第一百九回

第一百九回 困司马汉将奇谋 废曹芳魏家果报

蜀汉延熙十六年秋，将军姜维起兵二十万，令廖化、张翼为左右先锋，夏侯霸为参谋，张嶷为运粮使，大兵出阳平关伐魏。维与夏侯霸商议曰：“向取雍州，不克而还，今若再出，必又有准备。公有何高见？”霸曰：“陇上诸郡，只有南安钱粮最广，若先取之，足可为本。向者不克而还，盖因羌兵不至。今可先遣人会羌人于陇右，然后进兵出石营，从董亭直取南安。”维大喜曰：“公言甚妙！”遂遣郤正为使，赍金珠蜀锦入羌，结好羌王。羌王迷当，得了礼物，便起兵五万，令羌将俄何烧戈为大先锋，引兵南安来。

魏左将军郭淮闻报，飞奏洛阳。司马师问诸将曰：“谁敢去敌蜀兵？”辅国将军徐质曰：“某愿往。”师素知徐质英勇过人，心中大喜，即令徐质为先锋，令司马昭为大都督，领兵望陇西进发。军至董亭，正遇姜维，两军列成阵势。徐质使开山大斧，出马挑战，蜀阵中廖化出迎。战不数合，化拖刀败回。张翼纵马挺枪而迎，战不数合，又败入阵。徐质驱兵掩杀，蜀兵大败，退三十馀里。司马昭亦收兵回，各自下寨。

姜维与夏侯霸商议曰：“徐质勇甚，当以何策擒之？”霸曰：“来日诈败，以埋伏之计胜之。”维曰：“司马昭乃仲达之子，岂不知兵法？若见地势掩映[1]，必不肯追。吾见魏兵累次断吾粮道，今却用此计诱之，可斩徐质矣。”遂唤廖化分付如此如此，又唤张翼分付如此如此，二人领兵去了。一面令军士于路撒下铁蒺藜，寨外多排鹿角，示以久计。

徐质连日引兵搦战，蜀兵不出。哨马报司马昭说：“蜀兵在铁笼山后，用木牛流马搬运粮草，以为久计，只待羌兵策应。”昭唤徐质曰：“昔日所以胜蜀者，因断彼粮道也。今蜀兵在铁笼山后运粮，汝今夜引兵五千，断其粮道，蜀兵自退矣。”徐质领令，初更时分，引兵望铁笼山来，果见蜀兵二百馀人，驱百馀头木牛流马，装载粮草而行。魏兵一声喊起，徐质当先拦住，蜀兵尽弃粮草而走。质分兵一半，押送粮草回寨，自引兵一半追来。追不到十里，前面车仗横截去路。质令军士下马拆开车仗，只见两边忽然火起。质急勒马回走，后面山僻窄狭处，亦有车仗截路，火光迸起，质等冒烟突火，纵马而出。一声炮响，两路军杀来，左有廖化，右有张翼，大杀一阵，魏兵大败。徐质奋死只身而走，人困马乏。

正奔走间，前面一枝兵杀到，乃姜维也。质大惊无措，被维一枪刺倒坐下马，徐质跌下马来，被众军乱刀砍死。质所分一半押粮兵，亦被夏侯霸所擒，尽降其众。霸将魏兵衣甲马匹，令蜀兵穿了，就令骑坐，打着魏军旗号，从小路径奔回魏寨来。魏军见本部兵回，开门放入，蜀兵就寨中杀起。司马昭大惊，慌忙上马走时，前面廖化杀来。昭不能前进，急退时，姜维引兵从小路杀到。昭四下无路，只得勒兵上铁笼山据守。原来此山只有一条路，四下皆险峻难上，其上惟有一泉，止够百人之饮，此时昭手下有六千人，被姜维绝其路口，山上泉水不敷，人马枯渴。昭仰天长叹曰：“吾死于此地矣！”后人有诗曰：

妙算姜维不等闲，魏师受困铁笼间。庞涓始入马陵道，项羽初围九里山。

主簿王韬曰：“昔日耿恭受困，拜井而得甘泉，将军何不效之？”昭从其言，遂上山顶泉边，再拜而祝曰：“昭奉诏来退蜀兵，若昭合死，令甘泉枯竭，昭自当刎颈，教部军尽降，如寿禄未终，愿苍天早赐甘泉，以活众命！”祝毕，泉水涌出，取之不竭，因此人马不死。

却说姜维在山下困住魏兵，谓众将曰：“昔日丞相在上方谷，不曾捉住司马懿，吾深为恨，今司马昭必被吾擒矣。”

