Biography
Early life
Sima Zhao was born in 211 CE, the sixteenth year of Jian’an, in Wen County, Henei Commandery (present-day Wen County, Henan). He was Sima Yi’s second son and Sima Shi’s younger brother.
Early service
In 238 CE, the second year of Jingchu, Sima Zhao was enfeoffed as Marquis of Xincheng Township.
In 240 CE, the first year of Zhengshi, Sima Zhao served as Colonel of Rapid as Tigers in Luoyang.
When Cao Rui, Emperor Ming, was alive, he greatly promoted luxury and extravagance. Sima Zhao, after him, removed harsh taxes and corvée and did not miss agricultural seasons. The people were greatly pleased.
Sima Zhao was later transferred to Regular Attendant.
Campaign against Shu Han
In 244 CE, the fifth year of Zhengshi, when Cao Shuang, Grand General, campaigned against Shu, he made Sima Zhao General Who Conquers Shu, serving as deputy to Xiahou Xuan, and led troops out of Luogu, stationing at Xingshi.
Shu general Wang Lin (or Wang Ping) attacked Sima Zhao’s camp at night. Sima Zhao insisted on not moving his troops. Wang Lin finally withdrew.
Afterward, Sima Zhao said to Xiahou Xuan: “Fei Yi occupies dangerous terrain and firmly guards it. Our army advances but cannot get a chance to fight, attacks but cannot capture it. We should quickly withdraw and make plans later.”
Cao Shuang and others led their troops to withdraw. Fei Yi indeed led troops and rushed to Sanling, cutting off their retreat route. The Wei army seized the dangerous road and was able to pass through.
After returning to the capital, Sima Zhao was appointed Gentleman Consultant.
Gaopingling Incident
In 249 CE, the first year of Jiaping, Sima Yi killed Cao Shuang and began to monopolize state government.
Sima Zhao led troops to guard the two palaces and, for his achievements, had his fief increased by one thousand households.
On the night before the incident, when Sima Yi told Sima Shi and Sima Zhao about the plan, Sima Zhao was very nervous and worried all night, unable to sleep.
Campaigns against Shu Han
When Shu general Jiang Wei harassed Longyou, Guo Huai, General Who Conquers the West, set out from Chang’an to resist the Shu army.
Sima Zhao was promoted to General Who Pacifies the West, granted credentials, stationed troops in Guanzhong, and commanded various armies.
Guo Huai attacked Ju An, Jiang Wei’s separate general, at Qu, but for a long time could not decide victory or defeat.
Sima Zhao then advanced troops and occupied Changcheng, setting up decoy troops south toward Luogu. Jiang Wei was frightened, retreated and guarded Nanzheng, and Ju An’s army was cut off from reinforcements and led his troops to surrender.
Sima Zhao was transferred to General Who Pacifies the East, granted credentials, and guarded Xuchang.
Campaign against Wang Ling
In 251 CE, the third year of Jiaping, when the main army attacked Wang Ling, Sima Zhao commanded military affairs in Huaibei, led troops, and joined forces at Xiang.
His fief was increased by three hundred households, and he was granted a gold seal with purple ribbon.
In the same year, Sima Yi died, and his elder brother Sima Shi, as General Who Assists the Army, assisted in government and monopolized court power.
Battle of Dongxing
In 252 CE, the fourth year of Jiaping, Sima Shi ordered an attack on Sun Wu.
Sima Zhao was promoted to Commander, commanded Hu Zun, General Who Conquers the East, and Zhuge Dan, General Who Guards the East, to attack Wu, and fought at Dongxing.
Hu Zun and Zhuge Dan’s armies were greatly defeated (see Battle of Dongxing).
After the defeat, Sima Zhao once asked everyone who should bear responsibility. Wang Yi, Major of the Army, said: “Responsibility lies with the commander (referring to Sima Zhao).”
Sima Zhao was greatly angry and said: “Does the Major (referring to Wang Yi) want to shift the blame to me?” He therefore ordered Wang Yi executed.
Sima Zhao, because of this defeat, had his marquis title removed.
Later campaigns against Shu Han
In the summer of 253 CE, the fifth year of Jiaping, Shu general Jiang Wei again harassed Longyou, announcing that he would attack Didao.
