Sima Yue (司馬越) (died 23 April 311), courtesy name Yuanchao (元超), formally Prince Xiaoxian of Donghai (東海孝獻王), was a Western Jin imperial prince and regent for Emperor Hui and Emperor Huai . He was the last of eight princes commonly associated with the War of the Eight Princes .
89-520: Sima Yue was the eldest son of Sima Tai (司馬泰; posthumously known as Prince Wenxian of Gaomi (高密文献王)), who was a son of Sima Yi 's brother Sima Kui (司馬馗), making Yue a cousin of Jin's founding emperor Emperor Wu . In February 266, after Emperor Wu established the Jin dynasty, Sima Tai was named Prince of Longxi on 9 February. As the eldest son, Yue's first title was "Heir to the Princedom of Longxi" (陇西世子). It
178-506: A coup d'état and had him and his associates executed. Afterwards, Sima Yi became the primary authority in Wei, although in June 251 he faced some opposition from Wang Ling 's rebellion , which he swiftly dealt with. Sima Yi died on 7 September 251, at the age of 71 or 72, and was succeeded by his eldest son Sima Shi . For the remainder of Wei's history, state power was increasingly vested in
267-521: A campaign against Shu was proposed and eventually implemented after Cao Rui approved his proposal. In August 230, Cao Zhen led an army from Chang'an to attack Shu via the Ziwu Valley ( 子午谷 ). At the same time, another Wei army led by Sima Yi, acting on Cao Rui's order, advanced towards Shu from Jing Province by sailing along the Han River . The rendezvous point for Cao Zhen and Sima Yi's armies
356-422: A commandery administrator who was known for spotting talents. Yang Jun described him as an "extraordinary talent". Cui Yan , a friend of Sima Yi's elder brother, Sima Lang , once said: "(Sima Yi) is intelligent, decisive, and unique. (Sima Lang) can't be compared to him." Sima Yi and his family used to live in the imperial capital, Luoyang , where his father, Sima Fang , served as a government official. Sima Yi
445-454: A joint attack by Liu Cong and Wang on Luoyang, but that victory was the exception to Han-Zhao's inexorable advances. After Liu Yuan died in 310 and was succeeded by Liu Cong, Han-Zhao renewed its attacks on the Luoyang region. Meanwhile, Sima Yue continued to alienate other generals and officials, and when Liu Kun , the military commander of Bing (并州, roughly modern Shanxi ) proposed to him
534-467: A narrow defile. Zhang He died after a stray arrow hit him in the right knee. Regardless of this setback, Cao Rui sent an emissary to congratulate Sima Yi on his victory and rewarded him by adding more taxable households to his marquisate. Sima Yi's advisors Du Xi and Xue Ti ( 薛悌 ) told Sima Yi the wheat would be ready for harvest the following year and Zhuge Liang would be sure to come seize it. Because Longyou lacked food supplies, they should transport
623-754: A plan with Gou Xi , the military commander of Qing Province (青州, modern central and eastern Shandong ), who had been dissatisfied with Sima Yue, to overthrow Sima Yue's yoke. Sima Yue discovered this plan, but was unable to wage a campaign against Gou. He grew ill in his anger and distress, and died in April 311. The generals and officials in his army, instead of returning to Luoyang, headed east toward Sima Yue's principality of Donghai (roughly modern Linyi , Shandong ) to bury him there. He Lun, upon hearing about Sima Yue's death, also withdrew from Luoyang and sought to join that force. However, both were intercepted by Shi Le and wiped out. Shi, declaring that Sima Yue had caused
712-517: A retreat towards the eastern side of the Mount Qi ridges, where the Shu army fortified at Lucheng ( 鹵城 ), seizing control of the hills in the north and south, and using the river as a natural barrier while pitching "covering camps" near the riverbank to take complete control of the water passage. Although his subordinates repeatedly urged Sima Yi to attack the enemy, he was hesitant to do so after seeing
801-564: A story that may be apocryphal—while Sima Yi was drying his books under the sun, there was a sudden downpour, so he rushed out to grab his books and was seen by a maid. Sima Yi's wife, Zhang Chunhua , feared that the maid would leak out news that Sima Yi was well and get their family into trouble, so she killed the maid to silence her. When Cao Cao became the Imperial Chancellor in 208, he sent an official to recruit Sima Yi to serve as an assistant clerk in his administration, and
890-407: A strong foothold in the province. Cao Cao rejected Sima Yi's idea and said he was already content with having Longyou ( 隴右 ; covering parts of present-day Gansu and Shaanxi ). He then turned his attention to his other key rival Sun Quan . Sun Quan sent an emissary to meet Cao Cao, asking to make peace and expressing his willingness to pledge allegiance to Cao Cao. He also urged Cao Cao to seize
979-650: Is brave enough, he'll move out from Wugong County and head eastward in the direction of the mountains. If he moves west to the Wuzhang Plains , we'll have no worries." Around that time, the Wei emperor Cao Rui became worried and decided to send the general Qin Lang to lead 20,000 infantry and cavalry as reinforcements to join Sima Yi. Sima Lue Sima Lüe (司馬略) (died 5 April 309), courtesy name Yuanjian (元简), posthumously known as Prince Xiao of Gaomi ,
