Records of Wei, Volume 8
Comprehensive Mirror to Aid in Government, Volume 76
[Wei Chronicle, Eighth Year] From the year zhaoyang zuo'e to the year zhannya dayuanxian, three years in total.
Spring, first month, first day. Fei Yi, the Grand General of Shu, held a grand gathering with various generals at Hanshou; Guo Xun was present. Fei Yi drank joyfully and became deeply intoxicated. Guo Xun rose and stabbed Fei Yi, killing him. Fei Yi was by nature generous and loved others, never suspecting anyone. Zhang Ni, the Grand Administrator of Yuexi, had once written to warn him, saying: "In former times, Cen Peng led armies, and Lai She held the imperial staff, yet both were assassinated. Now, your Excellency holds a noble position and great power, and you trust newly attached people too much. You should take warning from past examples and be somewhat more cautious." Fei Yi did not heed this, and thus brought about the disaster.
The imperial court issued an edict posthumously enfeoffing Guo Xun as the Marquis of Changle Township, allowing his son to inherit his title.
Wang Chang and Guanqiu Jian heard that the eastern army had been defeated, so they each burned their camps and fled. The court discussed demoting the various generals, but the Grand General Sima Shi said: "I did not follow Zhuge Dan's advice, which led to this outcome. This is my fault; what crime do the generals have?" He pardoned them all. Sima Shi's younger brother, the Andong General Sima Zhao, who was then serving as the army supervisor, had his title merely reduced. Zhuge Dan was appointed as the General Who Pacifies the South, overseeing Yuzhou; Guanqiu Jian was appointed as the General Who Pacifies the East, overseeing Yangzhou.
This year, Chen Tai, the Inspector of Yongzhou, requested an order to combine forces with Bingzhou to attack the Hu barbarians, and Sima Shi agreed. Before the troops could assemble, the Hu barbarians in Yanmen and Xinxing commanderies, due to being conscripted for distant service, became frightened and rebelled. Sima Shi again apologized to the court officials, saying: "This is my fault, not the responsibility of Chen Tai, the Inspector of Yong!" For this reason, people felt both ashamed and pleased.
Xi Zuochi commented: The Grand General Sima took both failures as his own fault; the faults were eliminated and achievements flourished—this can be called wise. As for concealing failures and shifting blame, attributing responsibility to all things, constantly claiming merit while hiding losses, then superiors and subordinates become estranged, and the worthy and unworthy fall apart—this is a grave error! One who governs the people, if he can grasp this principle to rule the state, then even if his actions are flawed, his reputation grows even brighter; even if his troops are thwarted, they still achieve victory. Even if he fails a hundred times, it is acceptable—how much more so for just two times!
Zhang Jin, the Guanglu, said to Sima Shi: "Although Zhuge Ke has won a victory, he will soon be killed." Sima Shi asked: "For what reason?" Zhang Jin replied: "His power intimidates the ruler, and his merit surpasses the entire state. To seek not to die—how is that possible?"
Second month. The Wu army returned from Dongxing. The Grand Tutor Zhuge Ke was promoted to Marquis of Yangdu, given the additional posts of Shepherd of Jingzhou and Yangzhou, and placed in command of all military affairs inside and outside. Zhuge Ke then developed a contemptuous attitude toward the enemy and wanted to launch another campaign. The various ministers believed that repeated campaigns would exhaust the soldiers and unanimously advised against it, but Zhuge Ke did not listen. Jiang Yan, the Central Dispersed Grandee, insisted on remonstrating, and Zhuge Ke ordered him to be carried out. He then wrote an essay to inform the, saying: "All rival states wish to annex each other, and enemies wish to eliminate each other. If an enemy is allowed to grow, the calamity will fall either on oneself or on one's descendants—one cannot fail to make long-term plans for this. In former times, Qin, holding only the region west of the Pass, could still swallow up the six states. Now, comparing Wei with ancient Qin, its territory is several times larger. Comparing Wu and Shu with the ancient six states, they amount to less than half. Yet the reason we can now contend with Wei is that the soldiers from Cao Cao's time have just been exhausted, and the younger generation has not yet grown up—this is precisely when the bandits are declining and not yet strong. Moreover, Sima Yi first killed Wang Ling, then died himself; his son is young and weak yet monopolizes that heavy responsibility. Although there are wise strategists, they cannot be employed. Now to attack them is their time of distress. The sage seizes the opportune moment—this refers to the present. If we follow the's thoughts, harboring plans of temporary ease, believing that the natural barrier of the Yangtze can be passed down to descendants, and not considering Wei's ultimate end, but lightly regarding its future based on today's situation—this is why I sigh deeply! Now I hear that among the, some think the people are still impoverished and want to let them rest for a while. This means they do not understand considering great dangers but pity small hardships. In former times, Emperor Gaozu of Han was fortunate enough to possess the Three Qin regions. Why did he not close the passes and hold the strategic points to enjoy himself, but instead vainly send out troops to attack Chu, suffering wounds, with lice and nits breeding in his armor, and the officers and men weary and distressed? Were they willing to face blades and forget peace? It was because they considered that the two sides could not coexist for long. Every time I read Jing Ke's persuasion of Gongsun Shu to advance, and recently see my uncle's memorial presenting plans to contend with the bandits, I never fail to sigh deeply! Tossing and turning day and night, what I worry about is only this. Therefore, I have written down these humble opinions to present to the two or three gentlemen of the lower ranks. If one day I die and my ambitions and strategies cannot be realized, the important thing is to let later generations know what I worried about, so that they can think about it in the future." Although everyone thought it was unacceptable, no one dared to refute further.
Nie You, the Grand Administrator of Danyang, had long been on good terms with Zhuge Ke. He wrote a letter advising Zhuge Ke, saying: "The Great Marching Emperor originally had a plan to contain Dongguan, but it was not carried out. Now you assist the great enterprise and fulfill the late emperor's will. The bandits came to deliver themselves from afar, and the officers and men, relying on your prestige and virtue, devoted themselves to death, achieving an extraordinary feat in one stroke. Is this not the blessing of the ancestral temple and the state's altars! You should temporarily halt the troops and conserve energy, observing the opportunity before acting. Now, riding on this momentum, you want to launch another large-scale campaign. The timing of Heaven is not yet favorable, yet you act rashly based on a single impulse—I privately consider this inappropriate." Zhuge Ke wrote an inscription at the end of the essay and replied to Nie You, saying: "Your words have natural reasoning, but you have not yet seen the grand trend. Carefully examine this discussion, and you will gain insight and understanding."
Teng Yin said to Zhuge Ke: "You have accepted the entrustment like Yi Yin and Huo Guang, stabilizing the court within and repelling strong enemies without. Your fame shakes the realm, and no one under Heaven is not moved. The hearts of the myriad people all hope to receive your grace and rest. Yet now, after labor and toil, you hastily raise an expedition. The people are weary and their strength exhausted; the distant ruler is also prepared. If you attack a city and cannot take it, and plunder the wilds without gain, you will lose your former achievements and invite future calamities. It is better to halt the troops and rest the army, observing the gaps and waiting patiently. Moreover, war is a great affair; great affairs rely on the to succeed. If the are all displeased, how can you alone be secure?" Zhuge Ke said: "The say it is not feasible—these are all those who have not seen the calculations, who are content with the status quo and seek temporary ease. And you also think this way—what hope do I have left! Considering Cao Fang's depravity and incompetence, with power held in private hands, their people and ministers originally have divided loyalties. Now, relying on the state's resources and riding on the momentum of victory, where can I go and not succeed!"
