is no certain "bad guy " in this story... -- since every ruler is practically "bad". and don't go thinking that Liu Bei was the "good guy" since he also executed many people. » Shokyo -- With the way Luo Guanzhong writes this book it's a bit hard not to do that sometimes. » Flying Flash Swallow -- wishywashy -- I'm tired of this, "there all good guys" thing, it feels like kindergarten, "Everybody is a winner!" It's plain that the author wants the reader to think that Cao Cao is the bad guy and Liu Bei is the good guy. But, because this is a classic work, our hero has to be tragically flawed. The executions, however, are not Liu Bei's flaw, and I imagine Luo agreed with them. Liu Bei's only major flaw is that he was a sworn brother first and a servant of the people second, hence his downfall at Yi Ling. » toocold -- good point, however, it isn't positive proof that he is the "bad guy". -- If you think about it, most empires don't last too long after the founder and sometimes his immediate heir. Historically and in the novel. Cao Cao can be looked at as the bad guy for alot of reasons, if for nothing else than because he is shown to oppose the "hero" liu bei. There will always be disagreement about good/bad relationships in this book, and the argument is fleshed out rather nicely in earlier paragraphs, so im not going to get into it here. » WUuuu -- Flying Flash Swallow -- Chapter 33, paragraph 93. See it for a different point of view. And Liu Bei has a ton of flaws. They're discussed all over the place so no need to get into it here besides to say he worries too much what people say and is not willing to die for what he believes in. His virtue goes only so far as is convenient. » DragonAtma -- Evil people -- The novel's full of bad guys. But the evilest one has to be Dong Zhuo. » MasterLiang -- Of course his virtue only went so far. -- I'm still totally convinced it was an act to maneuver people just the right way so he could manipulate a situation and keep his own hands clean. But I digress. Everybody was flawed. And most important people in the story died because of those flaws. Shu Liu Bei- Loyalty to his oath, virtue to the point of insanity. Zhang Fei- Booze, and sadomasicism. (don't deny it, he loved his beatins) Guan Yu- Arrogance, hubris. Ma Su- He was an idiot. Pang Tong- Envy and arrogance. Zhuge Liang- Pyromania and obsession with victory. Wu Sun Jian- Over-Agression. Zhou Yu- Envy. Sun Ce- Doubting the Supernatural (more of a virtue in my opinion, but ZGL summoned then wind, and Taoists can tapdance while juggling their clones' heads, so in this story, not a good move) Lu Meng- He made Guan Yu mad. Stupid Wei Cao Cao- Arrogance, hubris, disbelief in supernatural (see Sun Ce) Xiahou Yuan- Arrogance, hubris. Dian Wei- Blind loyalty I won't go into it anymore, or bring up the obvious examples of Lu BU and Dong Zhuo, but you get the idea. Stop pounding Liu Bei. Cao Cao was no Disciple of Virtue either, and people love him for it, and pat him on the back when he's kind. Every dog had his day. Except Ma Su. He was an idiot. » GeneralZhangLiao -- Cao Cao -- The main reason Cao Cao is considered a bad guy is his ambition, and his way of doing things. First of all, why is it such a evil deed to want to expand your power. I mean,you only live once, so make the most of it. And it was not at the cost of the people, historically, and in this novel too, the Wei empire was very strong and had a bustling economy. At least Cao Cao admitted he wanted power for himself, Liu Bei said he wanted to restore the Han, but he left out that he also wanted himself to rule. Secondly, I have a quote from Cao Cao here: "I have never heard that a state could be established and restored when its officials were incompetent and its soldiers would not fight.... In times of peace, we may admire fine virtue, but in time of trouble it is achievement and ability which obtain rewards. And so long a man has ability, I can use him..." These are wise words, and we cannot deny that.
106 The Emperor-elect Cao Mao was the grandson of Emperor Pi, and son of Cao Lin, Prince of Donghai. When Cao Mao was nearing the capital, all the officers attended to receive him at the Nanye Gate, where an imperial carriage awaited him. He hastily returned their salutations.
107 "The ruler ought not to return these salutations," said Grand Commander Wang Su.
108 "I also am a minister and must respond," replied he.
109 They conducted him to the carriage to ride into the Palace, but he refused to mount it, saying, "Her Majesty has commanded my presence; I know not for what reason. How dare I enter the Palace in such a carriage?"
110 He went on foot to the Hall, where Sima Shi awaited him. He prostrated himself before Sima Shi. Sima Shi hastily raised him and led him into the presence.
111 The Empress Dowager said, "In your youth I noticed that you bore the impress of majesty. Now you are to be the Ruler of the Empire. You must be respectful and moderate, diffusing virtue and benevolence. You must do honor to your ancestors---the former emperors."
112 Cao Mao modestly declined the proposed honor, but he was compelled to accept it. He was led out of the presence of the Empress Dowager and placed in the seat of empire in the Hall of Principles.
113 The style of the reign was changed from Domestic Calm, the sixth year, to Right Origin, the first year (AD 254). An amnesty was granted. Honors were heaped upon Sima Shi, who also received the golden axes, with the right to proceed leisurely within the precincts, to address the Throne without using his name, and to wear arms at court. Many other officers also received promotions.
114 But in the spring of the second year of Right Origin, it was reported at court that Guanqiu Jian, General Who Guards the East, and Wen Qin, Imperial Protector of Yangzhou, were raising armies with the declared design of restoring the deposed emperor.
115 Sima Shi disconcerted.
116 If ministers of Han have always faithful been, Wei leaders, too, prove their loyalty are keen.
117 How this new menace was met will appear in the next chapter.

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