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#17327662738871068-598: Is said to have instructed the official to arrest Sima Yi if he dawdled. Sima Yi became afraid and accepted the appointment. Although he was initially assigned to be an attendant to the crown prince, he was later reassigned to other positions, including Gentleman of the Yellow Gate ( 黃門侍郎 ), Consultant ( 議郎 ), Officer in the East Bureau of the Imperial Chancellor's Office ( 丞相東曹屬 ), and Registrar in
1157-566: The Book of Jin and Zizhi Tongjian , Sima Yi, upon hearing Meng Da wished to rebel, wrote a flattering letter to Meng Da to distract and confuse him while preparing to suppress the rebellion. While Meng Da was deciding whether to commit to his rebellion, Sima Yi swiftly assembled his troops and secretly led them to attack Meng Da's base in Shangyong Commandery ( 上庸郡 ; around present-day Zhushan County , Hubei). While heading towards
1246-488: The Book of Jin make no mention of a detachment being defeated, and records of the campaign tend to vary and prove unreliable. After defeating the enemy, Zhuge Liang foraged for the early spring wheat that was available in the vicinity. Sima Yi's subordinates feared losing the wheat but Sima Yi stated: "Zhuge Liang thinks too much and makes too few decisions. He'll be fortifying his camp and defences first before coming to harvest
1335-1020: The Records of the Three Kingdoms and Zizhi Tongjian , Zhuge Liang retreated due to a lack of supplies rather than defeat, and the Wei forces pursued him. The pursuit did not go completely smoothly for Wei; Sima Yi had ordered Zhang He to further pursue the enemy in an attempt to capitalise on their momentum. According to the Weilüe , Zhang He initially refused to obey Sima Yi's order and argued according to classical military doctrine, one should refrain from pursuing an enemy force retreating to its home territory. Sima Yi refused to listen and forced Zhang He to carry out this order. Zhang He fell into an ambush at Mumen Trail ( 木門道 ; in Tianshui, Gansu), where Zhuge Liang had ordered crossbowmen to hide on high ground and fire at approaching enemy forces when they entered
1424-675: The Xia , Yin , and Zhou dynasties, the rulers who did not hesitate when they should take the throne were the ones who truly understood Heaven's will. Cao Cao did not usurp the throne from Emperor Xian and remained a subject of the Han Empire until his death. In 216, after Emperor Xian promoted Cao Cao from a duke to a vassal king under the title "King of Wei", Sima Yi became an adviser to Cao Cao's son and heir apparent , Cao Pi , who highly regarded and respected Sima Yi for his brilliance. Along with Chen Qun , Wu Zhi , and Zhu Shuo ( 朱鑠 ), Sima Yi
1513-701: The gallery roads leading into Shu were too damaged for the troops to pass through, and because of constant heavy rain that had lasted for more than 30 days. In 231, Shu forces led by Zhuge Liang attacked Tianshui Commandery , and besieged Wei forces led by Jia Si ( 賈嗣 ) and Wei Ping ( 魏平 ) at Mount Qi ( 祁山 ; the mountainous regions around present-day Li County, Gansu ). Cao Rui ordered Sima Yi to move to Chang'an to supervise military operations in Yong and Liang provinces. Sima Yi then ordered Fei Yao and Dai Ling to protect Shanggui County ( 上邽縣 ; in present-day Tianshui, Gansu) with 4,000 elite troops and set out with
1602-620: The "Eight Da s" because their courtesy names all ended with da ( 達 ). Sima Yi displayed intelligence and great ambitions at a young age. He was knowledgeable and well-versed in Confucian classics . When chaos broke out in China towards the End of the Han dynasty , Sima Yi often expressed sympathy and concern for the people. Before he reached adulthood around the age of 19, Sima Yi once met Yang Jun,
1691-685: The Central States are not adept in naval warfare, hence they dare to live in Dongguan . When we attack an enemy, we should always block its throat and strike its heart. Xiakou and Dongguan are the enemy's heart and throat. If we can move our land forces to Wan to lure Sun Quan to advance east, then take advantage of his absence from Xiakou by sending our navy to attack it, it will be like an army from Heaven descending to attack, victory assured." Cao Rui agreed with Sima Yi's view and ordered him to return to his post at Wan. Around August 228, during
1780-509: The Eastern Han dynasty, and declared himself emperor of the newly established state of Wei . Cao Pi first appointed Sima Yi as a Master of Writing ( 尚書 ) but later reassigned him as an Army Inspector ( 督軍 ) and Palace Assistant Imperial Clerk ( 御史中丞 ). He promoted Sima Yi from a village marquis to a district marquis under the title "District Marquis of Anguo" ( 安國鄉侯 ). In 221, Sima Yi was removed from his post as an Army Inspector, and
1869-807: The Eastern Jin descended from Sima Zhou (his son with concubine Lady Fu). Sima Yi's ancestral home was in Xiaojing ( 孝敬里 ), Wen County , Henei Commandery . His ancestor was Sima Ang the King of Yin ( 殷王 ), who briefly ruled one of the Eighteen Kingdoms during the transition period from the Qin dynasty to the Western Han dynasty before Liu Bang 's general Han Xin conquered his territory, capturing Sima Ang and his capital city Zhaoge . In
