Recaps

Cao Mao learned that Sima Shi had punished officials who killed innocents, but he still planned to use the East Hall Banquet to build influence while Sima Shi was gravely ill. Wang Xiang and Zhong Hui arrived with the other guests, and the banquet began under a newly solemn atmosphere.

• Sima Yan told Cao Mao that Sima Shi had executed Sima Ban and the officials who had killed innocents for merit.
• Cao Mao praised Sima Shi publicly but privately hoped he would die before the campaign, giving Cao Mao time to strengthen his position at court.
• Cao Mao urged Wang Xiang to use the banquet to establish his reputation and secure the vacant post of Grand Minister of Ceremonies before Sima Shi could react.
• Cao Mao anticipated that Zhong Hui would support the banquets because of his interest in classical studies and his rivalry with other scholars.
• Zhong Hui arrived and exchanged courteous greetings with Wang Xiang, then the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove, Lü An, and Sima Yan joined them as the banquet began.

Cao Mao maneuvered Zhong Hui into taking charge of a proposed debate over the classics, while Wang Xiang helped him persuade the scholars that he had learned to discuss the classics from his teacher. After Wang Xiang left, the scholars began debating, and Ji Kang sat beside Cao Mao.

• Sima Yan reflected on how the East Hall Banquet had raised his reputation and brought celebrated scholars seeking his favor.
• Zhong Hui announced Cao Mao's proposal to establish authoritative interpretations of the classics and claimed he and the Grand General would handle it.
• Cao Mao said he had abandoned the idea, then deliberately provoked Zhong Hui into insisting on taking charge.
• Wang Xiang told the scholars that Cao Mao's knowledge came from his teaching and urged him not to debate or show off.
• Wang Xiang left, the scholars began debating, and Ji Kang sat beside Cao Mao.

Cao Mao used a banquet to secretly task Ji Kang with carrying a letter to Jiao Bo and warned him about Lü Xun, while Wang Rong copied Cao Mao’s ideas to promote Wang Xiang. After Cao Mao encouraged Sima Yan to cultivate his reputation, Sima Yan visited his mother, Wang Yuanji, who grew pleased with him and considered sparing Cao Mao’s life.

• Cao Mao secretly instructed Ji Kang to deliver a letter to Jiao Bo, avoid further involvement, and stay alert to Lü Xun, whom Cao Mao identified as Sima Shi’s secret agent.
• Ji Kang agreed to remember Cao Mao’s instructions, while Lü An kept Zhong Hui occupied and Ruan Ji distracted the other guests with poetry.
• Wang Rong asked Cao Mao to let him copy his remarks, then wrote them down to spread Wang Xiang’s reputation and cultivate his own.
• After the banquet, Cao Mao explained to Sima Yan how scholars used reputation to advance, and urged him to build his standing before trying to change the system.
• Sima Yan visited Wang Yuanji the next morning and respectfully paid his respects, pleasing his mother.
• Wang Yuanji decided that Sima Yan’s improved standing had eased her worries and considered sparing Cao Mao’s life.

Sima Shi assigned Sima Yan to command the Central Rampart Camp as part of a plan to take control of the Central Army, while Zhong Hui confirmed Guo Huai was gravely ill. As Wang Su departed Luoyang, he learned Wang Xiang had presented Wang Su’s scholarship as his own and demanded to return to confront him.

• Sima Shi ordered Sima Yan to command the Central Rampart Camp, and Sima Yan offered him willow bark for his pain.
• Zhong Hui reported that Guo Huai was gravely ill, and Sima Shi ordered him to begin their plans.
• Wang Su warned Sima Yan to stay away from the emperor, but Sima Yan defended the emperor’s character and praised his learning.
• Wang Kai told Wang Su that Wang Xiang had taught the emperor the Supreme Mystery, and Wang Su accused Wang Xiang of stealing his scholarship.
• Wang Yuanji told Sima Yan to consult her before following the emperor’s orders and arranged for Du Yuan Kai to teach him military strategy.

Lü An delivered Cao Mao’s secret letter to Jiao Bo, who learned that the emperor was organizing trusted allies and preparing General Guanqiu Jian for Sima Shi’s coming moves. Jiao Bo tasked Liu Lu with carrying the plans to Guanqiu Jian, and Liu Lu insisted on leaving as soon as the letter was copied.

