Recaps

The Imperial Secretariat’s ministers discussed reforming the court and proposed placing Cao Mao under tighter control by moving his studies to Xuanwu Hall. Wang Xiang warned Cao Mao about their plans, while Cao Mao believed his teacher wanted him to fight the ministers and clear a path for Wang Xiang’s advancement.

• The ministers discussed rebellion relief and Hebei’s recovery before Wang Xiang urged them to determine clan ranks under the Zhongzheng System.
• Gao Rou and Sima Fu proposed replacing Cao Mao’s attendants and having him study and live at Xuanwu Hall, while Zhong Yu suggested appointing new servants to the Empress Dowager.
• Zheng Chong halted the discussion, warning that the ministers should focus on provincial affairs and avoid provoking the Outer Army.
• Wang Xiang declined Xun Yi’s invitation and went to the East Hall to tell Cao Mao about the ministers’ plans.
• Cao Mao grew angry at the ministers’ scheme but then decided Wang Xiang wanted him to oppose them, and entrusted the matter to his teacher.

Cao Mao prepared to counter the ministers by recruiting new Yellow Gate Gentlemen and sought Wang Yuanji’s help in bringing Sima Zhao into his plans. Wang Yuanji heard that Zhong Shiji could become Minister of the Imperial Clan and that Xiahou Xian and Cao Yu would soon arrive in Luoyang.

• Cao Mao told Zhang Hua that the ministers were moving against him and urged him to relocate, but Zhang Hua chose to stay and recommended recruiting Sima Yan, Wang Xun, Hu Fen, He Shao, and Chen Zhi as Yellow Gate Gentlemen.
• Sima Yan brought Wang Yuanji and Sima You to the Imperial Palace, then dragged Cao Mao to Shiqian Hall to meet his mother.
• Cao Mao asked Wang Yuanji to persuade Sima Zhao to support appointing Zhong Shiji Minister of the Imperial Clan and to summon Wang Su back to court.
• Cao Mao argued that the ministers threatened both him and Sima Zhao, and said he had a plan that would give them trouble.
• Wang Yuanji agreed to relay Cao Mao’s message that Zhong Shiji could take the post and that Xiahou Xian and Cao Yu would soon arrive in Luoyang.

Zhong Hui brought Cao Yu and Xiahou Xian to Luoyang under the Empress Dowager’s edict, forcing his way past the city guards and palace officials. The two elderly men met the Empress Dowager and Cao Mao, while Zhong Hui antagonized Gao Dan outside Zhaoyang Hall.

• Cao Yu feared Sima Shi had summoned him and Xiahou Xian to kill them, but Xiahou Xian urged him to remain calm.
• Zhong Hui met the Prince of Yan and Xiahou Xian on the road and escorted them toward Luoyang under the Emperor’s edict.
• Xun Biao tried to block Zhong Hui’s convoy at the city gate, but Zhong Hui threatened him and led the party into Luoyang.
• Zhong Hui brought Cao Yu and Xiahou Xian into the Imperial Palace, where Wei Shu and Zhang Hua helped them reach Zhaoyang Hall.
• Gao Dan challenged their entry, but the Empress Dowager and Cao Mao welcomed Cao Yu and Xiahou Xian into Zhaoyang Hall.
• Zhong Hui mocked Gao Dan until Gao Dan grabbed his collar and the soldiers restrained him.

Cao Mao told Cao Yu and Xiahou Xian about the ministers’ growing control of the court, promised to loosen restrictions on the Imperial Clan, and asked them to join the Imperial Secretariat. Gao Rou learned that Cao Yu and Xiahou Xian had entered the palace and planned to bring the Outer Army under the ministers’ influence.

• Cao Mao blamed Cao Shuang for the Imperial Clan’s suffering and said princes would be allowed to live in their fiefs, hold office, correspond, conduct business, and recruit worthy men under chancellors’ oversight.
• Cao Mao said the Empress Dowager wanted Cao Yu and Xiahou Xian appointed as directors of the Imperial Secretariat, and Xiahou Xian urged Cao Yu to accept the challenge.
• Cao Yu agreed to assist Cao Mao, while Cao Mao judged Xiahou Xian more capable and considered how the Imperial Clan could help check the Great Clans in the provinces.
• The Empress Dowager welcomed Cao Yu and Xiahou Xian and asked about their families after Cao Mao handed the conversation over to her.
• Gao Dan told Gao Rou that Cao Yu and Xiahou Xian had entered the palace with Zhong Hui, and Gao Rou inferred that Cao Mao had joined forces with Sima Zhao.
• Gao Rou dismissed Cao Yu as timid and said the ministers could draw the Outer Army to their side before dealing with Zhong Hui and Sima Zhao.

