Now, Gongsun Yuan was the grandson of Gongsun Du and the son of Gongsun Kang of Liaodong. In the twelfth year of the Jian'an era (207 AD), when Cao Cao pursued Yuan Shang but had not yet reached Liaodong, Gongsun Kang beheaded Yuan Shang and presented the head to Cao Cao, who then enfeoffed Kang as the Marquis of Xiangping. Later, Kang died, leaving two young sons: the elder, Huang, and the younger, Yuan. Kang's younger brother, Gongsun Gong, succeeded to the position. During Cao Pi's reign, Gong was enfeoffed as General of Chariots and Cavalry and Marquis of Xiangping. In the second year of the Taihe era (228 AD), Yuan had grown to manhood, possessing both civil and martial talents. With a violent and combative nature, he seized his uncle Gongsun Gong's position. Cao Rui then enfeoffed Yuan as General Who Spreads Valor and Grand Administrator of Liaodong. Later, Sun Quan dispatched Zhang Mi and Xu Yan to Liaodong bearing gold, pearls, and precious jade, enfeoffing Yuan as the King of Yan. Yuan, fearing the Central Plains, executed Zhang and Xu and sent their heads to Cao Rui. Rui then enfeoffed Yuan as Grand Marshal and Duke of Lelang. But Yuan's ambition was unsated. After consulting with his subordinates, he proclaimed himself King of Yan and changed the reign title to the first year of Shaohan. His deputy general, Jia Fan, remonstrated: "The Central Plains has treated you with the rank of a high duke—this is not a lowly position. To rebel now is truly an unrighteous act. Moreover, Sima Yi is a master of warfare; even the Martial Marquis of Shu, Zhuge Liang, could not overcome him. How can you, my lord, hope to succeed?" Enraged, Yuan ordered his guards to bind Jia Fan and behead him.
The military advisor, Lun Zhi, also remonstrated: "Jia Fan's words are correct. The sage said: 'When a state is about to perish, evil omens appear.' Lately, many strange events have occurred in our land: a dog wearing a turban and red robes climbed onto a roof and walked like a man; in a village south of the city, as peasants cooked their rice, a child was found steamed to death inside the steamer; in the northern market of Xiangping, the ground suddenly caved in, revealing a lump of flesh several feet in circumference, complete with a head, face, eyes, ears, mouth, and nose, but lacking hands and feet. It was impervious to sword or arrow, and no one knew what it was. Diviners said: 'It has form but is incomplete; it has a mouth but is voiceless. The state will perish, and thus this form appears.' These three omens are all inauspicious. You should avoid disaster and seek fortune, my lord. Do not act rashly." In a fury, Yuan ordered his soldiers to bind both Lun Zhi and Jia Fan and execute them in the marketplace. He then appointed the Grand General Bei Yan as Marshal and Yang Zuo as Vanguard Commander, raising 150,000 troops from Liaodong to march on the Central Plains.
Border officials reported this to the Wei Emperor, Cao Rui. Startled, Rui summoned Sima Yi to court for counsel. Yi memorialized: "Your servant commands 40,000 infantry and cavalry, more than enough to crush the rebels." Rui said: "Your forces are few, and the road is long. I fear it will be difficult to subdue them." Yi replied: "Victory lies not in numbers, but in the ability to deploy stratagems and use cunning. Relying on Your Majesty's vast fortune, I will surely capture Gongsun Yuan and present him before you." Rui asked: "What do you think Gongsun Yuan will do?" Yi answered: "If Yuan abandons his city and flees, that would be his best plan. If he defends Liaodong against our main army, that would be his middle plan. If he sits and defends Xiangping, that would be his worst plan, and he will surely be captured by me." Rui inquired: "How long will this campaign take, there and back?" Yi said: "The distance is four thousand li. One hundred days to march, one hundred days to attack, one hundred days to return, and sixty days for rest—about a year should suffice." Rui worried: "What if Wu and Shu invade?" Yi replied: "I have already devised defensive plans. Your Majesty need not worry." Overjoyed, Rui ordered Sima Yi to raise an army and campaign against Gongsun Yuan.