• Ji Kang asked Lü An for help delivering Cao Mao’s letter, and Lü An accepted the task and learned the emperor’s instructions.
• Lü An located Jiao Bo and secretly handed him the letter before leaving under the pretense of angrily rejecting a job.
• Jiao Bo read Cao Mao’s warning about the forces that would oppose Guanqiu Jian and urged the general to delay acting against Sima Shi.
• Cao Mao asked Jiao Bo to find Liu Lu and contact several supporters while building strength in secret and awaiting further orders.
• Jiao Bo told Liu Lu to carry the military plans to Guanqiu Jian, and Liu Lu insisted on departing as soon as Jiao Bo finished copying them.

Yang Hu arrived in Luoyang and took up the post of General Who Guards and Protects after Sima Zhao and Yang Huiyu warned him against siding with the emperor and Empress Dowager. Cao Mao welcomed him enthusiastically into his inner circle, leaving Yang Hu caught between the Sima family’s expectations and the emperor’s favor.

• Yang Hu arrived in Luoyang, where Hua Biao called him foolish for accepting a post amid the Sima family’s growing power.
• Sima Zhao welcomed Yang Hu to his residence, and Yang Hu reunited with Yang Huiyu and paid his respects to Sima Shi.
• Sima Shi questioned Yang Hu about accepting office, while Sima Zhao and Yang Huiyu urged him to act cautiously and avoid supporting the emperor and Empress Dowager.
• After three days, Yang Hu took up his post as General Who Guards and Protects and entered the Imperial Palace.
• Cao Mao greeted Yang Hu eagerly, credited Wang Shen with praising him, and appointed him concurrently as Attendant so he could remain close by.

Wei’s court debated who should replace the ill Grand Minister of Ceremonies, as Wang Xiang sought the post and Zhong Hui hoped to use it to advance his project of ranking the classics. Xun Yi unexpectedly endorsed Wang Xiang, leaving Sima Zhao dissatisfied and the appointment unresolved, though Wang Xiang believed his bid was secure.

• Wei’s ministers gossiped about Sun Luban’s influence in Wu and her role in Sun He’s death before turning to court business.
• Lu Yu proposed filling the vacant Grand Minister of Ceremonies post, while Wang Xiang hoped to win it with Lu Yu’s help.
• Zhong Hui considered the appointment important to his plans for establishing authoritative interpretations of the classics, but Sima Zhao worried that appointing him would anger the court.
• Xun Yi unexpectedly nominated Wang Xiang, startling Zhong Hui and Sima Zhao and prompting the ministers to support the choice.
• Sima Zhao postponed the decision, but Wang Xiang believed Xun Yi’s endorsement had secured the position and looked forward to building his own following.

Xun Yi warned Sima Zhao that Zhong Hui’s plans to compile orthodox interpretations of the Classics would destabilize the court, while Zhong Hui accused Xun Yi and Wang Xiang of conspiring against them. Sima Zhao reconciled with Xun Yi, and Sima Shi reminded Zhong Hui to focus on the order to ensure Guanqiu Jian’s death.

• Xun Yi told Sima Zhao that Zhong Hui had fallen into a trap and that pursuing the Classics project could plunge the Imperial Court into disorder.
• Zhong Hui accused Xun Yi of being bought off and claimed Wang Xiang and others were aligned with the Empress Dowager, provoking Sima Zhao’s furious rebuke.
• Sima Zhao caught up with Xun Yi, apologized for Zhong Hui’s insults, and heard Xun Yi warn that Zhong Hui might abandon him for the emperor.
• Zhong Hui went to Sima Shi and denounced Sima Zhao as shortsighted and Xun Yi’s faction as dangerous.
• Sima Shi ordered Zhong Hui to ignore the dispute and carry out his assigned task, saying Guanqiu Jian had to die for the court to be at peace.

Wang Xiang received his appointment as Grand Minister of Ceremonies while Lu Yu prepared to advance the court’s proposals after the campaign against Guanqiu Jian. Meanwhile, Chen Qian tried to recruit Zheng Mao to a plan that Zheng Mao recognized as matching the young emperor’s ideas, and Zheng Mao asked for two days to decide.

