Sima Yi
Qing Dynasty illustration.
Strategist of Cao Wei
Born	179
Died	251
Names
Simplified Chinese	司马懿
Traditional Chinese	司馬懿
Pinyin	Sīmǎ Yì
Wade-Giles	Szŭma I
Courtesy name	Zhòngdá (仲達)
Posthumous name	Wenxuan(文宣) by Cao Wei King Xuan (宣王) by Sima Zhao Emperor Xuan (宣皇帝) by Sima Yan
Temple name	Gaozu (高祖)

This is a Chinese name; the family name is Sima (司馬).

Sima Yi (179 - 251) was a strategist, general, and politician of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms era of China. He is perhaps best known for defending Cao Wei from Zhuge Liang's Northern Expeditions. His success and subsequent rise in prominence paved the way for his grandson Sima Yan's foundation of the Jin Dynasty, which would eventually bring an end to the Three Kingdoms era. After the founding of the Jin Dynasty, Sima Yi was posthumously honored as Emperor Xuan of Jin with the temple name of Gaozu. The territories of Cao Wei (in yellow), AD 262 Capital Luoyang Language(s) Chinese Government Monarchy Emperor  - 220 - 226 Cao Pi  - 226 - 239 Cao Rui  - 239 - 254 Cao Fang  - 254 - 260 Cao Mao  - 260 - 265 Cao Huan Historical era Three Kingdoms  - Cao Pi taking over the throne of the Later... The Jin Dynasty (晉 pinyin: jìn, 265-420), one of the Six Dynasties, followed the Three Kingdoms and preceded the Southern and Northern Dynasties in China. ... Emperor Fei of Jin (晋废帝/晉廢帝, pinyin Jìn Fèidì, Wade-Giles Chin Fei-ti) (342-November 23, 386), personal name Sima Yi (司馬奕), courtesy name Yanling (延齡), was an emperor of the Eastern Jin Dynasty (265-420) in China. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (321x649, 52 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Sima Yi ... Flag (1890-1912) Anthem Gong Jinou (1911) Qing China at its greatest extent. ... A strategy is a long term plan of action designed to achieve a particular goal. ... The territories of Cao Wei (in yellow), AD 262 Capital Luoyang Language(s) Chinese Government Monarchy Emperor  - 220 - 226 Cao Pi  - 226 - 239 Cao Rui  - 239 - 254 Cao Fang  - 254 - 260 Cao Mao  - 260 - 265 Cao Huan Historical era Three Kingdoms  - Cao Pi taking over the throne of the Later... Events Roman fort Castra Regina (fortress by the river Regen) was built at Regensburg, Germany. ... Events July 1 – In the Battle of Abrittus, the Goths defeat the Romans; emperors Decius and Herennius Etruscus are killed. ... Personal names in Chinese culture follow a number of conventions different from those of personal names in Western cultures. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Traditional Chinese (Traditional Chinese: 正體字/繁體字, Simplified Chinese: 正体字/繁体字) refers to one of two standard sets of printed Chinese characters. ... Pinyin, more formally called Hanyu Pinyin (Simplified Chinese: ; Traditional Chinese: ; Pinyin: ), is the most common variant of Standard Mandarin romanization system in use. ... Wade-Giles, sometimes abbreviated Wade, is a Romanization (phonetic notation and transliteration) system for the Chinese language based on Mandarin. ... A Chinese style name, sometimes also known as a courtesy name, is an extra name that could be used in place of the given name. ... Japanese name Kanji: Hiragana: Korean name Hangul: Hanja: Vietnamese name Quốc ngữ: Hán tá»±: A posthumous name (諡號) is an honorary name given to royalty, nobles, and sometimes others, in some cultures after the persons death. ... Korean name Hangul: Hanja: Mongolian name Mongolian: Номын Нэр Vietnamese name Quốc ngữ: Temple names are commonly used when naming most Chinese, Korean (Goryeo and Joseon periods), and Vietnamese (such dynasties as Ly, Tran, and Le) royalty. ... Personal names in Chinese culture follow a number of conventions different from those of personal names in Western cultures. ... A Chinese surname, family name (Chinese: ; pinyin: ) or clan name (氏; pinyin: shì), is one of the hundreds or thousands of family names that have been historically used by Han Chinese and Sinicized Chinese ethnic groups in mainland China, Taiwan, and among overseas Chinese communities. ... Sima (Simplified Chinese: 司马; Traditional Chinese: 司馬; pinyin: SÄ«mÇŽ; Wade-Giles: Ssu-ma) is a Chinese family name. ... Events Roman fort Castra Regina (fortress by the river Regen) was built at Regensburg, Germany. ... Events July 1 – In the Battle of Abrittus, the Goths defeat the Romans; emperors Decius and Herennius Etruscus are killed. ... The territories of Cao Wei (in yellow), AD 262 Capital Luoyang Language(s) Chinese Government Monarchy Emperor  - 220 - 226 Cao Pi  - 226 - 239 Cao Rui  - 239 - 254 Cao Fang  - 254 - 260 Cao Mao  - 260 - 265 Cao Huan Historical era Three Kingdoms  - Cao Pi taking over the throne of the Later... The Three Kingdoms period (Traditional Chinese: ; Simplified Chinese: ; pinyin: ) is a period in the history of China, part of an era of disunity called the Six Dynasties. ... This is a Chinese name; the family name is Zhuge (諸葛) Zhuge Liang (181 - 234) was one of the greatest Chinese strategists of the Three Kingdoms period, as well as a statesman, engineer, scholar, and inventor. ... Combatants Cao Wei Shu Han Qiang Commanders Cao Zhen Sima Yi Zhuge Liang† Zhuge Liangs Northern Expeditions (諸葛亮北伐) were a series of five military campaigns launched by the state of Shu against the northern state of Wei from A.D. 228 to 234. ... Format of naming convention in English is under discussion at Wikipedia talk:Naming conventions (Chinese) and Wikipedia talk:Naming conventions (Chinese)/monarchical titles. ... The Jin Dynasty (晉 pinyin: jìn, 265-420), one of the Six Dynasties, followed the Three Kingdoms and preceded the Southern and Northern Dynasties in China. ...