Yi took leave of the court and left the capital. He ordered Hu Zun as Vanguard Commander to lead the forward troops to Liaodong and establish a camp. Scouts galloped back to report to Gongsun Yuan. Yuan ordered Bei Yan and Yang Zuo to station 80,000 troops at Liaosui, digging a moat over twenty li long and surrounding it with antlered barriers, making the defenses extremely tight. Hu Zun sent word to Sima Yi. Yi laughed and said: "The rebels do not dare to fight me; they want to wear my troops out. I suspect the bulk of their forces are here, leaving their nest empty. If we abandon this position and strike directly at Xiangping, the rebels will surely rush to its defense. We can then ambush them on the way and achieve complete victory." So he ordered his troops to march toward Xiangping by a small path.
Meanwhile, Bei Yan and Yang Zuo were conferring: "If the Wei army attacks, do not engage them. They have come a thousand li; their supplies will not last. They cannot hold out long, and when their food runs out, they will retreat. Then we can strike with our elite forces and capture Sima Yi. In the past, Sima Yi faced Shu's army, holding fast south of the Wei River, and Kongming died in his camp. The same principle applies today." As they were speaking, a scout reported: "The Wei army has marched south." Bei Yan exclaimed in alarm: "They know our forces at Xiangping are few! They are going to attack our main camp! If Xiangping falls, holding this position is useless!" So they struck camp and pursued. Scouts immediately reported this to Sima Yi. Yi laughed: "He has fallen for my trap!" He ordered Xiahou Ba and Xiahou Wei each to lead a force and lie in ambush on the banks of the Liao River. "When the Liao army arrives, both sides will strike together." The two received their orders and departed. Soon, they saw Bei Yan and Yang Zuo leading their troops forward. A cannon boomed, and from both sides, drums and war cries erupted. To the left, Xiahou Ba; to the right, Xiahou Wei—both charged out simultaneously. Bei Yan and Yang Zuo, with no heart for battle, fought their way through and fled. They reached Shoushan, where they met Gongsun Yuan's reinforcements. Joining forces, they turned back to engage the Wei army. Bei Yan rode out and shouted: "You treacherous generals and your tricks! Dare you face me in battle?" Xiahou Ba spurred his horse, raised his sword, and charged. After only a few exchanges, Xiahou Ba cut Bei Yan down with a single stroke of his blade. The Liao army fell into chaos. Ba drove his troops forward in slaughter, and Gongsun Yuan led his defeated army fleeing into Xiangping City, closing the gates and holding fast. The Wei army surrounded the city on all sides.
At that time, autumn rains fell continuously for a month. The flat ground was three feet deep in water. Supply ships sailed from the mouth of the Liao River all the way to the walls of Xiangping. The Wei soldiers were in the water, unable to rest comfortably. The Left Commander, Pei Jing, entered the tent and reported: "The rains have not stopped, the camp is muddy, and the troops cannot stay here. Please move to the hills ahead." Sima Yi angrily replied: "I will capture Gongsun Yuan within days. How can we move the camp? Anyone who speaks of moving again will be executed!" Pei Jing withdrew, trembling. Shortly after, the Right Commander, Qiu Lian, also came to report: "The soldiers are suffering from the water. I beg the Grand Commandant to move to higher ground." Sima Yi roared: "My orders have already been issued! How dare you disobey!" He ordered Qiu Lian executed on the spot and his head hung at the camp gate. From then on, the army was cowed into obedience.
Yi ordered the southern camp to withdraw twenty li, allowing the civilians and soldiers inside the city to come out to gather firewood and graze their cattle and horses. The Commandant, Chen Qun, asked: "Previously, when the Grand Commandant attacked Shangyong, you divided your forces into eight columns and reached the city in eight days, capturing Meng Da in a great victory. Now, with 40,000 armored troops, you have come thousands of li, yet you do not order an attack on the city. Instead, you let the troops stay in the mud and allow the rebels to gather firewood and graze. I truly do not understand your plan." Sima Yi smiled and said: "Do you not understand the art of war? In the past, Meng Da had abundant supplies but few troops, while I had few supplies but many troops. So I had to strike quickly, taking him by surprise. Now, the Liao army is numerous, and my army is few. The rebels are hungry, and we are well-fed. Why force an attack? We should let them scatter on their own and then strike. By leaving a path open and not cutting off their foraging, I am allowing them to flee." Chen Qun bowed in admiration.