Cao Fang, Emperor of Wei, appointed Sima Zhao as General Who Conquers the West and stationed troops at Chang’an.
Chen Tai, Inspector of Yong Province, wanted to go ahead of the Shu army and occupy Didao.
Sima Zhao said: “Jiang Wei attacks the Qiang, captures their hostages, gathers grain, and builds granaries, then turns here. He is precisely trying to complete the work of conquering the Qiang outside the frontier, preparing for attacking Wei in later years. If he truly wants to attack Didao, how would he be willing to leak it in advance and let outsiders know? Now he announces an attack—this is precisely preparing to withdraw his troops.”
Jiang Wei indeed burned his camp fortifications and left.
When he encountered the rebellion of the Xiping Qiang and Hu, Sima Zhao led troops and defeated them, then displayed troops at Lingzhou, and the northern Hu were intimidated. Those who had rebelled came to surrender.
Sima Zhao, for this military achievement, was again enfeoffed as Marquis of Xincheng Township.
Succeeding Sima Shi
In 254 CE, the sixth year of Jiaping, in the second month, Cao Fang planned to have Li Feng, Director of the Central Secretariat, Xiahou Xuan, Minister over the Masses, Zhang Ji, Minister over the Masses, and others launch a coup, remove Sima Shi, and establish Xiahou Xuan as Grand General.
The plan was leaked, and the three were killed by Sima Shi.
In the same year, Sima Shi was suspicious of Cao Fang, deposed Cao Fang, and established Cao Mao as emperor.
Sima Zhao participated in planning and establishing the strategy and was advanced to Marquis of Gaodu, with his fief increased by two thousand households.
Suppressing Guanqiu Jian and Wen Qin’s rebellion
In 255 CE, the second year of Zhengyuan, Guanqiu Jian, Wen Qin, and others raised troops in Huainan to rescue the emperor.
Sima Shi led the main army and campaigned east. Sima Zhao additionally served as General Who Commands the Army and remained to guard Luoyang.
During this time, Wen Yang led troops and attacked the camp. Sima Shi was excessively frightened, and his eye popped out of its socket. When he was seriously ill, Sima Zhao went from the capital to Xuchang to visit him and was appointed General Who Guards the Army.
After Sima Shi died, Cao Mao, the thirteen-year-old emperor, ordered Sima Zhao to remain to guard Xuchang and have Fu Gu, Director of the Imperial Secretariat, lead the main army back to Luoyang, intending to seize power from the Sima family.
Sima Zhao followed the strategy of Fu Gu and Zhong Hui, personally led troops, and returned to the capital.
When he reached Luoyang, he was advanced to Grand General, given the additional title of Palace Attendant, Commander of military affairs inside and outside, and Director of the Imperial Secretariat, assisting in government. He was granted the privilege to wear a sword and shoes in court.
Sima Zhao declined and did not accept.
Suppressing Zhuge Dan’s rebellion
In 256 CE, the first year of Ganlu, in the first month, Sima Zhao was granted the title of Grand Commander and allowed to “submit memorials without naming himself.”
In the sixth month, he was advanced to Duke of Gaodu, with a fief of seven hundred li, granted nine bestowments, given an axe and halberd, advanced to Grand Commander, and granted the privilege to wear a sword and shoes in court.
He again declined and did not accept.
On the sixteenth day of the eighth month, he was granted a yellow axe, and his fief was increased by three counties.
Campaign against Zhuge Dan
In 257 CE, the second year of Ganlu, on the first day of the fifth month, Zhuge Dan, General Who Guards the East, killed Yue Lin, Inspector of Yang Province, occupied Huainan, and raised troops, sending his son Zhuge Jing as a hostage to request Wu to rescue him.
Those who discussed this matter requested to immediately attack the Huainan army.
Sima Zhao said: “Zhuge Dan believes that Guanqiu Jian raised troops hastily and quickly, leading to failure. Today, he will certainly connect externally with Wu bandits. In this way, the scale of rebellion will be large, and actions will be slow. I can join forces with the generals of the four directions and use a strategy of complete victory to subdue him.”