• Wang Xiang received the Imperial Edict appointing him Grand Minister of Ceremonies, and Lu Yu explained that Xun Yi had backed the appointment to counter Zhong Hui’s plans for the classics.
• Lu Yu told Wang Xiang that the Imperial Secretariat was gathering provisions and officials, and Wang Xiang privately thought he and Chen Qian should move ahead with their plans.
• Chen Qian visited Zheng Mao, the newly appointed Minister of the Imperial Clan, and suggested that they undertake a great project together.
• Zheng Mao suspected Chen Qian was recruiting him on the young emperor’s behalf because the proposal matched ideas he had heard from Lord Hua.
• Chen Qian said he was acting for the Empress Dowager and argued that joining the great families would protect Zheng Mao from Sima Shi’s suspicion.
• Zheng Mao asked for more time to consider, and Chen Qian gave him two days to answer.

Cao Mao drew Yang Hu into a candid conversation about his loneliness and hardships, and Yang Hu agreed to listen despite fearing the Grand General. Their talk was interrupted by Sima Yan, who announced Wang Xiang's appointment and an edict summoning Guanqiu Jian to Luoyang as Grand Commandant.

• Cao Mao caught Yang Hu in the palace and dragged him to Sima Yue's hall to eat and talk.
• Cao Mao told Yang Hu about his lonely childhood, his isolation in the palace, and his wish for someone to speak with him.
• Yang Hu admitted he was no virtuous hero but agreed to listen to Cao Mao, and the two discussed honesty and worthy men in the court.
• Sima Yan arrived in armor and told Cao Mao that his father had sent him back from the Central Army.
• Sima Yan announced that Wang Xiang had been appointed Grand Minister of Ceremonies and that the court had issued an edict appointing Guanqiu Jian Grand Commandant and ordering him to Luoyang.

Cao Mao worried that Sima Shi’s rapid campaign against Guanqiu Jian would threaten Wei and began planning ways to distract Sima Shi and strengthen the court. The chapter ended with Cao Mao urgently asking Wang Xiang who had been appointed Colonel Director of Retainers, startling him.

• Cao Mao considered Guanqiu Jian’s encirclement, the threat from Wu and Shu, and the weaknesses of Wei’s aristocratic officers.
• Sima Yan told Cao Mao that the Central Army’s officers lacked military ability, and Cao Mao explained that appointments should depend on character and ability.
• Sima Yue approached Cao Mao but said she needed nothing, while privately reflecting on what she had overheard about the conflict.
• Cao Mao planned to press Chen Qian to raise reform of the Zhongzheng System and to ask the Empress Dowager to issue an edict concerning the Imperial Clan.
• Cao Mao waited in the East Hall for Wang Xiang, then urgently asked him who had received the post of Colonel Director of Retainers, leaving Wang Xiang shocked and afraid.

Wang Xiang suspected that Zhong Hui had secretly become one of Cao Mao’s allies, while Cao Mao tried to gather ministers for an East Hall Banquet and move his plans forward. The Empress Dowager Guo refused to see Cao Mao after Guo Li and Guo Zhi turned her against him, leaving Cao Mao to watch them leave smugly.

• Wang Xiang realized Zhong Hui might be working for Cao Mao and agreed to support Wang Jing for Inspector of the Capital.
• Cao Mao asked Wang Xiang to invite more ministers to the East Hall Banquet, and Wang Xiang reported Xun Yi’s support for Zhong Hui’s proposal.
• Eunuch Guo warned Cao Mao that Guo Li and the others were accusing him of colluding with the Sima Family.
• Guo Li and Guo Zhi persuaded Empress Dowager Guo to refuse Cao Mao an audience, then left Zhaoyang Hall looking smug.

Cao Mao warned Empress Dowager Guo that Sima Shi planned to kill them and urged her to advance reforms and summon members of the Imperial Clan to distract him. At court the next day, the ministers learned of Guanqiu Jian’s appointment as Grand Commandant, while Sima Zhao proposed making Wang Jing Inspector of the Capital.