Third month. Zhuge Ke extensively conscripted 200,000 troops from the provinces and commanderies and invaded again. He appointed Teng Yin as the Capital Supervisor, in charge of affairs. Summer, fourth month. A general amnesty was declared across the realm.
Jiang Wei of Shu considered himself familiar with the customs of the western regions and, relying on his own talent and bravery, wanted to lure various Qiang and Hu tribes as wings, believing that from Long westwards, he could cut off and occupy the territory. Whenever he wanted to raise a large army for a major campaign, Fei Yi would often restrain him and not allow it, giving him no more than 10,000 troops, saying: "We are far inferior to the Chancellor. The Chancellor could not pacify the Central Plains, so how can we? It is better to preserve the state and govern the people, carefully guarding the altars. As for achievements, wait for someone capable to accomplish them. Do not seek luck by staking success or failure on a single action. If you cannot fulfill your wish, regret will be too late." After Fei Yi died, Jiang Wei was able to carry out his ambitions. He then led several tens of thousands of troops out of Shiyin and besieged Didao.
Wu's Zhuge Ke invaded Huainan, driving off and plundering the people. Some of the generals said to Zhuge Ke, "Now that you are leading an army deep into enemy territory, the border people will surely flee far away one after another. I fear the army will be exhausted and our achievements few. It would be better to simply surround Xincheng. Once Xincheng is besieged, relief forces will certainly come. When the relief forces arrive, we can then deal with them and achieve a great victory." Zhuge Ke heeded this plan, and in the fifth month, turned his army to besiege Xincheng.
The court issued an edict for the Grand Commandant Sima Fu to command twenty thousand troops from various forces and go to the rescue. The Grand General Sima Shi asked Yu Song, "Now there is warfare on both the east and west fronts, and both are urgent, yet the generals are dispirited. What should be done?" Yu Song replied, "In the past, Zhou Yafu held fast to his fortifications at Changyi while Wu and Chu defeated themselves. There are matters that seem weak but are actually strong, which must be clearly discerned. Now Zhuge Ke has deployed all his elite troops, enough to run rampant with violence, yet he sits besieging Xincheng, only seeking a decisive battle. If he cannot take the city by storm and is not allowed to engage in battle, his army will be exhausted and their spirit spent, and they will inevitably withdraw on their own. That the generals do not press an attack is precisely to your advantage. Jiang Wei leads a heavy force but advances deep alone to respond to Zhuge Ke, eating our wheat; he is not a deeply rooted bandit. Moreover, he thinks that because we are fully engaged in the east, the west will surely be empty, so he has advanced straight in. Now, if we order the troops in Guanzhong to rush day and night at top speed, catching him off guard, he will likely flee." Sima Shi said, "Good!" So he sent Guo Huai and Chen Tai to lead all the troops in Guanzhong to lift the siege of Didao; he ordered Guanqiu Jian and others to hold their positions and defend separately, leaving Xincheng to Wu. Chen Tai advanced to Luomen, and when Jiang Wei ran out of food, he withdrew.
Zhang Te, the Yamen General of Yangzhou and a man from Zhuo Commandery, defended Xincheng. The Wu forces attacked him for several months in a row. The garrison in the city totaled three thousand men, with more than half sick or killed in battle. Zhuge Ke piled up earthen ramparts and launched fierce assaults, and the city wall was about to collapse, no longer defensible. Zhang Te then said to the Wu forces, "I have no heart for further battle now. But according to Wei law, if a position is attacked for over a hundred days and relief does not arrive, even if the defenders surrender, their families are not implicated. Since we came under attack, it has already been over ninety days. This city originally had over four thousand men; more than half have died in battle. Although the wall is breached, half of the men are still unwilling to surrender. I want to go back and explain this to them, distinguishing the good from the bad, and present a list tomorrow morning. For now, take my seal and ribbon as a token." So he threw his seal and ribbon to them. The Wu forces believed his words and did not take the seal and ribbon. Zhang Te then took advantage of the night to tear down the timber and fencing from the houses, repairing the breaches and building a second layer. The next day, he said to the Wu forces, "I have nothing left but to fight to the death!" The Wu forces were enraged and attacked him, but could not take the city.
Just then, the height of summer arrived. The Wu soldiers were exhausted; they drank water, suffered from diarrhea and edema, and more than half fell ill, with dead and wounded littering the ground. The officers of each camp reported daily that the number of sick was very high. Zhuge Ke thought this was deception and wanted to execute them, so from then on no one dared to speak. Zhuge Ke knew in his heart that he had made a mistake, but was ashamed that Xincheng had not fallen, and his anger showed on his face. General Zhu Yi offended Zhuge Ke over a military matter, and Zhuge Ke immediately stripped him of his command and sent him back to Jianye in disgrace. Commandant Cai Lin repeatedly presented military strategies, but Zhuge Ke would not adopt them, so Cai Lin fled on horseback and surrendered. The Wei generals, learning that the Wu soldiers were already exhausted, then sent out relief forces. In autumn, the seventh month, Zhuge Ke led his army away. The soldiers, wounded and sick, dragged themselves along the road; some fell dead in the ravines and ditches, others were captured. The survivors mourned, and both young and old sighed and cried out. But Zhuge Ke remained calm and at ease. He went out and stayed on an islet in the river for a month, planning to open up wasteland at Xunyang. Only after repeated urgings from court edicts did he slowly return. From then on, the people were disappointed, and resentment and slander arose.
The Grand Administrator of Runan, Deng Ai, said to Sima Shi, "Sun Quan has already died, and the great ministers are not yet fully submissive. The prominent clans of Wu all have their own private armies, and with their troops and influence, they are able to defy orders. Zhuge Ke has just taken charge of state affairs, and there is no ruler at court who can restrain him. He does not consider comforting the upper and lower ranks or establishing a foundation, but is eager to wage war abroad. He cruelly drives the people, throws the entire nation's army against a strong city, kills tens of thousands, and returns bearing disaster. This is the time for Zhuge Ke to incur blame. In the past, Wu Zixu, Wu Qi, Shang Yang, and Yue Yi were all trusted by their rulers while they lived; yet after the rulers died, they still failed. Moreover, Zhuge Ke's talent is inferior to these four worthies, and he does not consider the great calamity. His destruction can be awaited."
In the eighth month, the Wu army returned to Jianye. Zhuge Ke arrayed his troops in formation, with guards front and rear, and returned to his residence. He immediately summoned the Palace Attendant Secretary Sun He and said to him harshly, "How dare you repeatedly forge edicts on your own authority!" Sun He withdrew in fear, pleaded illness, and went home.
After Zhuge Ke's campaign, all the officials and staff that Cao had proposed and appointed were dismissed and reselected. He became even more harsh and inflicted many punishments. Those who sought an audience with him were all terrified and held their breath. He also replaced the palace guards with his own confidants. He further ordered the army to be on strict alert, intending to attack Qingzhou and Xuzhou.