Early life

Sima Yi descended from the famous historian Sima Qian, author of the Shiji. He was one of eight brothers, all of whom were famous due to their lineage. Each of them had a Chinese style name ending with the character Da (達). Because of this, the brothers were known collectively as the "Eight Da of Sima" (司馬八達). This was a term of respect, as other groups of eight talented administrators in previous eras had been referred to in this way. ^[1] His family resided in Luoyang when Dong Zhuo occupied the city, destroyed it, and moved the capital to Chang'an. Sima Yi's elder brother, Sima Lang led the family to their ancestral home in the Wen district (温縣), and then, correctly predicting that it would become a battlefield, moved them again to Liyang (黎陽). In 194, as Cao Cao did battle with Lü Bu, Sima Yi accompanied his family back to Wen district. ^[2] Sima Qian Si Ma Qian (司馬遷) (c. ... The Records of the Grand Historian or the Records of the Grand Historian of China was the magnum opus of Sima Qian, in which he recounted Chinese history from the time of the mythical Yellow Emperor until his own time. ... A Chinese style name, sometimes also known as a courtesy name, is an extra name that could be used in place of the given name. ... The Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors (Chinese: ; pinyin: ; Wade-Giles: San-huang wu-ti) were mythological rulers of China during the period from c. ... Luoyang (Simplified Chinese: ; Traditional Chinese: ; pinyin: ) is a prefecture-level city in western Henan province, Peoples Republic of China. ... Dong Zhuo (董卓; Pinyin: DÇ’ng Zhuō) (139 – 192) was a warlord during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms Period in ancient China. ... For other uses, see Changan (disambiguation). ... Sima Lang (171–217) was the older brother of Sima Yi and a Han Dynasty official during the reign of Emperor Xian. ... Cáo Cāo (155 – March 15, 220, pronounced Tsau Tsau) was a regional warlord and the second last Chancellor of the Eastern Han Dynasty who rose to great power during its final years in ancient China. ... Lü Bu (150 – 199) was a military general and later minor warlord during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms era of China. ...

