Anyi

Anyi is the site of an imperial inspection that turns suspicion of Sima Yi into a public test of loyalty. Cao Rui arrives with a hundred thousand soldiers expecting to judge Sima Yi’s conduct; instead, Sima Yi’s respectful reception and withdrawal of his own troops fail to avert his dismissal. The episode leaves Sima Yi without command and gives Kong Ming an opening to press for war against Wei.

An Imperial Inspection

After a false proclamation raised fears that Sima Yi might rebel, the court debated whether to act against him or dismiss the report as enemy deception. The agreed test was for Cao Rui to travel to Anyi, where Sima Yi would be required to receive him formally. Cao Zhen advised the emperor to observe Sima Yi’s behavior and seize him if he showed signs of revolt. Cao Rui therefore set out with a force of one hundred thousand.

Sima Yi’s Reception and Dismissal

Seeking to honor the Son of Heaven, Sima Yi brought thousands of his own soldiers, both cavalry and infantry, to meet Cao Rui. The emperor nevertheless confronted him with the accusation of rebellion. Appalled, Sima Yi swore that Wu and Shu must be behind the charge, then ordered his troops to withdraw as a gesture of goodwill. He bowed deeply before the imperial carriage, but the display did not change the court’s decision. On Hua Xin’s advice, Cao Rui stripped Sima Yi of his office and ordered him back to his ancestral village; Hua Xin took over his army.

Political Consequences

The dismissal altered the balance of power without a battle: Sima Yi, whom Kong Ming feared as a military obstacle, no longer commanded an army. On hearing the news, Kong Ming was delighted and persuaded Liu Shan to authorize a campaign against Wei. He presented the war as a continuation of Liu Bei’s aim of reunifying the empire, while Liu Shan worried that Kong Ming was taking on another arduous campaign soon after the southern war. Kong Ming argued that the time to strike had come despite astrological warnings, and the court finally agreed to launch the expedition.

Narrative Significance

Anyi’s role is defined by the gap between the inspection’s stated purpose and its political result. The journey is meant to reveal whether Sima Yi is a rebel, but the evidence described is his effort to welcome the emperor and then stand down; nevertheless, suspicion prevails and he loses his command. That outcome converts an internal court fear into an opportunity for Kong Ming, showing how the control of military authority shapes the next phase of the conflict.