Sun Jun, taking advantage of the people's widespread resentment and public criticism, slandered Zhuge Ke before the Wu ruler, saying that he was planning a coup. In winter, the tenth month, Sun Jun and the Wu ruler plotted to invite Zhuge Ke to a banquet. On the night before Zhuge Ke was to enter the palace, he was restless and agitated, unable to sleep the whole night. Moreover, many strange occurrences happened at his home, and Zhuge Ke became suspicious. The next morning, his carriage stopped at the palace gate. Sun Jun had already ambushed soldiers in the tent. Fearing that Zhuge Ke might not arrive on time and the plot would be exposed, he came out in person to see Zhuge Ke and said, "If you, Lord, are unwell, you can naturally wait until another day. I will report the details to the sovereign." He wanted to probe Zhuge Ke's intentions. Zhuge Ke said, "I will force myself to go in." The Cavalier Attendants-in-Ordinary Zhang Yue and Zhu En secretly sent a letter to Zhuge Ke, saying, "The arrangements today are unusual; we suspect some other." Zhuge Ke showed the letter to Teng Yin, who urged Zhuge Ke to turn back. Zhuge Ke said, "What can these young fellows do! I fear they only intend to harm me with poisoned wine." Zhuge Ke entered the palace, went up to the hall with his sword and shoes on, thanked the ruler, and then returned to his seat. Wine was set out, but Zhuge Ke was suspicious and did not drink. Sun Jun said, "You, Lord, are not yet fully recovered from your illness. You have your own medicated wine that you usually take; you can have it brought." Only then did Zhuge Ke's mind settle. He drank his own wine. After several rounds, the Wu ruler withdrew to the inner palace. Sun Jun rose to go to the latrine, removed his long robe, put on short clothes, came out and said, "There is an edict to arrest Zhuge Ke." Zhuge Ke rose in astonishment, but before he could draw his sword, Sun Jun's blade struck him repeatedly. Zhang Yue struck at Sun Jun from the side, but only wounded his left hand. Sun Jun immediately slashed at Zhang Yue, cutting off his right arm. The palace guards all rushed up the hall. Sun Jun said, "The one to be arrested was Zhuge Ke; he is already dead!" He ordered everyone to put away their weapons, then cleared the scene and continued the drinking. Zhuge Ke's two sons, Zhuge Song and Zhuge Jian, hearing of the disaster, attempted to flee elsewhere with their mother, but Sun Jun sent men to catch and kill them. He wrapped Zhuge Ke's corpse in reed mats, bound it with bamboo strips around the waist, and threw it into Shizigang. He also sent the Wunan Supervisor Shi Kuan to the camps of Generals Shi Ji and Sun Yi, where he killed Zhuge Ke's younger brother, the Fend Commandant Zhuge Rong, along with his three sons. Zhuge Ke's nephew, the Duxiang Marquis Zhang Zhen, and the Attendant Secretary Zhu En were all executed, and their families were exterminated to the third degree.
Zang Jun, a man from Linhuai, submitted a memorial requesting permission to collect and bury Zhuge Ke, saying: “Thunderclaps and lightning flashes do not last a single morning; violent winds rarely continue for an entire day; yet afterward they are followed by clouds and rain, which moisten and nourish the myriad things. This means that the majesty of Heaven and Earth cannot persist for a whole day or twelve days; the anger of emperors and kings should not be entirely vented to the full extent of their intent. I, in my wild ignorance, do not know taboos, and dare to risk the crime of destroying my family and clan, to beg for an opportunity like wind and rain. I privately consider the late Grand Tutor Zhuge Ke: his evil deeds accumulated until they overflowed, and he brought about the calamity of his own clan’s extermination. The heads of the father and two sons hung in the marketplace for many days; those who watched numbered in the tens of thousands, and the sound of curses became like wind. The great punishment of the state shook nothing; old and young alike saw it. Human emotions toward the myriad things: when joy reaches its extreme, sorrow arises. Seeing Zhuge Ke’s prominence and flourishing, there was no second man in the world who could compare with him; he occupied the position of the Three Dukes and a guiding minister, passing through many years in the middle. Now he has been executed, no different from beasts and birds. After finishing the sight, the heart turns back; can it not be sorrowful? Moreover, the dead are already united with the soil in the same place; further digging and cutting stabbing can no longer add anything. I hope that the sage dynasty will emulate Heaven and Earth, with anger not exceeding ten days, and allow his old villagers and former officials to collect him in the garments of a scholar-official, bestowing a three-inch coffin. In former times, Xiang Yu received the rites of burial, and Han Xin obtained the grace of being interred; these were all manifestations of Han Gaozu’s divine reputation. I hope that Your Majesty will practice the benevolence of the Three Sovereigns, display a compassionate heart, so that the state’s grace extends to the corpses of those punished for crimes, and they again receive endless favor. By this, spread majesty to distant regions, encourage or warn the world—would this not be great? In former times, Luan Bu falsely claimed the ruler’s command to collect Peng Yue’s corpse; I privately disapproved of this—he did not first petition the sovereign but arbitrarily sought fame and indulged his private feelings; that he was not executed was truly fortunate. Now I dare not openly proclaim this memorial to manifest the Son of Heaven’s grace; I reverently and respectfully write it with my own hand, boldly state what I have heard, and beg for the sage one’s pity and clear examination.” Thereupon, the Wu ruler and Sun Jun allowed Zhuge Ke’s former officials to collect and bury him.
In the beginning, Zhuge Ke had a great reputation from youth; the Great Emperor Sun Quan valued him highly, but his father Zhuge Jin often worried about this, saying: “This is not one who can preserve the family.” His father’s friend, General of Valiant Cavalry Zhang Cheng, also believed that Zhuge Ke would certainly ruin the Zhuge clan. Lu Xun once said to Zhuge Ke: “Those ahead of me, I certainly respect them and rise together with them; those below me, I support and lead them. Now I see you, your spirit overpowers those above, and your intent despises those below; this is not the foundation for abiding in virtue.” Zhuge Zhan, a Han dynasty Attendant of the Palace, was Zhuge Liang’s son. When Zhuge Ke again attacked Huainan, Zhang Ni, the Grand Administrator of Yuexi, wrote to Zhuge Zhan, saying: “The Eastern Wu ruler has just passed away; the emperor is truly young and weak. The Grand Tutor has received the heavy responsibility of a regent—how can it be easy! Even with the talent of the Duke of Zhou, there were still the incidents of Guan Shu and Cai Shu spreading rumors; Huo Guang accepted the trust, yet there were also the plots of Prince Yan, Princess Gai, and Shangguan Jie, which only relied on the discernment of King Cheng of Zhou and Emperor Zhao of Han to avoid these disasters. In former times, I often heard that the Eastern Wu ruler’s granting of life and death, rewards and punishments, was not delegated to subordinates. Now, moreover, at the moment of his death, he hastily summoned the Grand Tutor and entrusted the affairs of the future to him—this is truly worthy of worry. Added to this, the people of Wu and Chu are fierce and impatient—this has been recorded from ancient times. Yet the Grand Tutor distances himself from the young ruler and enters enemy territory; I fear this is not a good plan or a long-term strategy. Although it is said that the Eastern Wu’s laws are well-ordered and superiors and subordinates are harmonious, still, one loss in a hundred is not the reflection of a wise person. Taking the ancients to compare with today, today is the same as ancient times. If it is not you, sir, who presents loyal words to the Grand Tutor, who can fully speak? Return the army, rest the troops, broadly promote agriculture, diligently practice benevolence and virtue; within a few years, sending troops from east and west simultaneously is truly not too late. I hope you will deeply consider and clearly examine this!” Zhuge Ke indeed failed because of this.