He therefore submitted a memorial to the Son of Heaven saying: “Previously, when Qing Bu rebelled, Emperor Gao personally campaigned. When Kui Xiao resisted, Emperor Guangwu campaigned west. The Illustrious Ancestor, Emperor Ming, personally campaigned many times, all to raise the army’s spirit and display military might. Your Majesty should temporarily personally attend the army, so that the officers and soldiers can rely on the Son of Heaven’s authority. Now the various armies attacking the bandits number about five hundred thousand. Using many to attack few, there is no way we will not win.”
In the seventh month of the same year, Sima Zhao brought Cao Mao and Empress Dowager Guo together and campaigned east, mobilizing troops from Qing, Xu, Jing, and Yu Provinces and dividing some troops from Guanzhong, joining forces at Huaibei.
The main army reached Xiang, and He Zhen, Minister of Justice, was sent with credentials to go to Huainan, comfort the rebelling officers and soldiers, and clarify the court’s policy of executing rebels and rewarding those who submitted.
On the fifth day, Sima Zhao advanced troops to Qiutou.
The siege
Wu sent Wen Qin, Tang Zi, Quan Duan, Quan Yi, and others, over thirty thousand men, to rescue Zhuge Dan. The various Wei generals met the attack but could not resist.
General Li Guang was afraid before the enemy and did not advance. Chang Shi, Administrator of Taishan, claimed illness and did not send troops. Both were executed and displayed to the public.
In the eighth month, Zhu Yi, a Wu general, led over ten thousand troops, left supplies at Dulu, and advanced lightly to Lijiang.
Shi Bao, Supervisor of the Army, and Zhou Tai, Inspector of Yan Province, resisted Zhu Yi’s army, and Zhu Yi withdrew.
Hu Lie, Administrator of Taishan, used surprise troops to attack Dulu, burned Zhu Yi’s grain and supplies, and Shi Bao and Zhou Tai again attacked Zhu Yi and greatly defeated his army.
Zhu Yi’s remaining troops were hungry and had no grain, ate kudzu leaves, and fled. Wu people killed Zhu Yi.
Sima Zhao said: “Zhu Yi could not reach Shouchun—this was not his own crime. However, Wu people killed him, only to apologize to Zhuge Dan, who was guarding Shouchun, and strengthen his will, making him still hope for reinforcements to arrive. If they did not do this, Zhuge Dan would break out and fight desperately in one moment. Or they might think that my main army cannot persist long, so they would save grain and persist, waiting for other changes. Predicting the Wu bandits’ way out, it will not exceed these three choices. Now we should take various actions to disturb their sight and hearing and guard against them fleeing. This is a strategy for victory.”
He therefore ordered the army to complete the encirclement, sent some old and weak troops to Huaibei to obtain food locally, and gave each front-line soldier three sheng of soybeans.
When Wen Qin heard of this situation, he was indeed very happy.
Sima Zhao further had soldiers pretend to be hungry and emaciated to show the Huainan army and sent many spies into the Huainan army, announcing that Wu reinforcements were about to arrive.
Zhuge Dan and others therefore let the soldiers relax standards and eat and drink freely. Grain in the city quickly ran short.
The victory
Shi Bao and Wang Ji both requested to attack.
Sima Zhao said: “Zhuge Dan plotted rebellion—this was not a matter of one morning and one evening. He gathered grain and perfected city defences, believing himself sufficient to occupy Huainan. Wen Qin and Zhuge Dan share evil and assist each other—they will certainly not casually break out and flee. Now if we urgently attack the city, we will certainly damage our own troops. If external reinforcements suddenly arrive, we will be attacked from inside and outside—that is a very dangerous approach. Now the three rebels are together in one isolated city. Heaven’s will may cause them to be destroyed together. We should plan from a long-term perspective and subdue them. We only need to surround on three sides and firmly guard our positions. If the bandit reinforcements come by land, their military grain will certainly be little. We will use mobile troops and light cavalry to cut off their grain transport. The reinforcements can be defeated without fighting. Once the external bandits are defeated, Wen Qin and others will certainly be captured.”
Quan Yi’s mother was Sun Quan’s daughter and had committed a crime in Wu. Quan Yi’s nephew Quan Yi and Quan Yi’s nephew Quan Yi escorted their mother and fled to the Wei army.
