Hua Xin, along with a host of civil and military officials, entered the presence of Emperor Xian. Hua Xin knelt and addressed the throne: "We humbly observe that since the King of Wei ascended to his position, his virtue has spread across the four corners of the realm, his benevolence has touched all living things, surpassing both ancient and modern times—even the sage-kings Yao and Shun could not exceed him. Our council has concluded that the mandate of the Han dynasty has run its course. We beseech Your Majesty to follow the example of Yao and Shun, and cede the mountains, rivers, and altars of the state to the King of Wei. This would accord with the will of Heaven above and the desires of the people below. Your Majesty would then enjoy a life of tranquil leisure, bringing fortune to your ancestors and blessing to all living souls. We have deliberated and now come to present this petition."
The Emperor was thunderstruck by this proposal. For a long moment, he could not speak. Gazing at the assembled officials through tear-filled eyes, he said: "I recall how our founder, Emperor Gao, wielded his three-foot blade, slew the serpent, and raised the standard of rebellion. He pacified Qin and destroyed Chu, establishing a foundation that has been passed down through generations for four hundred years. Though I am unworthy and have committed no great evil at the start of my reign, how can I bear to cast aside the great enterprise of my ancestors as if it were nothing? You officials must deliberate this matter further and find another way."
Hua Xin then beckoned Li Fu and Xu Zhi forward to speak. "If Your Majesty does not believe us," Hua Xin said, "ask these two men." Li Fu reported: "Since the King of Wei ascended his position, qilin have been born, phoenixes have appeared, yellow dragons have emerged, bountiful grain has flourished, and sweet dew has fallen from Heaven. These are auspicious signs from above—proof that Wei is destined to replace Han." Xu Zhi added: "We are charged with observing the heavenly patterns. By night, we study the constellations and see that the fiery destiny of Han has already expired. Your Majesty's imperial star is dim and hidden. The celestial signs of Wei, however, stretch from earth to sky—too many to describe. Moreover, these signs correspond to the prophetic charts. The prophecy reads: 'The ghost stands by the side, the entrusting is linked; when Han is to be replaced, no words can be spoken. The words are in the east, the noon is in the west; two suns shine together, moving up and down.' Based on this, Your Majesty should abdicate without delay. 'The ghost stands by the side, the entrusting is linked'—that forms the character for Wei. 'The words are in the east, the noon is in the west'—that forms the character for Xu. 'Two suns shine together, moving up and down'—that forms the character for Chang. This means Wei is destined to receive the abdication of Han at Xuchang. We beg Your Majesty to consider this carefully."
The Emperor replied: "Auspicious omens and prophetic charts are all empty, false things. How can you ask me to abandon my ancestral inheritance based on such delusions?" Wang Lang then stepped forward and said: "From ancient times, every rise has been followed by a fall, every flourishing by a decline. Has there ever been a kingdom that did not fall, a house that did not collapse? The Han dynasty has continued for over four hundred years, down to Your Majesty. Its mandate is exhausted. You should abdicate early without hesitation. Delay will bring disaster." The Emperor burst into tears and fled into the rear palace. The officials, sneering, withdrew.
The next day, the officials assembled once more in the great hall and sent eunuchs to summon the Emperor. The Emperor, overcome with fear and dread, refused to come out. Empress Cao asked him: "The officials are requesting Your Majesty to hold court. Why do you refuse?" The Emperor wept and said: "Your brother wishes to usurp the throne and has set the officials to pressure me. That is why I do not appear." Empress Cao flew into a rage. "How can my brother commit such treasonous and rebellious acts!" Before she finished speaking, Cao Hong and Cao Xiu entered with swords drawn, insisting that the Emperor appear in the hall. Empress Cao cursed them loudly: "All of you are traitors and rebels, scheming for wealth and glory by plotting rebellion! Our father's achievements spanned the realm, his might shook all under Heaven, yet even he dared not usurp the sacred vessel of the throne. Now my brother has barely succeeded him, and already he plots to seize the Han throne. Heaven will surely not bless you!" With these words, she wept bitterly and retreated into the palace. The attendants around her all sobbed and wiped away their tears.