The Wu officials jointly deliberated and submitted a memorial, recommending Sun Jun as Grand Commandant and Teng Yin as Minister over the Masses. Some who flattered Sun Jun said: “State affairs should be handled by the ducal clan; if Teng Yin is appointed to the Three Dukes, his reputation has always been lofty, and the hearts of the multitude will turn to him; his future cannot be measured.” Thereupon, they memorialized to make Sun Jun Chancellor and Grand General, overseeing all military affairs inside and outside the capital, and did not appoint an Imperial Secretary; therefore, the scholar-officials were greatly disappointed. Teng Yin’s daughter was the wife of Zhuge Ke’s son, Zhuge Song; for this reason, Teng Yin resigned his position. Sun Jun said: “The crimes of Gun and Yu did not implicate each other; why must Marquis Teng act thus?” Sun Jun and Teng Yin, although not harmonious at heart, outwardly tolerated each other; Sun Jun advanced Teng Yin to the rank of Marquis of Gaomi, and they worked together as before.
The Prince of Qi, Sun Fen, upon hearing that Zhuge Ke had been executed, moved his garrison to Wuhu and intended to go to Jianye to observe the situation. Fu Xiang Xie Ci and others remonstrated, and Sun Fen killed them; therefore, he was convicted and reduced to commoner status, then exiled to Zhang’an.
The wife of the Prince of Nanyang, Sun He, Lady Zhang, was Zhuge Ke’s niece. Before this, Zhuge Ke had intended to move the capital, and had people repair the Wuchang Palace; among the people, some said that Zhuge Ke wanted to welcome Sun He and establish him as emperor. When Zhuge Ke was killed, Chancellor Sun Jun, on this account, seized Sun He’s seal and ribbon, exiled him to Xindu, and then sent an envoy to pursue and grant him death. In the beginning, Sun He’s concubine, Lady He, gave birth to his son Sun Hao; other concubines bore his sons Sun De, Sun Qian, and Sun Jun. When Sun He was about to die, he bid farewell to Lady Zhang; Lady Zhang said: “Good fortune and ill fortune should accompany each other; ultimately, I will not live alone.” She also committed suicide. Lady He said: “If we all follow in death, who will raise the orphaned children?” Thereupon, she raised Sun Hao and his three younger brothers, and all relied on her for survival.
The first year of the Zhengyuan era of the Noble Lord of Gaoxiang.
Spring, the second month: Execution of Zhongshu Ling Li Feng. In the beginning, when Li Feng was seventeen or eighteen years old, he already had a pure and lofty reputation, praised unanimously throughout the land. His father, Grand Coachman Li Hui, was displeased with this and ordered him to shut his gates and refuse guests. When Cao Shuang held power, Sima Yi claimed illness and stayed home; Li Feng served as Shangshu Puye, vacillating between the two powerful figures, and therefore was not executed together with Cao Shuang. Li Feng’s son, Li Tao, was chosen to marry the eldest princess of Qi. Sima Shi took charge of the court and appointed Li Feng as Zhongshu Ling. At this time, Taichang Xiahou Xuan had an extremely high reputation in the world; because he was a relative of Cao Shuang, he could not hold a position of power, and often felt disgruntled and unhappy. Zhang Ji, because he was the father of the empress, had left his commandery post and was idle at home, also feeling discontented. Li Feng was close and friendly with both of them. Although Sima Shi promoted and employed Li Feng, Li Feng’s private heart was always with Xiahou Xuan. Li Feng served in the Zhongshu province for two years; the emperor often summoned Li Feng alone and talked with him, but no one knew what was said. Sima Shi knew that Li Feng was discussing him; he invited Li Feng to meet and interrogated him, but Li Feng did not tell him the truth. Sima Shi became angry, struck him to death with the ring of his sword, delivered the corpse to the Tingwei, and then arrested Li Feng’s son Li Tao, along with Xiahou Xuan, Zhang Ji, and others, all handed over to the Tingwei for interrogation. Zhong Yu tried the case, saying: “Li Feng, along with Huangmen Supervisor Su Shuo, Yongningshu Ling Le Dun, and Yuanzong Puye Liu Xian, plotted, saying: ‘On the day of honoring the noble lady, all camp soldiers will be stationed at the palace gates; His Majesty will personally approach the platform, and taking this opportunity, we will together support His Majesty, lead the officials and soldiers, and go to kill the Grand General; if His Majesty does not follow, we should seize him and leave.’” He also said: “They plotted to make Xiahou Xuan Grand General and Zhang Ji General of Galloping Cavalry; Xiahou Xuan and Zhang Ji both knew of this plot.” On the day of Gengxu, Li Tao, Xiahou Xuan, Zhang Ji, Su Shuo, Le Dun, and Liu Xian were executed, and their three clans were all exterminated.
When Xiahou Ba fled to Shu, he invited Xiahou Xuan to go with him, but Xiahou Xuan refused. After Sima Yi died, Zhong Lingjun, the Commandant of the Palace Guard, Xu Yun of Gaoyang, said to Xiahou Xuan, “There is no need to worry anymore!” Xiahou Xuan sighed and said, “Shizong, how can you fail to see the situation! That man (referring to Sima Yi) could still treat me as a junior member of a connected family, but Ziyuan (Sima Shi) and Zishang (Sima Zhao) will not tolerate me.” When Xiahou Xuan was imprisoned, he refused to confess, and Zhong Yu personally interrogated him. Xiahou Xuan sternly rebuked Zhong Yu, saying, “What crime have I committed! As a Clerk who interrogates people, you may write the confession for me!” Zhong Yu considered Xiahou Xuan a renowned scholar of high moral integrity, whom he could not force to submit, yet the case had to be concluded. So he wrote the confession for him overnight, making it consistent with the facts, and showed it to Xiahou Xuan with tears in his eyes. Xiahou Xuan glanced at it, merely nodding his head. When he was taken to the Eastern Market for execution, his expression did not change, and his demeanor remained calm.
Li Feng’s younger brother, Li Yi, served as the Inspector of Yanzhou. Sima Shi sent someone to arrest him. Li Yi’s wife, née Xun, said to Li Yi, “The affair of Zhongshu Ling (Li Feng) has been exposed. You can flee to Wu before the imperial edict arrives; why wait for death! Who among those around you can share life and death with you?” Li Yi pondered but did not answer. His wife said, “You hold a large province, yet you do not know anyone who can share life and death. Even if you flee, you cannot escape death!” Li Yi said, “My two sons are still young. If I do not flee, I will only die due to implication, and my two sons will surely be spared.” So he did not flee and was ultimately executed.
