In the early 4th century AD, under the dual blows of internal rebellions and external invasions, the Western Jin dynasty's rule became precarious. Its capital was temporarily moved from Luoyang to Chang'an. However, this relocation could not save it from its destined collapse. In 316 AD, the Xiongnu leader Liu Cong led his troops to capture Chang'an, taking Emperor Min of Jin, Sima Ye, captive, thus declaring the end of the Western Jin dynasty.
Although the Western Jin had fallen, some of its former officials refused to accept the fate of a lost nation. Moreover, the southern regions were still under the control of Jin officials, so they actively mobilized across the land, preparing to restore Jin rule. In 317 AD, Sima Rui, the Prince of Langye, proclaimed himself emperor in Jiankang with the support of exiled ministers and powerful clans of the Jiangnan region, establishing the Eastern Jin dynasty. He became known as Emperor Yuan of Jin.
Sima Rui held neither high status nor great prestige among the Western Jin imperial clan. His ascension to the throne was entirely due to the support of his advisor Wang Dao and his cousin Wang Dun. The story begins when Sima Rui was dispatched to Jiankang as a regional commander. At that time, Wang Dao served as a staff officer in his administration. Known for his agility, intelligence, and strategic acumen, Wang Dao earned Sima Rui's deep trust, and Sima Rui regarded him as a close confidant.
They traveled together to Jiankang. Originally, they expected a grand welcome, but unexpectedly, the influential gentry families of Jiangnan looked down on Sima Rui for his lowly status and paid him no heed, with not a single one coming to pay their respects. Sima Rui was deeply displeased and asked Wang Dao for a solution. Wang Dao knew that without the support of these powerful families, establishing a foothold in Jiangnan would be impossible. His cousin Wang Dun, then serving as governor of Yangzhou, possessed considerable influence. Wang Dao invited Wang Dun to Jiankang, and after hours of discussion, they finally devised a plan.
On the third day of the third lunar month that year, following local custom, both commoners and officials went to the riverbank to pray for blessings and ward off disasters. On this day, Wang Dao had Sima Rui ride in an ornate palanquin, prominently displaying the banner of the Prince of Langye. An official guard procession led the way with gongs, Wang Dao and Wang Dun stood respectfully on either side, and high-ranking officials and renowned scholars from the north followed on horseback, forming an imposing and majestic procession. The parade stretched over a mile long as it moved grandly toward the riverbank.
Sima Rui and Wang Dao deliberately took a detour through the most bustling streets of Jiankang. Since many people were already out to enjoy the festivities, the unprecedented spectacle caused an uproar. Crowds gathered from all sides, creating a deafening clamor. Prominent Jiangnan landowners and gentry like Gu Rong, hearing the news, peered secretly through door cracks. Seeing this impressive display, they were awestruck. Observing that respected figures like Wang Dao and Wang Dun treated Sima Rui with utmost reverence, they were shocked and fearful of having slighted him. They quickly came out to welcome and pay their respects to Sima Rui.
This event greatly enhanced Sima Rui's prestige among the Jiangnan gentry. Wang Dao then advised Sima Rui: "Gu Rong and He Xun are renowned scholars in this region. If we win over these two, others will surely follow us without hesitation."
Sima Rui immediately sent Wang Dao to personally invite Gu Rong and He Xun to serve as officials. Both happily accepted the appointments and began actively promoting Sima Rui among the Jiangnan elite. From then on, the major Jiangnan clans rallied behind Sima Rui, allowing him to firmly establish his rule in Jiankang.
After the chaos in the north, northern scholar-officials flocked to Jiangnan to escape the turmoil. Wang Dao advised Sima Rui to provide timely relief and to recruit those with prestige into his court. Sima Rui followed this advice, absorbing a large number of northern gentry over time, winning their deep loyalty. Thus, through Wang Dao's arrangements, Sima Rui secured the support of the Jiangnan gentry while also attracting northern talent, solidifying his position even further. He was deeply grateful to Wang Dao, remarking emotionally: "You are indeed my Xiao He!"
In 317 AD, with his power fully consolidated, Sima Rui ascended the throne in Jiankang, reestablishing the Jin dynasty, historically known as the Eastern Jin. On the day of his accession, Wang Dao and all civil and military officials came to the palace to pay homage. Seeing Wang Dao preparing to perform the full ceremonial bow, Sima Rui hastily rose from his throne, descended the steps, and seized Wang Dao's hand, insisting they sit together on the throne to receive the officials' homage. This unexpected gesture shocked Wang Dao and all the ministers, for in the feudal era, the emperor was supreme—how could a subject share the throne with the sovereign?
Wang Dao quickly declined, saying: "How could this be appropriate? Only when the sun shines high in the sky can all things beneath it receive its warmth. If the sun were to mingle with ordinary creatures, how could they still benefit from its light?"
Wang Dao's flattery delighted Sima Rui, who then stopped insisting and accepted the ministers' homage alone.
After his accession, Sima Rui, in gratitude for the strong support of the brothers Wang Dao and Wang Dun, treated them with exceptional respect. He appointed Wang Dao as Minister of Works, placing him in charge of central government affairs, and entrusted Wang Dun with overall command of the military. Wang family members and allies quickly filled the court. At the time, a popular saying circulated: "The Wangs and the Mas (Sima) share the empire together." This meant that the Eastern Jin realm was jointly held by the Wang and Sima clans.