Chapter Summaries

Chen Caozhi and Xi Chao devised a pretext for Huan Wen to depose Emperor Sima Yi by accusing Lu Song and the emperor’s attendants of debauching the palace. Chen Caozhi then went to meet Sima Yu, while learning that the emperor had already recalled Lu Song and his companions.

• Xi Chao questioned Chen Caozhi about his Northern Lands mission and learned that Murong Qinchen wished to marry him.
• Chen Caozhi gave Xi Chao Huan Wen’s confidential letter about deposing Emperor Sima Yi and asked him to plan the grounds for the deposition.
• Chen Caozhi proposed accusing Lu Song, Zhu Lingbao, Ji Hao, and Xiang Long of debauching the palace through Lu Song’s teachings, and Xi Chao agreed to write Huan Wen with the plan.
• Chen Caozhi visited the Prince of Langya’s Residence, where Chen Shang told him their family had worried over his disappearance and planned to bring their households to Jiankang.
• Chen Caozhi warned Chen Shang to keep the family away from the capital until a major event was settled, and Chen Shang told him the emperor had recalled Lu Song and the others to the palace.

Chen Caozhi met with Sima Yu and Wang Biaozhi after returning to Jiankang, recounting his mission and proposing a plan to rebuild the Beifu Army. Sima Yu approved the plan and pledged his support, while Chen Caozhi left the residence as Sima Daofu celebrated her twentieth birthday.

• Sima Daofu waited for Chen Caozhi at the Prince of Langya's Residence, wished him to notice her birthday, and followed him toward the hall until Sima Yu sent her away.
• Chen Caozhi told Sima Yu about his clash with Lu Song, and Sima Yu promised to explain the matter to the emperor so Chen Caozhi would not be punished.
• Chen Caozhi recounted his mission to Sima Yu and Wang Biaozhi, including his diplomatic achievements and the coming turmoil in the Yan Kingdom.
• Sima Yu and Wang Biaozhi agreed that Chen Caozhi deserved promotion to a sixth-rank assistant secretary in the Department of State Affairs.
• Chen Caozhi proposed rebuilding the Beifu Army under Huan Wen's name, and Wang Biaozhi explained that Chen Caozhi would likely wield its real command.
• Sima Yu accepted Chen Caozhi's plan and promised support, then escorted Chen Caozhi and Wang Biaozhi out after Chen declined supper.

After returning to Jiankang, Chen Caozhi reunited with friends and prepared to bring his family from Qiantang, while keeping the secrets of his northern mission guarded. He helped conclude a treaty with Yan and ended the chapter meeting Lu Na, where his devotion to Wei Rui became clear through the travel account he had written for her.

• Chen Caozhi visited Gu Minzhi, thanked Zhang Tongyun with gifts, and settled his followers at the Chen family's Eastern Garden.
• Liu Shangzhi visited with his family, spoke with Chen Caozhi about the northern lands, and sent letters and gifts to Qiantang with Lai De.
• Lai De departed for Qiantang carrying letters and gifts from Liu Shangzhi and Ding Licheng.
• Chen Caozhi and Ran Sheng attended talks where Wang Biaozhi and Yan envoy Huangfu Zhen concluded a nonaggression treaty, and Huangfu Zhen agreed that Yan would withdraw from Xuchang.
• Chen Caozhi visited Lu Na in the rain, where the two sat in silence until Lady Lu, Zhang Wenwan, and Wei Rui arrived.
• Chen Caozhi presented Wei Rui with the account of his travels, and she handed it to her father, who recognized the care he had put into it.

Chen Caozhi visited Lu Weiwei and promised to find a way to overcome Lu Shi’s opposition to their marriage, then hurried to treat Xie Daoyun when her illness worsened. After examining Xie Daoyun, he changed her prescription to focus on restoring her strength.

• Chen Caozhi explained that Yan’s Princess Qinghe had not persuaded him to leave Jiangdong, and he promised Lu Weiwei he would make her his wife despite Lu Shi’s opposition.
• Chen Caozhi and Lu Weiwei discussed her wish for him to cure Xie Daoyun, and he reassured her that he did not want her to hide her feelings.
• Chen Caozhi learned that Xianbei visitors had started the rumor about Princess Qinghe, easing his suspicion that his plans had been leaked.
• Chen Caozhi accompanied Huangfu Zhen to Mount Zhidu, where the envoy imagined Yan’s future conquest of the riverlands.
• After learning that Xie Daoyun had vomited and suffered burning chest pain, Chen Caozhi rode through the rain to examine her.
• Chen Caozhi found Xie Daoyun extremely weak and cold, then changed her prescription to nourish and strengthen her.

