第八十回
第八十回 曹丕废帝篡炎刘 汉王正位续大统
却说华歆等一班文武，入见献帝。歆奏曰：“伏睹魏王，自登位以来，德布四方，仁及万物，越古超今，虽唐、虞无以过此。群臣会议，言汉祚已终，望陛下效尧、舜之道，以山川社稷，禅与魏王，上合天心，下合民意，则陛下安享清闲之福，祖宗幸甚！生灵幸甚！臣等议定，特来奏请。”帝闻奏大惊，半晌无言，觑百官而哭曰：“朕想高祖提三尺剑，斩蛇起义，平秦灭楚，创造基业，世统相传，四百年矣。朕虽不才，初无过恶，安忍将祖宗大业，等闲弃了？汝百官再从公计议。”
华歆引李伏、许芝近前奏曰：“陛下若不信，可问此二人。”李伏奏曰：“自魏王即位以来，麒麟降生，凤凰来仪，黄龙出现，嘉禾蔚生，甘露下降。此是上天示瑞，魏当代汉之象也。”许芝又奏曰：“臣等职掌司天，夜观乾象，见炎汉气数已终，陛下帝星隐匿不明；魏国乾象，极天际地，言之难尽。更兼上应图谶，其谶曰：‘鬼在边，委相连；当代汉，无可言。言在东，午在西；两日并光上下移。’以此论之，陛下可早禅位。‘鬼在边’，‘委相连’，是‘魏’字也；‘言在东，午在西’，乃‘许’字也；‘两日并光上下移’，乃‘昌’字也：此是魏在许昌应受汉禅也。愿陛下察之。”帝曰：“祥瑞图谶，皆虚妄之事，奈何以虚妄之事，而遽欲朕舍祖宗之基业乎？”王朗奏曰：“自古以来，有兴必有废，有盛必有衰，岂有不亡之国、不败之家乎？汉室相传四百馀年，延至陛下，气数已尽，宜早退避，不可迟疑，迟则生变矣。”帝大哭，入后殿去了。百官哂笑而退。
次日，官僚又集于大殿，令宦官入请献帝，帝忧惧不敢出。曹后曰：“百官请陛下设朝，陛下何故推阻？”帝泣曰：“汝兄欲篡位，令百官相逼，朕故不出。”曹后大怒曰：“吾兄奈何为此乱逆之事耶！”言未已，只见曹洪、曹休带剑而入，请帝出殿。曹后大骂曰：“俱是汝等乱贼，希图富贵，共造逆谋！吾父功盖寰区，威震天下，然且不敢篡窃神器[1]。今吾兄嗣位未几，辄思篡汉，皇天必不祚尔！”言罢，痛哭入宫，左右侍者皆歔欷流涕。
曹洪、曹休力请献帝出殿，帝被逼不过，只得更衣出前殿。华歆奏曰：“陛下可依臣等昨日之议，免遭大祸。”帝痛哭曰：“卿等皆食汉禄久矣，中间多有汉朝功臣子孙，何忍作此不臣之事？”歆曰：“陛下若不从众议，恐旦夕萧墙祸起[2]，非臣等不忠于陛下也。”帝曰：“谁敢弑朕耶？”歆厉声曰：“天下之人，皆知陛下无人君之福，以致四方大乱！若非魏王在朝，弑陛下者，何止一人？陛下尚不知恩报德，直欲令天下人共伐陛下耶？”帝大惊，拂袖而起。王朗以目视华歆，歆纵步向前，扯住龙袍，变色而言曰：“许与不许，早发一言！”帝战栗不能答。曹洪、曹休拔剑大呼曰：“符宝郎[3]何在？”祖弼应声出曰：“符宝郎在此！”曹洪索要玉玺。祖弼叱曰：“玉玺乃天子之宝，安得擅索！”洪喝令武士推出斩之，祖弼大骂不绝口而死。后人有诗赞曰：
奸宄专权汉室亡，诈称禅位效虞唐。满朝百辟皆尊魏，仅见忠臣符宝郎。
帝颤栗不已，只见阶下披甲持戈数百馀人，皆是魏兵。帝泣谓群臣曰：“朕愿将天下禅于魏王，幸留残喘，以终天年。”贾诩曰：“魏王必不负陛下。陛下可急降诏，以安众心。”帝只得令陈群草禅国之诏，令华歆赍捧诏玺，引百官直至魏王宫献纳。曹丕大喜开读，诏曰：
朕在位三十二年，遭天下荡覆，幸赖祖宗之灵，危而复存。然今仰瞻天象，俯察民心，炎精之数既终，行运在乎曹氏。是以前王既树神武之迹，今王又光耀明德，以应其期。历数昭明，信可知矣。夫“大道之行，天下为公”，唐尧不私于厥子，而名播于无穷：朕窃慕焉。今其追踵尧典，禅位于丞相魏王。王其毋辞！
曹丕听毕，便欲受诏。司马懿谏曰：“不可。虽然诏玺已至，殿下宜且上表谦辞，以绝天下之谤。”丕从之，令王朗作表，自称德薄，请别求大贤以嗣天位。帝览表，心甚惊疑，谓群臣曰：“魏王谦逊，如之奈何？”华歆曰：“昔魏武王受王爵之时，三辞而诏不许，然后受之。今陛下可再降诏，魏王自当允从。”
