A feigned surrender, with clever design, becomes hollow talk. Again accepting abdication, one traces another pattern in imitation.

Zhong Hui asked Jiang Wei to plan together for how to arrest Deng Ai.

Jiang Wei replied, ‘It is best first to have Inspector Wei Guan take custody of Deng Ai. If Ai attempts to kill Wei Guan, then his treachery is obvious. The General may then raise troops to punish him, which is also possible.’

Zhong Hui rejoiced and ordered Wei Guan with several dozen men to enter Chengdu and arrest Deng Ai and his son. Wei Guan’s soldiers tried to stop him, saying, ‘This is an order from Chancellor Zhong: Deng Zhenxi should be seized, for his changeable intent is criminal. It must not be done.’

Wei Guan answered, ‘I have my own device,’ and first issued two or three dozen proclamations. One of the orders read:

By imperial command, take into custody Deng Ai. Ask no questions about anything else. If he comes in early and submits, rewards and ranks will be added. If he refuses to come out, all three of his lineages will be exterminated.

Wei Guan prepared two cart cages and came toward Chengdu through the night.

By rooster crow, each of Deng Ai’s officers who read the proclamations came and knelt at Wei Guan’s horse. Deng Ai had not yet risen in his residence. Wei Guan burst in with several dozen men and shouted, ‘By command, arrest Deng Ai and his son!’

Deng Ai was stunned and rolled out of bed. Wei Guan shouted at the guards and had him bound and put on the cart. Deng Zhong came out to ask questions and was also seized and bound to the cart.

The officers in the estate were greatly alarmed and prepared to seize them by force, but at once a great cloud of dust rose and a scouting horseman reported that Chancellor Zhong’s host had arrived. All men scattered and ran in all directions.

Zhong Hui and Jiang Wei dismounted and entered the residence. They saw Deng Ai and his son already tied. Zhong Hui struck Deng Ai on the head with a whip and shouted, ‘A young fool reared like a calf, how dare you do this!’ Jiang Wei also shouted, ‘A mere adventurer taking reckless risks has brought about this day!’ Deng Ai cursed out loudly.

Zhong Hui sent father and son to Luoyang. After arriving in Chengdu he took all of Deng Ai’s soldiers and horses, and his prestige and terror spread greatly.

He told Jiang Wei, ‘Only today I have fulfilled this wish of my life.’

Jiang Wei said, ‘In old days, Han Xin refused Kui Tong’s advice and so suffered disaster at Weiyang Palace. Lord Dai did not follow Fan Li at Wuhu and in the end fell upon his sword and died. Are not these two men famous in achievement and name? Yet because they did not understand harm and benefit in time, they failed to seize the proper moment. Your Excellency has now obtained great merit and strikes fear into your lord. Why not board a boat, cut off all traces, climb Emei Ridge, and roam with Master Chisongzi?’

Zhong Hui laughed. ‘Your words are off course. I am not yet forty. I am only now intent on pressing forward. Could I ever do the lazy retirement you propose?’

Jiang Wei answered, ‘If retirement is not intended, then you must at once seek sound plans. This is all within Your Excellency’s own talents and strength; you need not burden an old man with my words.’

Zhong Hui clapped his hands and laughed. ‘Boyue understands my heart,’ he said. From then on the two discussed great affairs each day.

In private Jiang Wei wrote to the Later Lord: ‘Please endure a few days of humiliation. I will bring the state from danger back to peace, from darkness to light again. The Han house will not perish completely.’

Now Zhong Hui was already plotting rebellion with Jiang Wei, when news came that Sima Zhao had sent a letter. Zhong Hui read it: ‘I fear Zhong Hui cannot take Ai as ordered. I have therefore stationed troops in Chang’an for consultation on the matter. I report this first because we are already near.’

Zhong Hui was greatly alarmed. ‘My troops are many times Deng Ai’s. If he wanted only Ai’s arrest, Prince of Jin knew I could do it alone; Sima Zhao coming with troops today means he already suspects me.’

He conferred again with Jiang Wei. Jiang Wei said, ‘If Your Excellency doubts me, then I must die. Have you not seen Deng Ai?’

