Chapter Summaries

Cao Mao impressed the scholars at his banquet by debating Xuanxue, then secretly asked Ji Kang whether he would face death alongside him to set the realm right. Ji Kang shared the message with Lü An, who rebuked him for treating Cao Mao’s trust carelessly.

• Lü An advised Cao Mao to focus on learning, then fell silent as the banquet’s scholars changed the subject.
• Cao Mao debated the scholars using the Supreme Mystery Classic, drawing astonishment from Zhong Hui, Ruan Ji, Ji Kang, and Zheng Xiaotong.
• Cao Mao awarded Ji Kang first place and Zhong Hui second; Zhong Hui left lamenting what Cao Mao might have become.
• Cao Mao slipped Ji Kang a note asking whether he had the resolve to face death alongside him to save the realm.
• On the way home, Ji Kang showed Lü An the note, and Lü An angrily accused him of casually betraying Cao Mao’s trust.

Cao Mao planned to use trusted scholars to connect with allies and accelerate his preparations against the Sima Family. After finding Sima Yue alone in his room, he let her share his bed without taking advantage of her, resolving that he was not Sima Shi.

• Ji Kang accepted Lü An's warning, then burned Cao Mao's letter and decided to wait for a chance to ask the emperor what he wanted.
• Cao Mao planned to use Ji Kang, Lü An, and Ruan Ji to contact allies, send advice and practical designs to Guanqiu Jian, and advance supporters at court.
• Cao Mao found Sima Yue sitting in his room and learned that a palace maid had brought her there.
• Cao Mao decided to accelerate his preparations against Sima Shi while keeping his strategy of waiting for Sima Shi to die of illness.
• When Sima Yue began to undress, Cao Mao stopped her and let her lie beside him without touching her, hearing her sob as he kept his eyes shut.

Yang Hu received an imperial edict from the Empress Dowager recruiting him as General Who Guards and Protects, putting him in command of the Palace Guards. Though wary of the turmoil at court, he decided to accept and prepare to travel to Luoyang.

• Yang Hu explained to Lady Xiahou that Guo Zhi’s appointment as General of the Guards signaled that a major court upheaval was approaching.
• Attendant Hua Biao arrived with an imperial edict directly recruiting Yang Hu to command the Palace Guards.
• Hua Biao told Yang Hu that the Empress Dowager had issued the edict and that her relationship with the Guo Family had recently worsened.
• Yang Hu considered the court’s shifting alliances and discussed the recruitment with Lady Xiahou.
• Yang Hu resolved to accept the summons and told Lady Xiahou they would set out for Luoyang the next day.

Cao Mao soothed Wang Xiang’s anger by turning a scholars’ debate into a way to bolster Wang Xiang’s reputation in Classical Studies, then persuaded him to seek the post of Grand Minister of Ceremonies. With that appointment, Cao Mao planned to open the Inspector of the Capital position for Wang Jing and further weaken the Sima Family’s hold on power.

• Wang Xiang scolded Cao Mao for summoning ministers without explaining his intentions, fearing the emperor’s recklessness would ruin their plans.
• Cao Mao explained that the scholars’ debate had spread Wang Xiang’s supposed teachings and earned him praise from renowned scholars.
• Wang Xiang accepted the credit for Cao Mao’s classical scholarship and agreed to consider seeking the vacant post of Grand Minister of Ceremonies.
• Cao Mao and Wang Xiang planned how to win the court’s support for Wang Xiang’s appointment.
• Cao Mao anticipated that Wang Xiang’s promotion would let Wang Jing become Inspector of the Capital a year early, and hoped to strip the Grand General of power.

Cao Mao intercepted Chen Qian at Zhaoyang Hall and won his support by praising his abilities and asking him to promote Ma Long. He then urged Empress Dowager Guo to strengthen the Cao Family against the Sima Family, ending with a revelation about his gratitude to Sima Shi.

• Cao Mao hurried to Zhaoyang Hall after learning Chen Qian had arrived, intending to meet him without relying on Wang Xiang.
• Cao Mao warmly greeted Chen Qian, praised his judgment before Empress Dowager Guo, and asked him to promote Ma Long from Yanzhou.
• Chen Qian accepted Cao Mao's request and left with greater confidence in the emperor and the coming great undertaking.
• Cao Mao told Empress Dowager Guo that the Cao Family, rather than her Guo Family, should receive important posts and grow stronger to oppose the Sima Family.
• Cao Mao recalled that when the Sima Family had sent him to Hebei, he had felt overwhelming gratitude toward Sima Shi for believing he had escaped a life of suffering.

Cao Mao sought to strengthen the Imperial Clan as a counterweight to the Sima Family, then proposed consolidating the Classics despite his attendants’ objections. Sima Shi learned of the proposal and recognized that Cao Mao could provoke a realm-wide scholarly dispute without gaining anyone’s consent.