帝不得已，又令桓阶草诏，遣高庙使张音，持节奉玺至魏王宫。曹丕开读，诏曰：
咨尔魏王，上书谦让。朕窃为汉道陵迟，为日已久，幸赖武王操，德膺符运，奋扬神武，芟除凶暴，清定区夏。今王丕缵承前绪，至德光昭，声教被四海，仁风扇八区。天之历数，实在尔躬。昔虞舜有大功二十，而放勋[4]禅以天下；大禹有疏导之绩，而重华[5]禅以帝位。汉承尧运，有传圣之义，加顺灵祇，绍天明命，使行御史大夫张音，持节奉皇帝玺绶。王其受之！
曹丕接诏欣喜，谓贾诩曰：“虽二次有诏，然终恐天下后世，不免篡窃之名也。”诩曰：“此事极易。可再命张音赍回玺绶，却教华歆令汉帝筑一坛，名‘受禅坛’。择吉日良辰，集大小公卿，尽到坛下，令天子亲奉玺绶，禅天下与王，便可以释群疑而绝众议矣。”
丕大喜，即令张音赍回玺绶，仍作表谦辞。音回奏献帝，帝问群臣曰：“魏王又让，其意若何？”华歆奏曰：“陛下可筑一坛，名曰‘受禅坛’，集公卿庶民，明白禅位。则陛下子子孙孙，必蒙魏恩矣。”帝从之，乃遣太常院官，卜地于繁阳，筑起三层高坛，择于十月庚午日寅时禅让。
至期，献帝请魏王曹丕登坛受禅，坛下集大小官僚四百馀员，御林虎贲禁军三十馀万，帝亲捧玉玺奉曹丕，丕受之。坛下群臣跪听册曰：
咨尔魏王！昔者唐尧禅位于虞舜，舜亦以命禹：天命不于常，惟归有德。汉道陵迟，世失其序，降及朕躬，大乱滋昏：群凶恣逆，宇内颠覆。赖武王神武，拯兹难于四方，惟清区夏，以保绥我宗庙；岂予一人获，俾九服实受其赐。今王钦承前绪，光于乃德；恢文武之大业，昭尔考之弘烈。皇灵降瑞，人神告征；诞惟亮采，师锡朕命。佥曰：尔度克协于虞舜，用率我唐典，敬逊尔位。於戏！“天之历数在尔躬”，君其祗顺大礼，飨万国以肃承天命！
读册已毕，魏王曹丕即受八般大礼，登了帝位。贾诩引大小官僚朝于坛下。改延康元年为黄初元年，国号大魏。丕即传旨，大赦天下。谥父曹操为太祖武皇帝。华歆奏曰：“‘天无二日，民无二王’。汉帝既禅天下，理宜退就藩服。乞降明旨，安置刘氏于何地？”言讫，扶献帝跪于坛下听旨。丕降旨封帝为山阳公，即日便行。华歆按剑指帝，厉声而言曰：“立一帝，废一帝，古之常道！今上仁慈，不忍加害，封汝为山阳公。今日便行，非宣召不许入朝！”献帝含泪拜谢，上马而去。坛下军民人等见之，伤感不已。丕谓群臣曰：“舜、禹之事，朕知之矣！”群臣皆呼“万岁”。后人观此受禅坛，有诗叹曰：
两汉经营事颇难，一朝失却旧江山。黄初欲学唐虞事，司马将来作样看。
百官请曹丕答谢天地。丕方下拜，忽然坛前卷起一阵怪风，飞砂走石，急如骤雨，对面不见，坛上火烛，尽皆吹灭。丕惊倒于坛上，百官急救下坛，半晌方醒。侍臣扶入宫中，数日不能设朝。后病稍可，方出殿受群臣朝贺。封华歆为司徒，王朗为司空，大小官僚，一一升赏。丕疾未痊，疑许昌宫室多妖，乃自许昌幸洛阳，大建宫室。
早有人到成都，报说曹丕自立为大魏皇帝，于洛阳盖造宫殿，且传言汉帝已遇害。汉中王闻知，痛哭终日，下令百官挂孝，遥望设祭，上尊谥曰“孝愍皇帝”。玄德因此忧虑，致染成疾，不能理事，政务皆托与孔明。孔明与太傅许靖、光禄大夫谯周商议，言天下不可一日无君，欲尊汉中王为帝。谯周曰：“近有祥风庆云之瑞。成都西北角有黄气数十丈，冲霄而起。帝星见于毕、胃、昴之分，煌煌如月。此正应汉中王当即帝位，以继汉统，更复何疑？”
于是孔明与许靖，引大小官僚上表，请汉中王即皇帝位。汉中王览表，大惊曰：“卿等欲陷孤为不忠不义之人耶？”孔明奏曰：“非也。曹丕篡汉自立，王上乃汉室苗裔，理合继统以延汉祀。”汉中王勃然变色曰：“孤岂效逆贼所为！”拂袖而起，入于后宫。众官皆散。三日后，孔明又引众官入朝，请汉中王出。众皆拜伏于前，许靖奏曰：“今汉天子已被曹丕所弑，王上不即帝位，兴师讨逆，不得为忠义也。今天下无不欲王上为君，为孝愍皇帝雪恨。若不从臣等所议，是失民望矣。”汉中王曰：“孤虽是景帝之孙，并未有德泽以布于民。今一旦自立为帝，与篡窃何异！”孔明苦劝数次，汉中王坚执不从。孔明乃设一计，谓众官曰如此如此。于是孔明托病不出。
