Zhang Ni

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Zhang Ni
張嶷
Zhang Ni 2016 Han Zhao Lie Miao.jpg
Statue of Zhang Ni in a temple in Chengdu, Sichuan
General Who Defeats Bandits (蕩寇將軍)
In office
? (?)–254 (254)
OccupationGeneral
Courtesy name Boqi (伯岐)
PeerageSecondary Marquis (關內侯)

Zhang Ni (190s - 254), courtesy name Boqi, rendered also as Zhang Yi, was a military general of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period of China. Famous for his courage and generosity, Zhang Ni made his name known while rescuing a magistrate's wife from bandits and leading her to safety.

Contents

Zhang Ni often worked with Ma Zhong, another general of Shu Han, when pacifying the indigenous tribes residing within and around Shu's borders. He spent at least 18 years dealing with the continuum of domestic uprisings centered around the Yuexi/Yuesui and Ba commanderies. Though he was a talented general, Zhang Ni often looked for humane solutions and sought to make peace or negotiate with the tribes when he could. Thanks to his upright nature, the Sanguozhi recorded that the tribes loved him and even wept and grabbed hold of his carriage when they learned that he would be returning to Chengdu.

Feeling he was growing weak and old, Zhang Ni gave a stirring speech asking to give him a chance to repay his lord's largesse or die trying. Liu Shan was moved to tears by his speech. During Jiang Wei's seventh Northern Expedition, he was killed in battle against the Wei general Xu Zhi after forcing the enemy to retreat. His death was mourned such that none among the Han or foreign clan of Yuexi did not weep with grief, and a temple established for him was brought offerings even in times of famine and hardship.

Zhang Ni had the reputation of being one of the more successful later generals of the Shu Han state. Liu Shan, emperor of the Shu Han dynasty at the time of his service, compared him to the great heroes of antiquity, while Chen Shou in his appraisal of Zhang also referenced this comparison.

Early life and career

First feats and early fame

Zhang Ni was from Nanchong County (南充縣), Ba Commandery (巴郡), which is present-day Nanchong, Sichuan. Zhang Ni at a young age was orphaned and lived in poverty yet he already had a reputation of a strong and generous youth. [1] He started his career as an Officer of Merit (功曹) at his local county office when he reached adulthood (around 19 years old). In 214, when the warlord Liu Bei seized control of Yi Province (covering present-day Sichuan and Chongqing) from its provincial governor Liu Zhang, some bandits used the opportunity to raid the county office. During the ensuing chaos, Zhang Ni engaged the bandits in close combat and protected the county magistrate's wife. He became famous for his courageous actions and was later summoned to the commander's office to serve as an Assistant Officer (從事). [2]

While he served as Assistant Officer in Ba Commandery, two scholars, Gong Lu and Yao Zhou (姚伷) were appointed with greater rank and salary than him within the same commandery. At the time, they both enjoyed good reputation and fame however both of them had heard of Zhang Ni's accomplishments hence they respected and became friends with him. [3]

Quelling bandits and recovering

Around 227, when the Shu Han chancellor Zhuge Liang was assembling forces in Hanzhong Commandery in preparation for the first of a series of campaigns against Shu's rival state Wei, local bandits pillaged villages in the Hanzhong, Guanghan and Mianzhu commanderies. Zhang Ni, then holding the rank of an acting Commandant led his troops to deal with the bandits who scattered and hid in different locations when they heard of Zhang Ni's approach. Zhang Ni could not force them to come out to fight him so he pretended to offer to extend a heqin policy to the bandit chiefs and then managed to coax them into attending a banquet to celebrate the peace. After the unsuspecting bandit chiefs got drunk, Zhang Ni ordered his men to kill all of them and then sent his troops to hunt down and eliminate the rest. The massacre lasted for about 10 days, after which the area was clear of bandits. [4]

After that, Zhang Ni fell seriously ill unfortunately his family was too poor to afford a good doctor and treatment. However, the Administrator of Guanghan (廣漢太守), He Zhi was known as a generous man and talented doctor so Zhang Ni thought that he should appeal to him. Since Zhang Ni and He Zhi did not know each other well and despite his illness, Zhang Ni personally took a carriage to visit He Zhi to entrust him with a treatment that could cure his illness. He Zhi knew of Zhang Ni's reputation as a brave and generous man so he did not spare any expense to cure him. Finally, after several years the illness was cured. Both of them remained friends after this event. [5]