Thus, Sima Yi sent men to Luoyang to hasten supplies. The Wei Emperor, Cao Rui, held court, and all his ministers memorialized: "The autumn rains have been falling for a month without stop. The men and horses are exhausted. You should recall Sima Yi and call off the campaign for now." Rui replied: "The Grand Commandant Sima Yi is a master of warfare. He adapts to changing circumstances and has many excellent plans. He will capture Gongsun Yuan in a matter of days. Why should you worry?" So he ignored the ministers' advice and sent men to transport grain to Sima Yi's camp.
A few days later, the rains stopped and the sky cleared. That night, Sima Yi stepped out of his tent and looked up at the heavens. Suddenly, he saw a star as large as a bushel, trailing light for several zhang, falling from the northeast of Shoushan to the southeast of Xiangping. All the officers and men were terrified. But Sima Yi was overjoyed. He said to his generals: "In five days, where that star fell, Gongsun Yuan will be beheaded. Tomorrow, we will join forces and attack the city." The generals received their orders. The next morning, at first light, they surrounded the city on all sides, building earthen mounds, digging tunnels, setting up catapults, and assembling scaling ladders. They attacked day and night without pause, arrows falling like a driving rain into the city.
Inside Xiangping, Gongsun Yuan's food had run out. They were slaughtering cattle and horses for food. Everyone was resentful and had no heart to defend. They wanted to behead Yuan and surrender the city. When Yuan heard of this, he was greatly alarmed. In a panic, he ordered his Chancellor, Wang Jian, and Imperial Secretary, Liu Fu, to go to the Wei camp and beg for surrender. The two men were lowered down from the city wall and came to tell Sima Yi: "We beg the Grand Commandant to withdraw twenty li, and our lord and his ministers will come and surrender." Sima Yi was furious: "Why does Gongsun Yuan not come himself? This is utterly unreasonable!" He ordered his guards to drag them out and execute them, sending their heads back with their attendants. The attendants returned and reported this. Gongsun Yuan was horrified. He then sent the Palace Attendant, Wei Yan, to the Wei camp. Sima Yi ascended his command tent, with all his generals standing on either side. Wei Yan crawled on his knees to the foot of the dais and knelt, saying: "I beg the Grand Commandant to calm his thunderous rage. On an appointed day, we will first send the heir, Gongsun Xiu, as a hostage. Then my lord and his ministers will bind themselves and come to surrender." Sima Yi said: "There are only five essential principles in military affairs: if you can fight, fight; if you cannot fight, defend; if you cannot defend, flee; if you cannot flee, surrender; if you cannot surrender, die! Why send your son as a hostage?" He ordered Wei Yan to return and report this to Gongsun Yuan. Wei Yan fled like a rat with its head tucked.
Returning, he told Gongsun Yuan. Yuan was panic-stricken. He secretly planned with his son, Gongsun Xiu, selected a thousand men, and at the second watch that night, opened the southern gate and fled southeast. Seeing no one in pursuit, Yuan was secretly pleased. But when they had gone less than ten li, a cannon boomed from the hills, and drums and horns sounded. A column of troops blocked their path. In the center was Sima Yi himself, with Sima Shi on his left and Sima Zhao on his right. The two brothers shouted: "Rebel, do not flee!" Yuan was terrified. He wheeled his horse to find an escape route, but Hu Zun's troops were already there. To the left were Xiahou Ba and Xiahou Wei; to the right were Zhang Hu and Le Chen. They were surrounded like an iron barrel. Gongsun Yuan and his son had no choice but to dismount and surrender. Sima Yi, still on horseback, said to his generals: "On the night before last, on the day of bingyin, I saw a great star fall in this place. Tonight, on the day of renshen, the omen is fulfilled." The generals congratulated him: "The Grand Commandant's divine insight is truly remarkable!" Sima Yi ordered the execution. Gongsun Yuan and his son were beheaded on the spot. Sima Yi then led his troops to take Xiangping. Before they reached the city walls, Hu Zun had already entered the city. The people burned incense and bowed in welcome as the Wei army marched in. Sima Yi took his seat in the government office and ordered the execution of Gongsun Yuan's entire clan, along with all his co-conspirators and officials—over seventy heads in total. He then posted proclamations to reassure the people. Someone reported to Yi: "Jia Fan and Lun Zhi had bitterly remonstrated with Yuan not to rebel, and were both executed by him." So Sima Yi had their graves repaired and honored their descendants. He then distributed the treasury's wealth to reward the three armies and led his troops back to Luoyang in triumph.