汉中王闻孔明病笃，亲到府中，直入卧榻边，问曰：“军师所感何疾？”孔明答曰：“忧心如焚，命不久矣！”汉中王曰：“军师所忧何事？”连问数次，孔明只推病重，瞑目不答。汉中王再三请问，孔明喟然叹曰：“臣自出茅庐，得遇大王，相随至今，言听计从。今幸大王有两川之地，不负臣夙昔之言。目今曹丕篡位，汉祀将斩，文武官僚，咸欲奉大王为帝，灭魏兴刘，共图功名。不想大王坚执不肯，众官皆有怨心，不久必尽散矣。若文武皆散，吴、魏来攻，两川难保。臣安得不忧乎？”汉中王曰：“吾非推阻，恐天下人议论耳。”孔明曰：“圣人云：‘名不正，则言不顺。’今大王名正言顺，有何可议？岂不闻‘天与弗取，反受其咎’？”汉中王曰：“待军师病可，行之未迟。”孔明听罢，从榻上跃然而起，将屏风一击，外面文武众官皆入，拜伏于地曰：“王上既允，便请择日以行大礼。”汉中王视之，乃是太傅许靖、安汉将军糜竺、青衣侯向举、阳泉侯刘豹、别驾赵祚、治中杨洪、议曹杜琼、从事张爽、太常卿赖恭、光禄卿黄权、祭酒何宗、学士尹默、司业谯周、大司马殷纯、偏将军张裔、少府王谋、昭文博士伊籍、从事郎秦宓等众也。
汉中王惊曰：“陷孤于不义，皆卿等也！”孔明曰：“王上既允所请，便可筑坛择吉，恭行大礼。”即时送汉中王还宫，一面令博士许慈、谏议郎孟光掌礼，筑台于成都武担之南。诸事齐备，多官整设銮驾，迎请汉中王登坛致祭。谯周在坛上，高声朗读祭文曰：
惟建安二十六年四月丙午朔，越十二日丁巳，皇帝备，敢昭告于皇天后土：汉有天下，历数无疆。曩者王莽篡盗，光武皇帝震怒致诛，社稷复存。今曹操阻兵残忍，戮杀主后，罪恶滔天；操子丕，载肆凶逆，窃据神器。群下将士，以为汉祀堕废，备宜延之，嗣武二祖，躬行天罚。备惧无德忝帝位，询于庶民，外及遐荒君长，佥曰：天命不可以不答，祖业不可以久替，四海不可以无主。率土式望，在备一人。备畏天明命，又惧高、光之业，将坠于地，谨择吉日，登坛告祭，受皇帝玺绶，抚临四方。惟神飨祚汉家，永绥历服！
读罢祭文，孔明率众官恭上玉玺。汉中王受了，捧于坛上，再三推辞曰：“备无才德，请择有才德者受之。”孔明奏曰：“王上平定四海，功德昭于天下，况是大汉宗派，宜即正位。已祭告天神，复何让焉！”文武各官皆呼“万岁”。拜舞礼毕，改元章武元年。立妃吴氏为皇后，长子刘禅为太子；封次子刘永为鲁王，三子刘理为梁王；封诸葛亮为丞相，许靖为司徒。大小官僚，一一升赏。大赦天下。两川军民，无不欣跃。
次日设朝，文武官僚拜毕，列为两班。先主降诏曰：“朕自桃园与关、张结义，誓同生死。不幸二弟云长，被东吴孙权所害，若不报仇，是负盟也。朕欲起倾国之兵，剪伐东吴，生擒逆贼，以雪此恨！”言未毕，班内一人，拜伏于阶下，谏曰：“不可。”先生视之，乃虎威将军赵云也。正是：君王未及行天讨，臣下曾闻进直言。未知子龙所谏若何，且看下文分解。
[1] 神器——喻指帝位。
[2] 萧墙祸起——祸乱将起于宫廷内部。这里是用谋害来威胁汉献帝。萧墙，君臣相见处所设的屏风类。
[3] 符宝郎——官名，即尚符玺郎中，掌管皇帝玉玺及虎符、竹符的官员。
[4] 放勋——远古帝王唐尧的名字。相传：因为虞舜有功，他就把帝位禅让给舜。
[5] 重华——远古帝王虞舜的名字。相传：因为夏禹治水有功，他就把帝位禅让给禹。
CHAPTER 80. Cao Pi Deposes The Emperor, Taking Away The Fortunes of Hans; Liu Bei Assumes The Throne, Continuing The Heritage.