Service under Cao Cao

Accounts on how Sima Yi joined the service of Cao Cao differ, but he accepted his first position in Cao Cao's camp at the age of 30. According to the Book of Jin, Sima Yi believed that the Han Dynasty would soon come to an end, and felt no motivation to join Cao Cao's camp, which had already taken control of the Han seat of government. He refused Cao Cao's requests to serve, saying that he was suffering from a disease. Cao Cao did not believe Sima Yi's excuse, and sent agents to check on Sima Yi at night. Sima Yi, knowing this in advance, stayed in bed all night and did not move. In 208, Cao Cao became Imperial Chancellor and ordered Sima Yi to serve him, saying "If he dallies, arrest him." Afraid of what would happen if he refused, Sima Yi finally accepted the position of Wenxueyuan (文学掾). ^[3] However, according to Weilüe, Cao Hong, Cao Cao's younger cousin, requested the presence of Sima Yi in order to start a friendship with him, but the latter, not having a very high opinion of Cao Hong, feigned illness by carrying a cane in order to avoid meeting him. Cao Hong went to Cao Cao in anger and told him what had happened, after which Cao Cao directly requested the presence of Sima Yi. Only then did Sima Yi officially enter Cao Cao's service. ^[4] The Book of Jin (Chinese:晋书) is one of the official Chinese historical works. ... hello my name is marco u ... Chancellor of China 丞相 (Cheng Xiang) or 宰相 (Zai Xiang), was the highest rank in the imperial government in former China after the emperor (685 BC-6 BC, 189-1380). ... The Weilüe (Chinese: ; pinyin: ; Wade-Giles: Wei-lüeh) written by Yu Huan (Chinese: ; pinyin: ) between CE 239, the end of Emperor Ming’s reign, and 265 CE, the end of the Cao Wei (220-265 CE). ... Cao Hong (169 - 233) was a warrior of the Kingdom of Wei during the Three Kingdoms period. ...

In the Chancellor's service, he rose through the ranks of Dongcaoyuan (東曹掾; in charge of bringing officials into service), Zhubo (主簿; an administrative position), and Sima (司馬; position in charge of aids and advisors). In 215, when Cao Cao defeated Zhang Lu and forced him to surrender, Sima Yi advised that Cao Cao continue to advance south into Yizhou, since Liu Bei had still not stabilized his control of that area. However, Cao Cao did not listen to his advice. Sima Yi was among other advisors who urged for the implementation of the tuntian system and for Cao Cao to take the position of Prince of Wei. ^[5] Events Caracallas Roman troops massacre the population of Alexandria, Egypt. ... Zhang Lu (? - ?) was a warlord during the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. ... This is a Chinese name; the family name is 劉 (Liu) Liú Bèi (Chinese: ; Pinyin: ) (161 – 223), courtesy name Xuándé (玄徳), was a powerful warlord and the founding emperor of the Kingdom of Shu during the Three Kingdoms era in ancient China. ... The Tuntian or Duntian system (屯田制) was a system of government-encouraged agriculture in Imperial China, the most famous example of which was practiced by the warlord Cao Cao during the Three Kingdoms Period. ...

Service under Cao Pi

Even before Cao Cao's death, Sima Yi was close to his successor, Cao Pi. When Cao Pi was designated Crown Prince of Wei in 216, Sima Yi was made his secretary. When Cao Cao wavered on choosing between Cao Pi and his younger brother Cao Zhi, Sima Yi was among those who backed Cao Pi and helped him secure the succession. In this way, he became greatly trusted by Cao Pi. ^[6] After Cao Cao's death, and Cao Pi's ascension to Emperor of Wei, Sima Yi was involved in Cao Zhi's demotion and removal from politics. ^[7] Cáo Pī (曹丕, 187-June 29, 226[1]), formally Emperor Wen of (Cao) Wei (曹魏文帝), courtesy name Zihuan (子桓), was born in Qiao County, Pei Commandery (modern Bozhou, Anhui). ... Events The Baths of Caracalla in Britain is divided into Britannia Superior and Britannia Inferior. ... Cao Zhi (曹植 192 – 232) was a Chinese poet during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms period. ...

In 225, Cao Pi advanced against Sun Quan's Wu, and entrusted Sima Yi with command over the capital in his absence. He compared Sima Yi to Xiao He, whose quiet contributions behind the battle lines earned him much praise. ^[8]Upon returning from the military expedition, Cao Pi once again praised his servant, saying "As I did battle in the East, you stayed in the capital and guarded our kingdom against Shu in the West. When I go to battle in the West against Shu, I'll entrust you with defence against Wu in the East." ^[9] Sima Yi was soon given the post of Lushang Shushi (録尚書事), which at that time held the same real power and responsibilities as Imperial Chancellor. Sima Yi's position within Wei was now all but unassailable. Events Zhuge Liang pacifies Nan Zhong Births January 20 - Gordian III, Roman emperor Deaths Categories: 225 ... Sun Quan (孫權 pinyin: SÅ«n Quán) (182 - 252), son of Sun Jian, was the third ruler of the State of Wu and the founder of Kingdom of Wu, during the Three Kingdoms period, in China. ... The territories of Eastern Wu (in green), AD 262 Capital Jianye Language(s) Chinese Government Monarchy Emperor  - 222 - 252 Sun Quan  - 252 - 258 Sun Liang  - 258 - 264 Sun Xiu  - 264 - 280 Sun Hao Historical era Three Kingdoms  - Establishment 222  - Sun Quan declares himself emperor 229  - Conquest of Wu by Jin... Xiao He (蕭何) was a key figure in Liu Bangs rise to power after the fall of the Qin Dynasty. ... The Kingdom of Shu (蜀 shǔ) (221 – 263) was one of the Three Kingdoms competing for control of China after the fall of the Han Dynasty. ...