Chen Caozhi secured Ding Licheng’s appointment as County Magistrate of Wuning and visited the recovering Xie Daoyun, who warned him to be careful as he helped rebuild the Beifu Army. Rumors questioning the paternity of the emperor’s sons spread through Jiankang, leaving the truth uncertain.

• Wang Biaozhi assigned Ding Licheng to fill the vacancy as County Magistrate of Wuning, and Ding set out for Qiantang with Shen Chiqian.
• Chen Caozhi saw Ding Licheng and Shen Chiqian off, then visited Xie Daoyun and told her she had consumptive lung disease and needed a year of careful nursing.
• Chen Caozhi walked with Xie Daoyun to the Listening to the Rain Long Corridor, where she asked whether their old agreement still held and he invited her to be his adviser.
• Xie Daoyun warned Chen Caozhi to avoid arousing Huan Wen’s suspicions about the Beifu Army, and Chen promised to explain more later.
• Rumors spread in Jiankang that Lady Tian and Lady Meng’s sons might not be the emperor’s children.

Chen Caozhi navigated rumors about Emperor Sima Yi and Huan Wen’s growing military pressure while Huan Xi became his clan’s designated heir. After Huan Wen marched toward Jiankang with ten thousand troops, Chen told Xie An that Huan Wen planned to depose the emperor and install the Prince of Langya.

• Chen Caozhi visited Waguansi with Lady Lu, Zhang Wenwan, and Lu Weiwei, where Banli told him that palace guards and Lu Song’s followers were arresting people over rumors.
• Huan Mi summoned Chen Caozhi, and Chen realized Huan Wen had chosen Huan Xi as his heir; Huan Xi later discussed rebuilding the North Mansion Army with him and Xi Chao.
• Sima Yu, the Prince of Langya, invited Chen Caozhi to a banquet and discussed rumors alleging that Emperor Sima Yi was not the father of the imperial princes.
• Chen Caozhi urged Sima Yu to stop the indiscriminate arrests, and Sima Yu planned to ask the emperor to expel Lu Song and Zhu Lingbao.
• Emperor Sima Yi rejected Sima Yu’s remonstrance, while Wang Biaozhi informed the prince that Huan Wen was approaching Jiankang with a naval force of ten thousand.
• Xie An asked Chen Caozhi whether Huan Wen intended to depose the emperor, and Chen explained Huan Wen’s plan to replace him with the Prince of Langya.

Huan Wen consulted Xi Chao and Chen Caozhi on rebuilding the Beifu Army and strengthening his heir Huan Xi’s position. The chapter ended with Xi Chao proposing that Huan Xi be made inspector of a Central Plains province so he could recruit troops and command them.

• Huan Wen told Huan Xi to respect Xi Chao and Chen Caozhi and rely on their help.
• Chen Caozhi proposed demoting Yu Xi and appointing Xi Chao’s father, Xi Yin, as Inspector of Xu and Yan provinces in Jingkou.
• Huan Wen accepted the plan and asked Xi Chao to convey his regards to Xi Yin.
• Xi Chao asked how Huan Xi could gain authority to command troops, then proposed making him an inspector of a Central Plains province.

Xi Chao proposed making Huan Xi Inspector of Si Province so Chen Caozhi could help rebuild the Beifu Army, easing Huan Wen’s political and military concerns. Huan Wen celebrated the plan, while Li Jingshu’s arrival stirred jealousy in Huan Xi as Chen Caozhi and Xi Chao departed.

• Xi Chao suggested recommending Huan Xi as Inspector of Si Province, a nominal post that could provide a basis for rebuilding the Beifu Army.
• Huan Wen appointed Chen Caozhi to serve as Huan Xi’s deputy and help rebuild the army, while Xi Chao held back from seeking military authority.
• Huan Wen resolved to submit the recommendation and hoped Huan Xi and Chen Caozhi would begin their posts at Jingkou before year’s end.
• Li Jingshu arrived and paid her respects to Chen Caozhi, prompting Huan Wen to tease her about admiring him.
• Chen Caozhi and Xi Chao took their leave, and Huan Wen sent Huan Xi to escort them out as Huan Xi looked displeased.