Hua Xin was the spokesman of the deputation of officers that went into the palace, and he spoke thus: “Since the inauguration of the Prince of Wei, virtue has spread to the four corners of the empire and humanity has permeated all the earth to a degree unexcelled in all the ages, even in the days of the ancient rulers, King Tang and King Yu. We, your servants, have taken account of these things and have reached the conclusion that the fortunes of Han is worn out, wherefore we trust Your Majesty, in imitation of the great prototypes King Yao and King Shun, will yield the mountains, the rivers, and the peoples to a more able guardian and high priest of the sacrifices in the person of the Prince of Wei, thereby pleasing Heaven and satisfying the hearts of humans, and enabling Your Majesty to enjoy the happiness of freedom and repose from the exacting duties of the chief ruler. The happiness of your ancestors and of humanity at large would thereby be enhanced. Having thoroughly debated this matter, we have come to lay it before you.”
The Emperor listened in amazement, and for a time could not reply.
Then, looking at the assembly, he said sadly, “How can I abandon my empire for the sake of repose—the empire won by my Great Ancestor, its Founder, when, with a three-span sword, he slew the Snake and restored Right, and consolidated when he reduced Qin and overwhelmed Chu—the empire which has been handed down for four centuries? Though I possess not brilliant talents, yet I have done no wrong. Go back and debate this again in a just and moderate spirit.”
Then Hua Xin led forward Xu Zhi and Li Fu nearer the throne, saying, “If Your Majesty thinks we may be mistaken, pray ask these two, who will explain.”
Said Li Fu, “Since the Prince of Wei has taken his seat, the Linlion has descended, the Phoenix has appeared, the yellow Dragon has come forth, the Grain of Felicity has flourished, and Sweet Dew has watered the earth. All these things augur that Heaven decrees a change and Wei must replace Han.”
Xu Zhi continued, “The astrologers, watching the aspect of the skies at night, have seen the blazing light of the star of Han gradually fade away and Your Majesty's own star become dim. On the other hand, the aspect of the sky and the attitude of the earth have been wholly bright in favor of Wei to a degree hard to state in words. Moreover, the lots have been cast, and they gave the word 'Devil, at the side, has been sent, there must be an inroad upon Han without word'; another lot, 'Word, in east, light moves west, two suns radiating as the air blows south.' These oracles gave two words which, joined, compose Xu; 'two suns, one on the other,' which is Chang. These signs are unmistakeable, for when put together the whole reads, 'Wei at Xuchang is to receive the abdication of Han.' If you consider, Your Majesty must admit this.”
“All empty words and madness, this talk of auguries and lots! Is it reasonable that I should suddenly abandon the great heritage for such nonsense?”
Then Wang Lang said, “Wax and wane has been the law of all things from the beginning; every period of glory is followed by one of obscurity. Has any rule endured forever or any House never failed? The rule of Han, handed down through four centuries to Yourself, has lost its vigor, and the time has come to yield. Retirement may not be delayed or confusion will ensue.”
The Emperor wept aloud and retired to his private chamber, while the officers left the hall laughing.
Next morning they assembled in the court, but the Emperor did not appear. So they sent the palace officers to request his presence. Still he feared to show himself.
The Empress Cao asked him, “Why do Your Majesty not hold the court as usual, especially when you are requested to go out?”
“Because your brother wishes to depose me and become Emperor himself. He has set the whole host of officers against me to force me to abdicate, and I will not expose myself to this compulsion.”
“But what can have induced my brother to do such a dreadfully rebellious thing?” said she angrily.