Quan Yi’s elder brother Quan Jing was at Shouchun at that time. Sima Zhao used Zhong Hui’s strategy and, on behalf of Quan Yi and Quan Yi, wrote a letter persuading Quan Jing to surrender.
Quan Jing and his five brothers led their subordinates and surrendered. Shouchun City was greatly panicked.
The final assault
In 258 CE, the third year of Ganlu, on the seventh day of the first month, Zhuge Dan, Wen Qin, and others came out to attack the surrounding army but were repelled by the various armies.
Initially, Zhuge Dan and Wen Qin were not harmonious internally. When it became urgent, the two were suspicious of each other.
Later, when Zhuge Dan and Wen Qin discussed military affairs, their opinions conflicted. Zhuge Dan personally killed Wen Qin.
Wen Yang, Wen Qin’s son, attacked Zhuge Dan but could not win, jumped down from the city wall, and surrendered to the Wei army.
Sima Zhao appointed Wen Yang as a general, advanced him to Marquis, and had him circle the city and call out to persuade surrender.
When Sima Zhao saw that the city’s defenders held bows but did not shoot arrows, he said to the various generals: “We can attack the city.”
On the twentieth day of the second month, the Wei army attacked the city. On that day, the city was captured, Zhuge Dan was killed, and his three clans were exterminated.
Several hundred soldiers under Zhuge Dan who were unwilling to surrender were also executed.
Wu generals Tang Zi, Sun Man, Sun Mi, Xu Shao, and others all led their subordinates and surrendered. Sima Zhao submitted a memorial to grant them titles, and soldiers who were hungry or sick were provided with grain and medicine.
Someone said that Wu troops would certainly not serve us effectively and requested to bury them alive.
Sima Zhao said: “Let them return—this will display the Great Wei’s magnanimity.” Later, they were exiled to Sanhe.
In the fourth month, Sima Zhao returned to the capital.
Cao Mao issued an edict changing “Qiutou” to “Wuqiu” to praise Sima Zhao’s military achievements.
Killing Cao Mao
In 258 CE, the third year of Ganlu, in the fifth month, Cao Mao issued an edict enfeoffing Sima Zhao as Duke of Jin, granting nine bestowments, and establishing the State of Jin.
Sima Zhao declined nine times, and the matter stopped. It was changed to increasing Sima Zhao’s fief by ten thousand households, eating taxes from three counties. Sons who had no titles were all enfeoffed as Marquises.
In the seventh month, Sima Zhao submitted a memorial to employ the sons and grandsons of famous ministers and meritorious officials of previous generations, appointing them according to their ability.
”Sima Zhao’s heart, everyone knows”
In 260 CE, the fifth year of Ganlu, in the fourth month, Cao Mao was forced to again issue an edict advancing Sima Zhao to Duke of Jin and granting nine bestowments.
Sima Zhao again declined and did not accept.
Cao Mao saw that authority was daily being lost and that state government affairs could not be decided by himself. He was uneasy in his heart and often worried about being deposed and insulted. He planned to gather the hundred officials in the palace and depose Sima Zhao.
On the sixth day of the fifth month, Cao Mao had Li Zhao, Attendant of the Rapid as Tigers, and others deploy armoured soldiers at Lingyun Terrace and summoned Wang Shen, Palace Attendant, Wang Ye, Regular Attendant, and Wang Jing, Director of the Imperial Secretariat.
He said indignantly: “Sima Zhao’s heart—even people on the road know it! I cannot sit and wait for the insult of being deposed. Today, I will personally lead you to attack him.”
Wang Shen and Wang Ye quickly informed Sima Zhao. Sima Zhao summoned Jia Chong, Protector of the Army, and others to prepare defences.
Cao Mao knew that the matter was leaked and led his left and right to attack Sima Zhao’s residence. When he reached the South Tower, Jia Chong led troops from outside and entered, blocking Cao Mao.
Cao Mao announced that he wanted to attack those who had committed crimes and that those who dared to cause disturbance and resist would have their clans exterminated. The troops and generals in the Chancellor’s residence did not dare to meet the attack.
Jia Chong rebuked the various generals and said: “Sima Gong has usually supported you—it was precisely for today!”