Chen Caozhi discussed his romantic and political obligations with Xi Chao, then welcomed Su Qi to Jiankang and arranged for him to help rebuild the Beifu Army. The chapter ended with Chen Caozhi introducing Su Qi to the Xie brothers, who invited them to their residence.

• Xi Chao warned Chen Caozhi that Li Jingshu might use Huan Xi and advised him to pursue marriage alliances with both the Lu and Xie clans.
• Ran Sheng told Chen Caozhi he would not marry until the Xiongnu were destroyed, while privately recalling the girl he admired.
• Chen Caozhi welcomed Su Qi to the Chen residence and asked him to help recruit displaced people and rebuild the army in the Two Huai Regions.
• Chen Caozhi introduced Su Qi to Huan Wen and Huan Xi, and Huan Wen arranged for Su Qi to serve as Army Sima once the appointment edict was issued.
• Chen Caozhi introduced Su Qi to Xie An and Xie Wan, and Xie An invited them to his residence for wine.

Chen Caozhi discussed recruiting the Two Huai Regions’ fortified manor leaders and Qihuo Army into the North Mansion Army, then met Xie Daoyun and Lu Weiwei while Xie An considered his marriage prospects. After Sima Yi left Jiankang and Xie An entered the center of power, Xu Long delivered Sima Yi a secret decree inviting him to reclaim the throne.

• Chen Caozhi told Xie An and Xie Wan that Huan Xi would rebuild the Beifu Army and that Xi Yin would take over as Inspector of Xu and Yan provinces, then promised to recruit the Two Huai Regions’ armed leaders with Xie Yan’s help.
• Xie Daoyun caught up with Chen Caozhi in the corridor, coughed from hurrying, and laughed with him after he helped her recover.
• Chen Caozhi accompanied Lu Weiwei to visit Xie Daoyun, and Lu Weiwei told him she hoped to visit Chen Family Cove.
• Xie Wan worried about whether Xie Daoyun or Lu Weiwei would become Chen Caozhi’s wife, while Xie An said he had a plan and judged there was no need to hurry.
• Sima Yi departed Jiankang for his fief, and Sima Yu appointed Xie An Palace Attendant.
• Xu Long visited Sima Yi at a post station in Danyang and revealed that he carried a secret decree from the empress dowager asking Sima Yi to return and reclaim the throne.

Xu Long failed to persuade the deposed Sima Yi to reclaim the throne, and Lu Song planned to seize Jiankang with five hundred followers. After Cao Cangshu exposed the plot, Chen Caozhi and Xi Chao mobilized the palace guards as the rebellion began.

• Xu Long tried to persuade Sima Yi to return to Jiankang, but Sima Yi rejected him and Xu Long fled after resisting arrest.
• Lu Song told Xu Long that he would attack Taicheng with five hundred followers and take the empress dowager and new sovereign hostage.
• Cao Cangshu fled Lu Song's camp and informed Zhi Fahan of the planned rebellion at Dong'an Temple.
• Zhi Fahan rode to Jiankang and warned Chen Caozhi, who ordered Ran Sheng and Su Qi to ready their troops.
• Chen Caozhi and Xi Chao went to Mao Anzhi for help, and Mao Anzhi led palace guards toward Taicheng as Ran Sheng and Su Qi joined them.

Lu Song led the Way of the Celestial Masters in a night assault on Jiankang, breaking through the city gates and entering Taicheng. After arming his followers, he split them between Chongde Palace and Shiqian Hall, where his forces confronted Mao Anzhi as Xi Chao, Chen Caozhi, Ran Sheng, and Su Qi arrived.

• Lu Song’s followers claimed they were escorting Sima Yi back to the capital and overwhelmed the guards at Guangmo Gate.
• Lu Song and Xu Long led the followers through Cloud Longmen and seized weapons and armor from the palace courtyard armory.
• Lu Song sent Xu Long and Wang Guo with two hundred followers to seize the Empress Dowager at Chongde Palace.
• Lu Song led the remaining followers toward Shiqian Hall, killing guards and palace staff in their path.
• Mao Anzhi blocked Lu Song’s band near the emperor’s sleeping quarters as Xi Chao, Chen Caozhi, Ran Sheng, and Su Qi arrived with more than forty people.