• Cao Mao confronted Guo Li and Guo Zhi, then forced his way into Zhaoyang Hall to speak with Empress Dowager Guo.
• Cao Mao convinced Empress Dowager Guo that Sima Shi would arrange his murder and frame the Guo Family, and urged her to support reforms before Sima Shi marched.
• Cao Mao asked Empress Dowager Guo to summon several princes of the Imperial Clan, and she reluctantly agreed.
• The court announced Wang Xiang’s appointment as Grand Minister of Ceremonies and Guanqiu Jian’s appointment as Grand Commandant.
• Sima Zhao proposed appointing Wang Jing as Inspector of the Capital, leaving Wang Xiang staring at him in surprise.

After Sima Shi moved against Guanqiu Jian sooner than expected, the ministers maneuvered over their roles and loyalties. Sima Shi questioned Zheng Mao, then ordered Sima Zhao to watch him after Zheng refused to offer a strategy.

• Chen Qian resolved to approach the emperor and Empress Dowager before the campaign began so he could claim responsibility for the plan.
• Pei Xiu ran wild after leaving court, and Gao Rou told Gao Guang that Guanqiu Jian had recommended Pei Xiu to Cao Shuang.
• Wang Xiang invited the ministers to lecture young scholars in the East Hall, and Chen Qian wondered whether the emperor had prompted him.
• Sima Shi asked Zheng Mao why he had stopped submitting memorials and demanded his strategy for campaigning against Guanqiu Jian, but Zheng Mao said he did not know.
• Sima Zhao wanted to punish Zheng Mao for refusing to side with them, but Sima Shi said he would entrust him with important duties if their campaign succeeded and ordered Zheng watched in the meantime.

Jiang Wei persuaded Liu Shan to approve another northern expedition despite Zhang Yi’s objections, then began planning the campaign with his generals. He left confident of victory after learning that Sima Wang would assist Chen Tai.

• Zhang Yi argued that Shu Han’s depleted treasury, exhausted troops, and suffering people could not endure another campaign, while Jiang Wei countered that their recent victory made this the ideal time to strike.
• Chen Zhi supported a northern expedition, and Jiang Wei invoked Zhuge Liang’s final wish to restore the Han dynasty until Liu Shan ordered the army to march north.
• Liu Shan left the campaign’s arrangements to Jiang Wei, who persuaded the angry Zhang Yi to remain and assigned Xiahou Ba to join the expedition.
• Jiang Wei asked Xiahou Ba about Sima Wang, learned that he was cautious and capable but had no past military exploits, and declared that Shu Han would win decisively.

Cao Mao hosted an East Hall Banquet to learn from Ji Kang, enlist Chen Qian, and counter the Guo Family, but the arrival of powerful ministers complicated his plans. The gathering grew lively, and Cao Mao cautiously questioned Sima Fu and Zheng Chong about why they had come.

• Cao Mao reflected on the banquet’s growing influence and planned to speak with Ji Kang and Chen Qian while addressing the Guo Family’s influence over Empress Dowager Guo.
• Sima Yan arrived with the scholars, and Cao Mao was surprised to see Ji Kang sober and composed.
• Wang Xiang arrived with ministers including Sima Fu, Zheng Chong, Chen Qian, and Zheng Mao, while Zhong Hui remained absent.
• Sima Yan told Cao Mao that he had invited Sima Fu, and Cao Mao began the banquet by urging everyone to speak freely.
• Ruan Xian broke the tense mood with a joke, and Cao Mao sat beside Sima Fu before asking Zheng Chong for instruction.

Cao Mao debated Zheng Chong about the merits of Shao Kang and Liu Bang, using the exchange to disguise his real purpose at the banquet. He realized Sima Shi suspected Chen Qian and possibly Zheng Mao, while Lü An reported that their task was done; Cao Mao hoped the suspicions would push Wang Xiang and Chen Qian to act together.