Cheng Ji, Attendant of the Crown Prince, stabbed Cao Mao. The blade of the halberd pierced through his back, and Cao Mao died in the carriage.
When Sima Zhao heard the news, he was greatly shocked and threw himself to the ground, saying: “How will the people of the realm discuss me?”
Aftermath
Afterward, Sima Zhao gathered the hundred officials and discussed the details of the incident. He specially invited Chen Tai, Director of the Imperial Secretariat, to a quiet room and said to him: “Xuanbo, how will the people of the realm view me?”
Chen Tai said: “Only by cutting Jia Chong in half at the waist can we slightly express apology to the people of the realm.”
Sima Zhao said: “Think again of a way to step back.”
Chen Tai said: “I only have a strategy that goes further than this—I have no way to step back.”
Sima Zhao therefore blamed Cheng Ji and had him executed.
According to the Wei Shi Chunqiu, Cheng Ji and his elder brother Cheng Cui did not accept guilt, ran naked to the roof, and cursed loudly. They were shot to death by soldiers.
On the eighth day of the fifth month, Sima Zhao submitted a memorial to the empress dowager, claiming: he originally wanted to abandon his own body and await Cao Mao’s decision, but considering that Cao Mao wanted to kill the empress dowager, he therefore moved troops. However, he still ordered the officers and soldiers not to harm anyone and had continuously issued orders not to approach the Son of Heaven’s carriage. It was Cheng Ji who privately entered the battle formation and caused Cao Mao to be killed. He had now dealt with Cheng Ji according to military law and should also arrest Cheng Ji’s family and deliver them to the Minister of Justice for punishment.
The empress dowager followed him and executed Cheng Ji’s three clans.
Sima Zhao also believed that Wang Jing was not of one mind with him and killed him.
After Sima Zhao killed the emperor, he discussed with the dukes and ministers and established Cao Huan, son of Cao Yu, King of Yan, as Son of Heaven, changing the era name to Jingyuan.
Conquest of Shu Han
In 263 CE, the fourth year of Jingyuan, in the summer, Sima Zhao prepared to attack Shu and discussed with everyone, saying: “Since pacifying the rebellion at Shouchun, soldiers have had no battles for six years. We have manufactured weapons and repaired armour, preparing to deal with the two bandits Wu and Shu. If we destroy Wu, roughly calculating, building warships and opening waterways would require over ten million workdays. This would require one hundred thousand men for over one hundred days to complete. Moreover, the south has low terrain and damp climate, and epidemics will certainly occur. Now we should first take Shu. Three years after destroying Shu, borrowing the advantageous terrain of Bashu, which can descend with the current, we will advance by land and water together. This will be like when Jin destroyed Yu and pacified Guo, and Qin swallowed Han and annexed Wei.”
Deng Ai, General Who Conquers the West, believed that Shu had no opportunity for disaster that could be taken advantage of and repeatedly raised different opinions.
Sima Zhao felt worried and sent Shi Zuan, Chief Clerk, to Deng Ai’s army as Major, seeking an opportunity to persuade him. Deng Ai then followed orders.
Sima Zhao therefore mobilized troops from the four directions, totalling one hundred eighty thousand men. He had Deng Ai advance from Didao to Tazhong to attack Jiang Wei, had Zhuge Xu, Inspector of Yong Province, set out from Qishan and station troops at Wujie, cutting off Jiang Wei’s retreat route, and had Zhong Hui, General Who Guards the West, lead Li Fu, General of the Vanguard, Hu Lie, Protector of the Campaign against Shu, and others from Luogu to attack Hanzhong.
The campaign
In the eighth month, the main army set out from Luoyang, greatly rewarded the officers and soldiers, and formed ranks to swear an oath.
General Deng Dun raised the opinion that Shu could not be attacked. Sima Zhao executed him and displayed him to the public.
In the ninth month, Sima Zhao again had Wang Qi, Administrator of Tianshui, attack Jiang Wei’s camp, had Qian Hong, Administrator of Longxi, intercept in front, and had Yang Xin, Administrator of Jincheng, advance troops to Gansong.
The army led by Zhong Hui was divided into two units. One unit was led by Li Fu, passed through Xiegukou, surrounded Wang Han, a Shu general, at Lecheng, and again had his general Yi Kai attack Jiang Bin, a Shu general, at Hancheng.
