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Sima Zhao (司马昭): He was a prominent military leader and politician during the late Eastern Han dynasty and early Wei dynasty. He is often associated with the phrase “Sima Zhao’s intentions (司马昭之心, Sī mǎ zhāo zhī xīn)”, which refers to his clear ambition for power, often used to describe someone whose ambitions are overtly clear.
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Three Kingdoms (三国, Sān guó): The period during which Sima Zhao lived and operated, known for the power struggles among the states of Wei, Shu, and Wu. Sima Zhao was instrumental in consolidating power in Wei.
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Emperor of Wei (魏帝, Wèi dì): Sima Zhao’s ambitions ultimately led to his son Sima Yan usurping the throne, establishing the Jin dynasty. This historical event indicates Sima Zhao’s aspirations and influence in shaping the future of the region.
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"Seizing Power" (篡位, cuàn wèi): A term often associated with Sima Zhao as he maneuvered through political intrigue to secure power for his family, illustrating the common practice in Chinese history of seizing power through strategic alliances and political machinations.
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"The Wolf's Ambition" (狼心狗肺, láng xīn gǒu fèi): This Chinese idiom, which refers to someone who has a treacherous and greedy heart, can be related to Sima Zhao’s reputation for wanting more power, although historically not ascribed directly to him, it reflects the nature of politics during his era.
These references collectively illustrate Sima Zhao's legacy, ambitions, and the historical context of his time.