却说郭淮听知司马昭困于铁笼山上，欲提兵来。陈泰曰：“姜维会合羌兵，欲先取南安。今羌兵已到，将军若撤兵去救，羌兵必乘虚袭我后也。可先令人诈降羌人，于中取事，若退了此兵，方可救铁笼之围。”郭淮从之，遂令陈泰引五千兵，径到羌王寨内，解甲而入，泣拜曰：“郭淮妄自尊大，常有杀泰之心，故来投降。郭淮军中虚实，某俱知之。只今夜愿引一军前去劫寨，便可成功。如兵到魏寨，自有内应。”迷当大喜，遂令俄何烧戈同陈泰来劫魏寨。俄何烧戈教泰降兵在后，令泰引羌兵为前部。是夜二更，竟到魏寨，寨门大开，陈泰一骑马先入。俄何烧戈骤马挺枪入寨之时，只叫得一声苦，连人带马，跌在陷坑里。陈泰兵从后面杀来，郭淮从左边杀来，羌兵大乱，自相践踏，死者无数，生者尽降，俄何烧戈自刎而死。郭淮、陈泰引兵直杀到羌人寨中，迷当大王急出帐上马时，被魏兵生擒活捉，来见郭淮。淮慌下马，亲去其缚，用好言抚慰曰：“朝廷素以公为忠义，今何故助蜀人也？”迷当惭愧伏罪。淮乃说迷当曰：“公今为前部，去解铁笼山之围，退了蜀兵，吾奏准天子，自有厚赐。”

迷当从之，遂引羌兵在前，魏兵在后，径奔铁笼山。时值三更，先令人报知姜维。维大喜，教请入相见。魏兵多半杂在羌人部内，行到蜀寨前，维令大兵皆在寨外屯扎，迷当引百馀人到中军帐前。姜维、夏侯霸二人出迎。魏将不等迷当开言，就从背后杀将起来。维大惊，急上马而走。羌、魏之兵，一齐杀入，蜀兵四分五落，各自逃生。维手无器械，腰间止有一副弓箭，走得慌忙，箭皆落了，只有空壶。维望山中而走，背后郭淮引兵赶来，见维手无寸铁，乃骤马挺枪追之。看看至近，维虚拽弓弦，连响十馀次。淮连躲数番，不见箭到，知维无箭，乃挂住钢枪，拈弓搭箭射之。维急闪过，顺手接了，就扣在弓弦上，待淮追近，望面门上尽力射去，淮应弦落马。维勒回马来杀郭淮，魏军骤至。维下手不及，只掣得淮枪而去。魏兵不敢追赶，急救淮归寨，拔出箭头，血流不止而死。司马昭下山引兵追赶，半途而回。夏侯霸随后逃至，与姜维一齐奔走。维折了许多人马，一路收扎不住，自回汉中。虽然兵败，却射死郭淮，杀死徐质，挫动魏国之威，将功补罪。

却说司马昭犒劳羌兵，发遣回国去讫，班师还洛阳，与兄司马师专制朝权，群臣莫敢不服。魏主曹芳每见师入朝，战栗不已，如针刺背。一日，芳设朝，见师带剑上殿，慌忙下榻迎之。师笑曰：“岂有君迎臣之礼也，请陛下稳便。”须臾，群臣奏事，司马师俱自剖断，并不启奏魏主。少时朝退，师昂然下殿，乘车出内，前遮后拥，不下数千人马。芳退入后殿，顾左右止有三人：乃太常夏侯玄，中书令李丰，光禄大夫张缉——缉乃张皇后之父，曹芳之皇丈也。芳叱退近侍，同三人至密室商议。芳执张缉之手而哭曰：“司马师视朕如小儿，觑百官如草芥，社稷早晚必归此人矣！”言讫大哭。李丰奏曰：“陛下勿忧。臣虽不才，愿以陛下之明诏，聚四方之英杰，以剿此贼。”夏侯玄奏曰：“臣叔夏侯霸降蜀，因惧司马兄弟谋害故耳，今若剿除此贼，臣叔必回也。臣乃国家旧戚，安敢坐视奸贼乱国，愿同奉诏讨之。”芳曰：“但恐不能耳。”三人哭奏曰：“臣等誓当同心灭贼，以报陛下！”芳脱下龙凤汗衫，咬破指尖，写了血诏，授与张缉，乃嘱曰：“朕祖武皇帝诛董承，盖为机事不密也。卿等须谨细，勿泄于外。”丰曰：“陛下何出此不利之言？臣等非董承之辈，司马师安比武祖也？陛下勿疑。”三人辞出，至东华门左侧，正见司马师带剑而来，从者数百人，皆持兵器。三人立于道傍。师问曰：“汝三人退朝何迟？”李丰曰：“圣上在内廷观书，我三人侍读故耳。”师曰：“所看何书？”丰曰：“乃夏、商、周三代之书也。”师曰：“上见此书，问何故事？”丰曰：“天子所问伊尹扶商、周公摄政之事，我等皆奏曰：‘今司马大将军，即伊尹、周公也。’”师冷笑曰：“汝等岂将吾比伊尹、周公！其心实指吾为王莽、董卓！”三人皆曰：“我等皆将军门下之人，安敢如此？”师大怒曰：“汝等乃口谀[2]之人！适间与天子在密室中所哭何事？”三人曰：“实无此状。”师叱曰：“汝三人泪眼尚红，如何抵赖！”夏侯玄知事已泄，乃厉声大骂曰：“吾等所哭者，为汝威震其主，将谋篡逆耳！”师大怒，叱武士捉夏侯玄。玄揎拳裸袖，径击司马师，却被武士擒住。师令将各人搜检，于张缉身畔搜出一龙凤汗衫，上有血字。左右呈与司马师。师视之，乃密诏也，诏曰：

