Chinese Idiom: 路人皆知 (Lu Ren Jie Zhi)
English Translation: Known by All Passersby
pīn yīn: lù rén jiē zhī
Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to something that is widely known or obvious to everyone, often used to describe someone’s intentions or ambitions that are apparent to all.
Historical Source: From “Records of the Three Kingdoms” (《三国志·魏书·三少帝纪》).
Idiom Story:
After the death of Emperor Wen of Wei (Cao Pi), the power of the Cao clan began to decline. Sima Yi, Sima Shi, and Sima Zhao gradually seized military and political power, oppressing the emperor and revealing their ambitions for usurpation. In 254 AD, Sima Shi deposed Cao Fang and replaced him with the young Cao Mao, who was only fourteen at the time. Shortly after, Sima Shi died, and power shifted to his brother, Sima Zhao.
Unable to endure the bullying from Sima Zhao and unwilling to accept the humiliation of being deposed, Cao Mao resolved to confront the Sima clan. Between 258 and 260 AD, Sima Zhao repeatedly refused to accept Cao Mao’s edicts that sought to establish him as the Prime Minister and confer titles upon him, treating him with disdain.
Unable to contain his anger, Cao Mao gathered several trusted officials, including Wang Shen, Wang Jing, and Wang Ye. He declared, “Sima Zhao’s intentions are known to all passersby. I cannot sit idly by and accept this humiliation. Today, I will lead you to confront him.” His officials, fearing Sima Zhao’s power, advised Cao Mao to endure and avoid offending General Sima. Angered, Cao Mao threw down an edict, exclaiming, “You take it! I have made up my mind; I fear not death!”
Cao Mao then went to inform the Empress Dowager in the palace. Meanwhile, Wang Shen and Wang Ye ran out to tell Sima Zhao what had happened, prompting Sima Zhao to prepare for a response.
Before long, armed with a sword, Cao Mao rallied the palace guards and some servants, shouting as they burst out of the palace. They encountered Sima Zhao’s brother, Sima Xian, who was leading a group of soldiers. With a shout from Cao Mao’s men, Sima Xian and his troops fled. At the South Palace Gate, they confronted Sima Zhao’s trusted aide, Jia Chong, who was leading a group of warriors. Holding his sword aloft, Cao Mao shouted, “Do you dare to rebel?” The others, terrified, did not dare to fight the emperor and were prepared to flee.
At that moment, Cheng Ji, a prince’s attendant, asked Jia Chong, “What should we do in this urgent situation?” Jia Chong, who was directly involved in Sima Zhao’s conspiracy to usurp the Cao family’s throne, boldly declared, “We have kept you alive for today. There is no need for consultation!”
Encouraged by this, Cheng Ji stepped forward and thrust a spear at Cao Mao. Although Cao Mao tried to parry with his sword, the spear pierced his chest, penetrating his spine.
Upon learning what had happened, Sima Zhao was unsure whether to feel joy or concern; he trembled and fell to the ground. Sima Xian and Jia Chong rushed to stop Cao Mao’s death, pretending to be unaware of the scheme they had orchestrated, lamenting, “What will the people of the world say about me?”
From this story, the expression “路人皆知” (known by all passersby) or “司马昭之心，路人皆知” (Sima Zhao’s intentions are known to all) was derived, emphasizing how obvious someone’s intentions can be.