Zhong Hui said, ‘My resolution is fixed. If the matter succeeds, we gain the realm; if it fails, we retreat to western Shu. Even that is no loss to being called Liu Bei.’

Jiang Wei said, ‘I have just heard Empress Dowager Guo died. We can claim a posthumous order from her commanding Sima Zhao to be executed, to redress the crime of regicide, and declare that he will soon seize power from Wei. By Your Excellency’s talent, the Central Plains can be swept into submission.’

Zhong Hui said, ‘Boyue must act as the vanguard. Once this is done, we share rich and high fortunes together.’

Jiang Wei replied, ‘I can offer dog-and-horse service for a small effort. I only fear the other generals will not obey.’

Zhong Hui said, ‘Tomorrow is the Lantern Festival. The palace will hang great lanterns. I will invite the generals to a drink and feast. Anyone who refuses will be beheaded.’

Jiang Wei was inwardly glad.

The next day Zhong Hui and Jiang Wei invited the generals to drink. After circling the hall several times, Zhong Hui took the cup and cried out in grief.

The generals, alarmed, asked why.

Zhong Hui said, ‘I have a posthumous command from Empress Dowager Guo in my hands: she instructed that Sima Zhao was to strike down the Son of Heaven in Nanyue, a monstrous treason of patricide and conspiracy. He will soon usurp. She orders him to be punished. Each of you shall sign your names and complete this together.’

Everyone was stunned and stared at one another. Zhong Hui drew his sword and said, ‘Whoever disobeys this order will be executed.’

All were terrified and had no choice but to follow. After signatures were completed Zhong Hui confined them in the palace and strictly guarded every gate with troops.

Jiang Wei said, ‘I have seen they will not obey. I ask that they be driven into pits.’

Zhong Hui said, ‘I have already ordered a pit to be dug in the palace and set out thousands of great cudgels. If anyone refuses, he will be beaten to death in it.’

At the side stood Qiu Jian, trusted by the heart. Qiu Jian had once served as a subordinate of the palace guard Hu Lie; Hu Lie too was kept under watch in the palace. Qiu Jian secretly told Hu Lie all that Zhong Hui had said.

Hu Lie was greatly startled and sobbed as he said, ‘My son Hu Yuan leads troops outside; how could he know that Zhong has such intent? Think of the relationship we have had till now and pass this message through. If I die there will be no regret.’

Qiu Jian said, ‘My lord need not worry. Allow me to handle this.’

He then reported to Zhong Hui, ‘My lord keeps the generals in the palace; food and water are hard to come by. Allow one person to go back and forth carrying messages.’

Zhong Hui, who had long trusted Qiu Jian, entrusted him this mission and said, ‘I entrust a weighty matter to you. Do not allow it to leak.’

Qiu Jian, in secret, had a trusted person of Hu Lie enter inward. Hu Lie gave that man a secret letter. The man ran swiftly to Hu Yuan’s camp and explained the matter in detail, handing over the letter.

Hu Yuan was startled at once. He showed it throughout the camps.

Commanders grew furious. They assembled urgently and said, ‘Even if we die, would we follow a traitorous minister?’

Hu Yuan said, ‘On the eighteenth of the first month, at midday we can suddenly enter inside and do this.’

Inspector Wei Guan, hearing of Hu Yuan’s plan, greatly rejoiced. He prepared men and horses, and had Qiu Jian relay the instructions to Hu Lie, and Hu Lie informed the other commanders.

Again Zhong Hui asked Jiang Wei, ‘I dreamed last night of thousands of huge snakes biting me. Does this mean good or ill fortune?’

Jiang Wei replied, ‘To dream of dragons and snakes is an omen of good things.’

Zhong Hui believed him, and said, ‘Our weapons and regalia are prepared. I shall send forth the generals and ask what they say?’

Jiang Wei said, ‘These men all carry disloyal hearts. In time they will become harmful. It is best to execute them early.’

Zhong Hui followed this and ordered Jiang Wei to lead soldiers and kill the Wei generals.

Jiang Wei took command and was about to depart when a sudden chest pain struck him and he collapsed. His attendants raised him; after some time he came to.

Then people’s voices rose in tumult outside. Zhong Hui sent someone to investigate. The shouting was immense and troops arrived from all sides. Jiang Wei said, ‘This must be the generals’ revolt. Let us kill them first.’

