6. The Princes of Hejian, Chengdu and Donghai (Simas Yong, Ying and Yue) Versus The Prince of Changs
Unhappy with Sima Ai's influence at court, Sima Yong attempted to assassinate Sima Ai, but his efforts were in vain. So in 303, he allied himself with the Prince of Chengdu, Sima Ying, raised an army of 270,000 men and moved against Luoyang. In response, Emperor Hui appointed Sima Ai as Grand Commander and sent him to combat the rebellious princes. Sima Ai's armies killed tens of thousands of enemy forces, but were forced to withdraw back to Luoyang due to logistical issues.
Seeing this, Minister of Works Sima Yue kidnapped and put Sima Ai (his second cousin once removed) under house arrest. Later, fearing the consequences should Sima Ai escape, Sima Yue sent Sima Ai to Sima Yong (Sima Yue's second cousin), who burnt Sima Ai alive.
The armies of Simas Yong and Ying entered Luoyang in triumph. Simas Yue and Yong were appointed to high posts in government, while Sima Ying was enfeoffed with an additional 20 commanderies, and designated the imperial heir.
Read more about this topic: War Of The Eight Princes
Famous quotes containing the words prince and/or princes:
“Satan, what ails you? Where’s the famous tongue?
Thou onetime Prince of Conversationists?”
—Robert Frost (1874–1963)
“They say princes learn no art truly, but the art of horsemanship. The reason is, the brave beast is no flatterer. He will throw a prince as soon as his groom.”
—Ben Jonson (c. 1572–1637)