Sima Zhao
Sima Zhao forced Empress Dowager Guo to publish an order accusing Cao Mao of plotting to attack her and posthumously strip Cao Mao of rank, in order to present the attack as primarily aimed against the empress dowager rather than himself. Sima Zhao with his uncle, Sima Fu, and the other high ministers then requested Sima Zhao to have Cao Mao posthumously reinstated as a duke and buried with honours befitting a prince – for appearances of leniency. However, Sima Zhao refused so Cao Mao was not buried with honours befitting a prince. Sima Zhao also retroactively declined his title as Duke of Jin and the nine bestowments.