Now, the Wei Emperor was in his palace. At the third watch of the night, a sudden gust of yin wind blew out the lamps, and he saw Empress Mao, leading dozens of palace women, weeping and demanding his life. Rui fell ill from this shock. His illness grew severe. He ordered the Palace Attendant and Imperial Secretary, Liu Fang and Sun Zi, to manage all affairs of the Privy Council. He also summoned his uncle, the Prince of Yan, Cao Yu, to be Grand General and assist the heir, Cao Fang, in governing. Cao Yu, being modest and gentle, was unwilling to take on such a great responsibility and firmly declined. Rui summoned Liu Fang and Sun Zi and asked: "Among the imperial clan, who is suitable?" The two men, having long received favors from Cao Zhen, recommended: "Only Cao Shuang, the son of Cao Zidan, is suitable." Rui agreed. The two then memorialized: "If you wish to use Cao Shuang, you must send the Prince of Yan back to his fief." Rui consented. The two then requested that Rui issue an edict, which they took to the Prince of Yan, saying: "There is an imperial edict ordering the Prince of Yan to return to his fief, with immediate effect. Without an edict, you are not permitted to enter the court." The Prince of Yan left in tears. Cao Shuang was then enfeoffed as Grand General, with overall authority over the government.
Rui's condition grew critical. He urgently sent an envoy with a token to summon Sima Yi back to court. Upon receiving the order, Yi went directly to Xuchang and entered the presence of the Wei Emperor. Rui said: "I feared I would never see you again. Now that I have seen you, I can die without regret." Sima Yi kowtowed and said: "On the road, I heard that Your Majesty's sacred body was unwell. I wished I could have grown wings to fly to your presence. To see your dragon countenance today is my greatest fortune." Rui summoned the heir, Cao Fang, the Grand General, Cao Shuang, and the attendants, Liu Fang and Sun Zi, all to his bedside. Rui took Sima Yi's hand and said: "In the past, when Liu Xuande was critically ill at Baidicheng, he entrusted his young son, Liu Shan, to the care of Zhuge Kongming. Kongming, in turn, exhausted his loyalty to the very end. Even a petty state acted thus; how much more so should a great empire? My young son, Cao Fang, is only eight years old and cannot manage the state. I rely on you, Grand Commandant, and my elder cousin, as well as the meritorious old ministers, to assist him with all your might. Do not disappoint my trust!" He then called Fang to him and said: "Zhongda is one with me. You must treat him with respect." He ordered Yi to bring Fang closer. Fang clung to Yi's neck and would not let go. Rui said: "Grand Commandant, do not forget the affection this young child shows you today!" As he spoke, tears streamed down. Sima Yi kowtowed and wept. The Wei Emperor grew faint, unable to speak. He could only point at the heir. In a moment, he died. He had reigned for thirteen years, at the age of thirty-six. It was the latter part of the first month of the third year of the Jingchu era of Wei (239 AD).
Immediately, Sima Yi and Cao Shuang supported the heir, Cao Fang, to ascend the imperial throne. Fang's style name was Lanqing. He was an adopted son of Rui, raised in the palace, and no one knew his true origins. Cao Fang posthumously honored Rui as Emperor Ming and buried him at Gaoping Mound. He honored Empress Guo as Empress Dowager and changed the reign title to the first year of Zhengshi. Sima Yi and Cao Shuang jointly administered the government. Shuang treated Yi with great respect, and all important matters were first reported to him. Shuang's style name was Zhaobo. From childhood, he had frequented the palace. Emperor Ming found him cautious and respected him. Shuang had five hundred retainers at his gate, among whom five were known for their frivolous and boastful ways: He Yan, style name Pingshu; Deng Yang, style name Xuanmao, a descendant of Deng Yu; Li Sheng, style name Gongzhao; Ding Mi, style name Yanjing; and Bi Gui, style name Zhaoxian. There was also the Grand Minister of Agriculture, Huan Fan, style name Yuanze, who was quite intelligent and resourceful, often called the "Bag of Wisdom." These men were all trusted by Shuang.