Just as she spoke, Cao Hong and Cao Xiu, both armed, forced their way into the inner apartments and requested His Majesty to come to the Hall of Audience.
The Empress broke out into abuse: “So you are two of the disorderly rebels who, for the sake of your own ends, have conspired to upset all the good service of my father. Though he overshadowed the whole land, yet he never dared to aspire to the sacred Throne. But my brother, who has only just succeeded him, sets no bounds to his ambition and temerity and would usurp the Throne. Heaven will surely cut off his offspring!”
She wept bitterly as she went away, and the attendants sobbed and wept too. But Cao Xiu and Cao Hong still urged the Emperor to go to the Hall of Audience, and at last he had to yield. There Hua Xin took up the question again.
“Your Majesty should act as was advised yesterday and so avoid any misfortune.”
The Emperor sobbed, “All of you have eaten of the bounty of Han for years, and among you are many whose fathers and grandfathers were conspicuous for merit. How can you bring yourselves to act thus improperly toward me?”
“If Your Majesty refuses to follow advice, I fear that there will soon be trouble in the family. Really we are not disloyal.”
“Who would dare to murder me?” cried the Emperor.
“Everyone knows that Your Majesty lacks the happy attributes of a successful ruler and that is why there is so much confusion in the country. If it was not for the presence of the Prince of Wei in your court, many a man would murder you. Your Majesty has never yet learned how to treat people; is your sole desire to set people against you?”
The Emperor, alarmed at the violence of his language, shook out his sleeves and rose to go away. Then Wang Lang glanced at Hua Xin, who rushed forward and seized the Emperor by the sleeve.
“Is it consent or not?” cried he angrily. “One word!”
The Emperor was dumb with terror.
“Where is the Keeper of the Seal?” shouted Cao Hong and Cao Xiu, drawing their swords. “The Keeper of the Seal is here,” said Zu Bi, stepping calmly to the front.
They tried to force the seal from him, but he cried, “The Seal belongs to the Emperor, and I will not yield it!”
Cao Hong called up the executioners and told them to behead him, which they did. Zu Bi abused the ruffians to the last breath.
Dethroned by wicked traitors was the ruling House of Han,
They falsely claimed as precedent the deeds of Yu and Tang.
The crowd of officers at court were all on Cao Pi's side,
Save one, Zu Bi the Keeper of the Seal, and loyally he died.
The Emperor was in a state of abject terror, and when he saw the whole court filling up with armed guards, all the soldiers of Wei and so enemies, he burst into tears.
“Yes; I will give up the throne to the Prince, if haply I may be spared to live out the few years Heaven has assigned me,” wailed he.
“The Prince will always take care of Your Majesty,” said Jia Xu. “It would be as well to prepare the abdication manifesto quickly so as to preserve tranquillity.”
Such a hint could not be missed, and Chen Qun was directed to draft the document. As soon as it was finished, Hua Xin followed by a host of officers, took it off to the palace and presented it, with the Imperial Hereditary Seal, in the name of the Emperor. Very joyfully, Cao Pi read this writing:
“During the whole of my thirty-two years of reign the land has been in a state of turmoil, but the spirits of my ancestors have preserved me in the midst of danger. Now from the signs of the heavens and the hearts of the people, I see that the virtue of the Hans is exhausted, and happy fortune has devolved upon the House of Wei, as may be seen from the success in war enjoyed by the late King Cao and the resplendent virtue of the present Prince, which answers to the times.
“By all noble principles the empire is no private possession, but a public trust. Wherefore the great King Yao, to his eternal glory, passed over his own son. How I admire this deed! Now in imitation thereof I have resolved to abdicate in favor of my Chief Minister, the Prince of Wei, who will not, I hope, disappoint my wishes.”
Cao Pi heard this and was going to accept it as final. But Sima Yi said no: “Although the declaration and the seal have been sent, yet decorum demands refusal at first so as to silence people's criticism.”
Then Wang Lang drafted a memorial modestly declining the proposal of succession on the ground of unfitness and asking that some other be sought. When this reached the Emperor, he was much perturbed and asked what was to be done next.
Replied Hua Xin, “When his father was offered a princedom, he declined thrice, but he finally accepted. Wherefore Your Majesty should renew the offer. The Prince will end by acceptance.”
There was no help for it, and so Huan Jie was bidden to draft another declaration of offer, which was sent by the hand of the Officer of the Dynastic Temple, Zhang Yin, together with the emblems and the seal.
This new declaration read thus:
“To the Prince of Wei. You have sent your modest refusal of our offer to abdicate. But I have long since seen that the virtue of Han is passing, and I could only rely upon the late Prince, your father, who virtuously undertook the great task of removing the evil oppressors and purging the land. Now his son Cao Pi has succeeded. His perfect virtue is resplendent, his fame universal and his benevolence is wafted to all parts. The divine choice rests upon him.