As Officer of the Standard

When Zhang Ni recovered, he was promoted to Officer of the Standard (牙門將) for his feats against the different bandits and placed under Ma Zhong's command. In 232, they quickly quelled the rebelling Qiang tribes of Mount Wen (汶山) in the North who were allied with the state of Cao Wei while in the south they suppressed foreign tribes such as those led by Liu Zhou (劉胄). Zhang Ni often led the vanguard and had numerous feats in battle and in planning. Thus, Zhang Ni and Ma Zhong instilled much fear in the restless local tribes throughout Shu territories. [6]

Campaign against the Qiang tribes

During Zhang Ni and Ma Zhong's campaign against the Qiang tribes, Zhang Ni first led his own unit as the vanguard with only a few troops: about 300 men and horses. Separate from the main army, they were the first to arrive at the village of Tali. The location of the village was difficult to attack as it was atop a tall mountain. However, Zhang Ni climbed the mountains and set up his own camp four to five lǐ far from Tali (他里). [7]

The Qiang knew there was danger and built a stone gate before the village. Atop the gate they set an elevated platform and gathered many stones atop it so that they could protect themselves while crushing their enemies. Zhang Ni judged that an assault on the gate would be complicated and so he sent an interpreter to inform them: [8]

"All of you, the tribes of Wen Mountain have rebelled and done harm to the innocents: hence Heaven's Son ordered us at once to quell and destroy the evil. However if you bow your heads and permit the army to pass giving provisions and supplies then you may enjoy good fortune and eternal prosperity and will be repaid a hundredfold. But if to the end, you do not obey then the great army will have no choice but to arrive and suppress you like a lightning bolt striking down and though then you may repent- It will be too late." [9]

When the village's elders heard this command, they all quickly went out to meet with Zhang Ni and even provided provisions then let the army pass. Thus, the Shu Han army was victorious. When the rest of the Qiang tribes heard that Tali had already fallen, all of them were terrified and confused. Many among them welcomed the army and went out to surrender while others fled into the valleys. Ma Zhong and Zhang Ni hunted those who fled and achieved total victory. [10]

Slaying and defeat of Liu Zhou

In 233, the southern foreigner Liu Zhou led a massive revolt. Zhang Yi (Bogong) was unable to quell the revolt so Ma Zhong was appointed as Area Commander of Laixiang (庲降都督) with a mandate to defeat Liu Zhou along with Zhang Ni as vanguard. Since Zhang Ni was always at the forefront of the army, he beheaded Liu Zhou. [11]

With Liu Zhou's death, most of the southern's tribes surrendered however in the Zangke (牂牁) and Xīnggu (興古) commanderies, the Liao (獠) tribes revolted again. So Ma Zhong sent Zhang Ni to command an army and quell the rebellions. Zhang Ni enticed most of them to surrender and quickly two thousand men joined him then were all transferred to Hanzhong's military command. [12]

Foreseeing of Fu Jian's accident

The territory of Wudu, situated on the border between Shu Han and Cao Wei was a largely autonomous territory belonging to Shu Han in name but largely led by the Di (氐) tribes inhabiting the area. At around 236, one of the Di tribes' most famous leaders Fu Jian (苻健) offered to submit to Shu Han so General-in-Chief Jiang Wan sent a general, Zhang Wei (張尉) to receive them. However, Zhang Wei took longer than Jiang Wan expected returning, so much so that Jiang started to worry. Zhang Ni was at Chengdu at this time and tried to appease Jiang Wan's worries by saying: [13]

"Fu Jian's request to join us was sincere and certainly his mind has not changed. However, it is common knowledge that Fu Jian's younger brother is sly and treacherous. Moreover, the foreign Di tribes have trouble working together, so there has likely been changes and unusual circumstances that have delayed Zhang Wei and forced him to remain longer to accomplish his task." [14]

Several days later, news arrived of Zhang Wei's expedition proving that Zhang Ni's prediction was right. Fu Jian's younger brother had indeed led most of the tribes to join the state of Cao Wei while Fu Jian came to submit to Shu Han with Zhang Wei. [15]