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#17327662738871958-716: The Gongsun-led Liaodong commandery , garnered him great prestige. He is perhaps best known for defending Wei from a series of invasions that were led by Wei's rival state Shu between 231 and 234. In 239, along with another co-regent Cao Shuang , he was made to preside as a regent for the young Cao Fang after the death of latter's adoptive father, Cao Rui . Although amicable at first, the relationship soon deteriorated in light of Cao Shuang's corruption, extravagance, and attempts to curtail Sima Yi's political influence. In February 249, after carefully planning and building up support, Sima Yi ousted Cao Shuang from power in
2047-470: The Governor of Nanyang Yang Jun (楊俊) under whose authority the city fell, was arrested. Sima Yi, among other officials, was on good terms with Yang Jun, whom he had met during his youth (they were both from Henei Commandery) and considered capable and intelligent, and pleaded on his behalf; knocking his forehead on the ground until it started bleeding, but Cao Pi dismissed the appeal. Yang Jun, admitting he
2136-452: The Han imperial court, heard of Sima Yi's talent and wanted to recruit him to serve in the administration. Sima Yi declined, presumably on grounds of illness, with the Book of Jin more specifically mentioning that he, seeing that the Han Empire's future was bleak, declined and lied by supposedly saying that he suffered from paralysis ; staying at home, with Cao Cao's spies reporting that they saw Sima Yi lying motionless in bed. One day—in
2225-588: The Imperial Chancellor's Office ( 丞相主簿 ). In 215, Sima Yi accompanied Cao Cao on his campaign against the warlord-pope Zhang Lu , whom Cao Cao defeated at the Battle of Yangping in Hanzhong Commandery . Afterwards Sima Yi urged him to capitalise on the momentum and attack his rival Liu Bei , who was in the neighboring Yi Province . Sima Yi said because Liu Bei had only recently seized control of Yi Province from Liu Zhang , he had yet to establish
2314-733: The Inspector of Jing Province and the Administrator of Nanxiang Commandery ( 南鄉郡 ; in Jing Province) at the time. Sima Yi said Hu Xiu was violent and Fu Fang was arrogant, and that neither should not be entrusted with the responsibility of guarding the border at Jing Province, but Cao Cao ignored him. In 219, during the Battle of Fancheng , while Cao Cao's general Cao Ren was besieged by Liu Bei's general Guan Yu in Fancheng , Cao Cao ordered Yu Jin to lead reinforcements to lift
2403-736: The Prince of Yuzhang. Later, Yong further had Zhang forcibly move Emperor Hui and Crown Prince Chi to Chang'an , under his firm control. Sima Yue decided to act against Sima Yong. In fall 305, he declared a rebellion with the stated intention of returning Emperor Hui to Luoyang. The warlords of the empire were forced to take sides, but eventually they generally fell into line behind Sima Yue because they were disgusted with Zhang's cruelty. The battles were initially largely indecisive, but early 306, after Sima Yue had some minor victories over Sima Yong's forces, Sima Yong panicked and killed Zhang, seeking peace with Sima Yue. Sima Yue refused, and by later that year
2492-671: The Sima clan, which led to the establishment of the Jin dynasty , which was founded by Sima Yi's grandson Sima Yan in February 266. After Sima Yan became emperor, he honoured his grandfather with the posthumous title Emperor Xuan of Jin and the temple name Gaozu . He was also the last common ancestor of all emperors of the Jin dynasty; while emperors of the Western Jin descended from Sima Zhao (his son with wife Zhang Chunhua ), emperors of
2581-862: The Sima family out of Luoyang and return to their ancestral home in Wen County, Henei Commandery. Some months later, as Sima Lang foresaw that chaos would break out in Henei Commandery, he relocated his family to Liyang Commandery ( 黎陽郡 ; around present-day Xun County , Henan), where they stayed with Sima Lang's kinsman, Zhao Weisun. In 194, when war broke out between the warlords Cao Cao and Lü Bu , Sima Lang brought his family out of Liyang Commandery and again returned to their now-ravaged ancestral home in Wen County, Henei Commandery, where Sima Yi and his brothers largely sustained themselves by living as farmers; fending off local groups of bandits while studying diligently during their free time. Around 201,
2670-405: The Wei forces to Yumi County ( 隃麋縣 ; east of Qianyang County , Shaanxi) and stationed there. When Zhuge Liang heard of the Wei army's arrival, he led his troops to Shanggui County to collect the harvest. Without good coordination, Sima Yi's subordinates defied his order to defend their positions; a detachment of the Wei army went to attack the Shu forces but were defeated, although accounts from
2759-466: The Wei imperial court to mobilise farmers from Ji Province to Shanggui County and put them under the jurisdiction of Jingzhao , Tianshui , and Nan'an ( 南安 ) commanderies. By 233, Sima Yi's agricultural plan came to fruition and became a source of food supplies for the three commanderies. In March or April 234, Zhuge Liang led up to 100,000 Shu troops out of the Xie Valley ( 斜谷 ) and camped at
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2848-479: The Wu invaders, defeated Zhuge Jin, and killed Zhang Ba and more than 1,000 Wu soldiers. In recognition of Sima Yi's efforts, Cao Rui promoted him to General of Agile Cavalry ( 驃騎將軍 ). In July 227, Cao Rui ordered Sima Yi to garrison at Wan , and put him charge of the military affairs of Jing and Yu provinces. During Cao Pi's reign, Sima Yi had warned Cao Pi Meng Da , a former Shu general who had defected to Wei,