Cao Hong and Cao Xiu forcefully urged the Emperor to appear. Pressed beyond endurance, the Emperor changed his robes and went to the front hall. Hua Xin said: "Your Majesty must follow our counsel from yesterday to avoid great calamity." The Emperor wept: "All of you have eaten of Han's grain for so long! Many of you are descendants of Han's meritorious ministers. How can you bear to commit such an act of disloyalty?" Hua Xin replied: "If Your Majesty does not follow the will of the assembly, I fear disaster may arise from within the palace walls at any moment. It is not that we are disloyal to Your Majesty." The Emperor demanded: "Who would dare to assassinate me?" Hua Xin's voice grew harsh: "Everyone under Heaven knows that Your Majesty lacks the fortune of a true ruler, which is why chaos spreads across the land! If not for the King of Wei at court, there would be more than one who would have slain Your Majesty. And yet you do not recognize this debt of gratitude. Do you wish to make all under Heaven rise up against you?" The Emperor, terrified, shook his sleeves and stood to leave. Wang Lang shot a meaningful glance at Hua Xin. Hua Xin strode forward, seized the Emperor's dragon robe, and his face darkened as he said: "Will you agree or not? Give us your answer now!" The Emperor trembled and could not reply. Cao Hong and Cao Xiu drew their swords and shouted: "Where is the Keeper of the Imperial Seal?" Zu Bi answered, stepping forward: "The Keeper of the Imperial Seal is here!" Cao Hong demanded the jade seal. Zu Bi rebuked him: "The jade seal is the sacred treasure of the Son of Heaven. How dare you demand it without authorization!" Cao Hong ordered the guards to drag him out and execute him. Zu Bi continued cursing until the moment of his death. Of this man,
history records: When traitors seized power and the Han dynasty fell, they falsely claimed abdication in the manner of Yao and Shun. The entire court bowed before Wei—only the Keeper of the Imperial Seal proved himself a true and loyal minister.
The Emperor trembled uncontrollably. Below the steps stood hundreds of armored soldiers bearing spears—all of them Wei troops. The Emperor wept and said to the officials: "I am willing to cede all under Heaven to the King of Wei. I only beg that my miserable life be spared so I may live out my remaining years." Jia Xu said: "The King of Wei will surely not betray Your Majesty. Your Majesty should issue an edict of abdication at once to calm the people's hearts." The Emperor had no choice but to order Chen Qun to draft the abdication decree. He commanded Hua Xin to deliver the decree and the imperial seal, leading the officials to the King of Wei's palace to present them. Cao Pi was overjoyed. He opened and read the decree:
"I have reigned for thirty-two years. The realm has been thrown into turmoil, and only by the grace of my ancestors have I survived the dangers. But now, looking up at the heavens and down at the hearts of the people, the fire of Han's destiny has burned out. The mandate now belongs to the house of Cao. My predecessor established his divine and martial legacy, and now my successor shines with brilliant virtue, answering the call of this age. The signs are clear and undeniable. The Way of Great Unity holds that all under Heaven belongs to all. Tang Yao did not bequeath the realm to his own son, yet his name echoes through eternity. I humbly admire this example. Now I follow the precedent of Yao and abdicate the throne to the Chancellor, the King of Wei. Let the King not refuse!"
Having heard the decree, Cao Pi prepared to accept it. But Sima Yi advised: "This cannot be. Though the decree and seal have arrived, Your Highness should first submit a humble refusal to forestall criticism from all under Heaven." Cao Pi agreed and ordered Wang Lang to compose a memorial in which he claimed his virtue was insufficient and begged that another worthy be chosen to succeed to the throne. When the Emperor read this memorial, he was greatly alarmed and asked the officials: "The King of Wei is being modest. What should we do?" Hua Xin replied: "When the late King of Wei, Cao Cao, accepted his royal title, he thrice refused before the decree insisted he accept. Now Your Majesty should issue another decree, and the King of Wei will surely comply." The Emperor had no choice but to order Huan Jie to draft a second decree. He sent Zhang Yin, the High Temple Envoy, bearing the imperial credentials and the jade seal to the King of Wei's palace. Cao Pi opened and read the decree:
"To the King of Wei: You have submitted a memorial of humble refusal. I recognize that the Way of Han has long been in decline. Fortunately, we had the late King Cao Cao, whose virtue answered Heaven's call. He raised his divine arms, swept away the cruel and violent, and purified the realm. Now you, King Pi, have succeeded to his legacy. Your virtue shines brightly, your teachings spread across the four seas, and your benevolence reaches the eight corners of the world. Heaven's mandate now rests upon you. In ancient times, Yu Shun performed twenty great deeds, and Fang Xun ceded the realm to him. Great Yu accomplished the work of taming the floods, and Zhong Hua ceded the throne to him. Han inherited the legacy of Yao and upholds the tradition of passing the throne to the worthy. In accordance with the will of the spirits and the bright command of Heaven, I send the Imperial Secretary Zhang Yin, bearing the imperial credentials and the seal. Let the King accept them!"