Subjugation of indigenous tribes

Restoring Han authority in Yuexi Commandery

Sometime in the 230s, the Sou (叟) tribes in Yuexi/Yuesui Commandery (越巂郡; around present-day Liangshan Prefecture, Sichuan) revolted and declared their independence. The commandery had belonged to Shu Han since the forceful subjugation of Gāo Dìng in 225 by Li Yan but the State had problems asserting its authority over it. The situation degenerated when the rebels killed the two administrators, Gong Lu and Jiao Huang (焦璜), sent by the Shu government to govern the commandery. Furthermore, due to the hostilities from the locals subsequent appointed administrators would not enter Yuexi Commandery to assume their offices but could only reside at Anshang (安上) county, eight hundred li away and could not assume office. As a result, the Shu government's claim over Yuexi Commandery was in name only. [16]

There was discussion about restoring the commandery so the Shu government appointed Zhang Ni as the Administrator of Yuexi Commandery. When he arrived, Zhang Ni led those he commanded in Yuexi and enticed the tribes with favor and generous treatment hence the foreigners all started to return to submission. However, the northern region of Zhuomaa (捉馬) was the most rebellious. They were stalwart and strong and refused to submit to authority quickly, so Zhang Ni led his army to quell them. Zhang Ni captured their leader Wei Lang (魏狼) alive but released him as a show of mercy to win over the trust of his kind. Later, he memorialized the court to have Wei Lang be given a fief as a city Marquis and to have his tribe of three thousand households be officially recognized to pacify them. When the other tribes heard of this event, they gradually surrendered to Zhang Ni. For his feats, the Shu government rewarded Zhang Ni by granting him the title of secondary Marquis (關內侯). [17]

Conflict with the tribes of Suqiyi

The people of Suqiyi (蘇祁邑) were led by the chieftain Dong Feng (冬逢) and his younger brother Dong Qu (冬渠). Dong Qu and the Suqiyi had already surrendered but they rebelled while Zhang Ni was concentrating on matters in Zhuomaa. Zhang Ni quickly defeated them and put Dong Feng to death. However, Dong Feng's wife was the daughter of another tribal leader the ruler of the Maoniu tribe. In order to avoid further rebellion from them, Zhang Ni isolated them. [18]

Dong Feng's brother Dong Qu used this time to flee to the western frontier. He rallied the remnant of the Suqiyi. Dong Qu was a fierce and strong warrior hence the Suqiyi deeply feared him. Qu sent two of his close relatives to feign surrender to Zhang Ni but in reality to obtain information. However Zhang Ni saw through this and with lavish gifts, he convinced them to defect then Zhang Ni had the two men sent to kill Qu. With the death of their rebel leader, all the tribes were secure. After this, Zhang Ni turned his attention to the Duqi (都耆) leader Li Qiucheng (李求承), who previously had personally killed the former Administrator Gong Lu. Zhang Ni raised an army to capture him with the result that Li Qiucheng was captured in battle. Zhang Ni then read a list of his crimes and executed him. [19]

Restoring infrastructure

Originally, because of the tribal raids most of Yuexi's commandery infrastructure were in ruins. Zhang Ni initiated a building project to have the city walls repaired in order to protect the people. Most of the work was done by foreign and local tribes: the Sanguozhi records that among the men and women, everyone worked their hardest to help Zhang Ni rebuild. Zhang Ni was in office for three years in Yuexi Commandery until he was repatriated to his former prefecture in Ba Commandery. [20]

Taking back the three counties

Dingzhuo (定莋), Taideng (台登) and Beishui (卑水) were three counties over three hundred lǐ away from the Yuexi's headquarters. These counties formed a large part of Yuexi's revenue since they produced valuable commodities like salt, iron, and lacquer but were on the western border and seized by foreign tribes for themselves. Zhang Ni led his army to seize control of the counties and to establish a Chief Clerk to oversee production. [21]

However Dingzhuo county proved to be the most difficult to take over. The chieftain's leader, Hao Langcen (豪狼岑), the Panmu King's maternal uncle who was greatly trusted by the foreign tribes hated Zhang Ni for his incursion and would not go meet him. Rather than attack Dingzhuo, Zhang Ni decided to intimidate the tribes into surrendering. He sent several tens of strong warriors to go capture Hao Langcen, beat and kill him. Then, Zhang Ni sent the body back to the tribes along with generous rewards describing Hao Langcen's evil crimes and also saying: [22]

"Do not rush mindlessly into action. If you act, you will be exterminated!" [23]

When they heard this, the foreign people all dirtied their faces and bound themselves to apologize for their crimes. To reward them, Zhang Ni killed an ox for a great feast and did not harm them. Hence, Zhang Ni reaffirmed his grace and trust among the tribes. And so, he regained control of Dingzhuo and the production of salt, iron and tools were all provided for. [24]