2937-432: The administrative office of Henei Commandery nominated Sima Yi to serve in the government by holding local office, possibly as a clerk in charge of the records, and in 202 he was sent as a Reporting Officer ( 上計掾 ) to the capital. Around the same year, he married a woman named Zhang Chunhua , possibly at the instigation of his father. At the same time, the warlord Cao Cao , who then held the position of Minister of Works in
3026-493: The central government in Luoyang. Sima Yi again encountered Zhuge Liang, this time east of Shanggui County at Hanyang ( 漢陽 ) but no direct engagement occurred; Sima Yi drew in his troops and put them into formation while waiting, finding protection in the nearby defiles ; concurrently he sent Niu Jin to lead a lightly armed cavalry detachment to lure the enemy to Mount Qi, who in the process briefly engaged in battle with Shu vanguard commander Ma Dai and inflicted some losses on
3115-445: The central government's remaining troops, along with a large number of officials, effectively stripping Luoyang and Emperor Huai bare of their defenses, except for a small detachment commanded by Sima Yue's subordinate He Lun (何倫), intended as much to monitor as to protect Emperor Huai. From that point on, Luoyang was left even without a police force and became largely a city abandoned to bandits and thugs. Emperor Huai soon entered into
3204-496: The city from eight directions for over two weeks. On the sixteenth day, Meng Da's nephew Deng Xian ( 鄧賢 ) and subordinate Li Fu ( 李輔 ) opened the city gates and surrendered to Sima Yi. Meng Da was captured and executed, and his head was sent to the capital Luoyang ; more than 10,000 captives were taken and Sima Yi returned to Wan in triumph. While he was in charge of Jing and Yu provinces, Sima Yi encouraged and promoted agriculture, and reduced wastage of public funds. The people of
3293-425: The city." Cao Pi ignored Sima Yi's advice, and had Cao Ren burn and abandon Xiangyang and Fancheng. As Sima Yi predicted, Sun Quan did not attack afterwards, and Cao Pi regretted not listening to him. Throughout 220, Sima Yi served as one of the leading officials in court to urge Cao Pi's seizure of the throne, and was supported by other officials. In late 220, Cao Pi usurped the throne from Emperor Xian , ending
3382-526: The early Han dynasty, Sima Ang's former kingdom, which was largely situated in Henei, became a commandery of the Han Empire and his descendants had lived there since. Sima Jūn ( 司馬鈞 ), an eighth-generation descendant of Sima Ang and the great-great-grandfather of Sima Yi, served as a general of the Han Empire, holding the position General Who Conquers the West ( 征西將軍 ). Sima Jūn's son Sima Liang ( 司馬量 ) held
3471-546: The early parts of the War of the Eight Princes, he held a number of offices in the capital Luoyang . In early 304, when the regent Sima Ai the Prince of Changsha (Emperor Hui's half-brother) was battling the forces of Sima Ying the Prince of Chengdu (also Emperor Hui's half-brother) and Sima Yong the Prince of Hejian (grandson of Emperor Hui's great-granduncle Sima Fu , Prince Xian of Anping [安平献王]), even though Sima Ai
3560-532: The emperor's family, Lüe and his brothers, Sima Yue , Sima Teng and Sima Mo were all renowned members of the imperial clan. When he was young, Sima Lüe was noted to be filial and respectful, even to his lessers; he was also noted as having his father's mannerisms. When Sima Yu was crown prince, sons of officials who had good reputations were selected to keep him company; Sima Lüe and Hua Heng (a great-grandson of Hua Xin . ), among others, were selected. When his father Sima Tai died on 17 July 299 , he inherited
3649-646: The empire much damage, burned Sima Yue's body. Sima Yue's sons were all captured and presumably killed by Shi. Only Princess Pei fled, and after much suffering, including a stint where she was enslaved, she arrived in Jianye. Because she had persuaded Sima Yue to let Sima Rui have the Jianye post, Sima Rui was grateful to her and honored both her and Sima Yue posthumously, and allowed her to adopt his son Sima Chong (司馬沖) to serve as Sima Yue's heir. Sima Yi Sima Yi ( pronunciation 司馬懿 ; 179 CE – 7 September 251 CE), courtesy name Zhongda ,
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3738-401: The enemy outside Lucheng. The Wei forces suffered an unexpected and large defeat: 3,000 soldiers were killed, and 5,000 suits of armour and 3,100 sets of hornbeam crossbows were seized by the Shu forces but Sima Yi retained a sizable army, which he led back to his camp. Despite his victory, Zhuge Liang could not make use of the momentum to launch a major offensive on the enemy because his army
3827-436: The enemy. Zhuge Liang simultaneously withdrew his forces and Sima Yi thereafter closely followed Zhuge Liang from the rear. Zhang He advised against pursuit on grounds they could effectively station at Mount Qi, combine their forces, and conduct irregular expeditions; Zhuge Liang's provisions were running low and he would soon be forced to retreat, but Sima Yi did not heed this advice and continued his pursuit. Zhuge Liang ordered
