Does Sima Yi have the intention of usurping the throne? This question has always haunted the minds of later generations. Three years before the beginning of the Jing Dynasty, that is, the year when Cao Rui, the second emperor of the Cao family, died of illness, Sima Yi's motives and ambitions did not seem to be fully revealed.
At that time, Sima Yi, as a minister of Tuogu, was loyal to the state of Cao Wei, and assisted the young emperor together with Cao Shuang, another minister of Tuogu. However, as time passed, Cao Shuang repeatedly took military actions that harmed national interests, causing dissatisfaction in the court. Sima Yi, a scheming politician, pretended to be sick to confuse Cao Shuang on the surface, but secretly planned how to get rid of this political opponent.
Finally, in the tenth year after Cao Rui's death, that is, the first year of Jiaping, a major event that caused a sensation in the government and the opposition occurred. When Cao Shuang accompanied Emperor Cao Fang to visit the tomb of Gaopingling, Sima Yi took the opportunity to raise a coup d'état and take control of the capital. This coup d'état not only marked a major turning point in Sima Yi's political career, but also sparked heated discussions in later generations about whether he had the intention of usurping the throne.
After the coup d'état, Sima Yi eliminated Cao Shuang's faction, and the military and political power gradually fell into the hands of the Sima family. Sima Yi in his twilight years, although he resigned many ** Houlu, his actual influence has been unmatched. When Sima Yi, who was at the peak of his power, looked back on the past, perhaps he would recall the confrontation and cooperation with Cao Cao, and also think about whether he had ever thought of usurping the throne.
As to whether Sima Yi had the intention of usurping the throne, later generations did not agree on it. Some believe that Sima Yi, as a powerful minister, has blurred the lines between him and the Son of Heaven, and the faster his power swells, the more time it will take to digest it. Reckless actions may lead to the failure of his achievements and even endanger the safety of his family. Therefore, he chose to secure his position and lay the foundation for his family rather than risk usurping the throne.
However, it has also been argued that Sima Yi's actions after the coup d'état show that he already had ambitions to usurp the throne. He eliminated political opponents, seized military and political power, and effectively became the de facto ruler of the Cao Wei state. Although he did not directly claim the title of emperor, what he did was no different from usurping the throne.
What's more, the change in Gao Pingling was actually led by Sima Yi in the Manchu Dynasty's civil and military affairs, and their purpose was to overthrow Cao Shuang and restore the previous pattern of interests, not to change the dynasty. At this time, Sima Yi was still loyal to the country. Things went perfectly, and the veteran cadres successfully restored their interests, official positions, and right to speak, completely eliminating the constraints of the clan. Regardless of whether Sima Yi's heart is true or not, he has already achieved this step, so even if it is a black cauldron, he will carry it.
What do you think, guest officer? If you have any ideas, you can share them in the comment area.
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