Zhong Hui led one unit and went directly to Yang’an. Hu Lie, Protector of the Army, captured Guancheng.
When Jiang Wei heard the news, he led troops and retreated. Wang Qi pursued Jiang Wei and defeated the Shu army at Qiangchuan.
Jiang Wei, together with Zhang Yi and Liao Hua, combined forces and guarded Jiange. Zhong Hui attacked Jiange.
The surrender
In the tenth month, because the various armies frequently reported victories, Cao Huan, using the old territory of Jin from the Spring and Autumn period, totalling ten commanderies and seven hundred li, enfeoffed Sima Zhao as Duke of Jin, advanced him to Chancellor, and granted nine bestowments.
In the eleventh month, Deng Ai led over ten thousand men, crossed the dangerous mountains from Yinping, advanced to Jiangyou, greatly defeated the Shu army at Mianzhu, and killed Zhuge Zhan. His head was sent to the capital.
Deng Ai again advanced troops to Luoxian, and Liu Shan, Shu ruler, surrendered.
Cao Huan ordered Sima Zhao to oversee court government in the capacity of Chancellor. He therefore sent up the new position credentials and removed the titles of Palace Attendant, Grand Commander, and Director of the Imperial Secretariat.
Sima Zhao submitted a memorial to have Deng Ai appointed as Minister over the Masses and Zhong Hui as Minister of Education.
Zhong Hui secretly plotted rebellion and therefore secretly sent envoys to falsely accuse Deng Ai.
Suppressing Zhong Hui’s rebellion
In 264 CE, the fifth year of Jingyuan, in the first month, Deng Ai was summoned to the capital using a prisoner’s cart.
On the fourth day, Sima Zhao brought Cao Huan, Emperor of Wei, and campaigned west, stationing troops at Chang’an.
At that time, Cao Wei’s imperial clan were all at Ye. Sima Zhao ordered Shan Tao, Gentleman Consultant, to additionally serve as Supervisor of the Army and guard Ye.
He sent Jia Chong, Protector of the Army, with credentials to command various armies and guard Hanzhong.
Soon after, Zhong Hui rebelled in Shu. Wei Guan, Supervisor of the Army, and Hu Lie, General of the Right, attacked Zhong Hui and killed him.
Deng Ai and his son Deng Zhong and others had not yet seen Sima Zhao and were also killed on the road by Tian Xu, sent by Wei Guan. Deng Ai’s sons who were still in Luoyang were all executed.
Initially, when Zhong Hui was about to attack Shu, Shao Ti, Western Clerk, said to Sima Zhao: “Zhong Hui is difficult to trust—you cannot have him attack Shu.”
Sima Zhao laughed and said: “Taking Shu is as easy as turning over one’s hand. However, everyone says it cannot be done. Only Zhong Hui agrees with me. After destroying Shu, the officers and soldiers of the Central Plains will all think of returning. Shu’s remaining people still have fear in their hearts. Even if Zhong Hui has rebellious intentions, they will not be realized.”
The matter finally turned out exactly as Sima Zhao had predicted.
Enfeoffment as King of Jin
On the Jimao day of the third month of 264 CE (2 May 264), Cao Huan, Emperor Yuan of Wei, again issued an edict appointing Sima Zhao as Chancellor, enfeoffing him as King of Jin, and granting nine bestowments.
Sima Zhao was granted twelve tassels on his crown, flags of the Son of Heaven, guards when going out and entering, a golden root carriage, six horses, five seasonal auxiliary carriages, banners and cloud canopies, music and dance of eight rows, bells and drums, and a position above the King of Yan.
Death and legacy
On the Xinmao day of the eighth month of 265 CE, the second year of Xianxi (6 September 265), Sima Zhao died of illness at the age of fifty-five.
He was buried at Chongyangling.
On the Guiyou day of the ninth month (18 October 265), Sima Zhao was posthumously titled King Wen and buried at Chongyangling.
On the Bingyin day of the twelfth month (8 February 266), his son Sima Yan replaced Wei and became emperor, establishing Western Jin.
Sima Zhao was posthumously honoured as Emperor Wen, with the temple name Taizu.