Conflict with the tribe leader Lang Lu

The Hanjia (漢嘉) County's border had Maoniu (旄牛) foreign tribes of over four thousand households while their leader Lang Lu (狼路) held a grudge against Zhang Ni since the deaths of Dong Feng and Dong Qu of the Suqiyi. Dong Feng's wife was the aunt of Lang Lu, the chief of the Maoniu tribe so they resented his death. Lang Lu sent his father's younger brother Lang Li (狼離) to take command of Dong Feng's remnants army and engage Zhang Ni in battle. Rather than face them, Zhang Ni observed the situation and in response sent one of his own relatives to Lang Li with presents such as oxen and wine as gifts of appreciation. Additionally, Lang Li's elder sister had been under Zhang Ni's care since her husband's execution (Dong Feng) so he sent her back to her family to show his good intentions. Lang Li received both the gifts and met his older sister. Both him and his sister were overjoyed to meet again so Lang Li led his followers to submit to Zhang Ni. Zhang Nì bestowed generous rewards upon Lang and treated him well and sent them back to the Maoniu who they then persuaded to submit entirely. [25]

Forming good relation with the foreign tribes

The commandery had an old road that led from Yuexi to Chengdu that was in good condition. But it went through Maoniu territory and since it had been cut off, it had not been used for over a century. Zhang Ni sent his attendants to Lang Lu as ambassadors along with generous gifts and also asked Lang Lu's paternal aunt to speak with Lang Lu as well. He offered friendship and expressed his desire to reopen the road. So Lang Lu led his brothers, wives and children to all go to Zhang Ni, swear an oath of alliance and commit to reopening the old road. [26]

The result was that a thousand lǐ of pathways were cleared and the former relay stations restored allowing communication between Chengdu and the west. Zhang Ni memorialized the court to give a fief to Lang Lu as King of the Maoniugoupí (旄牛㽛毗) while Lang Lu sent an envoy to Chengdu to present his formal surrender to Shu. For this exemplary work in the west, Zhang Ni was made General Who Settles Military Affairs with authority over the commandery as before. [27]

Advising Fei Yi and Zhuge Ke

Advice to Fei Yi

Zhang Ni observed that Fei Yi, General-in-Chief at the time, was unrestrained by nature and careless in showing favor. He also noted that Fei Yi was excessive in his trust and good treatment to newcomers. Zhang Ni thus sent a letter to admonish him that said: "In the past Cen Peng was a great commander wielding the Staff of Authority but was killed by an assassin. Now you, wise General, occupy a position of great power and importance and should reflect on past events. You should act less careless and be on guard." [28]

Later, Fei Yi was indeed killed by a surrendered general from Cao Wei, Guo Xiu. [29]

Advice to Zhuge Ke

Eastern Wu's Grand Tutor, Zhuge Ke, began raising massive armies from Wu and attacking the state of Cao Wei from the year 252. The Palace Attendant Zhuge Zhan, an official serving the Shu Han state, was Chancellor Zhuge Liang's son and Zhuge Ke's younger cousin. Zhang Ni wrote Zhuge Zhan a letter that said: [30]

"The ruler of the East, Sun Quan, has just perished, and the new Emperor Sun Liang is truly young and weak. The Grand Tutor [lower-alpha 2] has received a heavy burden of trust, and how can that be considered easy? Because your kinsman [lower-alpha 3] has the talent of the Duke of Zhou, there must also be those [in his court] like Guan and Cai spreading rumors that he intends to usurp the throne, [lower-alpha 4] and when Huo Guang received his appointment there were high officials like Yan and Ge planning to resist and rebel, and he had to rely on the wisdom of Cheng and Zhao in order to avoid disaster. In the past, I always heard the Eastern Ruler [lower-alpha 5] never gave the authority to kill or bestow rewards or punishments to his subordinates, yet now because of his death he has entrusted all future affairs to the Grand Tutor; that is truly worrisome. The lands of Wu and Shu are vulnerable, and in the past this has been noted, yet the Grand Tutor has left the young ruler and walks instead to face the enemy in his stronghold. I fear that this is not a good plan for the long term. Though it is said that the eastern country is ordered and solemn, and that those with high positions and low positions are all harmonious, is not even one loss out of a hundred something the wise should consider? The past has led to now, and what happens now follows the past. If your honor does not go forward to give loyal advice to the Grand Tutor, who else is there to speak freely to him? [Tell him to] Withdraw the army and develop agriculture, handle affairs with virtue and kindness, and within several years, both East and West will develop together: then it will not be too late. I hope you will thoroughly consider this. [31]