At that moment word arrived that troops had already entered inside.

Zhong Hui ordered the hall doors shut. He had guards climb to the hall roof and strike down with roof tiles. They killed one another by the dozens.

Outside, fires rose on four sides, and from beyond the walls troops split open the palace gate and rushed in. Zhong Hui drew his sword and stood killing a number of men, but a hail of arrows knocked him down. The commanders seized and beheaded him.

Jiang Wei drew his sword up into the hall and surged in and out striking hard. His chest pain worsened.

Looking upward, he shouted, ‘My scheme has failed; this is the will of Heaven.’ He then cut his throat himself. He was fifty-nine.

A few hundred men died in the palace.

Wei Guan said, ‘Each unit of the army should return to its camp and await the king’s command.’

The Wei troops, eager for revenge, together opened Jiang Wei’s belly; his courage was no bigger than a chicken egg. Then all the commanders took the whole family of Jiang Wei and killed them.

When Deng Ai’s men saw that Zhong Hui and Jiang Wei were dead, they rode that night to chase and seize Deng Ai. One came and reported to Wei Guan.

Wei Guan said, ‘It was I who detained Deng Ai. If I let him go now, I have no place left to bury myself.’

The palace guard Tian Xu said, ‘When Deng Ai took Jiangyou, he wanted to kill me. He was pardoned through the intercession of numerous officials. Today we must return this grievance.’

Wei Guan was pleased and sent Tian Xu with five hundred troops to Mianzhu. Exactly there they met Deng Ai and his son, released from the cart cage on their way back to Chengdu. Deng Ai thought they were men of his own camp and made no preparation. As he moved to inquire, Tian Xu cut him down in one stroke. Deng Zhong was also slain in the disorder.

There were later poems lamenting Deng Ai:

From youth he could devise and plan, In counsel and in war he was skillful. By one glance he read land and river, With lifted face he read the stars. One ride and the mountain root was severed, At the soldiers’ coming the stone paths split. Great achievement was done, and yet he died by a blade, His spirit turns among the Han River clouds.

There were later poems lamenting Zhong Hui:

In early years he was praised as quick and wise, He once served as a secretarial gentleman. His clever plans tipped Sima Mai, In his time men called him Zifang. In Shouchun many praised his plans, At Sword Ridge his heroic spirit rose. He did not learn to withdraw like Tao Zhu, And his wandering soul mourns his old home.

There were later poems lamenting Jiang Wei:

Tianshui boasted fine talents and beauty, Liang Province gave birth to unusual ability. He left Shangfu’s line and came, He bore skill and pledged it to Kongming. His bold mind knew no fear, His broad will would not turn away. On the day he died in Chengdu, The Han generals had sorrow left over.

As Zhong Hui, Jiang Wei, and Deng Ai were all dead, Zhang Yi too died in the same chaos. The crown prince Liu Xuan and the Marquis of Hanshou, Guan Yi, were both killed by Wei soldiers.

The soldiers and people were in uproar. They trampled one another in disorder; the dead were beyond count.

After ten days, Jia Chong arrived first and posted proclamations to calm the people; only then did things begin to settle.

Wei Guan was left to guard Chengdu, and then the Later Lord was brought to Luoyang. Only a few stayed with him: Prefect of the Masters of Writing Fan Jian, Palace Attendant Zhang Shao, Grand Master of Ceremonies Qiao Zhou, and Secretary Xi Zheng.

Liao Hua and Dong Jue both feigned sickness and did not rise. In time both died of grief.

In the fifth year of the Jingyuan era of Wei, it became the first year of Xianxi. In the third month, Ding Feng of Wu saw that Shu had fallen and so gathered his troops and returned to Wu.

In the Secretariat, Chenghua He presented an account to Emperor Sun Xiu of Wu.

‘Wu and Shu are like lips and teeth. If the lips are gone, the teeth feel cold. I believe Sima Zhao’s invasion of Wu is near. Your Majesty should strengthen the defenses.’

