Preface
Sima Yi, a strategist and general highly respected by history, seems to be engraved with the mark of being difficult to defeat. However, why can't the heroes of the past knock him down so easily? Cao Cao's layout mistake not only kept him safe, but what was even more incredible was that he gave way to his position.
Sima Yi's life story is not only a legend, but also a wonderful chapter about intrigue and wisdom. Let's walk into the chaotic Three Kingdoms era and see the true face of Sima Yi, a legendary figure.
1. Cao Cao, the early stage of forbearance and low-key
I don't want to be a career, but the arrangement of fate
Sima Yi was born into a prestigious family and showed extraordinary wisdom and talent since he was a child. However, he did not rush into the official career for a while, but chose to live in seclusion in the mountains and forests and live a free life. It's a pity that this leisurely didn't last long, because Cao Cao, who had already dominated the world, fell in love with this young man at first sight and spared no effort to recruit him to his side.
However, Cao Cao's "love is like life", and he is even more eager for talents like Sima Yi. He first appointed Sima Yi as a literary scholar, and later promoted him to the prime minister's chief bookkeeper, which shows how much Cao Cao attached importance to him.
But Sima Yi has always shown a humble and low-key posture, and has never "flaunted his talents" like other advisers. This behavior undoubtedly pleased the suspicious Cao Cao, and also allowed him to stay in the Cao Wei court unharmed.
Make suggestions and win Cao Cao's trust
Although Sima Yi is not good at expressing himself, he has shown extraordinary talent in practical work. He was not only good at formulating a well-thought-out military strategy, but also had insights in dealing with political issues.
For example, when Cao Cao was faced with the crisis of Guan Yu approaching Xuchang, it was Sima Yi who made a plan and skillfully dissuaded Cao Cao's idea of moving the capital and saved the status of the imperial court. Another example is that at the critical moment when Sun Quan wrote to his courtier, it was Sima Yi who wittily persuaded Cao Cao to accept this submission, thus winning Cao Wei more time and resources.
These actions undoubtedly strengthened Cao Cao's trust in Sima Yi. As a cautious man who was good at hiding his edge, Sima Yi never showed the slightest ambition or disloyalty in Cao Cao's eyes. On the contrary, he always showed loyalty to the Cao family, which also made Cao Cao's suspicion of him gradually disappear.
Second, the Cao Pi era, the middle period of danger
The battle for the heirs was the first time to encounter a killing opportunity
However, Cao Cao's death did not bring complete security to Sima Yi, but instead plunged him into a life-and-death "heir dispute". This fierce struggle for Cao Wei's rivers and mountains not only made Sima Yi almost lose his life, but also laid the groundwork for his rise in the future.
In this dispute, Sima Yi's Ruying Group and Cao Pi's relied on Qiaowo Group launched a fierce competition. For Cao Pi, if he killed Sima Yi and other key figures of the Ruying Group, it would undoubtedly be tantamount to cutting off his own foundation.
For Sima Yi, if he is removed by Cao Pi, it will not only mean that his personal life is in danger, but he will also lose his future development space. In such a game of life and death, Sima Yi once again showed superhuman caution and forbearance. He didn't show off his abilities too much in front of Cao Cao, nor did he show the slightest wolf ambition in this fight.
On the contrary, he supported Cao Pi's ascension to the throne in a low-key and steady manner, and won Cao Pi's love and trust. This strategy undoubtedly greatly increased Sima Yi's living space and paved the way for his future rise.
Respond skillfully to tide over the crisis
However, Sima Yi's situation was not all smooth sailing. In Cao Pi's time, he still had to face some severe tests. For example, before Cao Cao died, he warned Cao Pi to always be cautious about Sima Yi, for fear that he would do something wrong.
This also cast a shadow on Sima Yi, and he must always be careful about his actions so as not to arouse Cao Pi's suspicions. Sima Yi, who faced the killing machine again, once again chose a forbearance and low-key strategy. He did not explain anything to Cao Pi, nor did he do anything abnormal, but performed his duties with peace of mind and diligently dispel Cao Pi's doubts with a "diligent" performance.
This cautious and steady way of dealing with the world once again won Cao Pi's trust, allowing Sima Yi to survive this dangerous period safely. It can be said that whether under the rule of Cao Cao or Cao Pi, Sima Yi showed remarkable wisdom and prudence.
He is always able to accurately grasp the changes in the situation and make the right response in a timely manner. This kind of "forbearance" way of life not only resolved the various crises he faced, but also laid the foundation for his future rise.
Third, Cao Shuang's change, the later stage of emergence
Cao Shuang reversed the disaster, and Sima Yi rose
In the later period of Cao Wei, Cao Shuang took power and exerted a lot of pressure on Sima Yi and others. As Cao Pi's adviser, Sima Yi originally had a respected status, but under Cao Shuang's suppression, he gradually lost his original influence.
In the face of Cao Shuang's arrogance, Sima Yi once again chose a strategy of patience and low-key, and cautiously maintained his position. However, Cao Shuang's tyrannical rule soon sparked discontent within the imperial court. Sima Yi took the opportunity to launch the famous "Gaopingling Rebellion", defeated Cao Shuang, and finally took power alone and became the de facto controller of Cao Wei.
This decisive move not only cleared the worries of the Sima family, but also allowed Sima Yi to officially reveal the ambition he had hidden in his heart for many years. From then on, Sima Yi increasingly became the dominant force in Cao Wei. Not only did he consolidate his position, but he also began to plot a new dynasty.
Under his planning, the Cao Wei Emperor was replaced one by one, until the last emperor, Cao Fang, was deposed by him. It was at this time that Sima Yi finally realized his long-standing ambition, overthrew Cao Wei, and established his own Western Jin dynasty.
The road to power begins with patience
Judging from Sima Yi's life experience, he has always been a cautious and forbearant figure. Even under the rule of Cao Cao and Cao Pi, he never showed the slightest wolf ambition.
On the contrary, he always chose to hide his edge, served the Cao family wholeheartedly, and won the trust of the upper echelons. This humble and low-key way of life has undoubtedly achieved Sima Yi's eventual rise. Under Cao Shuang's suppression, he once again chose patience, and it was not until the time was ripe that he overthrew the Cao Wei regime in one fell swoop.
It can be said that Sima Yi's road to power is based on long-term forbearance and low-key. He was never in a hurry, but cautiously waited for the moment until he was strong enough to rule independently.
Because of this, Sima Yi was able to escape in the "killing machine" again and again, and finally became the key figure in the establishment of the Western Jin Dynasty. In contrast, those violent and domineering characters, such as Cao Shuang, quickly fell into Sima Yi's pocket. Sima Yi's success also shows the truth that "resourcefulness" trumps "force."
epilogue
Throughout Sima Yi's life, we can find that the reason why he was able to escape Cao Cao's murderous opportunities repeatedly relied on his cautious and forbearant way of life.
He is never in a hurry, but cautiously observes the changes in the situation and chooses the right time to act. Whether under the rule of Cao Cao, Cao Pi or Cao Shuang, he was able to accurately grasp his own situation, resolve the crisis, and gradually increase his strength.
Eventually, this wisdom and prudence enabled Sima Yi to successfully realize his ambitions, overthrow the Cao Wei regime, and establish his own dynasty.