Emperor Ai of Jin facts for kids

Emperor Ai of Jin (simplified Chinese: 晋哀帝; traditional Chinese: 晉哀帝; pinyin: Jìn Aī Dì; Wade–Giles: Chin Ai-ti) was an emperor of the Eastern Jin Dynasty in ancient China. His personal name was Sima Pi (司馬丕). He was born in 341 and passed away on March 30, 365.

During his short time as emperor, the real power was mostly held by his granduncle, Sima Yu, and a powerful general named Huan Wen. Emperor Ai was very interested in finding ways to live forever. Sadly, this led to his death. He became very ill after taking special pills from magicians who promised him a longer life. These pills, unfortunately, made him sicker in 364 and led to his death in 365.

Becoming a Prince

Sima Pi was born in 341. He was the oldest son of Emperor Cheng of Jin, who was the emperor at that time. His mother was Consort Zhou. In 342, his younger brother, Sima Yi, was born.

Later in 342, Emperor Cheng became very sick. Usually, his oldest son, Sima Pi, would have become the next emperor. However, Emperor Cheng's uncle, Yu Bing, convinced him to choose his younger brother, Sima Yue, instead. Yu Bing argued that China needed an adult emperor because of a strong rival kingdom called Later Zhao in the north.

Emperor Cheng agreed, and Sima Yue became Emperor Kang when Emperor Cheng died. So, the one-year-old Sima Pi was made the Prince of Langya on August 1, 342, instead of emperor. He kept this title even after Emperor Kang died in 344. Emperor Kang chose his own baby son, Sima Dan, to be the next emperor (Emperor Mu). We don't know exactly when Sima Pi married his wife, Wang Muzhi, but she was known as the Princess Consort of Langya.

Emperor Ai's Reign

In July 361, Emperor Mu died without any children. Because of this, Emperor Mu's mother, Empress Dowager Chu, ordered that Sima Pi become the new emperor. He took the throne as Emperor Ai when he was 20 years old.

• New Empress and Prince: In October 361, Emperor Ai made his wife, Princess Consort Wang, the empress. He also made his brother, Sima Yi, the Prince of Langya.
• No Regent: Since Emperor Ai was an adult, Empress Dowager Chu did not need to act as a regent (someone who rules for the emperor when he is too young or sick). Emperor Ai honored his mother, Consort Zhou, with a special title and ceremonies, similar to an empress dowager.
• Real Power: Even though Emperor Ai was emperor, the important decisions were mostly made by the powerful general Huan Wen and Emperor Ai's granduncle, Sima Yu, who was the Prince of Kuaiji.

Capital City Discussion

In 362, General Huan Wen suggested moving the capital city back to Luoyang. Luoyang had been the capital until it was captured by a rival kingdom in 311. However, the imperial government, following an order from Emperor Ai, decided not to move the capital.

Seeking Immortality

In 363, Emperor Ai's mother, Consort Dowager Zhou, passed away. Emperor Ai was very interested in finding ways to live forever. He believed that certain pills could make him immortal.

Sadly, in 364, he became very ill after taking these pills, which were given to him by magicians. He became so sick that he could not handle important government matters. Because of this, Empress Dowager Chu had to step in and rule as regent for him again.

End of Reign

Later in 364, a kingdom called Former Yan launched a big attack on Luoyang. General Huan Wen and Sima Yu thought about fighting back to help Luoyang. However, Emperor Ai died in March 365, and the plan was canceled. Luoyang soon fell to the attackers.

Emperor Ai did not have any sons. So, after he died, his brother Sima Yi became the next emperor, known as Emperor Fei. Emperor Ai's wife, Empress Wang, had passed away about a month before him. They were buried together with imperial honors.

Era Names

Emperors in China often used different "era names" during their reign. These names marked periods of time. Emperor Ai used two era names:

• Longhe (隆和): From March 2, 362, to March 20, 363
• Xingning (興寧): From March 20, 363, to January 28, 366

Family

Emperor Ai's family included:

• Wife: Empress Aijing, from the Wang family of Taiyuan (died 365). Her personal name was Muzhi.
• Son: He had an unnamed son who was born on November 3, 363, but sadly, this son died when he was very young, before his father.