司马师弟兄，共持大权，将图篡逆。所行诏制，皆非朕意。各部官兵将士，可同仗忠义，讨灭贼臣，匡扶社稷。功成之日，重加爵赏。

司马师看毕，勃然大怒曰：“原来汝等正欲谋害吾兄弟！情理难容！”遂令将三人腰斩于市，灭其三族，三人骂不绝口。比临东市中，牙齿尽被打落，各人含糊数骂而死。师直入后宫，魏主曹芳正与张皇后商议此事。皇后曰：“内廷耳目甚多，倘事泄露，必累妾矣！”

正言间，忽见师入，皇后大惊。师按剑谓芳曰：“臣父立陛下为君，功德不在周公之下；臣事陛下，亦与伊尹何别乎？今反以恩为仇，以功为过，欲与二三小臣，谋害臣兄弟，何也？”芳曰：“朕无此心。”师袖中取出汗衫，掷之于地曰：“此谁人所作耶！”芳魂飞天外，魄散九霄，战栗而答曰：“此皆为他人所逼故也。朕岂敢兴此心？”师曰：“妄诬大臣造反，当加何罪？”芳跪告曰：“朕合有罪，望大将军恕之！”师曰：“陛下请起。国法未可废也。”乃指张皇后曰：“此是张缉之女，理当除之！”芳大哭求免，师不从，叱左右将张后捉出，至东华门内，用白练绞死。后人有诗曰：

当年伏后出宫门，跣足哀号别至尊。司马今朝依此例，天教还报在儿孙。

次日，司马师大会群臣曰：“今主上荒淫无道，亵近娼优，听信谗言，闭塞贤路，其罪甚于汉之昌邑，不能主天下[3]。吾谨按伊尹、霍光之法，别立新君，以保社稷，以安天下，如何？”众皆应曰：“大将军行伊、霍之事，所谓应天顺人，谁敢违命。”师遂同多官入永宁宫，奏闻太后。太后曰：“大将军欲立何人为君？”师曰：“臣观彭城王曹据，聪明仁孝，可以为天下之主。”太后曰：“彭城王乃老身之叔，今立为君，我何以当之？今有高贵乡公曹髦，乃文皇帝之孙，此人温恭克让，可以立之。卿等大臣，从长计议。”一人奏曰：“太后之言是也。便可立之。”众视之，乃司马师宗叔司马孚也。师遂遣使往元城召高贵乡公，请太后升太极殿，召芳责之曰：“汝荒淫无度，亵近娼优，不可承天下，当纳下玺绶，复齐王之爵，目下起程，非宣召不许入朝。”芳泣拜太后，纳了国宝，乘王车大哭而去。只有数员忠义之臣，含泪而送。后人有诗曰：

昔日曹瞒相汉时，欺他寡妇与孤儿。谁知四十馀年后，寡妇孤儿亦被欺。

却说高贵乡公曹髦，字彦士，乃文帝之孙，东海定王霖之子也。当日，司马师以太后命宣至，文武官僚备銮驾于西掖门外拜迎。髦慌忙答礼，太尉王肃曰：“主上不当答礼。”髦曰：“吾亦人臣也，安得不答礼乎？”文武扶髦上辇入宫，髦辞曰：“太后诏命，不知为何，吾安敢乘辇而入？”遂步行至太极东堂。司马师迎着，髦先下拜，师急扶起。问候已毕，引见太后，后曰：“吾见汝年幼时有帝王之相，汝今可为天下之主。务须恭俭节用，布德施仁，勿辱先帝也。”髦再三谦辞。师令文武请髦出太极殿，是日立为新君，改嘉平六年为正元元年，大赦天下，假大将军司马师黄钺，入朝不趋，奏事不名，带剑上殿。文武百官，各有封赐。