Cao Mao and Empress Dowager Guo faced the ministers’ efforts to isolate them, while Cao Mao reassured her that they were still building influence. Zhong Hui outlined plans to win Yang Hu, return Imperial Clan members to their fiefs, and exploit a possible Shu offensive, leaving Cao Mao wondering whether Jiang Wei might someday be won over.

• Empress Dowager Guo gave Cao Yu and Xiahou Xian residences, then Cao Mao warned her that the ministers might move him to Black Tortoise Lodge and place her under watch.
• Cao Mao reassured Empress Dowager Guo that their growing network of supporters meant they were stronger than she feared.
• Zhong Hui accused Wang Xiang of seeking power and proposed drawing Yang Hu toward Cao Mao by summoning the Regular Attendants Cavalry to Taiji Hall.
• Zhong Hui said he would work with He Zeng to return Imperial Clan members in Hebei to their fiefs before the ministers could intervene.
• Zhong Hui predicted that Jiang Wei’s major Northern Expedition could overwhelm Great Wei’s defenses and expose the ministers’ inability to lead troops.
• Cao Mao asked whether he could win Jiang Wei over, and Zhong Hui replied that he could at least give him a dignified send-off.

At the Imperial Secretariat, ministers challenged the emperor’s meetings with the Regular Attendant Cavalry, while Wang Jing observed their conduct with contempt. Xin Chang tried to recruit Yang Hu to obstruct the attendants, but Yang Hu rejected his proposals and condemned the policies favoring great clans; after Xin Chang left, Yang Hu learned Zhong Hui had come to see him.

• The ministers welcomed Cao Yu, Xiahou Xian, and Wang Jing, though Wang Jing received a cool reception and Wang Xiang greeted him warmly.
• Sima Fu raised concerns about the emperor meeting the Regular Attendant Cavalry, and Xin Chang agreed to approach the General Who Guards and Protects; Xiahou Xian left in anger after the ministers ignored him.
• Xin Chang visited Yang Hu and urged him to stop the Regular Attendant Cavalry from seeing the emperor, offering rank and promotion in return.
• Yang Hu refused to obstruct the attendants and criticized clan-based rank determination and policies that shielded great officers from punishment.
• Xin Chang departed, and Yang Hu told Lady Xiahou that their paths had diverged; when a servant announced Zhong Hui’s arrival, Yang Hu realized the emperor’s summons to the attendants had been meant to bring Zhong Hui to him.

Zhong Hui persuaded Yang Hu to join his side and protect the emperor, then recruited Ji Kang to rally scholars against the ministers’ plans. The chapter ended with Zhong Hui eagerly advising Ji Kang on how to counter them.

• Zhong Hui confronted Yang Hu, criticized his indecision, and urged him to join his effort to assist the emperor.
• Yang Hu agreed to Zhong Hui’s proposal, and Zhong Hui instructed him to keep the imperial guards in the palace and block any attempt to move the emperor to Black Tortoise Lodge.
• Zhong Hui visited Ji Kang and explained that the ministers were isolating the emperor and intended to send him outside Luoyang.
• Ji Kang reacted angrily, and Zhong Hui urged him to use his scholarly influence and contacts to expose the ministers’ actions at the Imperial Academy.
• Ji Kang listened as Zhong Hui began advising him on how to contest public opinion and keep the ministers occupied.

Zhong Yu turned Sima Fu and Gao Rou away when they demanded that he restrain Zhong Hui, while Zhong Hui reported his recent campaign of disruption to Cao Mao in Taiji Hall. Cao Mao praised Zhong Hui’s effectiveness, leaving him poised to continue his work against the ministers.

• Sima Fu and Gao Rou confronted Zhong Yu over Zhong Hui’s actions, including his interference at court, the Imperial Academy, and the Central Army.
• Zhong Yu refused to discipline Zhong Hui, arguing that he had broken no law and that the ministers should confront him directly.
• Gao Rou warned that Zhong Hui’s actions could bring disaster on the Zhong Family, but Zhong Yu invoked Gao Rou’s reputation for benevolence and left both visitors speechless.
• After Sima Fu and Gao Rou left, Zhong Yu reflected that he had chosen Sima Zhao’s side and believed his brother could keep causing trouble without his help.
• Zhong Hui recounted his recent actions to Cao Mao, who praised his efficiency and treated him as an invaluable ally.