Initially, Li Hui had a close friendship with Shangshu Puye Du Ji and the Grand Administrator of Dong’an, Guo Zhi. Guo Zhi’s son, Guo Chong, had genuine talent but did not show it outwardly, so his townsmen did not praise him. Guo Chong once went with Li Feng to see Du Ji. After they left, Du Ji sighed and said, “Xiaoyi (Li Feng) has no son; not only does he have no son, but I fear he will have no family. Junmou (Guo Zhi) will not die; his son is sufficient to inherit his career.” People at the time thought Du Ji was mistaken. When Li Feng was executed, Guo Chong served as the Grand Administrator of Daijun and ultimately inherited his father’s career.
During the Zhengshi era, Xiahou Xuan, He Yan, and Deng Yang all enjoyed great fame and wanted to befriend Shangshu Lang Fu Gu, but Fu Gu refused. Fu Gu’s friend Xun Can, puzzled, asked him about it. Fu Gu said, “Taichu (Xiahou Xuan) has great ambitions but a small capacity; he can gather empty fame but has no real talent. Heping Shu (He Yan) speaks loftily but has shallow emotions; he likes debates but lacks sincerity—he is precisely the kind who overturns a state with a sharp tongue. Deng Xuanmao (Deng Yang) has initiative but no constancy; he outwardly pursues fame and profit, inwardly lacks principles, values those who agree with him, dislikes those who differ, talks too much, and envies those stronger than himself. Talking too much easily brings disaster; envying those stronger means he has no close associates. In my view, these three men will all ruin their families. It is better to keep away from them for fear of being implicated by their troubles, let alone associate with them!” Fu Gu also had a poor relationship with Li Feng and said to like-minded people, “Li Feng conceals hypocrisy and is suspicious; he flaunts petty cleverness but is ignorant of power and profit. If he were to take charge of vital state affairs, he would surely die!”
On the Xinhai day, a general amnesty was granted to the empire.
In the third month, Empress Zhang was deposed. In the summer, in the fourth month, Empress Wang was established; she was the daughter of Fengche Duwei Wang Kui.
The Magistrate of Didao County, Li Jian, secretly sent a letter to the State of Han requesting surrender. In the sixth month, Jiang Wei invaded Longxi.
Zhong Lingjun Xu Yun had always been on good terms with Li Feng and Xiahou Xuan. In autumn, Xu Yun was appointed General of the Northern Expedition, granted a tally, and made Commander of All Military Affairs North of the Yellow River. Because Xu Yun was about to be sent away, the Emperor summoned a gathering of officials. The Emperor deliberately pulled Xu Yun closer to him. As Xu Yun was about to take leave of the Emperor, he wept and sighed. Before Xu Yun departed, the relevant office reported that Xu Yun had previously unauthorizedly distributed government property. He was arrested and handed over to the Tingwei, then exiled to Lelang. Before he arrived, he died on the road. In the State of Wu, Sun Jun was arrogant, extravagant, and cruel, causing the people to look at him askance. Sima Huan plotted to kill Sun Jun and establish Sun Deng’s son, the Marquis of Wu, Sun Ying, but the plan failed, and all were executed.
The Emperor was deeply indignant and dissatisfied because of Li Feng’s death. The General of the Eastern Pacification, Sima Zhao, was stationed at Xuchang. The Emperor issued an edict summoning him and ordering him to attack Jiang Wei. In the ninth month, Sima Zhao led his troops to the capital for an audience. The Emperor personally went to the Pingle Observatory to review the troops as they passed. Those close to the Emperor advised him to kill Sima Zhao when he took his leave, then lead troops to repel the Grand General (Sima Shi). The edict had already been written and placed before the Emperor, but he was afraid and did not act.
Sima Zhao led his troops into the city, and the Grand General Sima Shi then plotted to depose the Emperor. On the Jiaxu day, Sima Shi convened a meeting of officials under the pretext of the Empress Dowager’s order, claiming that the Emperor was debauched and unrestrained, fond of actors and entertainers, and unfit to inherit the throne. None of the officials dared to oppose him. So they submitted a memorial to confiscate the Emperor’s seal and ribbon, ordering him to return to his fief as the Prince of Qi. Guo Zhi was sent to the palace to inform the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager was sitting opposite the Emperor. Guo Zhi said to the Emperor, “The Grand General wishes to depose Your Majesty and establish the Prince of Pengcheng, Cao Ju!” The Emperor then rose and left. The Empress Dowager was displeased. Guo Zhi said, “The Empress Dowager has a son but cannot teach him. Now the Grand General’s decision is made, and troops are stationed outside to guard against unforeseen events. You must simply obey the will; what else is there to say!” The Empress Dowager said, “I want to see the Grand General and have something to say.” Guo Zhi said, “What is there to see! Just quickly bring the seal and ribbon!” The Empress Dowager was cowed, so she ordered her attendants to bring the seal and ribbon and place them beside her seat. Guo Zhi went out and reported to Sima Shi, who was very pleased. He then sent an envoy to grant the Emperor the seal and ribbon of the Prince of Qi and ordered him to leave the palace and go to the Western Palace. The Emperor wept as he bid farewell to the Empress Dowager, then rode in a princely carriage, exiting from the south of the Taiji Hall. Among the officials seeing him off were several dozen, and Sima Fu was so overcome with grief he could not contain himself, while many others also shed tears.
Sima Shi again sent an envoy to the Empress Dowager to request the seal and ribbon. The Empress Dowager said, “The Prince of Pengcheng is my younger uncle-in-law. If he ascends the throne, where will I go! Besides, will Emperor Ming never have heirs? The Duke of Gaoguixiang is the eldest grandson of Emperor Wen and the son of Emperor Ming’s younger brother. According to ritual, a minor branch succeeds the major branch. You all deliberate carefully.” On the Dingchou day, Sima Shi again convened the officials, showed them the Empress Dowager’s order, and decided to welcome the Duke of Gaoguixiang, Cao Mao, from Yuancheng. Cao Mao was the son of the Prince of Donghai, Cao Lin. He was fourteen years old at the time. The Taichang Wang Su was sent with a tally to welcome him. Sima Shi again sent someone to request the seal and ribbon. The Empress Dowager said, “I have seen the Duke of Gaoguixiang; I knew him when he was young. I intend to personally hand over the seal and ribbon to him.” In winter, on the tenth month, on the Jichou day, the Duke of Gaoguixiang arrived at the Xuanwu Pavilion. The officials requested that he stay in the front hall, but he considered it the former residence of the late emperor and declined, staying instead in the western wing. The officials again requested that the imperial carriage be used to welcome him, but the Duke of Gaoguixiang did not comply. On the Gengyin day, the Duke of Gaoguixiang entered Luoyang. The officials greeted and bowed to him south of the Xiyemen. The Duke descended from his carriage and returned the bow. The master of ceremonies said, “According to ritual, there is no need to return the bow.” The Duke of Gaoguixiang said, “I am a subject.” So he returned the bow. When he reached the Zhiche Gate, he descended from the carriage. Those close to him said, “By precedent, you may ride in.” The Duke of Gaoguixiang said, “I have been summoned by the Empress Dowager; I do not yet know what I am to do.” So he walked to the East Hall of the Taiji Palace and paid respects to the Empress Dowager. That same day, he ascended the throne in the front hall of the Taiji Palace. All officials in attendance were overjoyed. A general amnesty was granted to the empire, and the reign title was changed. A palace was built for the Prince of Qi in Henei.