Chen Caozhi and the generals repelled Lu Song’s Way of the Celestial Masters rebels as they attacked the imperial palace and tried to seize the princes. The emperor was safe, the rebels were defeated, and Chen Caozhi returned to Shiqian Hall.

• Mao Anzhi and Ran Sheng fought Lu Song’s rebels at Shiqian Hall, while Chen Caozhi noticed Lu Song retreating toward Yongfu Palace.
• Chen Caozhi sent Ran Sheng and Su Qi to defend Yongfu Palace and told Ran Sheng’s soldiers to help Mao Anzhi guard Emperor Sima Yu.
• Lu Song attacked Yongfu Palace, but Huan Mi arrived with Central Army soldiers and helped Chen Caozhi defeat the rebels and protect the princes.
• Chen Caozhi reassured the frightened people inside Yongfu Palace, where Princess Xinan, Sima Daofu, recognized him and ran to greet him.
• Chen Caozhi returned to Shiqian Hall and found Emperor Sima Yu and Xi Chao safe among the guards, with the rebels captured or killed.

After the Way of the Celestial Masters rebels attacked Taicheng, Emperor Sima Yu’s court uncovered Lu Song’s plot and ordered troops to bring the Prince of the Eastern Sea back to Jiankang and pacify displaced people near Lingkou. As dawn broke, Xi Chao praised Chen Caozhi for helping prevent the rebels from seizing the emperor.

• Chen Caozhi explained to Empress Dowager Chu how Zhi Fahan had warned him of Lu Song’s planned attack, and Huan Mi reported the palace casualties.
• Lu Shi and Huan Mi asked to be dismissed, but Emperor Sima Yu postponed assigning blame until the investigation was complete.
• The Minister of Justice reported that Lu Song had forged an Empress Dowager’s decree and attacked Taicheng after the Prince of the Eastern Sea rejected his scheme.
• Xie An and Wang Biaozhi warned that displaced people gathered near Lingkou might rebel, so Emperor Sima Yu ordered Xie An and Jiang Sixuan to bring Sima Yi back and pacify them.
• As Chen Caozhi and Xi Chao left Taicheng at dawn, Xi Chao praised Chen Caozhi for helping stop Lu Song’s plot.

After Lu Song’s failed attempt to restore the Deposed Emperor, Chen Caozhi returned from the night’s fighting and met with Lu Na and Lu Weiwei. Lu Na asked him to help clear Lu Qin of treason, and Chen promised to do what he could, though the Lu Clan’s fate remained uncertain.

• Chen Caozhi and Xi Chao discussed Lu Song’s failed scheme and the political consequences for Yu Xi and the Lu Clan.
• Chen Caozhi returned to the East Garden, where he found Ran Sheng, Su Qi, and their men recovering from minor wounds after the fighting.
• Lu Na summoned Chen Caozhi to discuss the danger that Lu Qin might be charged with joining Lu Song’s treason.
• Chen Caozhi warned that Lu Song and his disciples could expose Lu Qin’s involvement, but promised to try to exonerate him.
• Lu Na said Lu Shi was preparing to resign and beg forgiveness, while Lu Weiwei worried that her marriage to Chen Caozhi might contribute to her clan’s decline.

Chen Caozhi presided over the renewed trial of Lu Song’s palace-entry case, hoping to confine the charges to the attempted rebellion. Lu Song tried to provoke him by boasting about seducing women from prominent families, and Chen Caozhi had him silenced after he insulted Lady Lu.

• Chen Caozhi received an imperial order to assist in trying Lu Song’s case and became the presiding judge at the Minister of Justice’s offices.
• Zhi Fahan accompanied Chen Caozhi and watched as the injured Lu Song was brought in for questioning.
• Lu Song began confessing to sexual encounters with women from officials’ households, but Chen Caozhi ordered the clerk not to record the claims.
• Lu Song taunted Chen Caozhi by saying he had intended to seduce Lady Zhang and nearly became his father-in-law.
• Chen Caozhi struck Lu Song with a bronze beast, and the bailiffs beat him and forced a paddle into his mouth to stop him speaking.

Chen Caozhi contained Lu Song’s scandalous testimony, secured Lu Qin’s confession, and persuaded Huan Wen to end the case without a sweeping purge. Huan Wen agreed to conclude Lu Song’s case and considered Chen Caozhi’s proposed penalties for Lu Shi and Lu Qin, leaving the Lu Clan’s fate tied to the marshal’s decision.

