Biography
Early life
Sima Shi was born in 208 CE, the thirteenth year of Jian’an, in Wen County, Henei Commandery (present-day Wen County, Henan). He was Sima Yi’s eldest son and Sima Zhao’s elder brother.
Sima Shi was known for being calm and strong, with great talent and strategy. He was famous when young and elegant in bearing.
He was equal in reputation to Xiahou Xuan and He Yan and had many interactions with famous scholars.
Early service
In the Jingchu period (237–239 CE) of Wei, Sima Shi served as Regular Attendant and was later promoted to Protector of the Army.
He established regulations for selecting and employing talent, promoting people without exceeding their merit and appointing and removing officials without personal feelings.
Later, when Sima Shi’s mother Zhang Chunhua died (247 CE), Sima Shi observed mourning for her and gained a reputation for filial piety.
Marriage to Xiahou Hui
Sima Shi early married Xiahou Hui, daughter of Xiahou Shang and sister of Xiahou Xuan, and together they had five daughters.
Xiahou Hui had great insight and bearing and often assisted Sima Shi from the side.
According to the Jin Shu, Xiahou Hui knew that Sima Shi was not a loyal minister of Cao Wei, and Sima Shi was also very wary of his wife, who came from the Xiahou family.
In 234 CE, the second year of Qinglong, Sima Shi allegedly poisoned Xiahou Hui to death.
Gaopingling Incident
In 249 CE, the first year of Jiaping, Sima Yi launched the Gaopingling Incident to kill the powerful minister Cao Shuang.
On the night before the incident, when Sima Yi told Sima Shi and Sima Zhao about the plan, Sima Zhao worried all night and could not sleep, but Sima Shi slept as usual.
Previously, Sima Shi had secretly raised three thousand dead soldiers. Usually, the dead soldiers were scattered among the people, but on the day of the incident, they gathered together and played a key role. Everyone did not know where the dead soldiers came from.
The next morning, Sima Shi personally led troops and stationed at the Sima Gate, controlling the capital.
He calmed inside and outside and deployed formations very orderly. Sima Yi sighed with emotion: “This son of mine is actually so capable.”
After the great achievement was completed, Sima Yi replaced Cao Shuang as the holder of Cao Wei’s military and government power.
Sima Shi was enfeoffed as Marquis of Changping Township for his achievements, with a fief of one thousand households.
Soon after, Sima Shi was additionally enfeoffed as General Who Guards the Army.
Campaign against Wang Ling
In 251 CE, the third year of Jiaping, Wang Ling rebelled. Sima Shi brought his adopted son Sima You and followed Sima Yi on campaign against Wang Ling.
After Wang Ling was pacified, Sima Yi died, and Sima Shi became General Who Assists the Army, holding Cao Wei’s military and government power.
Battle of Dongxing
In 252 CE, the fourth year of Jiaping, Sima Shi was promoted to Grand General.
In the tenth month, Sun Quan, Emperor of Wu, died of illness. Wei wanted to attack the newly built dam of Eastern Wu.
At that time, Wang Chang, Guanqiu Jian, and Hu Zun all presented plans to attack Wu. Because the strategies of the various generals were all different, Sima Shi finally decided to divide into three routes and attack.
In the twelfth month, Wei sent troops to attack Dongxing. Sima Shi appointed Sima Zhao as Commander, commanding Hu Zun, General Who Conquers the East, and Zhuge Dan, General Who Guards the East, to attack Wu.
However, they were defeated by Zhuge Ke. Wei troops suffered many dead and wounded, and Wu troops captured Wei military supplies and equipment piled up like a mountain.
Court ministers discussed demoting Zhuge Dan and other participating generals. Sima Shi attributed the defeat to himself and said: “I did not listen to Gongxiu (Zhuge Dan’s courtesy name), and therefore came to this. This is my fault. What crime do the various generals have?”
Sima Zhao, because he was Commander, was punished most severely and had his title removed. Other generals did not receive excessive punishment—they only exchanged defensive areas.
Battle of Hefei Xincheng
In the fifth month of 253 CE, the fifth year of Jiaping, Zhuge Ke, Grand Tutor of Wu, sent two hundred thousand troops to surround Hefei Xincheng.
The court discussed extensively, worried about dividing troops to attack Huaishui and having plans to guard various water mouths.