Service under Cao Rui

In 226, as Cao Pi lay on his deathbed, he entrusted his successor Cao Rui to the care of Sima Yi, Cao Zhen, and Chen Qun. When Cao Rui became Emperor of Wei, he trusted Sima Yi greatly and appointed him Piaoqi General (骠骑大将军)^[10] and military commander of Yuzhou and Jingzhou (督荊豫二州諸軍事) and was placed on the border between Wei and Wu to defend against Sun Qian's forces. Events: Accession of Wei Mingdi as emperor of the Kingdom of Wei of China. ... Cao Rui, ch. ... ... Chen Qun (陳羣) a certain minister serving under Wei. ... Yuzhou (Simplified Chinese: 禹州; pinyin: YÇ”zhōu) is a county-level city in Xuchang, central Henan province in the Peoples Republic of China. ...

Battle of Xincheng

Main article: Battle of Xincheng

In 220, when Meng Da surrendered to Wei and Cao Pi entrusted him as Administrator of Xincheng. Sima Yi did not trust him, and argued his case to Cao Pi, but his advice was not taken.^[11] In 227, Meng Da began making overtures to Wu and Shu, promising to turn against Wei when an opportunity presented itself. He was very slow to move in response to Zhuge Liang's urgings, however, and Zhuge Liang attempted to spur him into action by leaking Meng Da's rebellious intentions to Shen Yi, the administrator of Weixing (魏興). When Meng Da learned that his plans had been discovered, he began raising troops in preparation for action.^[12] Combatants Cao Wei Shu Han Commanders Sima Yi Meng Da† Zhuge Liang The battle of Xincheng was a total of two rebellions from 227 to 288 A.D. each led by Meng Da and co-ordinated with Zhuge Liang against Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms period in China. ... Events Han Xiandi abdicates his throne to Cao Pi, symbolizing the end of the Han Dynasty and the beginning of the Three Kingdoms period in China. ... Meng Da was a general of Liu Zhang, Liu Bei, Cao Pi, and Cao Rui. ... Events Ireland - Rule of High King Cormac mac Airt begins (approximate) Cao Rui becomes emperor of the American television situation comedy that was originally broadcast from 1985 until 1990. ... This is a Chinese name; the family name is Zhuge (諸葛) Zhuge Liang (181 - 234) was one of the greatest Chinese strategists of the Three Kingdoms period, as well as a statesman, engineer, scholar, and inventor. ...

Fearing quick action by Meng Da, Sima Yi sent him a letter saying "Long ago, you surrendered to our kingdom, and we put you in charge of the defense of our borders against Shu. The people of Shu are foolish, and still hate you for not coming to Guan Yu's assistance. Kongming is the same, and he has been looking for a way to destroy you. As you probably suspect, the news of your rebellion is only his plot."^[13] Meng Da now believed that he was safe, and did not rush his preparations. He believed that Sima Yi, posted on the border of Wei and Wu, would require a month to go to Cao Pi and request permission to raise troops, then to reach Xincheng. However, Sima Yi was already on his way and reached Xincheng in 8 days, quickly defeating the unprepared Meng Da, who was killed in the battle. This action contributed indirectly to the success at the Battle of Jieting and earned Sima Yi much praise. This is a Chinese name; the family name is Guan (關) Guan Yu (關羽) (160–219) was a general under the warlord Liu Bei during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms era of China. ... This is a Chinese name; the family name is Zhuge (諸葛) Zhuge Liang (181 - 234) was one of the greatest Chinese strategists of the Three Kingdoms period, as well as a statesman, engineer, scholar, and inventor. ... Combatants Cao Wei Shu Han Commanders Zhang He Ma Su Strength 50,000 estimated 50,000 The Battle of Jieting (街亭之戰) was a battle fought in 228 during the first northern expedition led by Zhuge Liang. ...