He Yan told Shuang: "My lord, you should not entrust your great authority to others, lest it breed future trouble." Shuang said: "Sima Yi and I received the late emperor's dying charge together. How can I bear to betray him?" Yan replied: "In the past, when your late father and Zhongda were fighting the Shu army, your father suffered repeated humiliations at this man's hands, which led to his death. How can you not see this?" Shuang suddenly realized the truth. He consulted with many officials and then entered the court to memorialize Cao Fang: "Sima Yi's merits are high and his virtue is great. He should be promoted to Grand Tutor." Fang agreed. From then on, all military authority fell into Shuang's hands. Shuang appointed his younger brother, Cao Xi, as General of the Central Guard; Cao Xun as General of Martial Valor; and Cao Yan as Cavalier Attendant. Each commanded three thousand Imperial Guardsmen, and they were free to enter and leave the palace. He also appointed He Yan, Deng Yang, and Ding Mi as Imperial Secretaries; Bi Gui as Colonel of the Capital Police; and Li Sheng as Governor of Henan. These five men discussed affairs with Shuang day and night. Thus, the number of guests at Cao Shuang's gate grew daily. Sima Yi feigned illness and did not leave his house. His two sons also resigned from their posts and lived in seclusion. Shuang spent his days drinking and feasting with He Yan and the others. The clothes and utensils he used were no different from those of the court. Of all the rare and curious tributes from every region, he took the finest for himself before sending them to the palace. His mansion was filled with beautiful women. The eunuch Zhang Dang, currying favor with Shuang, secretly selected seven or eight of the late emperor's concubines and sent them to Shuang's residence. Shuang also selected thirty or forty daughters of good families who were skilled in song and dance to be his private entertainers. He built multi-storied towers and painted pavilions, crafted gold and silver vessels, and employed hundreds of skilled artisans who worked day and night.
Now, He Yan heard that Guan Lu of Pingyuan was a master of the divinatory arts. He invited him to discuss the Book of Changes. Deng Yang was also present. Deng Yang asked Guan Lu: "You claim to understand the Changes, yet your words never touch upon the text's meaning. Why is that?" Guan Lu replied: "Those who truly understand the Changes do not speak of it." He Yan laughed and praised him: "This can be called 'essential words without verbosity.'" Then he said to Guan Lu: "Try to cast a hexagram for me. Can I reach the rank of the Three Excellencies?" He also asked: "I have recently dreamed repeatedly of dozens of green flies landing on my nose. What omen is this?" Guan Lu said: "In ancient times, the eight talented ministers assisted Emperor Shun, and the Duke of Zhou aided the Zhou dynasty. All were known for their harmony, kindness, humility, and respect, and thus enjoyed great blessings. Now, your noble rank is high and your power is heavy, yet few cherish virtue, while many fear your authority. This is hardly the way to seek fortune through caution. Furthermore, the nose is like a mountain. A mountain, if high but not steep, can long maintain its height. But now green flies, foul and filthy, gather upon it. When a position is too high, it topples. Can you not fear this? I hope you will gather more and give less, and not act against propriety. Then the Three Excellencies may be attained, and the green flies can be driven away." Deng Yang angrily said: "This is nothing but the stale talk of an old scholar!" Guan Lu replied: "The stale talker sees what is not stale; the common talker sees what is not common." With that, he flicked his sleeves and left. The two men laughed loudly: "What a madman!" When Guan Lu returned home, he told his uncle. His uncle was horrified: "He Yan and Deng Yang wield immense power. How dare you offend them?" Guan Lu said: "I was speaking to dead men. What is there to fear?" His uncle asked why. Guan Lu replied: "When Deng Yang walks, his sinews do not bind his bones, and his veins do not control his flesh. He stands and leans as if without hands or feet. This is the sign of a 'restless ghost.' He Yan's gaze shows his soul not dwelling in his body, his blood lacking color, his spirit floating like smoke, and his countenance like withered wood. This is the sign of a 'wandering ghost.' Both men will surely meet with death and disaster soon. Why should I fear them?" His uncle cursed him as a madman and left.