3916-524: The form of Shu and Wu forces that had just arrived at Anqiao ( 安橋 ) and Mulan Fort ( 木闌塞 ) in Xicheng ( 西城 ) respectively. Meng Da was taken by surprise, having not expected Sima Yi to appear so quickly at Shangyong Commandery. Meng Da was surrounded on three sides by a river so he set up wooden barriers to defend himself. Sima Yi's forces crossed the rivers, destroyed the barriers, and arrived just outside Shangyong. Sima Yi split up his forces and attacked
4005-476: The front line. Zhuge Liang's movements, however, were quicker than Cao Rui anticipated; only a portion of the wheat produce in Shanggui County was left after the Shu army's harvesting. The Wei general Guo Huai then asserted his influence over local nomadic tribes and forced them to hand over food supplies for the Wei army. The Wei army was thus able to gain access to food supplies without assistance from
4094-512: The funeral cortège to Ye , earning the respect of officials within and outside the central government. After Cao Pi succeeded his father as the vassal King of Wei and Imperial Chancellor of the Han Empire in early 220, he enfeoffed Sima Yi as Village Marquis of Hejin ( 河津亭侯 ) and appointed him as his Chief Clerk ( 長史 ). Later, when Sun Quan led his forces to attack Cao Pi's territories in Jing Province , some officials rejected
4183-610: The good people, we might cause them to feel distressed and unwilling to return to our side." Cao Cao heeded Sima Yi's advice. The people affected by the Battle of Fancheng reverted to their original livelihoods after the battle. When Cao Cao died in Luoyang in March 220, there was apprehension in the imperial court. Sima Yi supervised the funerary arrangements to ensure everything would be carried out in an orderly fashion, and accompanied
4272-408: The government from his stronghold of Yecheng (鄴城, in modern Handan , Hebei ) as both regent and crown prince , the officials in Luoyang tired of the situation. Later in 304, Sima Yue led them in a rebellion against Sima Ying's forces, and he took Emperor Hui with him on the campaign. After some initial hesitation, Sima Ying fought and defeated Sima Yue's forces, forcing Sima Yue to flee. Emperor Hui
4361-431: The idea of resisting Sun Quan because Fancheng and Xiangyang lacked food supplies. Cao Ren , who was defending Xiangyang, had been reassigned from Fancheng to defend Wan . Sima Yi said; "Sun Quan has recently defeated Guan Yu. At this time, he will want to be tying up his own business, and will not dare cause us trouble. Xiangyang's land and water routes are crucial to its defences against enemy attacks, so we cannot abandon
4450-438: The imperial capital in his absence, as well as providing reinforcements and supplies for his armies at the frontline. Before departing, Cao Pi issued a decree; "I am deeply concerned about my posterity. This is why I entrust you with this responsibility. Even though Cao Shen made many contributions on the battlefield, Xiao He played a more important role than him. Would that I could but be free of looking back over my shoulder at
4539-434: The layout of the Shu camps in the hills. He relented when his subordinates criticised and mocked him by saying he would become a laughing stock if he refused to attack. Sima Yi sent Zhang He to attack the southern Shu camps that were guarded by Wang Ping while he led a frontal assault on Lucheng from the central avenue. In response, Zhuge Liang ordered Wei Yan , Wu Ban , and Gao Xiang to lead troops to engage and resist
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#17327662738874628-464: The location, Sima Yi's subordinates suggested they observe Meng Da's actions first before advancing but Sima Yi replied, "[Meng] Da is not a trustworthy person. Now that he is hesitating due to suspicions, we should seize this opportunity to get rid of him." The marching speed was quickened and, covering 2,200 li , Sima Yi arrived within eight days and ordered his subordinates to lead separate detachments to intercept and block Meng Da's reinforcements in
4717-588: The next target of Sima Yi's crackdown on traitorous officials. After Sima Yi had suppressed Meng Da's rebellion, many regional officials came to present gifts and congratulate him. Sima Yi sent a messenger to provoke Shen Yi and lure him into a trap. When Shen Yi went to confront Sima Yi, he was captured and sent to the imperial capital. Sima Yi relocated to You Province with more than 7,000 households from Shangyong Commandery. The Shu military officers Yao Jing ( 姚靜 ), Zheng Tuo ( 鄭他 ), and others later brought more than 7,000 men with them to surrender to Sima Yi. Among
4806-689: The plan of an attack on the Han-Zhao capital Pingyang (平陽, in modern Linfen , Shanxi ) in conjunction with the powerful Xianbei chieftain Tuoba Yilu the Duke of Dai , Sima Yue was fearful of backstabbing attack by some of these warlords and therefore unable to accept Liu's plan. Indeed, when Emperor Huai and Sima Yue sent out calls for the various governors to come to Luoyang's aid later that year, there were few responses. Sima Yue became uncertain of himself, and late in 310 left Luoyang with virtually all of
4895-599: The position Grand Administrator of Yuzhang , and Sima Liang's son Sima Jùn ( 司馬儁 ) served as Grand Administrator of Yingchuan . Sima Jùn's son Sima Fang served as the Prefect of Luoyang ( 洛陽令 ), Intendant of Jingzhao , and later as Cavalry Commandant ( 騎都尉 ) towards the end of the Eastern Han dynasty . Sima Yi was Sima Fang's second son. Sima Yi had one elder brother Sima Lang (Boda) and six younger brothers. The eight Sima brothers were collectively known as