正元二年春正月，有细作飞报，说镇东将军丘俭、扬州刺史文钦，以废主为名，起兵前来。司马师大惊。正是：汉臣曾有勤王志，魏将还兴讨贼师。未知如何迎敌，且看下文分解。

[1] 掩映——同义复词，本义是遮掩。这里有参差交错、重叠遮隐的意思。

[2] 口谀（yú）——这里是当面吹捧、表里不一的意思。

[3] “其罪甚于汉之昌邑”二句——汉昭帝刘弗陵死，无子，大将军霍光主持立昭帝的侄子昌邑王刘贺为帝。即位不久，一味胡闹，霍光又主持废除刘贺的皇位，改立昭帝的侄孙刘询为帝，即汉宣帝。

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

It was the autumn of the sixteenth year of Long Enjoyment (AD 253), and Jiang Wei's army of two hundred thousand was ready to march against the north. Liao Hua and Zhang Yi were Leaders of the Van; Xiahou Ba was Army Strategist; Zhang Ni was in command of the commissariat. The army marched out by the Yangping Pass.

Discussing the plan of campaign with Xiahou Ba, Jiang Wei said, “Our former attack on Yongzhou failed, so this time they will doubtless be even better prepared to resist. What do you suggest?”

Xiahou Ba replied, “Nanan is the only well-provided place in all Longshang; if we take that, it will serve as an excellent base. Our former ill-success was due to the non-arrival of the Qiangs. Let us therefore send early to tell them to assemble at Longyou, after which we will move out at Shiying and march to Nanan by way of Dongting.”

“You spoke well,” said Jiang Wei.

He at once sent Xi Zheng as his envoy, bearing gifts of gold and pearls and silk to win the help of the King of the Qiangs, whose name was Mi Dang. The mission was successful; King Mi Dang accepted the presents and sent fifty thousand troops to Nanan under the Qiang General Ehe Shaoge.

When Guo Huai heard of the threatened attack, he sent a hasty memorial to Luoyang.

Sima Shi at once asked his leaders, “Who will go out to meet the army from the west?”

Xu Zhi volunteered, and as Sima Shi had a high opinion of his capacity, he appointed Xu Zhi as Leader of the Van. The brother of the Prime Minister, Sima Zhao, went as Commander-in-Chief.

The Wei army set out for Xizhou, reached Dongting and there fell in with Jiang Wei. When both sides were arrayed Xu Zhi, who wielded a mighty splitter-of-mountains ax as his weapon, rode out and challenged. Liao Hua went forth to accept, but after a few bouts he took advantage of a feint and fled.

Then Zhang Yi set his spear and rode forth to continue the fight. He also soon fled and returned within his own ranks. Thereupon Xu Zhi gave the signal to fall on in force, and the army of Shu lost the day. They retired ten miles, Sima Zhao also drew off his troops, and both sides encamped.

“Xu Zhi is very formidable; how can we overcome him?” asked Jiang Wei.

“Tomorrow make pretense of defeat and so draw them into an ambush,” replied Xiahou Ba.

“But remember whose son this Sima Zhao is,” said Jiang Wei. “Sima Zhao cannot be a novice in war; and if he sees a likely spot for an ambush, he will halt. Now the troops of Wei have cut our transportation many times; let us do the same to them, and we may slay this Xu Zhi.”

He called in Liao Hua and Zhang Yi and gave them secret orders, sending them in different directions. Then he laid iron thorns along all the approaches and planted thorny barriers as if making a permanent defense. When the troops of Wei came up and challenged, the troops of Shu refused battle.

The scouts reported to Sima Zhao: “The Shu supplies are coming up along the rear of Iron Cage Mountain, and they are using the wooden oxen and running horses as transport.”

They also reported the look of permanency in the defenses and said they were evidently awaiting the arrival of their allies the Qiang tribes.

Then said Sima Zhao to Xu Zhi, “We formerly defeated the army of Shu by cutting off supplies, and we can do that again. Let five thousand troops go out tonight and occupy the road.”