Sun Xiu accepted this and appointed Lu Kang, Lu Xun’s son, as General Who Guards the East and Governor of Jing Province to defend Jiangkou. General of the Left Sun Yi took posts at the mountain passes in south Xu Province. Along the riverfront several hundred camps were raised, and the old general Ding Feng was made overall commander to guard against Wei forces.

Huo Ge, Administrator of Jianing, heard that Chengdu had not been defended. He wore plain mourning robes and cried toward the west for three days.

The commanders all said, ‘Since the Han ruler has lost his position, why not surrender at once?’

Huo Ge wept and said, ‘The roads are blocked, and no one knows whether our lord is safe or not. If Wei’s lord treats him with rites, then to surrender the whole city is not too late. If there is danger to our lord’s honor, then to surrender is impossible; this is our duty and death.’

All accepted his words and sent men to Luoyang to ask about the Later Lord’s fate.

Now that the Later Lord had arrived at Luoyang, Sima Zhao had already returned to court. Sima Zhao said, ‘You were given to lust and licentiousness, you discarded worthy ministers and ruined governance. You deserve death.’ The Later Lord’s face turned to the color of earth, and he knew not what was happening.

The civil and military officials together submitted memorials saying, ‘Shu’s lord has lost court order. He surrendered early and should be pardoned.’

So Sima Zhao enfeoffed him as Duke of Anle, gave him residence, monthly allowances, ten thousand bolts of silk, and a hundred household servants and bondsmen.

The son Liu Yao and ministers Fan Jian, Qiao Zhou, and Xi Zheng all were enfeoffed.

The Later Lord gave thanks and returned inward.

Because Huang Hao had ruined the state and harmed the people, Sima Zhao ordered soldiers to escort him outside the market hall and execute him by slow slicing.

At this time, Huo Ge learned that the Later Lord had been enfeoffed and he led his troops to surrender.

The next day, the Later Lord personally went to Sima Zhao’s residence and bowed to give thanks. Sima Zhao arranged a banquet. First he staged Wei music and dance in front. Shu officials wept in sorrow; only the Later Lord seemed happy and composed.

Sima Zhao ordered Shu men to perform Shu music before him; all Shu officials collapsed in tears, while the Later Lord laughed and smiled as if at ease.

When the wine was half-way and all drank deep, Sima Zhao said to Jia Chong, ‘Humankind has become so cruel! Even if Kongming himself were here, he could not keep him intact for long; how much less Jiang Wei.’ Then he asked the Later Lord, ‘Do you miss Shu?’

The Later Lord answered, ‘In this place of entertainment, I do not miss Shu.’

Soon after, the Later Lord rose and changed his clothes. Xi Zheng followed and said, from near the side screen, ‘Why did Your Majesty answer so that you do not miss Shu? If he asks again, reply with tears, “The ancestors’ graves lie far in Shu. My heart faces westward in sorrow; every day I remember it.” Then the Jin Prince will surely release you back to Shu.’

The Later Lord took this into his heart and held it.

The wine had made him only slightly drunk when Sima Zhao asked again, ‘Do you miss Shu?’ The Later Lord answered as Xi Zheng had taught him, trying to weep but with no tears, and kept his eyes closed.

Sima Zhao asked, ‘Why does this sound like Xi Zheng’s speech?’

The Later Lord opened his eyes in alarm and said, ‘It is exactly according to Your Excellency’s command.’

Sima Zhao and all those beside him laughed. He was pleased by the Later Lord’s sincerity and no longer suspected him.

A later poem lamented him:

He laughed among revelry and music with open face, Thinking of ruin there was not one point of grief. In distant joy he forgot the old court, Then we came to know the Later Lord was a fool.

After ministers of court praised Sima Zhao for his success in receiving Shu, they elevated him as king and remonstrated to Wei’s Emperor Cao Huan. Cao Huan in name was Son of Heaven, but he could not truly rule; Sima affairs governed all, and none dared refuse.

Thus they made Sima Zhao King of Jin, and in memorials named posthumously Sima Yi as Duke Xuan, and his brother Sima Shi as Duke Jing.

Sima Zhao’s wife was Wang Su’s daughter; she bore two sons. The elder was Sima Yan, of lofty build; when born, his hair hung nearly to the ground, his hands could reach beyond the knees; he was sharp, brilliant, and martial, and his courage beyond ordinary limits. The younger was Sima You, mild in temperament, reverent, frugal, filial; Sima Zhao loved him greatly. Because Sima Shi had no son, succession was to pass through You.