Cao Pi received the decree with joy but said to Jia Xu: "Though I have received two decrees, I still fear that future generations will brand me a usurper." Jia Xu replied: "This is easily resolved. Send Zhang Yin back with the seal and credentials. Then have Hua Xin order the Emperor to build an altar, to be called the Altar of Abdication. Choose an auspicious day and gather all the high and low officials. Have the Son of Heaven personally present the seal and cede the realm to Your Highness on the altar. This will dispel all doubts and silence all criticism." Cao Pi was greatly pleased. He immediately ordered Zhang Yin to return the seal and credentials and submitted another memorial of humble refusal. Zhang Yin reported back to Emperor Xian. The Emperor asked the officials: "The King of Wei refuses again. What does this mean?" Hua Xin replied: "Your Majesty should build an altar called the Altar of Abdication. Gather the officials and the common people for a clear and public abdication. Then Your Majesty's descendants will surely enjoy the grace of Wei." The Emperor agreed. He ordered the officials of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices to select a site at Fanyang, where a three-tiered altar was constructed. The date was set for the day of Gengwu in the tenth month, at the hour of Yin (3-5 AM).
On the appointed day, Emperor Xian invited the King of Wei, Cao Pi, to ascend the altar and receive the abdication. Below the altar gathered over four hundred high and low officials and more than three hundred thousand imperial guards and elite troops. The Emperor personally presented the jade seal to Cao Pi, who accepted it. The officials below the altar knelt to hear the proclamation:
"To the King of Wei! In ancient times, Tang Yao abdicated to Yu Shun, and Shun in turn commanded Yu. Heaven's mandate is not fixed; it returns only to the virtuous. The Way of Han has decayed, and the world has lost its order. In my time, great chaos has erupted, rebels run rampant, and the realm has been overturned. Thanks to the divine might of the late King Cao Cao, who rescued the land from calamity, purified the realm, and preserved our ancestral temples—not only did I find peace, but the entire realm received his blessings. Now you, King, have inherited his legacy and brightened his virtue. You have restored the great enterprise of Kings Wen and Wu and illuminated your father's grand achievements. Heaven's spirits send auspicious signs, and men and gods alike give testimony. All declare that your virtue matches that of Yu Shun. Therefore, following the precedent of Yao, I humbly yield my throne to you. Ah! Heaven's mandate rests upon you. May you reverently observe the great rites and rule over the myriad states, solemnly receiving the command of Heaven!"
When the proclamation was finished, the King of Wei, Cao Pi, received the eight great ceremonial honors and ascended the imperial throne. Jia Xu led the high and low officials in paying homage before the altar. The reign title was changed from Yankang to Huangchu (Yellow Beginning), and the dynasty was named Great Wei. Cao Pi immediately issued an edict granting a general amnesty. He posthumously honored his father, Cao Cao, as Emperor Wu, the Grand Progenitor. Hua Xin then said: "There cannot be two suns in the sky, nor two masters among the people. Since the Han Emperor has abdicated, he should retire to a vassal's state. May I request a clear decree on where the Liu family should be settled?" With these words, he forced Emperor Xian to kneel before the altar to receive the decree. Cao Pi decreed that the former Emperor be enfeoffed as the Duke of Shanyang and ordered him to depart immediately. Hua Xin, pointing his sword at the former Emperor, said harshly: "To raise one emperor and depose another is an ancient custom! Our present sovereign is merciful and unwilling to harm you. He has enfeoffed you as the Duke of Shanyang. You must leave today! Without a summons, you are not to enter the court!" The former Emperor, choking back tears, bowed in thanks, mounted his horse, and departed. The soldiers and commoners below the altar were deeply moved by the sight. Cao Pi said to his officials: "Now I understand the affairs of Shun and Yu!" The officials all shouted, "Long live the Emperor!" Future generations, gazing upon this Altar of Abdication, would lament: The two Han dynasties had built their realm with such difficulty, yet in a single morning, the old rivers and mountains were lost. The Huangchu Emperor sought to imitate the deeds of Tang and Yu, but Sima Yi would one day show him what that truly meant.
The officials then requested Cao Pi to offer thanks to Heaven and Earth. As he began to bow, a sudden, strange wind arose before the altar. Sand and stones flew through the air, swirling like a violent storm, so thick that one could not see the face of the man before him. All the torches on the altar were extinguished. Cao Pi, terrified, collapsed upon the altar. The officials rushed to help him down, and it was a long while before he regained his senses. Attendants helped him into the palace, and for several days he could not hold court. When his illness finally subsided, he emerged to receive the congratulations of his officials. He appointed Hua Xin as Minister of Education and Wang Lang as Minister of Public Works, and all the officials, high and low, were rewarded with promotions and gifts. But Cao Pi's illness had not fully healed. Suspecting that the palace in Xuchang was haunted by evil spirits, he moved his capital from Xuchang to Luoyang and began constructing grand palaces there.
