sī司mǎ马zhāo昭zhī之xīn心,,lù路rén人jiē皆zhī知
Sima Zhao's true intentions are obvious to everyone; a universally known ambition or ulterior motive.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
During the Three Kingdoms period, after Emperor Wen of Wei, Cao Pi, died, Sima Yi and Cao Shuang became regents for Cao Rui.
After Cao Rui's death, Sima Yi eliminated Cao Shuang.
Later, Sima Shi, Sima Yi's son, installed Cao Mao as the new emperor.
However, Sima Zhao, Sima Shi's younger brother, paid no respect to Emperor Cao Mao and even threatened to be granted the title of Duke of Jin, which was a clear sign of his ambition to usurp the throne.
Outraged, Emperor Cao Mao famously exclaimed, 'Sima Zhao's heart, everyone on the street knows!' meaning Sima Zhao's treacherous intentions were obvious to all.