Sima Shi said: “Zhuge Ke has just obtained power in Wu and wants to use temporary power. He has combined troops at Hefei Xincheng, hoping to achieve success again. He has no spare time to attack Qing Province and Xu Province. Moreover, water mouth ports are not only one. If we defend many places, we will use many troops. If we defend few places, it will not be enough to resist.”
Zhuge Ke concentrated all his troops at Hefei Xincheng, exactly as Sima Shi had predicted.
Sima Shi sent Sima Fu to command various armies of two hundred thousand to defend and ordered Guanqiu Jian, General Who Guards the East, and Wen Qin, Inspector of Yang Province, and others to request battle.
Sima Shi said: “Zhuge Ke’s army has advanced lightly and deeply, throwing troops into a desperate situation. The sharpness of the troops is difficult to resist. Moreover, Xincheng is small and strong—attacking it cannot be quickly captured.”
He ordered the various generals to treat them with high fortifications. Zhuge Ke faced them for several months, and the attacking troops were exhausted, with more than half dead or wounded.
Sima Shi ordered Wen Qin to command elite troops to join together and cut off Zhuge Ke’s retreat route, and Guanqiu Jian and other generals covered the rear.
Zhuge Ke was frightened and fled. Wen Qin advanced and greatly defeated the enemy army, cutting off over ten thousand heads.
Deposing Cao Fang
In 254 CE, the sixth year of Jiaping, in the second month, Cao Fang, Emperor of Wei, together with Li Feng, Director of the Central Secretariat, Zhang Ji, Minister over the Masses, and others, plotted to launch a coup, remove Sima Shi, and establish Xiahou Xuan, Minister over the Masses, as Grand General.
However, the plan was leaked, and the three were killed by Sima Shi, with their three clans exterminated.
In the third month, Zhang Ji’s daughter, Empress Zhang, was deposed. Wei fell into chaos for a time.
In the same year, Sima Shi was suspicious of Cao Fang and deposed Cao Fang as King of Qi.
Sima Shi originally planned to establish Cao Ju, King of Pengcheng, as emperor, but Empress Dowager Guo requested to establish Cao Mao, Duke of Gaoguixiang, as emperor.
Sima Shi could not win the argument and therefore followed the empress dowager’s command, sent envoys to welcome Cao Mao to Luoyang to ascend the throne, and Sima Shi and Sima Zhao, brothers, continued to hold power.
Suppressing Guanqiu Jian and Wen Qin’s rebellion
In 255 CE, the second year of Zhengyuan, Guanqiu Jian, General Who Guards the East, and Wen Qin, Inspector of Yang Province, rebelled because Sima Shi had arbitrarily deposed and established the emperor.
They each sent four sons to Eastern Wu as hostages, currying favour with Sun Liang, but did not receive strong support from Wu.
In the first month of spring, Guanqiu Jian and Wen Qin crossed the Huai River and advanced west from Shouchun. They had no way to attack Luoyang or occupy Xuchang and stopped when they reached Xiang County.
Sima Shi ordered Wang Ji, Supervisor of the Army, to lead the vanguard and station at “Nandun” to monitor Guanqiu Jian and Wen Qin.
He separately sent Zhuge Dan to lead troops from Yu Province to attack Shouchun and sent Hu Zun to lead troops from Qing Province and Xu Province to cut diagonally between Qiao County and present-day Shangqiu, cutting off Guanqiu Jian and Wen Qin’s road from Xiang County back to Shouchun.
Sima Shi personally led the main force and stationed at Ruyang.
He again ordered Deng Ai to lead over ten thousand troops of the “Taishan armies” to Yuejia County, making them appear vulnerable to entice Guanqiu Jian and Wen Qin to attack.
Guanqiu Jian indeed ordered Wen Qin to attack Deng Ai. Sima Shi then commanded a large force of cavalry to attack Wen Qin from behind, and Wen Qin was greatly defeated.
When Guanqiu Jian heard the news in Xiang County, he hurriedly abandoned the city and fled.
Guanqiu Jian reached Shen County and hid in the grass by the river, where he was shot to death by common people.
Wen Qin fled in one breath to Eastern Wu.
The Guanqiu and Wen families, all those who remained in Wei, were killed by Sima Shi.
Death
Initially, Sima Shi had a tumour disease on his eye and had just had a doctor complete a removal operation.
During the rebellion of Guanqiu Jian and Wen Qin, Wen Yang, Wen Qin’s son, led troops and attacked the camp. Sima Shi was excessively frightened, causing his eye to pop out of its socket.
