When Cao Cao was Minister of Works, he summoned Sima Yi to serve him. According to the Book of Jin, Sima Yi saw that the Han dynasty was in decline and did not want to bend to the Cao family. He declined, saying that he was paralyzed and could not get up. Cao Cao sent a man at night to stab him in secret. Sima Yi lay firm and did not move.
When Cao Cao became chancellor, he summoned Sima Yi again and told the messenger: “If he hesitates again, arrest him.” Sima Yi was afraid and took the post.