Zhuge Liang's Northern Expeditions

Main article: Zhuge Liang's Northern Expeditions

When Cao Zhen, who had been leading the defense against Zhuge Liang's Northern expeditions died in 231, Sima Yi took his position in command, and faced Zhuge Liang's armies for the first time in battle. Sima Yi kept his armies safe in fortifications, his strategy being to wait out the Shu armies who had a very difficult time keeping their armies supplied with provisions. He did not attempt to do battle with Zhuge Liang whatsoever, and was mocked by his own subordinates, who claimed he was the laughing stock of the world.^[14] Unable to resist doing battle any longer, he allowed his generals to attack Shu's positions, but they were badly defeated and suffered losses including 3000 soldiers, 5000 suits of iron armor, and 3000 crossbows.^[15] When Zhuge Liang finally did retreat, Sima Yi ordered Zhang He to pursue, who was ambushed and killed. Combatants Cao Wei Shu Han Qiang Commanders Cao Zhen Sima Yi Zhuge Liang† Zhuge Liangs Northern Expeditions (諸葛亮北伐) were a series of five military campaigns launched by the state of Shu against the northern state of Wei from A.D. 228 to 234. ... ... Events Births Cao Fang, emperor of the Kingdom of Wei (approximate date) Deaths Zhang He, general of the Wei Kingdom Categories: 231 ... For the 15th Century fleet Admiral, see Zheng He Zhang He (張郃) (167 – 231) was a distinguished military general under the powerful warlord Cao Cao during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms era in ancient China. ...

The second battle between Sima Yi and Zhuge Liang was in 234. Cao Pi again identified Shu's problem being keeping their army supplied, and ordered Sima Yi to keep his armies fortified and wait the enemy out. The two armies faced each other at Wuzhang Plains. Although being challenged many times by Zhuge Liang, Sima Yi did not send his armies to attack. To provoke Sima Yi, Zhuge Liang sent women's clothes to him, suggesting that he was a woman for not daring to attack. The Wei officers were enraged by this, but Sima Yi would not be provoked. To appease his officers, Sima Yi asked the Wei Emperor Cao Rui for permission to engage the Shu forces. Cao Rui, understanding the situation, sent his advisor Xin Pi to Sima Yi telling the Wei forces to be patient.^[16] In an attempt to engage the Wei forces, Zhuge Liang sent Sima Yi an emissary urging him to battle. Sima Yi, however, would not discuss military matters with the emissary, instead inquired about Zhuge Liang's tasks. The emissary replied that Zhuge Liang personally manages matters both big and small in the military, from military tactics to meals for the night, but he consumes very little. Sima Yi then told an aide that Zhuge Liang would not last long.^[17] Events Wei Yan revolts against the kingdom of Shu Han Births Emperor Wu of Jin China (approximate date) Deaths Li Yan, general of the Shu Kingdom Wei Yan, Shu general, executed by Ma Dai Zhuge Liang of the Shu Kingdom in China, dies on the Wu Zhang Plains in a... Combatants Cao Wei Shu Han Commanders Sima Yi Zhuge Liang† Yang Yi, Fei Yi Strength 200,000 100,000 The Battle of Wuzhang Plains (五丈原之戰) is a famous standoff between the kingdoms of Wei and Shu in 234 A.D. during the Three Kingdoms period of China. ...

Following Zhuge Liang's death, the Shu forces quietly withdrew from their camps while keeping Zhuge Liang's death a secret. Sima Yi, convinced by the locals that Zhuge Liang had died, gave chase to the retreating Shu forces. Jiang Wei then had Yang Yi turn around and pretend to strike. Seeing this, Sima Yi feared that Zhuge Liang only pretended he was dead to lure him out, and immediately retreated. Word that Sima Yi fled from the already dead Zhuge Liang spread, spawning a popular saying, "A dead Zhuge scares away a living Zhongda" (死諸葛嚇走活仲達), referring to Sima Yi's courtesy name. When Sima Yi heard of such ridicule, he laughingly responded, "I can do battle with the living, but not the dead."^[18]

Expedition against Gongsun Yuan

After Guanqiu Jian had failed to defeat the forces of Gongsun Yuan in Liaodong, and Gongsun Yuan had declared himself Prince of Yan, Cao Pi put Sima Yi in charge of the next expedition against him. Sima Yi defeated Gongsun Yuan twice on the field of battle, and forced him to retreat to Xiangping (襄平), where he prepared for siege. Long rains brought a temporary break from the fighting, but as soon as they lifted, Sima Yi launched an all out attack. Gongsun Yuan and his sons were killed while attempting to flee.^[19] Guanqiu Jian (毌丘儉, Hanyu Pinyin: GùanqiÅ« JiÇŽn;, courtesy name: 仲恭 Zhòng Gōng, d. ... Gongsun Yuan (公孫淵 gong1 sun1 yuan1; ?-238) was a Chinese warlord in Liaodong and northwestern Korea. ... The Liaodong Peninsula (sim. ...