Jiang Wei of the State of Han advanced from the Qiu Dao, capturing Hejian and Lintao. General Xu Zhi fought with Jiang Wei, killing the Han General of Sweeping the Rebels, Zhang Ni, and the Han army then withdrew.
Initially, the Inspector of Yang Province, Wen Qin, was brave and fierce beyond ordinary men. Cao Shuang favored him because he was a fellow townsman. Wen Qin relied on Cao Shuang’s power and often acted arrogantly and insolently. After Cao Shuang was killed, Wen Qin was already terrified inside, and he also liked to falsely report the number of captives to claim merit and reward. Sima Shi frequently suppressed him, and thus he harbored resentment. The General of the Eastern Front, Guanqiu Jian, had long been on good terms with Xiahou Xuan and Li Feng. After Xiahou Xuan and the others died, Guanqiu Jian also felt uneasy, so he devised a plan to treat Wen Qin generously. Guanqiu Jian’s son, the Palace Attendant and Imperial Secretary Guanqiu Dian, said to Guanqiu Jian: “Father bears the heavy responsibility of a region, yet when the state is toppled, you remain complacent and self-preserving—this will incur the blame of the empire!” Guanqiu Jian agreed with him.
In the spring of the first month, Guanqiu Jian and Wen Qin falsely claimed an edict from the Empress Dowager, raised troops in Shouchun, and issued proclamations to all provinces and commanderies, calling for the punishment of Sima Shi. They also submitted a memorial saying: “Chancellor Sima Yi was loyal and upright, with great merit to the state; his descendants should be pardoned. We request that Sima Shi be deposed, allowed to return home as a marquis, and that his younger brother Sima Zhao succeed him. Grand Commandant Sima Fu is loyal, filial, cautious, and prudent; Defender of the Army Sima Wang is loyal and devoted to public affairs; both should be favored and trusted, and given important positions.” Sima Wang was Sima Fu’s son. Guanqiu Jian also sent an envoy to invite the General of the Southern Front, Zhuge Dan, but Zhuge Dan executed the envoy. Guanqiu Jian and Wen Qin led fifty to sixty thousand troops across the Huai River, advancing westward to Xiang County. Guanqiu Jian held the city, while Wen Qin operated as a mobile force outside.
Sima Shi consulted the Grand Administrator of Henan, Wang Su, on strategy. Wang Su said: “In the past, Guan Yu captured Yu Jin at the Han River and had ambitions to contend for the north, but later Sun Quan attacked his troops’ families, and Guan Yu’s army collapsed instantly. Now, the families of the Huainan officers and soldiers are all in the interior provinces. If we swiftly advance to defend and block them, so they cannot advance, it will inevitably lead to a collapse like Guan Yu’s.” At that time, Sima Shi had just had a tumor removed from his eye, and the wound was severe. Some thought the Grand General should not personally lead the campaign, suggesting instead that Grand Commandant Sima Fu be sent to resist. Only Wang Su, along with Palace Secretary Fu Gu and Secretariat Drafter Zhong Hui, urged Sima Shi to go personally. Sima Shi hesitated. Fu Gu said: “The troops of Huai and Chu are fierce, and Guanqiu Jian and his men rely on their strength to fight from afar; their momentum is not easily withstood. If the various generals suffer victories and defeats, and the overall situation is lost, then your great undertaking will fail.” Sima Shi abruptly rose and said: “I request to ride eastward despite my illness.” On the day of Wuwu, Sima Shi led all the troops from the capital and provinces to campaign against Guanqiu Jian and Wen Qin, appointing his brother Sima Zhao as acting Central Leader of the Army, remaining to guard Luoyang, and summoning troops from three directions to assemble at Chen and Xuchang.
Sima Shi consulted the Grand Master of Glorious Happiness, Zheng Mao, on strategy. Zheng Mao said: “Guanqiu Jian is fond of scheming but does not understand the situation; Wen Qin has courage but no strategy. Now, if the great army strikes unexpectedly, the soldiers of Jiang and Huai are sharp but not steadfast. We should dig deep moats and build high ramparts to blunt their edge—this is the superior strategy of Zhou Yafu.” Sima Shi agreed.
Sima Shi appointed the Inspector of Jing Province, Wang Ji, as Acting Supervisor of the Army, bearing the imperial credentials, to command the troops at Xuchang. Wang Ji said to Sima Shi: “The rebellion in Huainan is not the wish of the local officials and people; it is that Guanqiu Jian and others have deceived, lured, coerced, and threatened them. They fear immediate death, so they have temporarily gathered. If the great army arrives, they will inevitably collapse like a tile; the heads of Guanqiu Jian and Wen Qin will be delivered to the camp gate before the next morning.” Sima Shi followed his advice. He made Wang Ji the vanguard, but soon ordered Wang Ji to halt. Wang Ji believed: “Guanqiu Jian and his men lead troops sufficient to advance and strike, yet they do not press forward for a long time. This is because their deceit has been exposed, and the people’s hearts are suspicious and dejected. Now, if we do not display our might to meet the people’s expectations, but instead halt and build high ramparts, appearing fearful and cowardly, this is not the way of war. If Guanqiu Jian and Wen Qin plunder the people to strengthen themselves, and the provincial troops and officers captured by the rebels harbor rebellious hearts, those coerced by Guanqiu Jian and his ilk will feel their guilt is deep and dare not return. This would place the army in a useless position and become the source of villainy. If the enemy from Wu takes advantage to attack, then Huainan will no longer belong to the state, and the commanderies of Qiao, Pei, Runan, and Yuzhou will all be in danger and unstable—this is a major strategic error. The army should swiftly advance to occupy Nandun, which has a large granary, estimated to supply the army for forty days. Holding a strong city and relying on stored grain, striking first can seize the enemy’s morale—this is the key to pacifying the rebels.” Wang Ji repeatedly requested, and only then did Sima Shi comply, advancing to occupy the Yinshui River.
In the intercalary month, on the day of Jiashen, Sima Shi camped at Yinshui Bridge. Guanqiu Jian’s generals Shi Zhao and Li Xu successively came to surrender. Wang Ji again said to Sima Shi: “In warfare, one hears of the clumsy being swift, but never of the clever being protracted. Now, with a powerful enemy outside and rebellious ministers inside, if we do not decide promptly, the depth of the matter becomes unpredictable. Many discussants say that you, General, are steady. Steadiness is correct, but halting the army and not advancing is wrong. Steadiness does not mean not advancing; it means advancing so the enemy cannot encroach. Now, guarding our ramparts, supplying the enemy with accumulated resources, and transporting grain from afar—this is truly not a good plan.” Sima Shi still disagreed. Wang Ji said: “A general in the field may sometimes decline the sovereign’s orders. If the enemy gains advantage, and we also gain advantage, this is called contested ground—Nandun is such a place.” Thereupon, he advanced without authorization and occupied Nandun. Guanqiu Jian and his men from Xiang County also wanted to contend for it, but after marching over ten li, they heard that Wang Ji had arrived first, so they turned back to defend Xiang County.
On the day of Guiwei, the General of the Western Expedition, Guo Huai, died. The Inspector of Yong Province, Chen Tai, was appointed to replace him.