• Cao Mao persuaded Empress Dowager Guo that restoring the Imperial Clan’s power could help them reclaim authority from the Sima Family, and she advised him to consult his teacher.
• Cao Mao summoned Zheng Xiaotong, Ruan Ji, Wang Shen, Pei Xiu, Sima Yan, and Gao Guang, then proposed compiling the Classics and establishing orthodox interpretations.
• Zheng Xiaotong warned that the plan would trigger disputes, while Ruan Ji and others questioned whether the schools could be consolidated; Cao Mao abandoned the proposal for the time being.
• Cao Mao privately asked Ruan Ji why he would not consult Ji Shuye, then offered Sima Yan an opportunity to earn great merit.
• Sima Shi heard that Cao Mao had proposed unifying the Classics and concluded that the emperor could ignite a scholarly conflict even without the scholars’ agreement.

Sima Zhao feared Cao Mao’s campaign over the classics would strengthen imperial authority and threaten the Sima family, but Zhong Hui advised him to take charge of the project and use it for his own ends. Du Yu privately concluded that Cao Mao was deliberately exposing Great Wei’s existing crises and sacrificing himself to prepare the realm for a wiser ruler.

• Sima Zhao raged to Du Yu and Zhong Hui about Cao Mao’s actions and asked how to respond to the dispute over Classical Studies.
• Zhong Hui argued that Cao Mao sought control over the interpretation of the classics and could use it to cultivate officials hostile to powerful ministers.
• Sima Zhao said Cao Mao could no longer be allowed to live, but Zhong Hui warned that killing or deposing him would provoke rebellion and urged Sima Zhao to protect him.
• Zhong Hui proposed that Sima Zhao take charge of the classical project and later shape the realm’s orthodoxy himself, and Sima Zhao eagerly accepted the plan.
• Du Yu reflected that Cao Mao was bringing existing dangers to light and concluded that the emperor was sacrificing himself to save the realm and prepare Sima Yan to rule wisely.

Du Yu left Sima Zhao’s court troubled after Zhong Hui warned Sima Zhao that Du Yu might turn against the Sima family. Ruan Ji confronted Ji Kang about conspiring with the emperor, but Ji Kang refused to abandon the cause and taught Ruan Ji his treasured piece, Guangling San, leaving him in tears.

• Sima Zhao sent Du Yu home to rest, while Zhong Hui warned that Du Yu might ally with the emperor because of his father’s death; Sima Zhao agreed to watch him but inwardly resented Zhong Hui’s accusation.
• Ruan Ji visited Ji Kang and accused him of secretly plotting with the emperor, learning that Lü An was involved too.
• Ruan Ji urged Ji Kang to withdraw from the dangerous undertaking, but Ji Kang declared that he would serve as a pillar of the nation and refuse to help a tyrant commit atrocities.
• Ji Kang asked Ruan Ji to preserve Guangling San by learning it and passing it on, then played the piece with fierce passion.
• Ruan Ji listened to Ji Kang’s performance and wept.

Wang Yuan expanded his mountain rebellion by appointing Qi Lai to a grand military title, while Guo Ze warned that the growing band would be difficult to manage and would attract the Imperial Court’s forces. With heavy snow halting the campaign, Yin Damu prepared to return to Luoyang and seek command of the effort against them so Guo Ze might survive.

• Wang Yuan brought Qi Lai, a former Pavilion Chief with over sixty followers, before Guo Ze to join the rebels.
• Guo Ze appointed Qi Lai General Who Pacifies the West and Marquis Who Pacifies the South, granting him authority to form his own headquarters.
• Wang Yuan predicted that his forces would grow and planned to strike Heyin and Luoyang if the realm fell into upheaval.
• Guo Ze warned Wang Yuan that a large, poorly equipped force would be hard to supply and would provoke the Imperial Court.
• Yin Damu, having suppressed rebellions around Henan Commandery, prepared to return to Luoyang and volunteer to lead the campaign against Wang Yuan and Guo Ze.

Sima Shi intervened as Sima Zhao hesitated over punishing officials who had massacred commoners, executing Sima Ban and ordering the others beheaded. After rebuking Sima Zhao and praising Fu Gu, Sima Shi watched Fu Gu collapse and was left bewildered.

• Sima Zhao confronted officials who had slaughtered nearly ten thousand commoners, while Xun Xu urged leniency and Fu Gu demanded punishment according to law.
• Sima Zhao proposed executing the worst offenders and sending the others to the Minister of Justice, prompting Sima Ban and the prisoners to think they had been spared.
• Sima Shi arrived, killed Sima Ban with Sima Zhao's sword, and ordered the remaining officials taken away and beheaded.
• Sima Shi condemned Sima Zhao for allowing powerful clans to mistreat the people and warned that popular anger could threaten Great Wei.
• Sima Shi praised Fu Gu as a wise minister, but Fu Gu collapsed, leaving Sima Shi staring at the sky and thinking that Heaven helped the villains, not him.

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.