To calm the six armies’ hearts, he covered himself with a quilt and forcibly endured the pain. His subordinates did not know about his injury.
When he was seriously ill, he had Sima Zhao command the various armies.
On the Xinhai day of the intercalary first month of 255 CE (23 March 255), Sima Shi died of pain in Xuchang at the age of forty-eight.
In the second month, Cao Mao wore plain clothes and personally came to mourn. Sima Shi was posthumously titled Marquis Zhongwu.
In 264 CE, the first year of Xianxi, Sima Zhao was enfeoffed as King of Jin and posthumously honoured Sima Shi as King Jing.
In 266 CE, the first year of Taishi, Sima Yan became emperor and posthumously honoured Sima Shi as Emperor Jing, buried at Junpingling, with the temple name Shizong.
Personality
Sima Shi was known for being calm, strong, and having great talent and strategy. He was famous when young and elegant in bearing.
He was equal in reputation to Xiahou Xuan and He Yan, but Sima Shi’s ability in leading troops and fighting, or in politics, far exceeded those two.
Sima Shi was calm and steady. When Sima Yi told Sima Shi and Sima Zhao about the “Gaopingling Incident” plan, Sima Zhao worried all night and could not sleep, but Sima Shi slept as usual.
During the incident, Sima Shi personally led troops and stationed at the Sima Gate, controlling the capital Luoyang.
He was known for being resolute and decisive. When cleaning up political enemies, he was decisive in killing and did not show mercy even to old friends.
When attacked, to calm the army’s hearts, he forcibly endured severe pain, biting the quilt to pieces without making a sound, so his subordinates did not know about his injury.
Military achievements
Gaopingling Incident
Sima Shi participated in the Gaopingling Incident, personally leading troops to control the capital and contributing to the success of the coup.
Battle of Dongxing
Although the Battle of Dongxing was a defeat, Sima Shi took responsibility for it, showing his leadership and responsibility.
Battle of Hefei Xincheng
Sima Shi correctly predicted Zhuge Ke’s strategy and successfully defended against his attack, achieving victory and cutting off over ten thousand heads.
Suppressing Guanqiu Jian and Wen Qin’s rebellion
Sima Shi successfully suppressed the rebellion of Guanqiu Jian and Wen Qin, using strategy to entice them to attack and then defeating them.
Relationships
With Sima Yi
Sima Shi was Sima Yi’s eldest son and participated in the Gaopingling Incident with him. Sima Yi greatly valued Sima Shi’s ability, saying: “This son of mine is actually so capable.”
With Sima Zhao
Sima Shi was Sima Zhao’s elder brother. After Sima Shi’s death, Sima Zhao succeeded him and posthumously honoured him as King Jing.
With Xiahou Hui
Sima Shi married Xiahou Hui, but according to the Jin Shu, he was wary of her because she came from the Xiahou family and allegedly poisoned her.
With Cao Fang
Sima Shi deposed Cao Fang as King of Qi, showing his control over the Wei court.
With Cao Mao
Sima Shi installed Cao Mao as emperor, though Cao Mao was later killed by Sima Zhao.
Anecdotes
The three thousand dead soldiers
Before the Gaopingling Incident, Sima Shi had secretly raised three thousand dead soldiers. Usually, they were scattered among the people, but on the day of the incident, they gathered together and played a key role. Everyone did not know where they came from.
Sleeping before the incident
On the night before the Gaopingling Incident, when Sima Yi told Sima Shi and Sima Zhao about the plan, Sima Zhao worried all night and could not sleep, but Sima Shi slept as usual, showing his calmness and composure.
Taking responsibility for defeat
After the Battle of Dongxing, court ministers discussed demoting the generals. Sima Shi attributed the defeat to himself, saying: “I did not listen to Gongxiu, and therefore came to this. This is my fault. What crime do the various generals have?” This shows his leadership and responsibility.
The eye injury
During the suppression of Guanqiu Jian and Wen Qin’s rebellion, Wen Yang attacked the camp, and Sima Shi was excessively frightened, causing his eye to pop out. To calm the army, he covered himself with a quilt and forcibly endured the pain, showing his determination and willpower.