The Wu Chancellor Sun Jun led the Swift Cavalry General Lü Ju, the Left General of Kuaiji, Liu Zan, to attack Shouchun. Sima Shi ordered all the various armies to dig deep moats and build high ramparts, awaiting the assembly of the eastern troops. The various generals requested to attack Xiang County. Sima Shi said: “You all know only one side, not the other. The officers and soldiers of Huainan originally had no intent to rebel; Guanqiu Jian and Wen Qin persuaded and lured them to act together, saying that far and near would respond. But when the matter arose, Huaibei did not comply, and Shi Zhao and Li Xu collapsed one after another. With internal division and external defection, they know they will surely fail. A trapped beast still wants to fight; a quick battle suits their intentions. Though we may say we can surely overcome, the casualties would also be many. Moreover, Guanqiu Jian and others deceive their officers and soldiers with many tricks; if we stalemate with them for a while, the deceit will naturally be exposed—this is the method of winning without fighting.” Thereupon, he sent Zhuge Dan to command all the armies of Yu Province, advancing from Anfeng toward Shouchun; the General of the Eastern Expedition, Hu Zun, commanded the troops of Qing and Xu Provinces, striking from between Qiao Commandery and Song County, cutting off their retreat; Sima Shi camped at Ruyang. Guanqiu Jian and Wen Qin could not advance to fight, and feared that Shouchun would be attacked if they retreated. Their strategies exhausted, they did not know what to do. The families of the Huainan officers and soldiers were all in the north; the people were disheartened and demoralized, and those who surrendered came continuously, leaving only the newly attached peasants of Huainan for them to use.
Just as Guanqiu Jian raised his army, he sent a fast horse with a letter to Yanzhou. The Inspector of Yanzhou, Deng Ai, killed the messenger, led over ten thousand soldiers, and advanced day and night. He first reached Lecheng, built a pontoon bridge, and waited for Sima Shi. Guanqiu Jian sent Wen Qin to lead troops to attack Deng Ai. Sima Shi secretly led his army from Ruyang to Lecheng to join Deng Ai. Wen Qin suddenly saw the main force, panicked, and did not know what to do. Wen Qin's son, Wen Yang, eighteen years old, was exceptionally brave and strong. He said to Wen Qin, "Attack them before they settle; we can defeat them." They then divided into two groups and attacked Sima Shi's army from both sides at night. Wen Yang led the elite troops first, beating drums and shouting, causing Sima Shi's army to be shaken and disordered. Sima Shi was terrified. His ailing eye bulged out, and fearing that others would know, he bit through his coverlet. Wen Qin missed the agreed time and did not respond. By dawn, Wen Yang saw that Sima Shi's army was numerous and led his troops in retreat. Sima Shi said to his generals, "The rebels have fled; we can pursue them!" The generals said, "Wen Qin and his son are fierce and bold and have never been defeated. Why would they flee in distress?" Sima Shi said, "The first drum raises morale, the second flags it. Wen Yang beat drums and shouted but got no response; their momentum has been broken. If they do not flee, what are they waiting for?" Wen Qin prepared to lead his troops eastward in retreat. Wen Yang said, "If we do not first break their momentum, we cannot get away." He then led a dozen elite cavalry to charge into the enemy lines, and wherever they went, the enemy scattered. Thus, he led the troops away. Sima Shi sent the Left Chief Clerk Sima Ban to lead eight thousand elite cavalry to pursue from both flanks. Wen Yang, alone on his horse, charged into thousands of cavalry, each time killing or wounding over a hundred men, then broke out. He did this six or seven times, and the pursuing cavalry dared not approach.
Yin Damu, a palace attendant, had been a slave of the Cao family in his youth and often served by the emperor's side. Sima Shi was about to travel with him. Yin Damu knew that one of Sima Shi's eyes had already bulged out. He reported, "Wen Qin was originally Your Excellency's trusted man, only misled by others. Moreover, he is a fellow townsman of the Son of Heaven and has always trusted me. I beg to pursue him on Your Excellency's behalf to explain and persuade him, so that he may return and be reconciled with Your Excellency." Sima Shi agreed. Yin Damu, alone on a large horse, clad in armor and helmet, caught up with Wen Qin and spoke to him from a distance. Yin Damu, whose true intention was to serve the Cao family, said deceitfully, "Lord of the Domain, why can you not endure for a few days?" He wanted Wen Qin to understand his meaning. Wen Qin completely failed to comprehend and instead cursed Yin Damu more harshly, saying, "You are a retainer of the late emperor, yet you do not think of repaying his kindness. Instead, you rebel with Sima Shi, disregarding Heaven. Heaven will not bless you!" He drew his bow and nocked an arrow, intending to shoot Yin Damu. Yin Damu wept and said, "The affairs of the world are ruined. Strive hard on your own!"
That day, Guanqiu Jian, hearing that Wen Qin had retreated, was terrified and fled by night. Thus, his army completely collapsed. Wen Qin returned to Xiang County. Isolated and without support, he could not hold his ground. He wanted to return to Shouchun, but Shouchun had already fallen. So he fled to the state of Wu. Sun Jun of Wu had reached Dongxing. Hearing that Guanqiu Jian and his men had failed, on the day of Renyin, he advanced to Tuogao. Wen Qin and his son surrendered at the camp. Guanqiu Jian fled. When he reached Shen County, his attendants gradually abandoned him. Guanqiu Jian hid in the grass by the water. On the day of Jiachen, Zhang Shu, a commoner from Anfeng Ford, killed Guanqiu Jian and sent his head to the capital. Zhang Shu was enfeoffed as a marquis. Zhuge Dan arrived at Shouchun. The city of Shouchun had a population of over one hundred thousand. Fearing death, some fled into the mountains and marshes, others scattered and entered Wu. An imperial edict appointed Zhuge Dan as General of the Eastern Expedition, with ceremonial equipment equal to the Three Dukes, and Commander of All Military Affairs in Yangzhou. Guanqiu Jian's clan of three generations was executed. Over seven hundred of Guanqiu Jian's partisans were imprisoned. The Palace Attendant Du You tried the case, executing only the ten or so chief instigators, and memorialized for the rest to be spared the death penalty. Guanqiu Jian's granddaughter had married into the Liu family and was to be executed, but because she was pregnant, she was held in custody by the Commandant of Justice. The Chief Clerk of the Commandant of Justice, Cheng Xian, argued: "A woman who marries, if she has given birth, becomes the mother of that family. To punish her would not be sufficient to deter the root of rebellion, and in terms of human feeling, it would harm the filial son's grace. A man is not punished for the crimes of another clan, yet a woman alone is killed in two clans. This is not the great principle of pitying and showing consideration for women, nor of fairness in the legal system. I submit that an unmarried woman may follow the punishment of her parents; a married woman should follow the punishment of her husband's family." The court accepted his opinion and incorporated it into the statutes.
The Marquis of Wuyang, Sima Shi, was critically ill. He returned to Xuchang and left the General of the Household, Participator in Military Affairs, Jia Chong, to oversee the various armies. Jia Chong was the son of Jia Kui.