4984-654: The positions of Official Who Concurrently Serves in the Palace ( 給事中 ) and Manager of the Affairs of the Masters of Writing ( 錄尚書事 ), a promotion from his prior office. When Sima Yi declined to accept these appointments, Cao Pi told him; "I have been busy with the affairs of state all day into the night, with no moment to rest. This isn't a commendation: just sharing the burden." The next year, Cao Pi led his armies to attack Sun Quan, and left Sima Yi behind to defend and govern
5073-408: The post from which Sima Rui would later, after the fall of Luoyang and Chang'an to Han-Zhao , claim the Jin imperial title. In 309, Sima Yue, concerned about the growing use of authority that Emperor Huai was exerting, made a sudden return to Luoyang and arrested and executed a number of Emperor Huai's associates, including Emperor Huai's uncle Wang Yan (王延). Other than privately mourning them, there
5162-623: The rest of his men westward to relieve the mountainous battlefield. Zhang He wanted to take a detachment and station it at Yong and Mei counties but Sima Yi reasoned: "If the vanguard is able to face the enemy alone, your words are right; but should they not be able to do so, the dividing of the forces into vanguard and rear would be unwise; in this manner the Three Armies of Chu were captured by Qing Bu ." After making preparations for battle, Sima Yi, with Zhang He, Fei Yao , Dai Ling ( 戴陵 ), and Guo Huai serving as his subordinates, led
5251-470: The second brother, was appointed Prince of Xincai, and was made Chief Controller of Si and Ji Provinces, while being garrisoned at Ye. Sima Lüe , the third brother, was made General who Attacks the South, Chief Controller of Jing Province and was garrisoned at Xiangyang. Sima Mo , the youngest brother, was appointed Grand General who Conquers the West and Chief Controller of Qin, Yong, Liáng and Yi provinces. He
5340-433: The siege on Fancheng. The reinforcements were killed in a flood and Yu Jin surrendered to Guan Yu. As Sima Yi foresaw, Hu Xiu and Fu Fang defected to Guan Yu, placing Cao Ren in a more perilous situation. Upon learning of Yu Jin's defeat, Cao Cao felt the Han imperial capital Xuchang was too near enemy territory so he considered moving the capital further north into Hebei . Sima Yi and Jiang Ji said; "Yu Jin's defeat ...
5429-678: The siege on Fancheng." Cao Cao heeded their advice and Sun Quan later sent his general Lü Meng to attack Gong'an County and invade Jing Province in the winter of 219–220. Sun Quan's forces captured and executed Guan Yu. Cao Cao wanted to relocate residents in Jing Province and Yingchuan Commandery further north as he felt they were too close to enemy territory in the south. Sima Yi, however, advised him against doing so and said; "The Jing and Chu regions are unstable. The people are easy to move but hard to pacify. As Guan Yu has been recently defeated, bad people will go into hiding. If we move
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#17327662738875518-580: The south hall of Chonghua Palace ( 崇華殿 ), where he ordered them to assist his son Cao Rui after his death. Cao Pi also told Cao Rui; "There may be those who would alienate these Three Excellencies from you, but be careful and do not doubt them". After Cao Rui became Emperor of Wei, he elevated Sima Yi from the status of a district marquis to a county marquis under the title "Marquis of Wuyang". Around that time, Sun Quan attacked Jiangxia Commandery and sent his generals Zhuge Jin and Zhang Ba ( 張霸 ) to attack Xiangyang . Sima Yi led Wei forces to resist
5607-545: The southern bank of the Wei River near Mei County . Sima Yi's subordinates wanted to station their camp north of the Wei River but Sima Yi said: "Many civilians have gathered at the south of the Wei River. That is certain to be a hotly contested location." Sima Yi then led his troops across the river, took up his position with his rear facing the river, and began constructing fortifications. He also said: "If Zhuge Liang
5696-480: The southern lands were happy and showed their support for him. Shen Yi, a former subordinate of Meng Da, had remained in Weixing Commandery ( 魏興郡 ; around present-day Ankang , Shaanxi) and had become deeply entrenched there. Shen Yi had been illegally using the Wei emperor's name to carve official stamps and seals, and giving them to others. After hearing of Meng Da's fall, he became worried he would be
5785-587: The thousands of people who migrated to Wei from Shu, many were unregistered residents whom the Wei government wanted to register as citizens of Wei. The Wei emperor Cao Rui summoned Sima Yi back to Luoyang and sought his opinion on this issue. Sima Yi said: "The enemy seized these people through deception and now abandoned them. If we acknowledge their position in our great apparatus of state, they will naturally feel happy and at ease." Cao Rui then asked him which of Wei's two rival states (Wu and Shu) they should attack first. Sima Yi replied: "The people of Wu know that we in