About the middle of the first watch Xu Zhi marched across the hills; and when he came to the other side, he saw a couple of hundred soldiers driving a hundred or so heads of mechanical animals laden with grain and forage. His army rushed down upon them with shouts, and the troops of Shu, seeing that their road was impassable, abandoned their supplies and ran away. Xu Zhi took possession of the supply train, which he sent back to his own camp under the escort of half his troops. With the other half he set out in pursuit.

About three miles away, the road was found blocked with carts set across the track. Some of his soldiers dismounted to clear the way; but as they did so, the brushwood on both sides burst into a blaze. Xu Zhi at once drew off his force and turned to retire, but coming to a defile he found the road again blocked with wagons, and again the brushwood began to burn. He made a dash to escape, but before he could get clear a bomb roared, and he saw the troops of Shu coming down on him from two directions. Liao Hua and Zhang Yi from left and right fell on Xu Zhi with great fury, and the troops of Wei were wholly defeated. Xu Zhi himself got clear, but without any following.

He struggled on till he and his steed were almost spent with fatigue. Presently he saw another company of the enemy in his way, and the leader was Jiang Wei. Before he could make any resistance, Jiang Wei's spear thrust him down, and as Xu Zhi lay on the ground he was cut to pieces.

Meanwhile those troops of Wei who had been sent to escort to camp the convoy of supplies which they had seized were captured by Xiahou Ba. They surrendered. Xiahou Ba then stripped them of their weapons and clothing and therein disguised some of his own soldiers. Holding aloft banners of Wei, these disguised soldiers made for the Wei camp. When they arrived, they were mistaken by those in the camp for comrades, and the gates were thrown open. They rushed in and began to slay. Taken wholly by surprise, Sima Zhao leaped upon his steed and fled. But Liao Hua met him and drove him back. Then appeared Jiang Wei in the path of retreat, so that no road lay open. Sima Zhao made off for the hills, hoping to be able to hold out on the Iron Cage Mountain.

Now there was only one road up the hill, which rose steeply on all sides. And the hill had but one small spring of water, enough to serve a hundred people or so, while Sima Zhao's force numbered six thousand. Their enemies had blocked the only road of escape. This one fountain was unequal to supplying the needs of the beleaguered army, and soon they were tormented with thirst.

In despair, Sima Zhao looked up to heaven and sighed, saying, “Death will surely come to me here!”

The host of Wei on Iron Cage Mountain,

Were once fast held by Jiang Wei's skill;

When Pang Juan first crossed the Maling Hills,

His strategy was reckoned fine

As Xiang Yu at the Nine Mountains;

Both bent opponents to their will.

In this critical situation a certain civil officer, Wang Tao by name, reminded his leader of what Geng Gong had done in ancient time, saying, “O General, why do you not imitate Geng Gong, who, being in great need, prostrated himself and prayed at a well, wherefrom he afterwards was supplied with sweet water?”

So the leader went to the summit of the hill and knelt beside the spring and grayed thus:

“The humble Sima Zhao received a command to repulse the army of Shu. If he is to die here, then may this spring cease its flow, when he will end his own life and let his soldiers yield to the enemy. But if his allotted span of life be not reached, then, O Blue Vault, increase the flow of water and save the lives of this multitude.”

Thus he prayed; and the waters gushed forth in plenty, so that they all quenched their thirst and lived.

Jiang Wei had surrounded the hill, holding the army thereon as in a prison. He said to his officers, “I have always regretted that our great Prime Minister was unable to capture Sima Yi in the Gourd Valley, but now I think his son is doomed to fall into our hands.”

However, news of the dangerous position of Sima Zhao had come to Guo Huai, who set about a rescue.

Chen Tai said to him, “Jiang Wei has made a league with the Qiangs, and they have arrived to help him. If you go away to rescue Sima Zhao, the Qiangs will attack from the rear. Therefore I would propose to send some one to the tribespeople to try to create a diversion and get them to retire. If they are disposed of, you may go to the rescue of Sima Zhao.”

Guo Huai saw there was much reason in this, and told Chen Tai to take a force of five thousand troops and go to the camp of the King of the Qiangs. When Chen Tai reached the camp, he threw off his armor and entered weeping and crying that he was in danger of death.

He said, “Guo Huai sets himself up as superior to everyone and is trying to slay me. Therefore I have come to offer my services to you. I know all the secrets of the Wei army, and, if you will, this very night I can lead you to their camp. I have friends in the camp to help, and you can destroy it.”