Sima Zhao used to say, ‘This world belongs to my elder brother’s world.’

After Sima Zhao had been made King of Jin, he wished to name Sima You as heir. Shan Tao remonstrated, saying, ‘To put the younger above the elder violates the rites and brings inauspiciousness.’ Jia Chong, He Zeng, and Pei Xiu also remonstrated: ‘The elder son is intelligent and heroic, with talent beyond the world. The people’s esteem is full, and heaven displays this; he is not fit to be treated as a mere minister.’

Sima Zhao hesitated. Grand Commandant Wang Xiang and Minister over the Masses Xun Yi also remonstrated: ‘In former ages, naming the younger to succeed often brought disorder to states. May Your Highness reflect on this.’

So Sima Zhao made his eldest son Sima Yan crown prince.

Officials memorialized:

A man descended from Heaven appeared once in Xiangwu County. He was over two zhang tall, his footprints three chi two cun long, with white hair and dark beard, wearing a yellow undershirt and a yellow headcloth, leaning on a staff. He declared, ‘I am the king of the commoners. I come to tell you that the dynasty will change and peace will appear.’ He wandered in the city for three days and then suddenly disappeared.

That was an omen for Your Highness. You may wear a crown with twenty tassels, set out imperial banners, move in and out under guard, ride in a carriage with gold axle and six horses, make your prince wife queen, and appoint a crown prince.’

Sima Zhao’s heart rejoiced secretly. When he returned to the palace and was about to drink, he suddenly suffered a stroke and lost speech.

The next day, as he lay critically ill, Grand Commandant Wang Xiang, Minister of Works He Zeng, Sima Xun Yi, and the other ministers entered to inquire. Sima Zhao could not speak and pointed toward crown prince Sima Yan. It was the xinsmao day of the eighth month.

He Zeng said, ‘All state affairs now rest with the King of Jin. Let the crown prince become King of Jin first, and then conduct burial rites.’

On that day Sima Yan became King of Jin. He appointed He Zeng as King’s Grand Chancellor, Sima Wang as Grand Minister over the Masses, Shi Bao as General of Agile Cavalry, and Chen Qian as General of Chariots and Cavalry. He gave his father posthumous title of Duke Wen.

When the burials were finished, Sima Yan summoned Jia Chong and Pei Xiu and asked, ‘Did Cao Cao truly once say, “If Heaven’s mandate is with me, then am I worthy of being King Wen of Zhou?”?’

Jia Chong said, ‘Cao Cao, who always held Han stipend, feared men would accuse him of usurpation. So he uttered that phrase to prepare Cao Pi to become Son of Heaven.’

Sima Yan asked, ‘How does my late father king compare with Cao Cao?’

Jia Chong answered, ‘Though Cao Cao’s achievements covered all Hua Xia, the common people feared his power but did not follow his virtue. Cao Pi succeeded him with hard toil and constant journeys east and west, and had no years of peace. My father King Xuan and my uncle King Jing then won repeated great victories, distributed mercy, and compassion, and the world has long entrusted itself to them. King Wen absorbed western Shu and his accomplishments were equal to the universe; how could they be compared?’

Sima Yan said, ‘Cao Pi still claimed to continue Han succession. Why should I not continue Wei succession?’

Jia Chong and Pei Xiu together knelt and reported, ‘Your Highness should follow Cao Pi’s example and continue Han’s former succession for Wei: rebuild the abdication platform and announce to all under heaven that you now assume the great seat.’

Sima Yan was greatly pleased. The next day he entered the inner court with a sword.

At that time Emperor Cao Huan had not held court for many days and had been absent-minded, his movements unsteady. Sima Yan entered the inner hall directly; Cao Huan hurriedly descended from the imperial couch and came out.

After Sima Yan sat, he asked, ‘Whose power is the realm of Wei?’

Cao Huan replied, ‘It was bestowed by my father, the King of Jin’s father and ancestors.’

Sima Yan laughed and said, ‘I see Your Majesty can speak of texts but not govern by the Way or by statecraft. Why not yield authority to one with talent and virtue?’

