Conclusion

Summary

There can be no doubt that the usurpation of the Wei throne by the Ssu-ma family was the single most important event in Juan Chi's life, however unlikely that may seem to a modern Westerner. The divinity of kingship, so obvious in the most ancient Near Eastern societies, maintained its central importance for the Chinese long after it had become secondary (if hardly forgotten) in the Mediterranean world. Juan Chi, by his father's post and friendship with the imperial family, was morally attached to the Wei dynasty. The Ssu-ma usurpation, moreover, was a sordid affair, full of cheating and hypocrisy, bloodshed and violence, nothing like the gentlemanly accession of the Wei to the throne of the dying Han in 220. The Ssu-ma acted so skilfully that Juan Chi was a member of their party in all probability before he knew of their aims, and, once enrolled in their headquarters, his possibilities of action were severely restricted. He had only three alternatives open to him: collaboration with the usurpers, resistance (and retirement from politics could be considered resistance), and a kind of passive resistance in which he could ‘serve without serving’. Collaboration meant moral resignation; outright resistance or ‘retirement’ meant certain death for himself and his entire family. Juan Chi chose the last alternative and played his difficult role with great ability. He was a constant guest at the usurpers' table, and yet took no part in political life. Very few historians have criticized him for his action.