“In the days of old, Yao the Great would abdicate, and did so in favor of Shun, who possessed merit after his twenty accomplishments; and the God-king Shun in the same manner handed the Throne to Yu after he had labored to control the floodwaters. The House of Han succeeded in the course of ages to the work of Yao and now passes on the sacred trust, to promote the repose of the Earth and manifest the command of Heaven.
“By the hand of the Minister Zhang Yin, this is sent with the emblems and the seal.”
Greatly rejoicing, Cao Pi received this. But he said to Jia Xu, “Although I have received two such declarations, yet I fear that I may not escape being branded as a usurper by posterity.”
“That is easily arranged,” replied Jia Xu. “Direct Zhang Yin to take the seal back again, and tell Hua Xin to cause the Emperor to set up a Terrace of Abdication and select an auspicious day for the ceremony. Then assemble all the officers at the terrace, and cause the Emperor to offer the seal with his own hands and surrender the empire to you. Thus can you dissipate all doubts and prevent any caviling.”
So the seal was once more rejected with a memorial to say so. Zhang Yin returned and the Emperor inquired of the courtiers how he was to understand this act.
Then Hua Xin said, “Your Majesty can set up a Terrace of Abdication and assemble nobles, officers, and common people to witness the act of abdication. Thereafter the descendants of your House shall receive favor at the hands of Wei.”
The Emperor consented and sent officials in the Office of Imperial Ceremonies to select a site at Fanyang. And there they built a terrace of three stories, and they chose an auspicious day of the tenth month for the act of abdication. On the appointed day, Emperor Xian requested Cao Pi to ascend the terrace and receive his abdication. At the foot of the terrace stood the officials, more than four hundred, and the Imperial Guards and the Tiger Guards, and soldiers to the number of three hundred thousand. Thereupon the Emperor presented the seal, which Cao Pi received into his hands. Then all those about the terrace knelt to listen to the reading of the manifesto:
“To the Prince of Wei. In days of old, Yao yielded the empire to Shun, and Shun in turn gave it to Yu. The will of
Heaven does not follow the way of mortals, but seeks the virtuous. The rule of Han has lost its virility and the times are out of joint. When my turn came to rule, great disorder arose, and evils stalked abroad till the empire was in danger of subversion. I trusted to the military genius of the late Prince of Wei to restore order and purge away the evil, whereby to ensure tranquillity to my House. What could my single hand do to correct this and ensure peace for my Nine Domains?
“The present Prince has succeeded to his father; he is also resplendent in virtue, capable as Wu the Military King and Wen the Scholar King of the great task, brilliant in the glory of his father. The spirit of the empire is upon him; gods and humans declare his worth. To him be the bright reward, and let him accept this mandate. For all say his capabilities fit him to stand beside Yu.
“As did my great predecessor, I respectfully retire that you may be set up. The revolution of Heaven brings the glory upon your person, and you will accept the high office and comfort all people by reverently obeying. the decree of Heaven.”
The reading finished, the Prince of Wei, Cao Pi, proceeded to the terrace and ascended to the place of the Emperor. Then Jia Xu, at the head of the great concourse of officers, came to the foot of the terrace, and a court was held. The year of reign was changed from Prolonged Wealth, the First Year, to Yellow Dawn, the First Year (AD 220), and the government became that of Great Wei. An edict was then published proclaiming a general amnesty, and the title of “Founder of the Dynasty” was conferred upon the late Prince, Cao Cao.
Then said Hua Xin, “As heaven has but one sun, so the people can have but one ruler. The Hans have abdicated, and it is fitting that they withdraw to a distance. I pray for an edict naming the place of residence of the Liu family.”
Taking the late Emperor by the arm, Hua Xin led him forward and made him kneel below the terrace to hear the command. Then the new Emperor Pi conferred upon him the title of Duke of Shanyang, bidding him depart forthwith.
Thereupon Hua Xin drew his sword and in a harsh voice said, “It is an old rule that the setting up of one Emperor means the degradation of another. Now, through the gracious kindness of His Majesty, you are spared personal injury and created a duke. Proceed at once and return not to court without express command.”
The late Emperor Xian controlled his emotion, thanked the Emperor Pi for his clemency and left on horseback. But those who saw the departure could not help a feeling of pity for him.
Said Cao Pi to his courtiers, “Now I understand the story of Shun and Yu.”
Then they all shouted: “O ruler, may thy life be eternal!”
The ruling policy of Han had failed them,
Dangers pressed in upon the House,
And the land they had held so long
Passed from them forever.
Little thought he, who then snatched their scepter,
That the precedent he then claimed
Would be used in due time by another
To justify the destruction of his own House.