Personality
Sima Zhao was known for being calm and resolute, with great talent and strategy. He was equal in reputation to Xiahou Xuan and He Yan, but his ability in leading troops and fighting, or in politics, far exceeded those two.
He was known for his strategic thinking. He correctly predicted Jiang Wei’s strategy, Zhuge Dan’s rebellion, and Zhong Hui’s rebellion, showing his ability to see through people’s intentions.
However, he is also remembered for killing Cao Mao, an action that earned him the famous phrase “Sima Zhao’s heart, everyone knows.”
Military achievements
Campaigns against Shu Han
Sima Zhao participated in campaigns against Shu Han, correctly predicting Jiang Wei’s strategies and achieving victories.
Suppressing Zhuge Dan’s rebellion
Sima Zhao’s greatest achievement was suppressing Zhuge Dan’s rebellion. He used strategy to cut off supplies, sow discord, and achieve victory, capturing Shouchun and killing Zhuge Dan.
Conquest of Shu Han
Sima Zhao planned and executed the conquest of Shu Han, sending Deng Ai, Zhong Hui, and Zhuge Xu in three routes and achieving victory, leading to the fall of Shu Han.
Suppressing Zhong Hui’s rebellion
Sima Zhao correctly predicted Zhong Hui’s rebellion and prepared accordingly. After Zhong Hui rebelled, Wei Guan and others suppressed him, showing Sima Zhao’s foresight.
Relationships
With Sima Yi
Sima Zhao was Sima Yi’s second son and participated in the Gaopingling Incident with him. However, Sima Yi only told Sima Zhao about the plan on the night before, and Sima Zhao worried all night.
With Sima Shi
Sima Zhao was Sima Shi’s younger brother. After Sima Shi’s death, Sima Zhao succeeded him and continued to hold power.
With Cao Mao
Sima Zhao had a difficult relationship with Cao Mao. When Cao Mao tried to attack Sima Zhao, Sima Zhao had him killed, an action that earned Sima Zhao the famous phrase “Sima Zhao’s heart, everyone knows.”
With Cao Huan
Sima Zhao installed Cao Huan as emperor after killing Cao Mao, though Cao Huan was later replaced by Sima Yan.
With Zhong Hui
Sima Zhao greatly trusted Zhong Hui and had him lead the conquest of Shu Han. However, he correctly predicted that Zhong Hui would rebel, showing his ability to see through people’s intentions.
Anecdotes
Worrying before the Gaopingling 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, while Sima Shi slept as usual. This shows the difference between the two brothers.
”Sima Zhao’s heart, everyone knows”
When Cao Mao tried to attack Sima Zhao, he said: “Sima Zhao’s heart—even people on the road know it!” This phrase became famous and is still used today to describe obvious intentions.
Killing Wang Yi
After the Battle of Dongxing, Wang Yi said that responsibility lay with the commander (Sima Zhao). Sima Zhao was angry and had Wang Yi executed, showing his intolerance of criticism.
The strategy against Zhuge Dan
Sima Zhao used clever strategy against Zhuge Dan, cutting off supplies, sowing discord, and achieving victory. His treatment of surrendered Wu troops shows his magnanimity.
Predicting Zhong Hui’s rebellion
When Zhong Hui was about to attack Shu, Shao Ti warned Sima Zhao that Zhong Hui was difficult to trust. Sima Zhao laughed and correctly predicted that Zhong Hui would rebel but would not succeed.
Achievements
- Participated in Gaopingling Incident
- Succeeded Sima Shi as Grand General
- Suppressed Zhuge Dan’s rebellion
- Conquered Shu Han
- Suppressed Zhong Hui’s rebellion
- Enfeoffed as King of Jin
- Established foundation for Jin dynasty
Behind the scenes
Historical sources
Sima Zhao’s biography appears in the Jin Shu by Fang Xuanling, where he is grouped with Sima Shi. The Jin Shu records his achievements and his role in establishing the Jin dynasty.
”Sima Zhao’s heart, everyone knows”
The phrase “Sima Zhao’s heart, everyone knows” (司馬昭之心，路人皆知) originated from Cao Mao’s statement and has become a famous Chinese idiom, still used today to describe obvious intentions.