Service under Cao Fang and coup d'état

As Cao Pi lay on his deathbed, he had doubts about Sima Yi, and initially planned to exclude him from the regency of his successor Cao Fang.^[20] He wanted to entrust Cao Fang to his uncle Cao Yu (曹宇), to serve as the lead regent, along with Xiahou Xian (夏侯獻), Cao Shuang, Cao Zhao (曹肇), and Qin Lang (秦朗). However, his trusted officials Liu Fang (劉放) and Sun Zi (孫資) were unfriendly with Xiahou and Cao Zhao and were apprehensive about their becoming regents, and managed to persuade him to make Cao Shuang (with whom they were friendly) and Sima Yi (who was then with his troops at Ji (汲縣, in modern Xinxiang, Henan, and to who Liu Fang and Sun Zi were close to^[21]) regents instead. Cao Yu, Cao Zhao, and Qin were excluded from the regency. Cao Fang, ch. ...

Initially, Cao Shuang and Sima Yi shared power, but Cao Shuang quickly used a number of political maneuvers to honor Sima with honorific titles including Grand Tutor while stripping his actual power. Cao Shuang then made all important decisions and stopped consulting Sima. Quickly, Cao's associates, including Deng Yang (鄧颺), Li Sheng (李勝), He Yan (何晏), and Ding Mi (丁謐)^[22], who were known for their talents but lack of wisdom, all became powerful, and they excluded other officials who would not associate with them from positions of power.^[23] Sima was still given military authority (including command in repelling a major Eastern Wu attack in 241), but no real authority on governance.^[24] The Han Dynasty lasted over 400 years, and its governmental system was highly complex. ...

In 244, Cao Shuang, who wanted to garner for himself a military reputation as well, made a major attack against Shu Han's major border city of Hanzhong (in modern Hanzhong, Shaanxi), without careful logistics planning. The battles themselves were inconclusive, but after Cao Wei forces ran out of food supplies, Cao Shuang was forced to withdraw at great loss of life.^[25] Despite his failure on the battlefield, however, Cao Shuang held onto power firmly. In 247, Sima, upset at his actual powerlessness, claimed that he was ill and retired from government service. Cao Shuang sent Li Sheng to determine whether or not Sima Yi was truly ill, and Sima Yi deceived him by acting senile in his presence.^[26]

In 249, Sima made his move. While Cao Fang and Cao Shuang were outside the capital on an official visit to Cao Rui's tomb, Sima, with support from a number of anti-Cao Shuang officials, claiming to have an order from Empress Dowager Guo to do so, closed all city gates of Luoyang and submitted a report to Cao Fang, accusing Cao Shuang of dominating and corrupting the government and demanding that Cao Shuang and his brothers be deposed. Cao Shuang was stricken by panic and did not know how to react, and even though his senior advisor Huan Fan recommended that he take Cao Fang to the secondary capital Xuchang and then resist Sima with his troops, Cao chose to surrender his troops and powers, under promise by Sima that he would still be able to maintain his titles. However, Sima soon reneged on the promise and had Cao Shuang and his associates, as well as their clans, executed on charges of treason.^[27]

After Sima Yi's takeover, he carefully but inexorably removed people who were actual or potential threats to his authority. Very quickly he established what his intent would be -- by having Cao Fang offer to grant him the nine bestowments -- a sign of a coming usurpation -- and then declining it. The 18-year-old Cao Fang was left with little power. Sima, however, had the support of the people by removing corruption and inefficiency that characterized Cao Shuang's regency and promoting a number of honest officials. He was offered the title of Imperial Chancellor, but refused.^[28]

In 249, the powerful general Wang Ling, who was in charge of the key southeastern city of Shouchun (壽春, in modern Lu'an, Anhui) began to plan a revolt against Sima's hold on power, in association with Cao Biao (曹彪), the Prince of Chu and a son of Cao Cao (whom he planned to replace Cao Fang with as emperor). In 251, Wang was ready to carry out his plans when his associates Huang Hua (黃華) and Yang Hong (楊弘) leaked the plan to Sima. Sima quickly advanced east before Wang could be ready and promised to pardon him. Wang knew that he was not ready to resist, so he submitted, but Sima again reneged on his promise and forced Wang and Cao Biao to commit suicide. Wang's clan and the clans of his associates were all slaughtered.