The officials then requested Cao Pi to make a solemn declaration to Heaven and Earth, which he did with humble obeisance.
But at this moment a sudden storm burst whirling up the dust and rolling along stones till no one could see the face of his neighbor. All the lights on the terrace were extinguished. The newly enthroned Emperor was terrified and fell prostrate. He was borne away unconscious. When he revived, he was assisted into the palace, but for many days he was too ill to hold a court.
When he had somewhat recovered, he met his courtiers and received their felicitations. He rewarded Hua Xin, who had taken so active and prominent a part in the late scenes, with the post of Minister of Instruction, and Wang Lang with that of Minister of Works. All the officers were advanced in rank. But as his recovery was slow, he began to think there was too much witchcraft about the palaces at Xuchang and left it for Luoyang, where he erected a large palace complex.
The tale of these doings reached Chengdu and caused great grief to the Prince of Hanzhong, for it was told him the late Emperor had been put to death. He issued an order for mourning to be worn and instituted sacrifices, and he conferred the posthumous title of Emperor Xian the Filial on the late Emperor. This worry brought on an illness, so that he could not transact the business of the court, which was left in the hands of Zhuge Liang.
Then Zhuge Liang and some of his colleagues took counsel one with another, saying, “The empire cannot be one single day without its ruler, wherefore we desire that our Prince should be honored with the title of 'Emperor.'“
Qiao Zhou said, “There have been auspicious indications. A yellow vapor has been seen in the northwest of Chengdu rising to the clouds, and the star of emperor has greatly increased in splendor and shined like the moon. These signs mean that our Prince is to become Emperor in succession to the House of Han. There can be no doubt.”
Whereupon Zhuge Liang and Xu Jing, at the head of a large number of officers, presented a memorial requesting the Prince to assume the title of Emperor. But Liu Bei objected.
“O Nobles, do you desire to set my feet in the way of disloyalty and wrong-doing?”
“Not so,” said Zhuge Liang. “But Cao Pi has usurped the Throne, while you are a scion of the House. It is right and proper that you succeed and prolong the line.”
But the Prince suddenly showed anger, saying, “Can I imitate the deeds of such a rebel?”
He rose and left the chamber, going to his own apartments. So the officials dispersed. But three days later Zhuge Liang again led a deputation to the court, and they requested that the Prince should come forth and hear them. He came, and they all prostrated themselves.
Xu Jing spoke, “The late Emperor of the Hans has been slain by Cao Pi. You, O Prince, will fail both in loyalty and rectitude if you do not assume the succession and destroy the wrong-doers. The whole empire requests you to rule that you may avenge the death of the late Emperor, and the people will be disappointed if you do not accede to their wishes.”
The Prince replied, “Although I am descended from the grandson of Emperor Myers, I have not been of the least advantage; and if I assumed the title of 'Emperor,' how would that act differ from usurpation?”
Zhuge Liang pleaded with him again and again, but the Prince remained obdurate. Then Zhuge Liang bethought that where argument failed a ruse might succeed. So having arranged the parts his several colleagues were to play, he pleaded illness and remained at home. Presently it was told the Prince that his adviser's condition was becoming serious, wherefore Liu Bei went to see him as he lay on his couch.
“What illness affects you, my Commander-in-Chief?” asked Liu Bei.
“My heart is sad like unto burning, and I shall soon die.”
“What is it that causes you such grief?”
But Zhuge Liang did not reply. And when the question was repeated again and again he said nothing, but just lay with his eyes closed as if he was too ill to speak.
The Prince, however, pressed him to reply, and then with a deep sigh he said, “Great Prince, from the day I left my humble cottage to follow you, you have always listened to my words and accepted my advice, and now this western domain, the whole of the two Lands of Rivers is yours just as I said it would be. But this usurpation of Cao Pi means the annihilation of the Hans and the cessation of their sacrifices, wherefore my colleagues and I desired you to become Emperor in order to crush this upstart Wei and restore the Hans. We all worked for this end, never thinking that you would refuse so obstinately to accede to our wishes. Now the officers are all annoyed, and they will drift away before very long. If you are left alone and Wu and Wei come to attack, it will be difficult for you to hold on to what you have. Do you not think this sufficient reason for me to feel grieved?”
“Unless I refused, the whole land would blame me; and I am afraid,” replied the Prince.
Quoting Confucius the Teacher, Zhuge Liang replied, “'If names be not correct, language is not in accordance with the truth of things.' In other words, if one be not really straight, people will not speak of one favorably. O Prince, you are straight, and people speak of you favorably. What more is there to say? You know when Heaven offers and you refuse, you are certainly to blame.”
“When you have recovered, it shall be done,” said the Prince.