Soon, news reached Chengdu that Cao Pi had proclaimed himself Emperor of Great Wei and was building palaces in Luoyang. There were also rumors that the Han Emperor had been murdered. When the King of Hanzhong, Liu Bei, heard this, he wept bitterly all day. He ordered all his officials to wear mourning garments and conducted a distant sacrificial ceremony, bestowing upon the fallen emperor the posthumous title of "Filial and Compassionate Emperor." Xuande was so consumed by grief that he fell ill and could no longer manage state affairs, entrusting everything to Zhuge Liang.
Zhuge Liang, together with Grand Tutor Xu Jing and Imperial Household Grandee Qiao Zhou, discussed the matter. They agreed that the realm could not be without a ruler for even a single day and wished to honor the King of Hanzhong as emperor. Qiao Zhou said: "Recently, there have been auspicious signs—prophetic winds and clouds of celebration. A yellow vapor, dozens of feet high, has risen from the northwest corner of Chengdu, shooting into the heavens. The imperial star has appeared in the constellations of Bi, Wei, and Mao, shining as brightly as the moon. This is a clear sign that the King of Hanzhong should ascend the throne and continue the Han lineage. What is there to doubt?" Thus Zhuge Liang and Xu Jing led the high and low officials in presenting a memorial, requesting the King of Hanzhong to assume the imperial throne. When the King of Hanzhong read the memorial, he was greatly startled and said: "Are you trying to make me a man without loyalty or righteousness?" Zhuge Liang replied: "Not at all. Cao Pi has usurped the Han throne and declared himself emperor. Your Highness is a descendant of the Han imperial house. It is only right that you should succeed to the throne and continue the Han sacrifices." The King of Hanzhong's face darkened with anger. "Would I imitate the deeds of that traitor?" He shook his sleeves and rose, retreating into the rear palace. The officials all dispersed.
Three days later, Zhuge Liang again led the officials into court and requested the King of Hanzhong to appear. They all knelt before him. Xu Jing said: "The Han Emperor has been murdered by Cao Pi. If Your Highness does not ascend the throne and raise an army to punish the traitor, you cannot be considered loyal or righteous. All under Heaven desires you to become emperor and avenge the Filial and Compassionate Emperor. If you reject our counsel, you will lose the people's hope." The King of Hanzhong replied: "Though I am a descendant of Emperor Jing, I have not spread virtue or grace among the people. If I suddenly proclaim myself emperor, how is that different from usurpation?" Zhuge Liang pleaded repeatedly, but the King of Hanzhong remained firm in his refusal.
Zhuge Liang then devised a plan and instructed the officials accordingly. He pretended to be ill and refused to leave his home. When the King of Hanzhong heard that Zhuge Liang was gravely ill, he personally went to his residence and approached his bedside. "What illness afflicts you, Master Military Strategist?" he asked. Zhuge Liang replied: "My heart burns with worry. My days are numbered!" The King of Hanzhong asked: "What worries you?" He asked several times, but Zhuge Liang only claimed his illness was severe, closed his eyes, and did not answer. The King of Hanzhong pressed him again and again. Zhuge Liang sighed deeply and said: "Since I left my thatched cottage and met Your Highness, I have followed you until now. You have listened to my words and followed my plans. Now, fortunately, Your Highness possesses the two Riverlands of Shu, fulfilling the prophecy I spoke of long ago. But now Cao Pi has usurped the throne, and the Han sacrifices are about to be extinguished. All the civil and military officials wish to honor Your Highness as emperor, to destroy Wei and restore Liu, and to achieve fame together. But you stubbornly refuse. The officials are growing resentful and will soon scatter. If the civil and military officials all disperse, Wu and Wei will attack, and the two Riverlands cannot be held. How can I not be worried?" The King of Hanzhong said: "It is not that I wish to refuse, but I fear the criticism of the world." Zhuge Liang replied: "The sage said: 'If the name is not correct, the words will not ring true.' Now Your Highness's name is correct and your words will ring true. What criticism can there be? Have you not heard that if Heaven offers a gift and you do not take it, you will suffer the consequences?"