King Mi Dang was taken with the scheme, and sent his General Ehe Shaoge to go with Chen Tai. The deserters from Wei were placed in the rear, but Chen Tai himself rode with the leading body of the Qiangs. They set out at the second watch and soon arrived. They found the gates open, and Chen Tai rode in boldly. But when Ehe Shaoge and his troops galloped in, there suddenly arose a great cry as soldiers and horses went tumbling into great pits. At the same time Chen Tai came round in the rear and attacked, while Guo Huai appeared on the flank. The Qiangs trampled each other down, and many were killed. Those who escaped death surrendered, and the leader, Ehe Shaoge, committed suicide in a pit.

Guo Huai and Chen Tai then hastened back into the camp of the Qiangs. Mi Dang, taken unprepared, rushed out of his tent to get to horse, but was made prisoner. He was taken before Guo Huai, who hastily dismounted, loosed the prisoner's bonds, and soothed him with kindly words.

“Our government has always regarded you as a loyal and true friend,” said Guo Huai. “Why then are you helping our enemies?”

Mi Dang sank to the ground in confusion, while Guo Huai continued, “If you will now raise the siege of Iron Cage Mountain and drive off the troops of Shu, I will memorialize the Throne and obtain a substantial reward for you.”

Mi Dang agreed. He set out forthwith, his own army leading and the army of Wei in the rear. At the third watch he sent on a messenger to tell Jiang Wei of his coming. And the Shu leader was glad. Mi Dang was invited to enter.

On the march the soldiers of Wei had mingled with the Qiangs, and many of them were in the forefront of the army. Mi Dang went up toward the gate with a small company, and Jiang Wei with Xiahou Ba went to welcome him. Just as they met, before Mi Dang could say a word, the Wei generals dashed on past him and set on to slay. Jiang Wei was taken aback, leaped on his steed and fled, while the mixed force of troops of Wei and Qiangs drove the camp defenders before them and sent them flying.

When Jiang Wei leaped upon his steed at the gate, he had no weapon in his hand, only his bow and quiver hung at his shoulder. In his hasty flight the arrows fell out and the quiver was empty, so when he set off for the hills with Guo Huai in pursuit, Jiang Wei had nothing to oppose to the spears of his pursuers. As they came near he laid hands upon his bow and made as if to shoot. The string twanged and Guo Huai blenched. But as no arrow went flying by, Guo Huai knew Jiang Wei had none to shoot. Guo Huai therefore hung his spear, took his bow and shot. Jiang Wei caught the arrow as it flew by and fitted it to his bowstring. He waited till Guo Huai came quite near, when he pulled the string with all his force and sent the arrow flying straight at Guo Huai's face. Guo Huai fell even as the bowstring sang.

Jiang Wei pulled up and turned to finish his fallen enemy, but the soldiers of Wei were nearly upon him, and he had only time to snatch up Guo Huai's spear and ride off. Now that Jiang Wei was armed and their own leader wounded, the soldiers of Wei had no more desire to fight. They picked up their general and carried him to camp. There the arrow-head was pulled out, but the flow of blood could not be stanched, and Guo Huai died.

Sima Zhao descended from the hill as soon as Jiang Wei moved away, and pursued some distance before returning.

Xiahou Ba forced his way out and rejoined Jiang Wei as soon as he could, and they marched away together. The losses of Shu in this defeat were very heavy. On the road they dared not halt to muster or reform, but went helter-skelter into Hanzhong. In that campaign, though the Shu army were defeated, they had killed Xu Zhi and Guo Huai on the other side and had damaged the prestige of Wei. Thus Jiang Wei's achievement made up for his offense.

After rewarding the Qiangs for their help, Sima Zhao led his army back to Luoyang, where he joined his brother Sima Shi in administering the government. They were too strong for any of the officers to dare opposition, and they terrorized Cao Fang, the Ruler of Wei, so that he shook with fright whenever he saw Sima Shi at court, and felt as if needles were being stuck into his back.

One day, when the Ruler of Wei was holding a court, Sima Shi came into the hall wearing his sword. Cao Fang hastily left his Dragon Throne to receive him.

“What does this mean? Is this the correct etiquette for a prince when his minister approaches?” said Sima Shi, smiling. “I pray Your Majesty remember your dignity and listen while the ministers address the Throne.”

Court business then proceeded. Sima Shi decided every question without reference to the Ruler of Wei; and when Sima Shi retired, he stalked haughtily down the hall and went home, followed by his escort, which numbered thousands of horse and foot.

When the Ruler of Wei left the court, only three followed him to the private apartments. They were Minister Xiahou Xuan, Secretary Li Feng, and High Minister Zhang Qi. Zhang Qi was the father of his consort, Empress Zhang. Sending away the servants, Cao Fang and these three went into a private chamber.

