Chapter 12: Sima Yi Usurps Power
After Zhuge Liang's death, the internal situation in Wei changed. Cao Rui succeeded as Wei Emperor, but he was young and incompetent, unable to control the court administration. Great power gradually fell into Sima Yi's hands.
Sima Yi was a person with great ambition. He had always coveted the throne of Wei, but the time was not ripe. After Zhuge Liang's death, external threats diminished, and Sima Yi began preparing to usurp the throne.
Sima Yi cultivated his own forces in the court and excluded dissidents. He appointed his trusted followers, eliminated political enemies, and gradually consolidated his position. Many loyal officials were framed by him, and court administration became increasingly dark.
Although Cao Rui realized Sima Yi's ambition, he was powerless to stop it. Sima Yi's forces were already deeply rooted, and anyone who wanted to oppose him would be suppressed.
Ultimately, Sima Yi launched a coup d'état, deposed Cao Rui, and established Cao Fang as emperor. In reality, Sima Yi had already become the actual ruler of Wei, and the emperor was merely his puppet.
Sima Yi's usurpation of power marked the entry of Wei into a period of decline. Although on the surface Wei still appeared powerful, internal corruption and power struggles had already deprived it of its former vitality.