The Rebellion of Zhong Hui
The Romance of the Three KingdomsThis flow traces Jiang Wei’s final effort to restore Shu by manipulating Zhong Hui, and the collapse that kills both men.
increasing
Bearing strength in each event
decreasing
A Surrender With a Purpose

Jiang Wei Enters Wei’s Camp
Political Calculation
Jiang Wei surrenders to Zhong Hui rather than to Deng Ai, presenting the choice as recognition of Zhong Hui’s ability.
An Opening for Rebellion
He recognizes Zhong Hui’s ambition and begins to encourage the idea that the victorious commander might overthrow Sima Zhao.
Deng Ai Arrested

Allies Turn on One Another
A Rival’s Success
Deng Ai’s proposal to settle Liu Shan in Shu increases Sima Zhao’s suspicion that the general intends to establish independent power.
A Seizure of Command
Zhong Hui arrests Deng Ai, then takes his troops. Jiang Wei helps intensify the suspicion, creating the opportunity for Zhong Hui to gather power in the conquered province.
The Queen Mother’s Letter

A Fictional Mandate
A Proposed Uprising
Jiang Wei persuades Zhong Hui to claim that the late queen mother authorized a campaign against Sima Zhao.
Officers Imprisoned
Zhong Hui gathers Wei commanders at a banquet and imprisons them when they fail to support his plan. The conspiracy depends on secrecy and speed, but not all officers are controlled.
Mutiny in the Palace

The Plot Breaks Open
A Warning Leaks
Qiu Jian informs Hu Lie that Zhong Hui intends to kill the imprisoned officers. Their families and followers organize a response.
Chaos and Death
Mutiny erupts before Jiang Wei’s plans can succeed. Zhong Hui is killed, and Jiang Wei, realizing the restoration has failed, takes his own life.
A Kingdom’s Last Resistance

The End of the Shu Cause
Families Destroyed
Jiang Wei’s family and other leading figures perish in the violence following the failed uprising.
No Restoration
Jiang Wei’s plan cannot revive the Han or reverse Shu’s surrender. The episode closes a final possibility of political resistance from within the defeated kingdom.
After the fall of Chengdu
After Sima Zhao suspects Deng Ai
During Zhong Hui’s occupation of Chengdu
AD 264
After the rebellion collapses