At once Zhang Jie shouted, ‘The words of the King of Jin are wrong! In old days, Great Founder, King Wu of the Martial Emperor, swept east and west and fought in all directions, south and north—this domain was no easy gain. Today, if Your Majesty has virtue and no fault, why give the realm to another?’

Sima Yan grew angry. ‘This state is in fact the state of great Han,’ he said. ‘Cao Cao used the Son of Heaven to command all lords and installed himself as King of Wei, thus seizing the Han house. My ancestors for three generations have aided Wei; those who obtained the realm were not the Cao house but the Sima house. The four seas all know this. Why should I not inherit the realm of Wei today?’

Zhang Jie added, ‘To seek this is the act of a traitor to the state.’

Sima Yan grew angry and shouted, ‘I seek to make recompense to the Han line. What is wrong in this?’ He ordered a guard to beat Zhang Jie to death with cudgels before him.

Cao Huan wept and knelt in petition.

Sima Yan rose and left the hall.

Cao Huan asked Jia Chong and Pei Xiu, ‘Matters have become urgent. What can be done?’

Jia Chong said, ‘The numerals of Heaven are at their limit. Your Majesty must not resist Heaven. Follow the example of Emperor Xian of Han: rebuild the abdication platform with full ceremony and give the throne to the King of Jin. If Heaven and the people approve, Your Majesty will be safe.’

Cao Huan agreed and ordered Jia Chong to construct the platform.

On a jiazi day of the twelfth month, Cao Huan himself held the imperial seal and stepped onto the platform. He assembled all officials.

A poem was later made:

Wei swallowed Han, and Jin swallowed Cao; Heavenly turns of history cannot be avoided. A pity to Zhang Jie who died for the state, How can a fist block Mount Tai?

Then he requested King of Jin Sima Yan to mount the platform and receive the great rites.

Cao Huan descended, wore court mourning clothes, and stood at the front rank. Sima Yan sat upright on the platform. Jia Chong and Pei Xiu stood on either side with swords drawn and ordered Cao Huan to kneel and listen to the command.

Jia Chong said, ‘Since the twenty-fifth year of Jian’an, Wei has received Han’s throne for forty-five years. Today the mandate reaches its end; Heaven and Man both now grant it to Jin. The Sima house has power and virtue that surpass heaven and earth, and can now take the imperial seat and continue Wei’s succession.’

He continued, ‘Before this Your Majesty must go to your new enfeoffment as King of Chenliu and take up residence at Jinyong City. Before you depart you may not enter the capital except under an imperial decree.’

After these words, Cao Huan wept in thanks and left.

Minister Sima Fu of the Taichuan said, with a bow before Cao Huan, ‘I am a Wei servant and will never betray Wei.’ Seeing this, Sima Yan ennobled Sima Fu as Duke of Anping. Sima Fu refused and withdrew.

That day all civil and military officials, knelt twice below the platform and cried out “Long live” in ten-thousand chorus.

Sima Yan inherited Wei’s mandate and founded Great Jin, changing the era name to Taishi. A general amnesty was issued across the realm. Wei was gone.

A later poem lamented:

Jin’s frame is vast like that of Wei’s king, The traces of Chenliu resemble Shanyang. Though this ceremony of transfer was done again, Looking back on those former days, one can only grieve.

King of Jin Sima Yan posthumously enfeoffed Sima Yi as Emperor Xuan, uncle Sima Shi as Emperor Jing, and his father Sima Zhao as Emperor Wen. He built seven ancestral temples to honor his forebears.

These were: General Who Conquers the West Sima Jun, his son Governor of Yuzhang Sima Liang, his son Governor of Yingchuan Sima Juan, his son Jingzhao Governor Sima Fang, his son Emperor Xuan Sima Yi, whose sons were Emperor Jing Sima Shi and Emperor Wen Sima Zhao.

With great affairs now settled, each day he discussed with his court strategy against Wu.

A fitting couplet now concluded the chapter:

Han courts and walls are no longer as before, Wu’s mountains and rivers will soon be changed. How they will break the state of Wu is yet to be seen— How this turned out will be told in the next chapter.