Biography
Sima Wensi's grandfather was Prince of Qiao Sima Tian. After Sima Tian's death, the title should have been inherited by Sima Wensi's uncle, Sima Shangzhi, but in the first year of the Yuanxing era (402), Sima Shangzhi was killed by Huan Xuan. Huan Xuan then granted the title to Sima Kangzhi, a cousin of Sima Shangzhi. In the third year of the Yuanxing era (417), when Liu Yu raised an army against the already usurped throne by Huan Xuan, he restored Emperor An of Jin to the throne in Jiankang in the first year of the Yixi era (405). At that time, Sima Wensi was adopted by Sima Shangzhi and granted the title of Prince of Qiao.
Sima Xiuzhi served as Governor of Jing Province in the eighth year of the Yixi era (312), where he gained much popularity, which aroused the suspicion of Liu Yu, who held power. Sima Wensi himself was known for his violent and lawless behavior, often killing innocent people. He was frequently reported for destroying graves while hunting. In the capital, he gathered a group of reckless knights-errant, leading Liu Yu to arrest him and send him to Sima Xiuzhi with an order to "do as you see fit," essentially commanding him to execute his son. However, Sima Xiuzhi petitioned to have Wensi's title revoked and wrote an apology letter to Liu Yu, which further angered Liu Yu. In the eleventh year of the Yixi era (515), Liu Yu personally led an army against Jing Province. Sima Xiuzhi allied with Governor of Yong Province Lu Zongzhi to defend Jiangling, sending Wensi and Lu Zongzhi's son Lu Gui to block Liu Yu at Jiangjin, but they failed. After their defeat, Sima Xiuzhi and his allies were forced to flee to Later Qin, with Sima Wensi following his biological father. As a result, the title of Prince of Qiao was revoked by the Jin dynasty.
In the thirteenth year of the Yixi era (717), Later Qin fell to Liu Yu's northern campaign, and Sima Wensi followed Sima Xiuzhi to Northern Wei. Soon after, Sima Xiuzhi died. In Northern Wei, Sima Wensi harbored resentment towards Sima Guofan and Sima Daocì but maintained a friendly appearance with them, often dining together. Once, when Sima Guofan was drunk, he revealed to Sima Wensi his plan to rebel against Northern Wei along with Wen Kai, Wang Zhen, Cao Li, and several prominent figures in Pingcheng. Sima Wensi reported this to the Northern Wei court, leading to their execution. In return, Sima Wensi was appointed as a Minister of Justice and granted the title of Duke of Yulin. During his tenure, he handled cases effectively, ensuring that people did not conceal any information from him.
In the second year of Taipingzhenjun (441), at the end of the year, Southern Song sent Pei Fangming to attack Yang Nandang in Quchi. The following year, Sima Wensi was granted a temporary rank and appointed as Grand General of the Southern Expedition, his title elevated to Prince of Qiao, and he was ordered to lead the armies of Luo and Yu to attack Xiangyang, attempting to intercept Pei Fangming's retreat route. Later, he returned to Pingcheng and took office as Governor of Huaihuang Town.
Children
• Sima Mituo, inherited the title Duke of Yulin, first married the daughter of Grand Officer Dou Jin. He was later selected to marry Princess Linjing and wrote a letter declining under Dou Jin's guidance, but this letter contained words that were deemed slanderous and curses, leading to his execution.
• Sima Miaoyu, married to the Northern Wei imperial attendant, General of the Western Expedition, Right Minister, and Duke of Chengyang, Tuoba Zhong.
References
• Book of Jin, Imperial Clan, Biography of Sima Xiuzhi
• Book of Wei, Biography of Sima Xiuzhi
• Comprehensive Mirror to Aid in Government, Volumes 115-118
References
References
• 司马文思 (Chinese)
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