Killing Cao Mao
Sima Zhao’s killing of Cao Mao was a major event in Chinese history. Although Sima Zhao blamed Cheng Ji and had him executed, Sima Zhao’s responsibility is clear.
The conquest of Shu Han
Sima Zhao’s conquest of Shu Han was a major achievement, leading to the fall of one of the Three Kingdoms and beginning the process of unification.
The relationship with Zhong Hui
Sima Zhao’s relationship with Zhong Hui shows both trust and foresight. He trusted Zhong Hui enough to have him lead the conquest of Shu Han but correctly predicted that Zhong Hui would rebel.
Historical evaluations
Contemporary
Cao Mao said: “Sima Zhao’s heart—even people on the road know it!”
Wang Jing said: “The court and the four directions all serve him to the death.”
Guanqiu Jian said: “Younger brother Zhao is loyal, respectful, broad-minded, and bright, likes good and appreciates scholars, has the bearing of a superior gentleman, is loyal to the state, and is not the same as Shi.”
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.”
Fang Xuanling also wrote: “Shizong succeeded Wen, state power was not divided. Three thousand men, they followed like clouds. Shizu had no outside, Lingguan was quiet. Although he attacked bandits, in the end, he killed the emperor.”
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 Zhao is remembered as a key figure in the Sima family’s rise to power and the eventual establishment of the Jin dynasty. His conquest of Shu Han and suppression of rebellions show his military and political ability.
However, he is also remembered for killing Cao Mao, an action that earned him the famous phrase “Sima Zhao’s heart, everyone knows” and shows his role in the decline of the Wei dynasty.
His story represents both achievement and controversy—a regent who successfully conquered Shu Han and suppressed rebellions but whose actions, including killing the emperor, contributed to the decline of the Wei dynasty and the eventual establishment of the Jin dynasty.
Timeline
- 211 CE: Born in Wen County, Henei Commandery
- 238 CE: Enfeoffed as Marquis of Xincheng Township
- 240 CE: Served as Colonel of Rapid as Tigers in Luoyang; transferred to Regular Attendant
- 244 CE: Participated in Cao Shuang’s campaign against Shu; served as deputy to Xiahou Xuan; appointed Gentleman Consultant
- 249 CE: Participated in Gaopingling Incident; worried all night; led troops to guard two palaces; fief increased by one thousand households
- c. 250–251 CE: Promoted to General Who Pacifies the West; campaigns against Jiang Wei
- 251 CE: Transferred to General Who Pacifies the East; participated in campaign against Wang Ling; Sima Yi died
- 252 CE: Battle of Dongxing; promoted to Commander; defeated; had Wang Yi executed; marquis title removed
- 253 CE: Campaign against Jiang Wei; correctly predicted Jiang Wei’s strategy; marquis title restored
- 254 CE: Appointed General Who Conquers the West; participated in deposing Cao Fang and installing Cao Mao; advanced to Marquis of Gaodu
- 255 CE: Suppressed Guanqiu Jian and Wen Qin’s rebellion; served as General Who Commands the Army; Sima Shi died; appointed General Who Guards the Army; succeeded Sima Shi as Grand General
- 256 CE: Granted title of Grand Commander; advanced to Duke of Gaodu; granted nine bestowments
- 257–258 CE: Suppressed Zhuge Dan’s rebellion; used strategy to cut off supplies; achieved victory
- 258 CE: Cao Mao attempted to enfeoff Sima Zhao as Duke of Jin (declined)
- 260 CE: Cao Mao tried to attack Sima Zhao; Cao Mao killed by Cheng Ji; Sima Zhao blamed Cheng Ji; installed Cao Huan as emperor
- 262 CE: Had Ji Kang and Lü An killed based on Zhong Hui’s slander
- 263 CE: Planned conquest of Shu Han; executed Deng Dun; sent Deng Ai, Zhong Hui, and Zhuge Xu in three routes; enfeoffed as Duke of Jin
- 264 CE: Shu Han surrendered; Zhong Hui rebelled; suppressed; enfeoffed as King of Jin
- 265 CE: Died 6 September; age 55; posthumously titled King Wen
- 266 CE: Posthumously honoured as Emperor Wen by Sima Yan; temple name Taizu
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.