Having secured his family's control of Cao Wei, Sima Yi died in 251, succeeded by his son Sima Shi. The territories of Cao Wei (in yellow), AD 262 Capital Luoyang Language(s) Chinese Government Monarchy Emperor  - 220 - 226 Cao Pi  - 226 - 239 Cao Rui  - 239 - 254 Cao Fang  - 254 - 260 Cao Mao  - 260 - 265 Cao Huan Historical era Three Kingdoms  - Cao Pi taking over the throne of the Later... Events July 1 – In the Battle of Abrittus, the Goths defeat the Romans; emperors Decius and Herennius Etruscus are killed. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ...

Legacy

After the fall of the Western Jin Dynasty, the belief began to shift from the popular ideal that Wei was the rightful successor to the Han toward a sympathetic view of Shu Han. Before this change, Sima Yi was seen as a righteous figure in the Book of Jin and was practically deified. Afterwards, Sima Yi began to be vilified; a view which was epitomized in the classic novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. In the novel, Sima Yi was portrayed as overly ambitious, crafty, backhanded and treacherous, serving only the needs of his family and passing the legacy to his sons to seize power for themselves. In terms of history, many of the accounts are either contradicted or simply do not exist and were most likely borrowed from either the elements of Luo Guanzhong's imagination or from folk tales that had been passed down through the ages. Han Dynasty in 87 BC Capital Changan (206 BC–9 AD) Luoyang (25 AD–220 AD) Language(s) Chinese Religion Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Chinese folk religion Government Monarchy History  - Establishment 206 BC  - Battle of Gaixia; Han rule of China begins 202 BC  - Interruption of Han rule 9 - 24  - Abdication... The Book of Jin (Chinese:晋书) is one of the official Chinese historical works. ... For other uses, see Romance of the Three Kingdoms (disambiguation). ... Luo Guanzhong (Traditional Chinese: 羅貫中, Wade Giles: Lo Kuan-chung) was a 14th century Chinese author attributed with writing Romance of the Three Kingdoms and editing Outlaws of the Marsh, two of the most revered adventure epics in Chinese literature. ...

As Sima Yi's contributions toward Cao Wei are substantial, the debate of his legacy lies within what motivated his actions. A debate, that has continued to this day and will most likely never be resolved, as to whether Sima Yi was acting in a benevolent way, such as Huo Guang did during the Han Dynasty, or whether he was acting out of pure ambition, comparable to Wang Mang's short-lived Xin Dynasty. However, he died only a few years after forcibly regaining his power from Cao Shuang, leaving no definitive answer to his intentions for future generations. Huo Guang (Traditional Chinese: 霍光) (d. ... Wang Mang (王莽, pinyin: Wáng Măng) (45 BC–October 6, 23), courtesy name Jujun (巨君), was a Han Dynasty official who seized the throne from the Liu family and founded Xin (or Hsin) Dynasty (新朝, meaning new dynasty), ruling AD 8–23. ... The Xin Dynasty (Chinese: 新朝; Hanyu Pinyin: xīn cháo; meaning New Dynasty; 8-23) was a dynasty (even though, contrary to the usual meaning of a dynasty, it had but one emperor) in Chinese history. ...

Legends

One legend about Sima Yi is that he could turn his head 180° around on his neck to look backwards without turning his body. This characteristic was called "the turning-back of the wolf" (狼顧) supposedly based on the fact that wolves are cautious and aware of everything going on around them as though they had eyes in the back of their heads. It is said that Cao Cao heard this rumor and wanted to test it for himself. According to the legend, he came up behind Sima Yi and called out his name, and indeed his head did turn completely around. According to the Book of Jin, when Cao Cao saw this he grew cautious of Sima Yi, saying "This man is hiding great ambition". Cao Pi would later say of Sima Yi "This man probably has no intention of ending his life as a mere servant".

Modern references

Sima Yi as he appears in Koei's Dynasty Warriors 6.

Sima Yi appears in the Dynasty Warriors video game series by Koei, with his first appearance being Dynasty Warriors 2. Sima Yi is portrayed as cunning, ruthless and extremely arrogant, boasting endlessly with each victory. Koeis Current Company Logo Koei Co. ... Dynasty Warriors 6 , as known in Japan) is a hack and slash video game set in Ancient China and the sixth official installment in the Dynasty Warriors series, developed by Omega Force and published by Koei. ... Dynasty Warriors , lit. ... Koeis Current Company Logo Koei Co. ... Dynasty Warriors 2 (真・三國無双) is the second game in Koeis Dynasty Warriors series, available on Playstation 2. ...

