| NAME | |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 王业, 王業, Wáng Yè |
| Other name | Vương Nghiệp |
| CAREER | |
| Allegiance | Tào Ngụy / Tây Tấn |
Biography of Wang Ye and Historical Career
Wang Ye (王業) was a court official who served the state of Cao Wei and later the Western Jin dynasty during the late Three Kingdoms period. He is historically famous for his fateful decision to betray Emperor Cao Mao during the anti-Sima coup of 260 AD.
Frustrated by the suffocating dominance of regent Sima Zhao, the young emperor summoned his trusted aides—Wang Jing, Wang Chen, and our subject—to reveal an armed plot to reclaim royal authority. While Wang Jing bravely urged caution yet stayed loyal, Wang Ye and Wang Chen panicked over the prospect of collective clan execution. The two officials secretly abandoned the palace and disclosed the conspiracy to Sima Zhao.
Alerted in advance, the regent deployed troops to intercept the sovereign, leading directly to Cao Mao’s assassination. Following the incident, the loyal Wang Jing was executed alongside his family, whereas Wang Ye received substantial honors and transitioned smoothly into the newly founded Jin administration.
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
In Luo Guanzhong’s classic novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms (Chapter 114), the official plays a brief but pivotal dramatic role. Terrified by Cao Mao’s famous declaration that “Sima Zhao’s ambition is known to everyone on the street,” he immediately chose political survival over imperial fealty, hastening the dynasty’s collapse.
Historical Timeline
The Fatal Leak
Served as Sanqi Changshi (Attendant-in-Ordinary). Leaked Cao Mao’s coup plan to the regent, directly precipitating the emperor’s demise.
Service under Western Jin
Continued to hold prominent bureaucratic posts within the newly established Western Jin dynasty after receiving noble enfeoffment.
Key Relationships
- Sima Zhao: Regent of Cao Wei whom the official notified, earning lasting political rewards.
- Cao Mao: The fourth emperor of Cao Wei whose coup was betrayed.
- Wang Chen: Fellow attendant who joined in leaking the secret rebellion.
- Wang Jing: Loyalist minister who refused to betray the emperor and was subsequently executed.
In Novel
Chapter 114
- Wang Ye (王业, Vương Nghiệp): Wang Ye is one of Emperor Cao Mao's senior attendants. When Cao Mao summons Wang Jing and Wang Ye to discuss Sima Zhao's growing power, Wang Ye is frightened by the danger of opposing Sima Zhao. He leaves with Wang Shen and reports the emperor's plan to Sima Zhao rather than joining Cao Mao's attempt to confront him. His decision contributes to the exposure of the emperor's plan before Cao Mao leaves the palace.
History
Identification
- Wang Ye (王业, Vương Nghiệp) is a minor figure for whom the surviving exact-name evidence is limited.
Historical Evidence
- The available record does not support a sufficiently detailed biography without risking confusion with other individuals bearing the same name.
- This entry should be kept separate pending stronger exact-name evidence.
Classification
- Needs Audit / Briefly Attested.
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