Up leapt Zhuge Liang from his bed, tapped at the screen in front of a doorway and in rushed a number of high officers, who prostrated themselves, crying, “So you have consented. O Prince! Then choose the day for the ceremony.”
They were all the most trusted of his court: Imperial Guardian Xu Jing, General Who Brings Peace to Han Mi Zhu; Lord of Qingyi Xiang Ju, Lord of Yangquan Liu Bao, Deputy Governor Zhao Zuo; First Secretary Yang Hong, Counselor Du Qiong, Secretary Zhang Shuang, Minister Lai Gong, Minister He Zong, Doctorate Scholar Yin Mo, Minister Qiao Zhou, Commander Yin Chun, Commander Zhang Yi, Doctorate Scholar Yi Ji, Counselor Qin Mi, and many others.
The Prince was greatly startled, and said, “You are committing me to doing what is dishonorable!”
But Zhuge Liang said, “Since consent has been given, let a terrace be built and a day chosen for the great ceremony.”
The Prince was escorted back to his palace, and Academician Xu Ci and Minister Meng Guang were told off to see to the building of the terrace south of Chengdu. And when all was ready, a great concourse of officers solemnly escorted the Prince, seated in a carriage of the imperial pattern, to the ground prepared, and he went up to the altar and performed the appointed sacrifice.
This done, the solemn announcement was read in a loud voice:
“On this twelfth day of the fourth month of the year of the Rebuilt Tranquillity Era, Liu Bei, the Emperor, makes this solemn announcement to Heaven and Earth.
“The dynasty of Han has possessed the empire for years without end. Formerly Wang Mang rebelled against his sovereign, and Liu Xiu the Founder of Later Han rose in his wrath and put him to death, thus restoring the prerogatives of the great sacrifices to him who rightly exercised them. Lately Cao Cao, powerful and cruel, slew the Empress, and his crimes cry aloud to Heaven for vengeance. His son, Cao Pi, carrying evils into every quarter, then seized the scepter.
“My subordinates, regarding the dynasty as having been overthrown, think it fitting that I, Liu Bei, would continue the line. As successor to my two warrior ancestors, Liu Bang and Liu Xiu, I will punish as Heaven decrees.
“Fearing lest my virtue be inadequate to the Imperial Throne, I consulted the voices of the people, and all, even the most distant, have said that the mandate of Heaven may not be disobeyed, and the great task of my ancestors may not continue in the hands of another; the land must have a lord, and they aver the cynosure of all eyes is myself.
Now I, respecting the mandate of Heaven and fearing lest the great achievements of Liu Bang and Liu Xiu may be overthrown, have reverently selected this auspicious day to ascend the altar, sacrifice and announce my assumption of the Imperial Seal in order to comfort all the people, rejoice the ancestors of the Dynastic House, and bring eternal tranquillity to all the domains.”
When the reading was ended, and the sacrifice and the prayer, Zhuge Liang, in the name of all those assembled, presented the Imperial Seal. The Prince received it in both hands, laid it upon the altar, and again declined acceptance, saying, “I, Liu Bei, am unfitted; I pray that another, more able, may be chosen.”
But Zhuge Liang said, “Our lord has settled the empire, and his merits are manifest to the whole world. Moreover, he is of the Dynastic Family and it is fitting that he succeed. Now that the great announcement has been made, such self-abnegation is impossible.”
So all the officers shouted, “Eternal life to the Emperor!” And they did obeisance.
Then the style of the reign was announced to be Manifest Might, the First Year (AD 220). The Lady Wu was declared Empress, and the eldest son, Liu Shan, was declared Heir-Apparent. The second son Liu Yung was made Prince of Lu, and the third son Liu Li, Prince of Liang (the lands of the ancient states of Lu and Liang). Zhuge Liang became Prime Minister, and Xu Jing, Imperial Guardian. Many others were promoted, and a general amnesty was proclaimed, so that there was great rejoicing throughout all the length and breadth of the two Lands of Rivers.
Next day the first court was held, and after the ceremonial prostration, and when they were all arranged in due order, the First Ruler made a pronouncement.
“In the Peach Garden I and my brothers Guan Yu and Zhang Fei pledged ourselves to live and die together. Unhappily my brother Guan Yu came to his end at the hands of Sun Quan of Wu, and I must avenge him lest I fail to fulfill the oath. Therefore will I devote the whole force of my kingdom to the destruction of Wu and the capture of its rebellious chief, whereby to wipe away my reproach.”
But just as he closed this oration, an officer threw himself down at the foot of the throne, crying, “It may not be so.”
All eyes turned to this man; he was Zhao Yun.
“Dire vengeance will I wreak!” so cried the King,
His minister replied, “Do no such thing.”
What arguments were used will appear in the next chapter.