Now, Cao Shuang often went hunting with He Yan, Deng Yang, and others. His younger brother, Cao Xi, remonstrated: "Brother, your power is too great, and you love to go out hunting. If someone plots against you, it will be too late to regret." Shuang scolded him: "The military authority is in my hands. What is there to fear?" The Grand Minister of Agriculture, Huan Fan, also remonstrated, but Shuang would not listen. At this time, Cao Fang changed the reign title from the tenth year of Zhengshi to the first year of Jiaping (249 AD). Cao Shuang had been monopolizing power for some time, but he did not know Sima Yi's true condition. It happened that the emperor appointed Li Sheng as Governor of Jing Province. Shuang immediately ordered Li Sheng to go and bid farewell to Zhongda, and at the same time, to probe for information. Sheng went directly to the Grand Tutor's mansion. The gatekeeper reported his arrival. Sima Yi said to his two sons: "This is Cao Shuang's man, sent to probe the truth of my illness." He then removed his cap, let his hair down, went to bed, and sat propped up by quilts. He also ordered two maids to support him. Only then did he invite Li Sheng in. Sheng came to the bedside and bowed: "I have not seen the Grand Tutor for a long time. Who would have thought you were so gravely ill? The emperor has appointed me Governor of Jing Province, and I have come especially to bid you farewell." Sima Yi feigned a reply: "Bing Province is near the northern frontier. Make good preparations." Sheng said: "I am appointed Governor of Jing Province, not Bing Province." Yi smiled and said: "So you have come from Bing Province?" Sheng replied: "It is Jing Province, in the Han River region." Yi laughed loudly: "So you have come from Jing Province!" Sheng said: "How could the Grand Tutor have fallen so ill?" The attendants said: "The Grand Tutor has become deaf." Sheng said: "May I have paper and brush?" The attendants brought them. Sheng wrote his message and presented it. Yi looked at it, laughed, and said: "I have become deaf from illness. Take good care of yourself on this journey." As he spoke, he pointed to his mouth. The serving maid brought soup. Yi put his mouth to it, but the soup spilled all over his chest. He made choking sounds and said: "I am now old and terminally ill. I will die any day now. My two sons are worthless. I hope you will teach them. If you see the Grand General, please look after my two sons." With that, he fell back onto the bed, gasping for breath. Li Sheng bowed and took his leave. Returning to Cao Shuang, he reported everything in detail. Shuang was overjoyed: "If this old man dies, I have nothing to worry about!"
When Sima Yi saw that Li Sheng had left, he got up and said to his two sons: "Now that Li Sheng has gone back to report, Cao Shuang will certainly no longer be wary of me. We will wait until he leaves the city to hunt, and then we can move against him." Not many days later, Cao Shuang invited Cao Fang to visit Gaoping Mound to pay homage to the late emperor. All the high and low officials accompanied the imperial procession out of the city. Shuang led his three brothers and his trusted men, He Yan and the others, with the Imperial Guardsmen escorting the emperor. As they were departing, the Grand Minister of Agriculture, Huan Fan, reined in his horse and remonstrated: "My lord, you command the palace troops. It is not fitting for all the brothers to leave the city. What if there is a coup within the city?" Shuang pointed his whip at him and scolded: "Who would dare start a coup? Do not speak such nonsense again!" That day, when Sima Yi saw that Shuang had left the city, he was overjoyed. He immediately gathered his old soldiers who had fought with him in the past, along with several dozen household retainers, mounted his horse with his two sons, and rode straight off to murder Cao Shuang.
Truly, the one who had closed his doors suddenly showed new life, and the one who would drive his troops was now to display his martial prowess. What happened to Cao Shuang? Let the next chapter reveal.