• Cao Mao challenged Zheng Chong to debate whether Shao Kang or Liu Bang was the greater ruler, and the two argued for nearly two hours before Sima Fu stopped them because Zheng Chong was exhausted.
• Cao Mao suspected that Sima Shi had sent Zheng Chong to assess the debate and Sima Fu to investigate Wang Xiang, Chen Qian, and the others.
• Cao Mao resumed mingling with the luminaries, noticed Sima Fu watching Chen Qian, and urged Chen Qian to drain his wine cup.
• Cao Mao noticed Sima Fu also watching Zheng Mao, then abandoned his attempt to pass Chen Qian instructions and stayed among the guests with Lü An.
• Lü An told Cao Mao that the task was done, and Cao Mao hoped Sima Shi's suspicions would persuade Wang Xiang to join Chen Qian in acting against him.
• Cao Mao smiled toward Sima Fu, raised his cup, and toasted the Grand General.

Liu Lu reached Shouchun disguised as a poor refugee and delivered the emperor’s letter to Guanqiu Jian. After Liu Lu described his mission, Guanqiu Jian praised his courage and affirmed that Huainan’s eighty thousand troops shared Wen Yang’s resolve to oppose Sima Shi.

• Lu Shun gave Liu Lu clothes and food at Shouchun’s gate, while nearby people debated the emperor’s benevolence and the merchants’ charitable acts.
• Liu Lu presented his papers to the gate guards, entered Shouchun, and hurried to Guanqiu Jian’s residence to request an urgent audience.
• Wen Yang knocked Liu Lu down when Liu Lu tried to force his way past him, then carried him into Guanqiu Jian’s study.
• Liu Lu gave Guanqiu Jian the emperor’s letter and recounted his journey and mission, earning Guanqiu Jian’s admiration.
• Liu Lu asked whether Huainan’s troops were all as formidable as Wen Yang, and Guanqiu Jian said Wen Yang was exceptional but all eighty thousand troops shared his resolve.

Wen Yang and Liu Lu discussed Wen Yang’s future and the emperor, while Guanqiu Jian decided to conserve supplies and wait for the ailing Sima Shi to act. An Imperial Court envoy arrived at Shouchun to order Guanqiu Jian to surrender his command and go to Luoyang.

• Wen Yang reassured Liu Lu that he would become as formidable as Lord Gang, and Liu Lu invited him to drink and talk about the emperor.
• Wen Qin questioned Guanqiu Jian about the danger posed by Sima Shi’s forces, and Guanqiu Jian urged him to stockpile grain and hold their defenses rather than launch an offensive.
• Wen Qin volunteered to fight alongside his son Ayang if their provisions ran out, while Guanqiu Jian privately reread a letter from his son and wept.
• Guanqiu Jian openly organized grain purchases and stockpiling across Huainan, including seeking supplies from local great clans and the Wu Kingdom.
• Hua Biao arrived at Shouchun with an Imperial Edict ordering Guanqiu Jian to relinquish command and accompany him to Luoyang, then was brought alone to Guanqiu Jian’s study.

Guanqiu Jian rejected Sima Shi’s offer of titles and honors, denounced his rule as illegitimate, and urged Hua Biao to join him against the Sima Family. Hua Biao left alive but remained conflicted about whether to defect.

• Guanqiu Jian questioned Hua Biao’s claim that the imperial mission sought peace and accused Sima Shi of trying to strip him of Huainan’s elite troops.
• Hua Biao relayed Sima Shi’s offer of high office, honors for Guanqiu Jian’s clan, and a promise to forgive past grievances.
• Guanqiu Jian rejected the offer, defended the Cao emperors’ legitimacy, and condemned Sima Shi’s actions as unworthy of Heaven’s mandate.
• Guanqiu Jian helped the frightened Hua Biao up and accused Sima Shi of hoping the envoy would provoke him into killing him.
• Guanqiu Jian allowed Hua Biao to return to protect his family and urged him to join the campaign against the Sima Family.
• Hua Biao listened to Guanqiu Jian’s appeal but remained torn about what to do.

Sima Shi suspected Zheng Mao and Chen Qian but chose to monitor them rather than arrest them, while learning that Guanqiu Jian was gathering provisions to defend himself. Cao Mao and Wang Xiang decided to move ahead with their plan at the next court deliberation, leaving the court poised for a confrontation with Sima Shi.

