After Kongming’s death, Sima Yi strikes and pacifies Gongsun Yuan, who has called himself king in Liaodong. About then Cao Rui, emperor of Wei, falls gravely ill. Cao Rui first means to have his uncle, Cao Yu, Prince of Yan, support the young crown prince. When Cao Yu firmly declines, he makes Cao Zhen’s son Cao Shuang grand general.
Cao Rui hurriedly sends for Sima Yi. I feared I would not see you, and now that I have seen you today I can die without regret. Cao Rui calls the crown prince Cao Fang and Cao Shuang to his bedside and takes Sima Yi’s hand.
Long ago, when Liu Xuande lay gravely ill at Baidi, he entrusted his young son Liu Shan to Zhuge Kongming, and Kongming was loyal until death. If even a state on the borders did so, how much more should a great state. My son Cao Fang is only eight, so give him all your strength, Grand Commandant. When Cao Rui tells his son to honour Sima Yi, the eight-year-old Cao Fang clings to Sima Yi’s neck and will not let go. Grand Commandant, do not forget how this child clung to you today.