Zhong Hui laid out a plan for Cao Mao to exploit the ministers’ conflict over the Imperial Clan and the coming Shu invasion, while placing Deng Ai in command against Jiang Wei. As Cao Mao prepared to strengthen his allies, Gao Rou faced a public denunciation and vowed never to forgive Zhong Hui and the others he suspected of stirring it up.

• Zhong Hui told Cao Mao that the Imperial Clan would leave Hebei for their fiefs while the ministers watched him, then predicted a Shu attack would distract them and recommended appointing Deng Ai to defend against Jiang Wei.
• Zhang Hua admitted he had underestimated Zhong Hui, and Cao Mao instructed him to focus on preparing the East Hall Banquet.
• Cao Mao praised Cheng Ji for accepting gifts from curious officials and scholars while giving them only the information Cao Mao had taught him.
• Cao Mao warned Yang Hu that the Imperial Secretariat might replace him with Yang Xiao and told him to resist any order and guard against assassination.
• Scholars gathered outside Gao Rou’s residence to denounce him, but Gao Rou refused to arrest them and suspected Zhong Hui, Ruan Ji, Ji Kang, Shan Tao, and others were behind the articles attacking him.

Sima Fu and Xun Yi faced public outrage after essays exposed their conduct, while Wang Xiang emerged as a powerful political rival in the Imperial Secretariat. The ministers argued over the scholars, Ma Long’s control of the Central Army, and Zhong Hui, before Gao Rou threatened Zhong Yu and his allies rallied to his side.

• Sima Fu learned that three of the Lü Family Brothers’ essays had denounced him, and Xun Yi took him to the Imperial Secretariat to address the scholars’ unrest.
• Sima Fu and Xun Yi suspected Wang Xiang of leaking the ministers’ discussion, but Sima Fu argued that Wang Xiang was the best person to calm the scholars.
• Wang Xiang assured the ministers he would handle the Imperial Academy students and blamed Lü Xun, while Gao Rou accused Ma Long of taking control of three battalions.
• Chen Qian explained that Ma Long had won the soldiers’ loyalty through shared hardships, fair promotions, and strict discipline, leaving the ministers unsure how to remove him.
• Xiahou Xian and Cao Yu entered the meeting, and Xiahou Xian proposed elevating Zhong Hui to Minister over the Masses as the ministers complained about his absence.
• Gao Rou threatened Zhong Yu over the unrest, and Zhong Yu challenged him as ministers aligned with Sima Zhao rose to support Zhong Yu.

Ma Long restored discipline to the Central Army through relentless training, drawing Sima Zhao’s attention and an offer of advancement. Ma Long rejected Sima Zhao’s bid to win him over and hoped Deng Ai would come to the camp so they could serve the emperor together.

• Ma Long drilled the Central Army in basic formations and punished absent officers, driving parasites from the camp and winning the soldiers’ support.
• Sima Gan visited on Sima Zhao’s behalf to praise Ma Long and offer rewards and promotion, but Ma Long refused, saying he had not earned them.
• After Sima Gan left, Ma Long criticized the Central Army’s leadership, and Ji Kang arrived exhausted from training.
• Ji Kang warned Ma Long that Sima Zhao would never fully trust someone of his low birth, and Ma Long recalled how Deng Ai had fairly rewarded soldiers in Yanzhou.
• Ji Kang mentioned that Deng Ai might come to the Central Army, and Ma Long eagerly said he would urge him to help serve the emperor.

Wang Yuan and Guo Ze struggled to manage the thousands of rebels flocking to Wangwu Mountain, while Cao Mao considered their growing force as a potential ally. The chapter ended with Cheng Ji reporting that Guo Huai had died and asking whether Cao Mao would now send someone to Yongliang.

• Wang Yuan welcomed another group of more than two thousand rebels and promised their leader a generalship, prompting Guo Ze to worry that the mountain could not feed its rapidly growing army.
• Wang Yuan argued that refusing new recruits would destroy their reputation, and Guo Ze agreed to help manage the growing force while warning that the Imperial Court would attack.
• Facing a grain shortage, Wang Yuan planned to lead his men down the mountain and considered a surprise raid on the Great Clans' estates in Hedong or Henei.
• Cheng Ji told Cao Mao that the regional rebellions had mostly been suppressed and that the Hebei rebels were retreating into the mountains, where they might join Guo Ze.
• Cao Mao considered using Guo Ze's rebels as a source of support and thought about sending Liu Lu to establish contact.
• Cheng Ji reported that Guo Huai had died of illness and asked whether Cao Mao would now send someone to Yongliang.

