In the spring of 225, he was appointed General Who Pacifies the Army () and placed in command of 5,000 troops, in addition to holding the positions of Official Who Concurrently Serves in the Palace () and Manager of the Affairs of the Masters of Writing (). When Sima Yi declined to accept these appointments, Cao Pi told him: "I am so busy with state affairs that I have been working through both day and night and have hardly a moment for rest. (When I entrust you with these responsibilities,) I am not commending you, but rather, I need you to help me share my burden."