• Sima Fu reported that Zheng Mao and Chen Qian had behaved normally, but Sima Shi ordered them watched and considered restricting their movements; Sima Fu warned that this could alienate powerful allies.
• Sima Shi told Sima Fu he would take him on the campaign and entrust him with command if anything happened, then received news that Guanqiu Jian was openly gathering provisions.
• Sima Fu realized Guanqiu Jian was preparing to defend himself, not launch an immediate attack, and Sima Shi asked him to handle Chen Qian and Zheng Mao.
• Wang Xiang told Cao Mao that Sima Shi had grown suspicious, and Cao Mao urged him to act before the situation worsened.
• Wang Xiang agreed to propose their plan with Chen Qian and other ministers at the next court deliberation, while Cao Mao promised to secure the Empress Dowager's support.

Wang Xiang learned that Sima Shi was pressuring ministers over suspected treachery and, fearing Chen Qian and Zheng Mao had been seized, resolved to act before they could reveal more. At court, he concealed his own larger plans while maneuvering Lu Yu toward confronting Sima Shi.

• Wang Xiang received Sima Fu, who warned that Sima Shi would punish ministers aiding a tyrant, and Wang Xiang answered that traitors should have their clans exterminated.
• After Sima Fu left, Wang Xiang suspected Sima Shi had acted against Chen Qian and Zheng Mao and decided he had to move quickly.
• At court, Wang Xiang found Chen Qian and Zheng Mao absent, and Lu Yu angrily demanded to know what had happened.
• Wang Xiang blamed Chen Qian and Zheng Mao’s contact with the Empress Dowager, while Lu Yu said Fu Gu had already told Sima Shi about their reform proposal.
• Lu Yu promised to intervene for Chen Qian and Zheng Mao and urged Wang Xiang not to rush, but Wang Xiang privately resolved to push Lu Yu into confronting Sima Shi.

Cao Mao encouraged Empress Dowager Guo to support Wang Xiang’s planned challenge to Sima Shi, while privately preparing to fight to the death if the effort failed. At court, Sima Zhao pressed the ministers to condemn Guanqiu Jian, but Wang Xiang argued against rushing to judgment before the envoy returned.

• Cao Mao told Empress Dowager Guo that Wang Xiang planned to challenge Sima Shi at court and urged her to endorse the proposal.
• Cao Mao reassured Empress Dowager Guo while privately admitting that he could not predict the outcome and would fight to the death if necessary.
• Sima Zhao took his ill brother’s place at the assembly and accused Guanqiu Jian of stockpiling grain and harboring disloyal intentions.
• Sima Zhao demanded that the ministers declare their positions, but Sima Fu stayed silent and recognized that Sima Zhao was trying to intimidate him.
• Wang Xiang argued that Guanqiu Jian’s grain stores might be meant to resist Wu and warned that acting before the envoy returned could provoke rebellion.

Wang Xiang forced Lu Yu to present reforms to the Zhongzheng System, turning the court’s dispute over Huainan into a confrontation with Sima Zhao. Wang Xiang then declared that the Empress Dowager had approved the proposal, leaving the court in uproar.

• Wang Xiang rebuked Sima Zhao in court, and Zhong Yu stopped Sima Zhao from confronting him.
• Wang Xiang’s actions left Lu Yu fearing Sima Shi’s suspicion, so Lu Yu rose to propose reforming the Zhongzheng System.
• Lu Yu proposed ranking clans and giving the Secretariat authority to select and appoint officials, and Wang Xiang and several ministers supported him.
• Zhao Feng denounced the proposal, but Wang Xiang defended it as a fairer way to select worthy men.
• Sima Zhao declared that he would not permit the reforms, and Wang Xiang replied that the Empress Dowager had approved them.

Wang Xiang challenged Sima Zhao by invoking the Empress Dowager’s support for court reforms, prompting senior ministers to rise against the general. As Sima Zhao lost control of the court, Sima Shi arrived at the hall.

• Wang Xiang declared that the Empress Dowager supported reforming official appointments and easing taxes for meritorious clans.
• Sima Zhao shouted down Wang Xiang and threatened to summon the guards, but Meng Kang and Lu Zhi challenged his authority.
• Gao Rou and other ministers rose to support Wang Xiang and condemn Sima Zhao’s conduct.
• Sima Zhao looked to Sima Fu for help as the court turned against him.
• A frail figure entered the hall, and Sima Zhao recognized his elder brother, Sima Shi.