After Guo Huai died, Chen Tai and Sima Wang prepared to defend Yongliang against Jiang Wei while fearing the court’s instability. In Luoyang, Cao Mao invited criticism of his rule and rewarded scholars who remonstrated, advancing his political aim as Sima Yan believed their performance had fooled everyone.

• Guo Huai died after nearly half a year bedridden, leaving Chen Tai and Sima Wang to mourn and face the threat of Jiang Wei’s invasion.
• Chen Tai and Sima Wang agreed to hold their positions, defend the front, and await reinforcements rather than divide their forces or venture out.
• Chen Tai worried that conflict within the Sima Family could bring down his own reputation and leave the Border Army without support.
• Cao Mao told the scholars at the East Hall banquet that anyone could criticize his faults without fear of punishment and offered ten jin of gold for remonstrance.
• Sima Yan criticized Cao Mao for failing to sacrifice to the ancestral emperor, and Cao Mao rewarded him with ten jin of gold.
• The scholars followed Sima Yan’s example and offered criticisms for rewards, while Sima Yan grinned, convinced they had been completely fooled.

Cao Mao used the East Hall Banquet to encourage frank remonstrance and praise those who challenged wrongdoing, while Sima Yan helped reinforce his arguments. Sima Yan then went to Sima Fu’s residence and publicly condemned his grandfather’s proposal to imprison the Empress Dowager and humiliate the emperor.

• Cao Mao invited celebrated scholars to speak freely about why the Former Han lost its virtue, and they blamed eunuchs, the sale of offices, and other causes.
• Cao Mao argued that rulers lost virtue by refusing remonstrance, cited Emperor Wu’s and Emperor Wen’s killings, and praised Xun Yu and Xun Rong for confronting Minister Xun.
• Cao Mao asked Sima Yan to invite Xun Yu and Xun Rong to the next banquet so he could reward them, then told Sima Yan his performance had been too deliberate.
• After leaving the palace, Sima Yan went to Sima Fu’s residence, where scholars were gathered outside protesting.
• Sima Yan demanded that Sima Fu correct his conduct, condemning his proposal to imprison the Empress Dowager and humiliate Cao Mao.

Wang Xiang gathered his allies and resolved to take charge of the Imperial Secretariat amid the political disorder after Sima Shi’s death. He recognized Cao Mao as both his prized pupil and a dangerous rival, then challenged him with an argument for shared rule, which Cao Mao accepted in principle but said was not yet practical.

• The ministers suspected that Hu Zun’s campaign in Xuzhou had targeted the Great Clans on Sima Zhao’s behalf, but they could not confront him without the support of generals outside the capital.
• Wang Xiang assembled Chen Qian, Zheng Mao, Wang Jing, Cui Zan, Wang Guan, and others, and declared that he would take charge of the failing Imperial Secretariat.
• Chen Qian, Cui Zan, and Wang Guan supported Wang Xiang, who then went to the Imperial Palace to meet Cao Mao.
• Wang Xiang reflected that Cao Mao had used Zhong Hui and political disorder to weaken the Sima Family and the ministers, and concluded that the two of them would eventually become enemies.
• During their lesson, Wang Xiang presented the view that dynasties fell because of foolish sovereigns and proposed that ministers share responsibility for governing; Cao Mao agreed with the argument but said it was not yet ready to be put into practice.

Cao Mao learned that Wang Xiang planned to rally the ministers and challenge him, so he prepared countermeasures while warning Zhong Hui to stay alert. Meanwhile, Wang Su insisted on returning to Luoyang to confront Wang Xiang and pursue a place among the Three Excellencies.

• Wang Xiang argued that ministers from great clans should govern, but Cao Mao rejected his policies as harmful and heard that Wang Xiang intended to act against the court factions.
• Cao Mao told Zhang Hua to warn Lord Zhong that Wang Xiang might target him, explaining that Wang Xiang wanted to settle the court's chaos and win the ministers' support.
• Cao Mao told Zhang Hua that he had prepared countermeasures when he gave Wang Xiang the means to become Grand Minister of Ceremonies.
• Wang Kai tried to stop Wang Su from returning to Luoyang, but Wang Su insisted that he would expose Wang Xiang's alleged theft of his scholarship.
• Wang Su declared that returning to Luoyang could help him rise among the Three Excellencies and claimed the General of the Guards would not oppose him.