5874-404: The throne from Emperor Xian and declare himself emperor. In response to Sun Quan's suggestion, Cao Cao remarked; "This kid wants me to put myself on top of a fire!" Sima Yi told him: "The Han dynasty nears its end. Your Lordship controls nine-tenths of the Han Empire. You are in a position to take the throne. Sun Quan's submission is the will of Heaven. Previously, during Yu 's time and throughout
5963-598: The time of the Battle of Shiting , records make brief mention of Sima Yi's involvement in the events by stating he led Wei forces into Jiangling . In March 230, Sima Yi was promoted to General-in-Chief ( 大將軍 ), appointed Grand Chief Controller ( 大都督 ) in charge of multiple commanderies, and – in a continuation of an extremely early tradition – bestowed a ceremonial yellow battle axe. The Wei emperor Cao Rui put him and Cao Zhen in charge of defending Wei's western borders from attacks by its rival state Shu, which had been launching invasions since 228. At Cao Zhen's instigation,
6052-463: The title of Prince of Gaomi, as his elder brother Sima Teng was made heir to an unnamed elder of the Sima clan. When his eldest brother Sima Yue became active in the War of the Eight Princes , Sima Lüe and his brothers took their brother's side. On 4 February 305, as part of the Prince of Hejian, Sima Yong 's plan to reconcile with Sima Yue and end the civil war, he appointed Sima Lüe as General Who Guards
6141-411: The west (referring to Shu Han )!" Cao Pi later returned from Guangling Commandery to Luoyang . He told Sima Yi, "When I am in the east, you will be in charge of the west; when I am in the west, you will be in charge of the east." Sima Yi remained behind to guard Xuchang . In mid 226, when Cao Pi became critically ill, he summoned Sima Yi, Cao Zhen , Chen Qun , and possibly Cao Xiu to meet him in
6230-521: The wheat there that winter. Sima Yi said: "Zhuge Liang advanced towards Mount Qi again and attacked Chencang [ 陳倉 ; east of Baoji , Shaanxi] but lost and withdrew. If he advances again, instead of attacking cities, he will call for a battle in the east of Longyou and not the west. Zhuge Liang feels frustrated whenever there is shortage of grain, so he will stockpile supplies when he returns [to Shu]. I predict he won't attack again without at least three harvests' worth of food supplies." Sima Yi then proposed to
6319-424: The wheat. Two days is sufficient for me [to reach Shanggui County]." He arrived within two days after travelling overnight. When Zhuge Liang and his men heard Sima Yi was marching towards their position, they swiftly retreated instead of giving battle. Initially, the Wei emperor Cao Rui wanted to supply Sima Yi's army with the wheat in Shanggui County and had rejected a proposal to transport grain from Guanzhong to
6408-467: Was a Western Jin imperial prince. He was a younger brother of Sima Yue , Prince Xiaoxian of Donghai, a regent for Emperor Hui and Emperor Huai , and Sima Teng , as well as an elder brother of Sima Mo . Sima Lüe was the third son of Sima Tai (司馬泰; posthumously known as Prince Wenxian of Gaomi (高密文献王) ), who was a son of Sima Yi 's brother Sima Kui (司馬馗), making Lüe a cousin of Jin's founding emperor Emperor Wu . Despite their distant relationship to
6497-653: Was a Chinese military general, politician, and regent of the state of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms period of China. He formally began his political career in 208 under the Han dynasty's Imperial Chancellor Cao Cao , and was quickly promoted to higher office. His success in handling domestic and military affairs such as governance and the promotion of agriculture, serving as an adviser, repelling incursions and invasions led by Shu and Wu forces, speedily defeating Meng Da 's Xincheng Rebellion , and conquering
6586-423: Was able to force Sima Yong to abandon both Emperor Hui and Chang'an. Sima Yue welcomed Emperor Hui back to the capital Luoyang. In January 307, Emperor Hui was poisoned to death, and historians generally agreed that the poisoning was done at Sima Yue's orders, but the motive was unclear. Crown Prince Chi ascended to the throne as Emperor Huai. Emperor Huai, in contrast with the developmentally disabled Emperor Hui,
6675-508: Was appointed as a Palace Attendant ( 侍中 ) and Right Supervisor of the Masters of Writing ( 尚書右僕射 ). This was a position of considerable influence, one of the assistant managers of the Imperial Secretariat, responsible for imperial correspondence and edicts. In 222, when Cao Pi visited Wan, either because the city was not celebratory enough or because a local market had failed to produce a type of medicine Cao Pi had requested,
6764-408: Was appointed as an Army Major ( 軍司馬 ), he suggested to Cao Cao to stockpile food supplies and maintain their defences because there were more than 200,000 people who were unable to sustain themselves through farming. Cao Cao accepted his idea and implemented a policy for the people to farm and stockpile grain. Sima Yi warned Cao Cao about Hu Xiu ( 胡修 ) and Fu Fang ( 傅方 ), who respectively served as
6853-539: Was at Nanzheng . The army led by Sima Yi passed through Zhuoshan ( 斫山 ) and Xicheng County ( 西城縣 ; present-day Ankang, Shaanxi), sailed along the Mian River to Quren County ( 朐忍縣 ; west of Yunyang County, Chongqing), and arrived at Xinfeng County ( 新豐縣 ; south of Weinan, Shaanxi). He made camp at Dankou ( 丹口 ). Other Wei armies also prepared to attack Shu from the Xie Valley ( 斜谷 ) or Wuwei Commandery . The campaign, however, had to be aborted by October 230 because