The King of Hanzhong said: "Let us wait until your illness is cured before proceeding." Upon hearing this, Zhuge Liang sprang up from his bed and struck the folding screen. At this signal, the civil and military officials outside all entered and knelt before the King, saying: "Since Your Highness has consented, please choose an auspicious day for the great ceremony." The King of Hanzhong looked and saw Grand Tutor Xu Jing, General of Pacifying Han Mi Zhu, Marquis of Qingyi Xiang Ju, Marquis of Yangquan Liu Bao, Deputy Zhao Zuo, Administrator Yang Hong, Advisor Du Qiong, Attendant Zhang Shuang, Grand Master of Ceremonies Lai Gong, Imperial Household Grandee Huang Quan, Libationer He Zong, Scholar Yin Mo, Academician Qiao Zhou, Grand Marshal Yin Chun, Lieutenant-General Zhang Yi, Junior Steward Wang Mou, Doctor of Illustrious Learning Yi Ji, and Attendant Lang Qin Mi, among others.
The King of Hanzhong exclaimed in astonishment: "It is you who have trapped me into disloyalty!" Zhuge Liang said: "Since Your Highness has consented to our request, we can now build an altar, choose an auspicious day, and reverently perform the great ceremony." He immediately escorted the King of Hanzhong back to his palace. At the same time, he ordered Doctor Xu Ci and Remonstrance Gentleman Meng Guang to oversee the rites. An altar was constructed south of Wudan in Chengdu. When all was prepared, the officials arranged the imperial carriage and invited the King of Hanzhong to ascend the altar and offer sacrifices. Qiao Zhou, standing on the altar, read the sacrificial prayer in a loud voice:
"In the twenty-sixth year of Jian'an, on the twelfth day of the fourth month, I, Liu Bei, Emperor, dare to make this solemn proclamation to Heaven and Earth: Han has possessed the realm, and its mandate stretches without end. In times past, Wang Mang usurped and stole the throne. Emperor Guangwu, in his righteous wrath, punished him and restored the altars of the state. Now Cao Cao, wielding his troops with cruelty, has murdered the Empress and committed crimes that reach the heavens. His son, Cao Pi, has continued this treacherous violence and has seized the sacred vessel of the throne. The officials and soldiers below believe that the Han sacrifices have fallen and that I, Bei, should extend them. I should succeed the two progenitors—Emperor Gao and Emperor Guangwu—and personally execute Heaven's punishment. I fear my lack of virtue is unworthy of the imperial throne. I have consulted the people and even the chieftains of distant lands, and all say: 'Heaven's mandate cannot be unanswered; the ancestral enterprise cannot long be abandoned; the four seas cannot be without a ruler. The hopes of all the land rest upon you alone.' I fear the bright command of Heaven and dread that the achievements of Emperor Gao and Emperor Guangwu will fall to the ground. Therefore, I have respectfully chosen this auspicious day, ascended the altar, offered sacrifice, and received the imperial seal and credentials, to rule over the four corners of the world. May the spirits bless the house of Han and grant eternal peace to its reign!"
When the prayer was finished, Zhuge Liang led the officials in respectfully presenting the jade seal. The King of Hanzhong received it, held it upon the altar, and thrice declined, saying: "I have neither talent nor virtue. Please choose someone worthy to receive it." Zhuge Liang replied: "Your Highness has pacified the four seas. Your merit and virtue shine across all under Heaven. Moreover, you are of the Han imperial lineage. It is fitting that you should ascend the throne. You have already offered sacrifice and proclaimed this to the gods. Why do you still refuse?" The civil and military officials all shouted, "Long live the Emperor!" After the ceremonies of bowing and dancing were completed, the reign title was changed to the first year of Zhangwu (Manifesting Martial Prowess). Lady Wu was established as Empress, and the eldest son, Liu Shan, was made Crown Prince. The second son, Liu Yong, was enfeoffed as the Prince of Lu, and the third son, Liu Li, as the Prince of Liang. Zhuge Liang was appointed Imperial Chancellor, Xu Jing as Minister of Education, and all the officials, high and low, were promoted and rewarded. A general amnesty was granted. The soldiers and people of the two Riverlands rejoiced and celebrated.
The next day, at court, the civil and military officials paid their respects and stood in two rows. The First Sovereign (Liu Bei) issued an edict: "I recall that in the Peach Garden, I swore an oath with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, vowing to live and die together. But sadly, my second brother, Yunchang, was murdered by Sun Quan of Eastern Wu. If I do not avenge him, I will have betrayed that oath. I intend to raise the entire army of the realm, march against Eastern Wu, capture the traitor alive, and wash away this hatred!" Before he finished speaking, one of the officials knelt at the foot of the steps and counseled: "This cannot be done." The First Sovereign looked and saw that it was the Tiger Might General, Zhao Zilong (Zhao Yun). Truly: Before the sovereign could execute Heaven's punishment, a loyal minister stepped forward with words of honest counsel. What advice Zhao Zilong would offer, let the next chapter reveal.