Seizing his father-in-law's hand, Cao Fang began to weep, saying, “That man Sima Shi treats me as a child and regards the officers of state as if they were so many straws. I am sure the throne will be his one day.”

And he wept bitterly.

Said Li Feng, “Do not be so sad, Sire. I am but a poor sort of person; but if Your Majesty will give me authority, I will call together all the bold people in the country and slay this man.”

“It was from fear of this man that my brother Xiahou Ba was forced to go over to Shu,” said Xiahou Xuan. “If Sima Shi were destroyed, my brother could return. I belong to a family related to the rulers of the state for many generations, and I cannot sit still while a wretch ruins the government. Put my name in the command as well, and we will work together to remove him.”

“But I am afraid we can not overcome him,” said Cao Fang.

They wept and said, “We pledge ourselves to work together for the destruction of the tyrant, and to show our gratitude to Your Majesty.”

Cao Fang them stripped himself of his innermost garment, gnawed his finger till the blood flowed, and with his finger-tip traced a command in blood.

He gave it to his father-in-law, Zhang Qi, saying, “My ancestor, the Emperor Cao, put to death Dong Cheng for just such a matter as this, so you must be exceedingly careful and maintain the greatest secrecy.”

“Oh, why use such ill-omened words?” cried Li Feng. “We are not like Dong Cheng, and Sima Shi cannot compare to the Founder. Have no doubts.”

The three conspirators took leave and went out carrying the edict with them. Beside the Donghua Gate of the palace, they saw Sima Shi coming to meet them wearing a sword. Following him were many armed guards. The three ministers took the side of the road to let the party go by.

“Why are you three so late in leaving the Palace?” asked Sima Shi.

“His Majesty was reading, and we stayed with him,” said Li Feng.

“What was he reading?”

“The histories of the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties.”

“What questions did the Emperor ask as he read those books?”

“He asked about Yi Yin and how he upheld the Shang; and the Duke of Zhou, how he acted when he was regent. And we told His Majesty that you were both Yi Yin and Duke Zhou to him.”

Sima Shi smiled grimly and said, “Why did you compare me with those two when in your hearts you think me a rebel like Wang Mang and Dong Zhuo?”

“How should we dare when we are your subordinates?” said the three ministers.

“You are a lot of flatterers,” said Sima Shi, angrily. “And what were you crying about in that private chamber with the Emperor?”

“We did no such thing.”

“Your eyes are still red; you cannot deny that.”

Xiahou Xuan then knew that the secrecy had been showed, so he broke out into a volley of abuse, crying, “Well, we were crying because of your conduct, because you terrorize over the Emperor and are scheming to usurp the Throne.”

“Seize him!” roared Sima Shi.

Xiahou Xuan threw back his sleeves and struck at Sima Shi with his fists, but the lictors pulled him back. Then the three were searched, and on Zhang Qi was found the blood-stained garment of the Emperor. They handed it to their chief, who recognized the object of his search, the secret edict. It said:

“The two Sima brothers have stolen away all my authority and are plotting to take the Throne. The edicts I have been forced to issue do not represent my wishes, and hereby all officers, civil and military, may unite to destroy these two and restore the authority of the Throne. These ends achieved, I will reward those who help to accomplish them.”

Sima Shi, more angry than ever, said, “So you wish to destroy me and my brother. This is too much!”

He ordered his followers to execute the three on the public ground by waist-bisection and to destroy their whole clans.

The three reviled without ceasing. On the way to the place of execution, they ground their teeth with rage, spitting out the pieces they broke off. They died muttering curses.

Sima Shi then went to the rear apartments of the palace, where he found the Emperor talking with his Consort. Just as he entered, she was saying to the Emperor, “The palace is full of spies, and if this comes out, it will mean trouble for me.”

Sima Shi strode in, sword in hand.

“My father placed Your Majesty on the throne, a service no less worthy than that of Duke Zhou; I have served Your Majesty as Yi Yin served his master. Now is kindness met by enmity and service regarded as a fault. Your Majesty has plotted with two or three insignificant officials to slay me and my brother. Why is this?”

“I had no such intention,” said Cao Fang.

In reply Sima Shi drew the garment from his sleeve and threw it on the ground.

“Who did this?”

Cao Fang was overwhelmed; his soul flew beyond the skies, his spirit lied to the ninth heaven.

Shaking with fear, he said, “I was forced into it. How could I think of such a thing?”

“To slander ministers by charging them with rebellion is an aggravated crime,” said Sima Shi.