Achievements
- Participated in Gaopingling Incident
- Succeeded Sima Yi as Grand General
- Correctly predicted Zhuge Ke’s strategy at Hefei Xincheng
- Deposed Cao Fang and installed Cao Mao
- Suppressed Guanqiu Jian and Wen Qin’s rebellion
- Established regulations for selecting and employing talent
Behind the scenes
Historical sources
Sima Shi’s biography appears in the Jin Shu by Fang Xuanling, where he is grouped with Sima Zhao. The Jin Shu records his achievements and his role in establishing the Jin dynasty.
The Gaopingling Incident
Sima Shi played a key role in the Gaopingling Incident, personally leading troops to control the capital. His calmness and composure before the incident show his character.
The death of Xiahou Hui
According to the Jin Shu, Sima Shi allegedly poisoned Xiahou Hui because he was wary of her connection to the Xiahou family. However, this is disputed, and some sources suggest she died of natural causes.
Deposing Cao Fang
Sima Shi’s deposition of Cao Fang was a major step in the Sima family’s control of the Wei court. This action, along with the installation of Cao Mao, shows Sima Shi’s power and influence.
The eye injury
Sima Shi’s eye injury during the suppression of Guanqiu Jian and Wen Qin’s rebellion led to his death. His determination to endure the pain to calm the army shows his character and willpower.
Historical evaluations
Contemporary
He Yan said: “Only one who can perceive subtle signs can accomplish the affairs of the realm—Sima Ziyuan is such a person.”
Sima Yi said: “This son of mine is actually so capable.”
Guanqiu Jian said: “Sima Shi, as a great minister, should eliminate state difficulties, and as a son, should complete his father’s work. Before the sound of mourning had ceased, he stopped. As a minister, he is not loyal; as a son, he is not filial.”
Later historians
Fang Xuanling wrote: “Shizong (Sima Shi) used wise strategy to create the foundation. Taizu (Sima Zhao) used heroic talent to accomplish affairs. Traces of serving Yin exist in name, but the ambition to cut down Shang is far-reaching. Dividing the realm into three, achievements and work are there.”
Zhang Ti wrote: “Sima Yi and his sons, holding power themselves, accumulated great achievements, removed their troubles and harshness, and spread their peace and favour. As their strategists, they saved their difficulties. The people’s hearts turned to them, and this had been so for a long time.”
Legacy
Sima Shi is remembered as a key figure in the Sima family’s rise to power. His participation in the Gaopingling Incident, his success in suppressing rebellions, and his deposition of Cao Fang show his political and military ability.
However, he is also remembered for his role in deposing the emperor and controlling the Wei court, actions that paved the way for the eventual establishment of the Jin dynasty.
His calmness and composure, especially before the Gaopingling Incident, and his determination to endure pain to calm the army show his character and willpower.
His story represents both achievement and controversy—a regent who successfully maintained control and suppressed rebellions but whose actions contributed to the decline of the Wei dynasty.
Timeline
- 208 CE: Born in Wen County, Henei Commandery
- 234 CE: Allegedly poisoned Xiahou Hui
- 237–239 CE: Served as Regular Attendant; promoted to Protector of the Army; established regulations for selecting talent
- 247 CE: Zhang Chunhua died; observed mourning
- 249 CE: Participated in Gaopingling Incident; personally led troops to control capital; enfeoffed as Marquis of Changping Township; appointed General Who Guards the Army
- 251 CE: Participated in campaign against Wang Ling; Sima Yi died; became General Who Assists the Army; inherited title of Marquis of Wuyang
- 252 CE: Promoted to Grand General; Battle of Dongxing; took responsibility for defeat
- 253 CE: Battle of Hefei Xincheng; correctly predicted Zhuge Ke’s strategy; achieved victory
- 254 CE: Li Feng and others plotted to remove Sima Shi; killed them; deposed Cao Fang; installed Cao Mao
- 255 CE: Suppressed Guanqiu Jian and Wen Qin’s rebellion; eye injured by Wen Yang’s attack; died 23 March in Xuchang; age 48; posthumously titled Marquis Zhongwu
- 264 CE: Posthumously honoured as King Jing by Sima Zhao
- 266 CE: Posthumously honoured as Emperor Jing by Sima Yan; temple name Shizong
See also
References
- Chen Shou. Records of the Three Kingdoms, various volumes.
- Fang Xuanling. Jin Shu, Volume 2, Annals of Emperors Jing and Wen.
- Sima Guang. Zizhi Tongjian, various volumes.