Family

Wives

• Lady Zhang Chunhua (張春華) (d. 247), later posthumously honored as Empress Xuanmu (宣穆皇后)
• Princess Fu (伏貴妃)
• Lady Zhang (張夫人)
• Lady Bai (柏夫人)

Events Births Deaths Categories: 247 ...

Direct descendants

• Sima Shi (司馬師) (born by Lady Zhang Chunhua)
• Sima Zhao (司馬昭) (born by Lady Zhang Chunhua)
  • Sima Yan (司馬炎) (Grandson, founder of the Jin Dynasty)
• Sima Gan (司馬幹) (born by Lady Zhang Chunhua)
• Sima Zhou (司馬伷) (born by Lady Fu)
• Sima Liang (司馬亮) (born by Lady Fu)
• Sima Jing (司馬京) (born by Lady Fu)
• Sima Jun (司馬駿) (born by Lady Fu)
• Sima Rong (司馬肜) (born by Lady Zhang; died very young)
• Sima Lun (司馬倫) (born by Lady Bai)

The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... Sima Zhao (司馬昭) (211-264) was the son of Prime Minister Sima Yi of the Kingdom of Wei, during the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. ... Format of naming convention in English is under discussion at Wikipedia talk:Naming conventions (Chinese) and Wikipedia talk:Naming conventions (Chinese)/monarchical titles. ... The Jin Dynasty (晉 pinyin: jìn, 265-420), one of the Six Dynasties, followed the Three Kingdoms and preceded the Southern and Northern Dynasties in China. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards and to make a clear distinction between fact and fiction, this article may require cleanup. ... Sima Liang (司馬亮) (d. ... Sima Lun (sim. ...

Other family

Ancestors

• Sima Xi (司馬錫) (distant ancestor)
• Sima Áng (司馬卬) (Prince of Qin (秦末殷王), 12th generation ancestor)
• Sima Qian (司馬遷) (famous historian, ancestor)
• Sima Jun (司馬鈞) (great-great-grandfather)
• Sima Liang (司馬量) (great grandfather)
• Sima Jun (司馬儁) (grandfather)
• Sima Fang (司馬防) (father)

Brothers

• Sima Lang (司馬朗) (older brother)
• Sima Fu (司馬孚) (younger brother)
• Sima Kui (司馬馗) (younger brother)
• Sima Xun (司馬恂) (younger brother)
• Sima Jin (司馬進) (younger brother)
• Sima Tong (司馬通) (younger brother)
• Sima Min (司馬敏) (younger brother)

Sima Qian Si Ma Qian (司馬遷) (c. ... Sima Lang (171–217) was the older brother of Sima Yi and a Han Dynasty official during the reign of Emperor Xian. ... Sima Fu (180 - 272) was a politician in the latter part of the Han Dynasty, and then in the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. ...

References

• Fang Xuanling, Book of Jin vol. 1.
• Yu Huan, Weilüe.
• Luo Guanzhong, Romance of the Three Kingdoms.
• Sakaguchi, Wazumi (ed.) (2005) 坂口和澄・著 Seishi Sangokushi Gunyu Meimeiden 『正史三國志群雄銘銘傳』 Kojinsha:Tokyo.
• Watanabe, Seiichi (ed.) (2006) 渡辺精一・監修 Moichidomanabitai Sangokushi 『もう一度学びたい 三国志』 Seitosha:Tokyo.

A painting of Fang Xuanling, by the Japanese painter Kikuchi Yosai. ... The Book of Jin (Chinese:晋书) is one of the official Chinese historical works. ... Yu Huan (Chinese: ; pinyin: Yú Huàn, fl. ... The Weilüe (Chinese: ; pinyin: ; Wade-Giles: Wei-lüeh) written by Yu Huan (Chinese: ; pinyin: ) between CE 239, the end of Emperor Ming’s reign, and 265 CE, the end of the Cao Wei (220-265 CE). ... Luo Guanzhong (Traditional Chinese: 羅貫中, Wade Giles: Lo Kuan-chung) was a 14th century Chinese author attributed with writing Romance of the Three Kingdoms and editing Outlaws of the Marsh, two of the most revered adventure epics in Chinese literature. ... For other uses, see Romance of the Three Kingdoms (disambiguation). ...

See also

• Three Kingdoms
• Personages of the Three Kingdoms
• Records of Three Kingdoms
• Romance of the Three Kingdoms