• Chen Caozhi ordered Lu Song’s tongue injured so he could not spread his accusations, then recorded the confessions of Wang Guo and the other rebels.
• After Lu Qin returned to Jiankang, Chen Caozhi visited him in prison; Lu Qin eventually pleaded for help and confessed that he had facilitated Xu Long’s meeting with Sima Yi.
• Huan Wen arrived in Jiankang after his forces quelled Sima Xun’s rebellion and dismissed his brother Huan Mi for failing to protect the palace.
• Huan Wen ordered Lu Shi arrested and sent to the Ministry of Justice, while Chen Caozhi later asked him to end Lu Song’s case and avoid punishing the Lu Clan more harshly than necessary.
• Chen Caozhi proposed removing Lu Shi from office and reducing Lu Qin to a commoner barred from government service; Huan Wen approved ending Lu Song’s case and welcomed Chen’s advice.

Chen Caozhi advised Huan Wen on rebellion, succession, and military strategy, helping him settle on deposing the emperor and backing Sima Yu while preparing a Northern Expedition. After leaving Huan Wen, Chen Caozhi considered the risks of assisting the Huan family and resolved to strengthen his clan without committing it to a bloody change of dynasty.

• Huan Wen told Chen Caozhi that Sima Xun had rebelled and discussed threats from Qin and Yan; Chen Caozhi urged him to avoid fighting both states and focus first on Yan.
• Huan Wen revealed his ambition to replace the Sima Clan, and Chen Caozhi advised him to avoid claiming the throne immediately and to follow the examples of Cao Cao and Sima Zhao.
• Huan Wen proposed deposing the emperor and installing Sima Yu; Chen Caozhi supported the move and agreed to consult Attendant Minister Xi about grounds for the deposition.
• Huan Wen promised to recommend Chen Caozhi for promotion, and Chen Caozhi urged him to establish a legitimate heir and rebuild the Beifu Army under that heir’s command.
• Chen Caozhi offered to persuade Fan Wang to serve Huan Wen, and Huan Wen praised the clarity of Chen’s strategic advice.
• After leaving Huan Wen’s residence, Chen Caozhi reflected on the risks of backing the Huan family and decided that his clan should strengthen itself while avoiding a bloody dynastic change.

Chen Caozhi returned from his northern mission, and Lu Weiwei eagerly went to New Pavilion to meet him. As she waited, she wrestled with her feelings about Xie Daoyun, while a group led by Daoist Master Lu arrived and claimed the mountain for the emperor.

• Chen Caozhi sent Huang Xiaotong ahead to Jiankang with news of his safe return and plans to meet Lu Weiwei at New Pavilion.
• Huang Xiaotong told Chen Shang and Xiao Chan that Chen Caozhi would arrive the next day, and Xiao Chan and Zhang Tongyun informed Lu Weiwei.
• Lu Weiwei secured permission from Zhang Wenwan to leave the city, then spent the night reflecting on her love for Chen Caozhi and her sympathy for Xie Daoyun.
• Lu Weiwei, Xiao Chan, and their attendants traveled to New Pavilion, where Huang Xiaotong confirmed Chen Caozhi had not yet arrived.
• Daoist Master Lu and his party tried to climb the mountain, and Banli recognized Zhu Lingbao, Ji Hao, and Xiang Long among them.

Chen Caozhi gained Xie An’s support for rebuilding the Beifu Army and discussed how to counter Huan Wen’s ambitions. After Huan Wen stationed troops near Jiankang, his memorial prompted Sima Yu to order the arrest of Lu Song, Zhu Lingbao, Xiang Long, Ji Hao, and their followers.

• Chen Caozhi told Xie An about his plans to strengthen Huan Xi and the Beifu Army, and Xie An agreed to send Xie Yan with him to Jingkou.
• Huan Wen marched ten thousand troops to Baishi, alarming Jiankang and leaving Sima Yu’s court unable to resist him.
• Sima Yu sent Wang Biaozhi and Xi Chao to Baishi to learn Huan Wen’s purpose, and they returned with his memorial.
• After reading Huan Wen’s memorial, Sima Yu summoned the Palace Guards and ordered Lu Song, Zhu Lingbao, Xiang Long, Ji Hao, and their followers arrested.