6942-560: Was at fault, committed suicide. Sima Yi was greatly saddened at such a loss. Two years later, in September 224, Cao Pi toured the south to inspect his forces near the border between Wei and Wu border. Sima Yi remained behind to defend Xuchang and his marquis title was changed to "District Marquis of Xiang" ( 向鄉侯 ). In early 225, he was appointed General Who Pacifies the Army ( 撫軍將軍 ) and placed in command of 5,000 troops, and also held
7031-443: Was captured and taken to Yecheng. Subsequently, however, Sima Ying was defeated by Wang Jun , the commander of the forces of You Province (幽州, modern Beijing , Tianjin , and northern Hebei ) and fled to Luoyang without his troops. Sima Yong then seized control of the government and Emperor Hui, deposing Sima Ying from his position as crown prince in February 305 and replacing him with another half-brother of Emperor Hui's, Sima Chi
7120-445: Was fighting off the overwhelming force that Sima Ying and Sima Yong had, Sima Yue became convinced that a victory was impossible, and he seized Sima Ai and delivered him to Sima Yong's general Zhang Fang , who executed Sima Ai cruelly by burning him to death. Sima Ying controlled the government remotely, with Sima Yue being one of the generals who stayed in Luoyang to execute Sima Ying's orders. As Sima Ying continued to remotely control
7209-401: Was garrisoned at Chang'an. Later that year, on 25 August, at the urging of his wife Princess Pei, he issued an order that appeared insignificant at the time but would turn out to be important later on—making Sima Rui the Prince of Langye be in charge of Yang Province (揚州, modern Zhejiang and southern Jiangsu and Anhui ), at the post of Jianye (建業, in modern Nanjing , Jiangsu ); this was
7298-471: Was in this capacity that he was made a teacher who taught the classics to the crown prince Sima Zhong ; other such teachers include Yang Miao (杨邈) and Sima Yao (司马繇), son of Sima Zhou . Sima Yue also took part in Jia Nanfeng 's coup against Emperor Hui's first regent Yang Jun , and was made a marquis, with a fiefdom of 5000 households. On 30 September 291, he was created the Prince of Donghai . During
7387-417: Was intelligent and astute, and he sought to revive the war-ravaged empire, but Sima Yue maintained a tight grip on authority and would not allow the emperor much actual power. On 18 May 307, he left Luoyang and set up headquarters at Xuchang (許昌, in modern Xuchang , Henan ), but continued to control the government remotely. He also gave his younger brothers various titles and military appointments. Sima Teng ,
7476-494: Was not due to flaws in our defences, nor will it significantly affect us. Moving the imperial capital is showing our weakness to the enemy. It will cause unrest in the regions around the Huai and Mian rivers. Sun Quan and Liu Bei seem close to each other, but they actually don't trust each other. Sun Quan will feel very uneasy upon seeing Guan Yu's victory, so we should incite him to attack Guan Yu's base in Jing Province. This will lift
7565-573: Was nothing that Emperor Huai could do. Sima Yue further disbanded the imperial guards and put his own personal forces in charge of protecting the emperor. For all of Sima Yue's assertion of authority, he could not stop Han-Zhao, under its generals Liu Cong the Prince of Chu (the son of Han-Zhao's emperor Liu Yuan , Liu Yao the Prince of Shi'an (Liu Yuan's nephew), Wang Mi , and Shi Le , from disrupting Jin rule throughout northern and central China and gradually wearing out Jin forces and capturing Jin cities and towns. In late 309, he managed to fight off
7654-455: Was one of Cao Pi's close aides and one of his "Four Friends". Before Cao Pi became his father's heir apparent in 216, he was engaged in a power struggle with his younger brother Cao Zhi over the succession. During this time, Sima Yi was believed to have secretly backed Cao Pi and helped him win the position of heir apparent. He was also partly responsible for Cao Zhi's demotion and removal from politics after Cao Pi became emperor. When Sima Yi
7743-399: Was raised in a strict Confucian manner: He was not allowed to visit his father unless summoned, to speak to his father without being explicitly addressed, and neither was he allowed to be seated in the same room as his father. In 190, when the warlord Dong Zhuo dominated the Han central government and wanted to relocate the imperial capital to Chang'an , Sima Fang ordered Sima Lang to bring
7832-478: Was running low on supplies. The Book of Jin said Sima Yi launched an attack on the Shu garrisons at this juncture and captured the Shu "covering camps". Zhuge Liang abandoned Lucheng and retreated in the night but Sima Yi pursued him and inflicted roughly 10,000 casualties on the Shu army. This account from the Book of Jin is disputed by historians and is not included in the Zizhi Tongjian . According to
7921-482: Was untrustworthy, but Cao Pi had ignored him. Sima Yi was proven right after Cao Pi's death when in late 227, Sima Yi received news Meng Da was planning to rebel against Wei and return to Shu; according to the Weilüe , he had sent his adviser Liang Ji ( 梁幾 ) to investigate Meng Da's case while urging Meng Da to visit Luoyang to attend to the Wei court, which alarmed the latter, persuading Meng Da to rebel. According to
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