The Sima Ascendancy and the Fall of Wei After decades of consolidating power, Sima Zhao – de facto ruler of Cao Wei – was enfeoffed as King of Jin and appointed Chancellor. Though courtiers urged him to usurp the throne, he declined, instead appointing his son Sima Yan as Deputy Chancellor, a clear signal…
After the death of Guan Zhong, Duke Huan of Qi – once the undisputed hegemon of the Spring and Autumn period – grew indulgent and neglected state affairs. With his passing, Qi’s dominance crumbled, leaving a power vacuum.