Wang Xiang tried to take charge of the delayed court affairs after arranging for Xiahou Xian to be sent home, but Zhong Yu accused him of conspiring with the Outer Generals and benefiting from the rebellions. The meeting ended without a decision, and Wang Xiang confronted Zhong Yu afterward, who insisted he had only told the truth.

• Wang Xiang had Xiahou Xian escorted from the Imperial Secretariat to rest, and Cao Yu approved the decision.
• Wang Xiang offered to handle the remaining court affairs and said he had found a solution to the Imperial Academy matter.
• Zhong Yu accused Wang Xiang of arranging the rebellions with the Outer Generals and seeking to secure their loyalty through promotions.
• Wang Xiang denied the charges, but Zheng Chong postponed the decision and ended the meeting.
• Wang Xiang caught up with Zhong Yu afterward and called his accusations lies, but Zhong Yu replied that he never lied.

Sima Zhao reassured He Zeng that he would shield him from blame for the Hebei rebellion while encouraging him to watch the region and leave court politics to others. He Zun warned his father about changes at court, but He Zeng dismissed his concerns and feared his sons would endanger the family by reaching beyond their abilities.

• Sima Zhao questioned He Zeng and Chen Ben about the rebellion, then privately assured He Zeng that he would protect him from blame and promised to investigate Chen Ben’s actions.
• He Zeng pledged his support to Sima Zhao, complained about Chen Ben, and left after Sima Zhao instructed him to keep watch over Hebei.
• He Zun told He Zeng that court officials were struggling for power and that the Zhongzheng System was to be reformed.
• He Zeng accused He Zun of being used as a persuader and ordered him to focus on restoring his reputation instead of court affairs.
• He Zun regretted that his father had ruined the family’s chance to rise, while He Zeng privately called him a fool and worried that both his sons would bring trouble to the clan.

Du Yu advised Sima Zhao to recruit Lu Yu, consolidate control of the Central Army, and prepare for a Shu invasion, while urging cooperation with Cao Mao. Cao Mao and Zhong Hui instead chose to let Sima Zhao and the ministers weaken each other as they pursued control of the Sima family’s power.

• Du Yu told Sima Zhao to win over Lu Yu and the Hebei clans by offering Lu Yu’s family important posts, and Sima Zhao agreed to summon him.
• Du Yu urged Sima Zhao to reorganize the Central Army under his control and prepare Deng Ai to reinforce Yongliang against Jiang Wei; Sima Zhao approved both plans.
• Du Yu argued that Sima Zhao should cooperate with Cao Mao, but Sima Zhao angrily rejected the idea before agreeing to contact the emperor after returning to Yanzhou.
• Cao Mao praised Zhong Hui for damaging Wang Xiang’s standing, but Zhong Hui explained that Zhong Yu had devised the scheme and proposed letting Wang Xiang and Sima Zhao clash.
• Zhong Hui told Cao Mao to remain patient and secretly manage Imperial Clan affairs while Wang Xiang stirred up trouble, then condemned Cao Yu’s weakness; Cao Mao vowed to make Cao Yu stand firm.

Cao Mao persuaded Empress Dowager Guo to approve spring sacrifices that would establish him as the heir of the Emperor of the Filial and Enlightened Ancestor, while revealing his goal of taking control of the Imperial Secretariat. During his lesson, he reassured Wang Xiang that Zhong Shiji supported him and won Wang Xiang’s support for the sacrifices.

• Cao Mao told Empress Dowager Guo that the ministers were replacing palace attendants and might separate them, then urged her to hold the sacrifices in spring.
• Cao Mao declared that his goal for the year was to take control of the Imperial Secretariat and command the realm, and Empress Dowager Guo agreed to the sacrifices.
• Cao Mao waited at the East Hall for Wang Xiang and grew wary when his teacher showed no sign of anger after a setback at the Imperial Secretariat.
• Cao Mao told Wang Xiang that Zhong Shiji supported him and that Zhong Yu had provoked conflict between them.
• Wang Xiang dismissed Cao Mao’s concerns and promised to help arrange the sacrifices, while Cao Mao offered to assist him with Minister of Justice Zhong.