Cao Fang knelt at his feet, saying, “Yes; I am guilty; forgive me.”

“I beg Your Majesty to rise; the laws must be respected.”

Pointing to Empress Zhang, Sima Shi said, “She is of the Zhang house and must die.”

“Spare her,” cried Cao Fang, weeping bitterly.

But Sima Shi was obdurate. He bade the lictors lead her away, and she was strangled with a white silk cord at the palace gate.

Now I recall another year; and lo!

An empress borne away to shameful death.

Barefooted, weeping bitterly she shrieks

“Farewell,” torn from her consort's arms.

History repeats itself; time's instrument,

Sima Shi avenges this on Cao Cao's heirs.

The day after these events, Sima Shi assembled all the officers and addressed them thus: “Our present lord is profligate and devoid of principle; familiar with the vile and friendly with the impure. He lends a ready ear to slander and keeps good people at a distance. His faults exceed those of Prince Changyi of old, and he has proved himself unfit to rule. Wherefore, following the precedents of Yi Yin and Huo Guang, I have decided to put him aside and to set up another, thereby to maintain the sanctity of the ruler and ensure tranquillity. What think you, Sirs?”

They all agreed, saying, “General, you are right to play the same part as Yi Yin and Huo Guang, thereby acting in accordance with Heaven and fulfilling the desire of humankind. Who dares dispute it?”

Then Sima Shi, followed by the whole of the officials, went to the Palace of Everlasting Peace and informed the Empress Dowager of his intention.

“Whom do you propose to place on the throne, General?” she asked.

“I have observed that Cao Ju, Prince of Pengcheng, is intelligent, benevolent, and filial; he is fit to rule the empire.”

She replied, “He is my uncle, and it is not convenient. However, there is Cao Mao, Duke of Gaogui, and grandson of Emperor Pi. He is of mild temperament, respectful, and deferential, and may be set up. You, Sir, and the high officers of state might favorably consider this.”

Then spoke one, saying, “Her Majesty speaks well; Cao Mao should be raised to the throne.”

All eyes turned toward the speaker, who was Sima Fu, uncle of Sima Shi.

The Duke of Gaogui was summoned to the capital.

The Empress called Cao Fang into her presence in the Hall of Principles and blamed him, saying, “You are vicious beyond measure, a companion of lewd men and a friend of vile women. You are unfitted to rule. Therefore resign the imperial seal and revert to your status of Prince of Qi (an ancient state). You are forbidden to present yourself at court without special command.”

Cao Fang, weeping, threw himself at her feet. He gave up the seal, got into his carriage and went away. Only a few faithful ministers restrained their tears and bade him farewell.

Cao Cao, the mighty minister of Han,

Oppressed the helpless; little then thought he

That only two score swiftly passing years

Would bring like fate to his posterity.

The Emperor-elect Cao Mao was the grandson of Emperor Pi, and son of Cao Lin, Prince of Donghai. When Cao Mao he was nearing the capital, all the officers attended to receive him at the Nanye Gate, where an imperial carriage awaited him. He hastily returned their salutations.

“The ruler ought not to return these salutations,” said Wang Su, one of the officers.

“I also am a minister and must respond,” replied he.

They conducted him to the carriage to ride into the palace, but he refused to mount it, saying, “Her Majesty has commanded my presence; I know not for what reason. How dare I enter the Palace in such a carriage?”

He went on foot to the Hall, where Sima Shi awaited him. He prostrated himself before Sima Shi. Sima Shi hastily raised him and led him into the presence.

The Empress Dowager said, “In your youth I noticed that you bore the impress of majesty. Now you are to be the Ruler of the Empire. You must be respectful and moderate, diffusing virtue and benevolence. You must do honor to your ancestors—the former emperors.”

Cao Mao modestly declined the proposed honor, but he was compelled to accept it. He was led out of the presence of the Empress Dowager and placed in the seat of empire in the Hall of Principles.

The style of the reign was changed from Domestic Calm, the sixth year, to Right Origin, the first year (AD 254). An amnesty was granted. Honors were heaped upon Sima Shi, who also received the golden axes, with the right to proceed leisurely within the precincts, to address the Throne without using his name, and to wear arms at court. Many other officers also received promotions.

But in the spring of the second year of Right Origin, it was reported at court that Guanqiu Jian, General Who Guards the East, and Wen Qin, Imperial Protector of Yangzhou, were raising armies with the declared design of restoring the deposed emperor.

Sima Shi disconcerted.

If ministers of Han have always faithful been,

Wei leaders, too, prove their loyalty are keen.

How this new menace was met will appear in the next chapter.