However； it is to be noted that He Yan and Deng Yang met the unhappy end that Guan Lu had foretold for them。
The seer Guan Lu was deeply read
In all the lore of the ancient sages。
Thus he could see events to e
As clear as those of former ages。
And he perceived the soul of He Yan；
Already in the vale of gloom。
And knew the outer shell of Deng Yang
Was hastening to an early tomb。
After his recovery of power； Sima Yi was made Prime Minister and received the Nine Dignities。 Sima Yi refused these honors； but the Ruler of Wei insisted and would take no denial。 His two sons were made assistants to their father； and all state affairs fell under the control of these three。
However； Sima Yi remembered that one man； Xiahou Ba； a member of the Cao clan； still manded at Yongzhou。 In his position Xiahou Ba might be a real danger； and he must be removed。 So an edict was issued calling him to Capital Luoyang to discuss affairs。
Upon receiving this call； Xiahou Ba was shocked。 But instead of obeying this call； he declared himself a rebel； and he had a force of three thousand troops to support him。 As soon as this was known； Guo Huai marched to suppress the malcontent。 The two armies were soon face to face； and Guo Huai went to the front and began to revile his opponent。
〃How could you rebel against the ruling house； you who are of the same clan as our great founder； and you who have always been treated generously？〃
Xiahou Ba replied； 〃My forefathers served the state right well； but who is this Sima Yi that he has put to death my kinspeople and would now destroy me？ What is his aim； if it be not to usurp the Throne？ If I can cut him off and so frustrate his design； I shall at least be no traito