Cao Mao tried to weaken Wang Xiang’s support by drawing Chen Qian and Zheng Mao away from him, then met Wang Jing and asked for his help against the ministers. Wang Jing urged patience, and Cao Mao agreed to listen to him.

• Cao Mao offered Chen Qian the post of General Who Pacifies the West, and Chen Qian agreed while promising to handle opposition from the ministers.
• Cao Mao warned Zheng Mao that Wang Su would soon return to Luoyang and advised him to avoid court struggles and focus on the classics.
• Cao Mao summoned Wang Jing, who came to meet him despite his ties to Wang Xiang.
• Cao Mao said he wanted to campaign against the ministers, but Wang Jing warned that acting rashly could bring disaster.
• Cao Mao accepted Wang Jing’s advice and said he would listen to him.

Cao Mao heard Wang Jing’s warning that the court’s ministers planned to isolate him and weaken the General of the Guards, and resolved to discuss an alliance with the general. Meanwhile, factional clashes at the Imperial Academy spread through Luoyang, leaving Zhong Yu to arrest two prominent students and blame his younger brother for the trouble.

• Cao Mao asked Wang Jing how to respond to the ministers, and Wang Jing warned that they intended to confine the emperor and undermine the General of the Guards.
• Cao Mao agreed to discuss the danger with the General of the Guards when he returned, though he feared the ministers would not let him live until he could rule independently.
• Ritualist and Xuanxue students at the Imperial Academy traded insults over elders, morality, and ritual before their argument turned into a brawl.
• Zhong Yu questioned both factions and ordered their leaders, He Shao and Pei Kai, arrested despite their influential family connections.
• Zhong Yu privately cursed his younger brother for causing the unrest.

Pei Kai and He Shao were arrested after a brawl, but Pei Kai was quickly released while He Shao was rescued by Sima Yan. Sima Yan brought He Shao to meet Cao Mao, who appointed him a Yellow Gate Gentleman, leaving He Shao realizing he had been maneuvered into serving at court.

• In the Ministry of Justice prison, Pei Kai challenged He Shao to think for himself and said He Shao was only a weapon for his enemies.
• Pei Xiu secured Pei Kai's release and warned him that his fight had damaged their uncle's position and his own prospects.
• Sima Yan arrived to free He Shao, then took him to the Imperial Palace to meet a friend.
• Cao Mao greeted He Shao warmly and led him into Taiji Hall, while He Shao recognized the danger of his unusual status as the General Who Conquers the North's son.
• Sima Yan revealed that he had recommended He Shao for a Yellow Gate Gentleman post, and Cao Mao said He Shao could serve by his side and enjoy drinking and poetry.

Cao Mao urged Sima Yan to strengthen himself quickly, warning that the great clans’ influence was nearing the point of no return. Wang Xiang realized his allies were slipping away to Cao Mao, agreed to arrange the emperor’s grand sacrifice, and sought an alliance with Sima Fu.

• Cao Mao asked Sima Yan about his family and the scholars’ attacks on the emperor, then advised him to keep improving himself because the great clans’ harm had reached the blood vessels.
• Wang Xiang waited in vain for most of his allies to attend his meeting and learned that Cao Mao had drawn them into his confidence.
• Wang Guan remarked that taking over Duke Lu’s legacy was difficult, while Wang Xiang wondered how Cao Mao had so quickly weakened his faction.
• Wang Xiang told Wang Guan he would arrange the grand sacrificial ceremony, despite expecting opposition from the ministers.
• Wang Xiang decided to seek Sima Fu’s support, visited his residence, and was warmly welcomed after scholars stopped cursing to pay their respects.

Sima Fu warned Wang Xiang that the emperor might use a second Gaoping Mausoleum Incident to eliminate his opponents, and the two agreed to unite against him. In Zhi County, Wang Yuan abandoned an attack on the fortified city and planned to raid a wealthy, poorly defended estate for grain.

• Sima Fu privately told Wang Xiang that the emperor’s allies and control of the palace could let him trap the ministers at Gaoping and seize power.
• Wang Xiang rejected Sima Fu’s attempt to weaken his following but agreed to join forces against the emperor.
• Sima Fu and Wang Xiang secretly devised plans to bring the young emperor to failure.
• Wang Yuan and his men found Zhi County heavily guarded and decided not to attack its gates.
• Wang Yuan ordered his men to find a wealthy family with weak defenses and raid it for grain before returning to the mountains.