The General of the Guard, Sima Zhao, went from Luoyang to visit Sima Shi. Sima Shi had Sima Zhao take command of the various armies. On the day of Xinhai, Sima Shi died in Xuchang. The Palace Attendant of the Secretariat, Zhong Hui, had followed Sima Shi and managed confidential affairs. The emperor issued an edict ordering the Minister of Revenue, Fu Jia, because the southeast had just been pacified, to temporarily leave the General of the Guard, Sima Zhao, stationed at Xuchang to support the interior and exterior, and to have Fu Jia lead the various armies back. Zhong Hui and Fu Jia discussed the matter, and Fu Jia submitted a memorial. Then they set out together with Sima Zhao and returned to camp south of Luoyang. In the second month, on the day of Dingsi, an edict appointed Sima Zhao as Grand General and Manager of the Affairs of the Secretariat. From then on, Zhong Hui often had an arrogant demeanor. Fu Jia cautioned him, saying, "Your ambition is great, but your capacity is insufficient. It is difficult to achieve the task. How can you not be cautious!"
Sun Jun of Wu, hearing that Zhuge Dan had already occupied Shouchun, led his army back. He appointed Wen Qin as Protector of the Capital, General of the Northern Expedition, and Inspector of Youzhou.
In the third month, Empress Bian was established, and a general amnesty was granted. The empress was the great-great-granddaughter of Bian Bing, the younger brother of Empress Wu Xuan.
In autumn, the seventh month, the Wu generals Sun Yi, Zhang Yi, and Lin Xun plotted to assassinate Sun Jun but failed. Several dozen people were executed. The Full Princess slandered Zhu Princess to Sun Jun, saying that she had conspired with Sun Yi. Sun Jun then killed Zhu Princess.
Sun Jun sent the Commandant of the Palace Guard, Feng Chao, to build a city at Guangling. The expenditure of manpower and resources was enormous, and no one in the court dared to speak out, except Teng Yin, who advised against it. Sun Jun did not listen, and the city was ultimately not completed.
Jiang Wei of the Han state again discussed raising troops. The General of the Western Expedition, Zhang Yi, argued in the court, saying, "The state is small, and the people are weary. We should not waste military force." Jiang Wei did not listen. He led the General of Chariots and Cavalry, Xiahou Ba, and Zhang Yi to advance together. In the eighth month, Jiang Wei led several tens of thousands of men to Fuhan and advanced toward Didao.
The General of the Western Expedition, Chen Tai, ordered the Inspector of Yongzhou, Wang Jing, to advance and station at Didao, waiting for Chen Tai's army to arrive so that they could join forces from east and west and then advance. Chen Tai's army was stationed at Chencang. Wang Jing's various armies fought against the Han state at Guguan and were at a disadvantage. Wang Jing then crossed the Taoshui River. Chen Tai believed that Wang Jing had not held Didao firmly and that there would surely be other changes. He led his various armies to support him. Wang Jing had already fought Jiang Wei west of the Tao River and suffered a great defeat. He led over ten thousand men back to defend Didao city. The rest scattered and fled, and the dead numbered in the tens of thousands. Zhang Yi said to Jiang Wei, "We can stop now. We should not advance further. Advancing might ruin this great achievement and be like drawing legs on a snake." Jiang Wei was very angry and then advanced to besiege Didao.
On the day xīnwèi, an imperial edict appointed Chief Commandant of the Changshui Camp Deng Ai as acting General of the Western Pacification, to join forces with Chen Tai in resisting Jiang Wei; on the day wùchén, Grand Tutor Sima Fu was sent as subsequent support. Chen Tai advanced into Longxi, and all the generals said: “Wang Jing has just been defeated, and the rebels’ momentum is formidable. You, General, leading hastily assembled troops, follow close on the heels of a defeated army to withstand their victorious edge—I fear this cannot succeed. The ancients said: ‘If a venomous snake bites the hand, a brave man cuts off his wrist.’ Sunzi also says: ‘In warfare, there are enemies one cannot attack; in defense, there are positions one cannot hold.’ This is because small losses can secure greater preservation. It would be better to hold a strategic pass and protect ourselves, observe the enemy’s weaknesses and wait for them to tire, then advance to the rescue—that is a steady plan.” Chen Tai said: “Jiang Wei leads a light force deep into our territory precisely to contend with us in open field and seek a decisive victory. Wang Jing should have raised high walls and deepened moats to blunt their edge, but instead he engaged them, allowing the rebels to achieve their scheme. Since Wang Jing has fled in defeat, if Jiang Wei, relying on his victorious might, advances east, occupies the grain stores at Liyang, freely recruits surrendered soldiers, draws in the Qiang and Hu tribes, and then contests for Guanzhong and Longxi, issuing proclamations to the four commanderies—that is what we most fear. But instead he lets his victorious army be checked beneath a fortified city, his sharp-edged troops exhaust their strength; the situation of attack and defense differs, and the roles of host and guest are not the same. The Art of War says: ‘Building large shields and siege vehicles takes three months to complete; piling earth mounds also takes three months to finish.’ This is indeed not something a lightly equipped, far-ranging army can profit from. Now Jiang Wei, with an isolated force far from home as a guest, his supplies cannot keep up—this is the time for us to advance swiftly and break the rebels, what is called ‘thunder too fast to cover the ears,’ the natural momentum. The Tao River encircles them outside, and Jiang Wei and his men are within; now if we occupy high ground to control the advantageous terrain and press directly toward their vital points, they will flee without fighting. Rebels cannot be indulged, sieges cannot be prolonged—how can you speak such words!” Thereupon he advanced over Gaocheng Ridge, moving secretly, and by night reached a high mountain southeast of Didao, lighting many beacon fires and beating drums and sounding horns. The officers and troops within Didao city, seeing the arrival of relief, all became excited and leaped with joy. Jiang Wei had not expected the rescuers to come so suddenly; he rushed along the mountain to attack, but Chen Tai engaged him, and Jiang Wei withdrew. Chen Tai led his troops, proclaiming that he would cut off Jiang Wei’s retreat, and Jiang Wei, fearing this, fled on the day jiǎchén of the ninth month. The officers and troops in the city were then able to come out. Wang Jing sighed and said: “Our grain would not have lasted ten more days; if the relief had not arrived swiftly, the entire city would have been slaughtered, and the whole province and commanderies would have been destroyed!” Chen Tai comforted the officers and troops, sent them back in turn, redeployed garrison forces, and repaired the city walls, then returned his army to station at Shanggui.
Chen Tai often, because of an incident in one place, used false reports to alarm the whole realm, so he rarely reported situations to the court, and courier relay stations transmitted documents no more than six hundred li. The Grand General Sima Zhao said: “Chen, the Western Pacification, is calm and brave in making decisions, shouldering the responsibility of a region. He rescued a city about to fall without requesting additional troops, and he rarely reports situations—this must be because he can handle the rebels. Should not a commander of a regional army be like this!”
Jiang Wei withdrew his troops and stationed them at Zhongti.
Initially, the Great Emperor of Wu had not established an imperial ancestral temple. Because Martial Lie Emperor Sun Jian had once served as Grand Administrator of Changsha, a temple was built at Linxiang, and the Grand Administrator was merely assigned to conduct sacrifices. In the winter of the twelfth month, construction finally began on an imperial ancestral temple at Jianye, honoring the Great Emperor as the Supreme Ancestor.