Indeed, Zhuge Ke would lose his influence in the Eastern Wu court because of his losses at the Battle of Hefei (253) and would subsequently have all his clan exterminated. Zhang Ni's foresight was as such and often right. [32]

Battle of Xiangwu and death

Leaving for the capital

Zhang Ni remained Administrator of Yuexi for 15 years and under his care it became a peaceful region. Feeling that his mission was done, he repeatedly asked to return and so his request was finally granted. He was summoned back to Chengdu. According to the Sanguozhi, both people of Han Chinese descent and other ethnic tribes were all deeply attached to Zhang Ni and grabbed the wheels of his carriage, wept and sobbed as they learned of his departure.

When Zhang Ni passed through the Maoniu lands using the road that he and Lang Lu had repaired together, the tribe leader Lang Lu came forward to welcome him, carrying his child on his back. He followed Zhang Ni to the border of the Shu Han prefecture of Yuexi and sent an escort of 100 warriors to present tribute to Chengdu with him. [33] Upon his arrival in Chengdu in the year 254, Zhang Ni was made General Who Defeats Bandits (蕩寇將軍) and was well received by his colleagues. He was known as generous and heroic so scholars everywhere greatly esteemed him; however he was criticized by some for being too lax in morals and lacking in courtesy. [34]

Meeting with Xiahou Ba

Zhang Ni met the General of Chariots and Cavalry Xiahou Ba, who said to him: "Though you and I are not acquainted yet, I confide my feelings to you as if we were old friends. You should understand this intention." Zhang Ni answered: "I do not yet know you and you do not yet know me. When great principles lead elsewhere, how can you speak of confiding feelings? Let us after three years speak again." A wise scholar took this as a praiseworthy anecdote of Zhang Ni's character. [35] [lower-alpha 6]

Pleading to let him join the army for Didao

That year, Li Jian (李簡) a county magistrate from Shu's rival state Cao Wei secretly contacted the Shu government and expressed his desire to defect to Shu. Liu Shan convened a meeting to discuss whether to accept Li Jian's defection. Many officials expressed worries that it might be a ruse but Zhang Ni believed that Li Jian was sincere and managed to convince Liu Shan to agree. Liu Shan then allowed the general Jiang Wei to launch a campaign against Wei with Li Jian acting as a spy for them in Wei territory. When the Shu army led by Jiang Wei arrived at Didao as Zhang accurately predicted Li Jian led his followers to join the Shu army and helped them gain control of Didao. [36]

At the time, Zhang Ni suffered rheumatism illness from old age. When he arrived at the capital, it became severe and he needed a crutch so he could rise. When Jiang Wei set out, many within the army had thought that Zhang Ni should be sent back to Chengdu especially since they thought that due to his illness he could not keep up. Zhang Ni personally begged to unleash all that was left of his strength to reach the enemy. Facing them, he said to Liu Shan: [37]

"I, your servant served you enlightened sage and received excessive grace. Moreover, my body is ill and I am always afraid that one morning I shall fail you and fail to repay the honor I have received. The world under heaven disobeys your wishes and must be settled with military affairs. If Liang province is settled then I your servant will be your defense and guard the border. If victory cannot be won then I will sacrifice my body as recompense." [38]

Liu Shan was so touched after hearing Zhang Ni that he shed tears and permitted him to go on the campaign. [39]

Battle of Xiangwu and death

However, the campaign went awry as the Shu army attacked Xiangwu County (襄武縣; southeast of present-day Longxi County, Gansu), where the Wei defenders led by Xu Zhi put up a fierce resistance. Zhang Ni fought at the vanguard alongside his men but lost his life in the process though those he killed and injured were also numerous. [40] The Sanguozhi recorded that his death was mourned such that none among the Han or foreign clan of Yuexi did not weep with grief and a temple established for him was brought offerings even in times of famine and hardship. [41]

Family

In recognition of Zhang Ni's valiant actions on the battlefield, Liu Shan enfeoffed Zhang Ni's eldest son, Zhang Ying (張瑛) as the Marquis of Xi Village (西鄉侯). Zhang Ni's original marquis title was then inherited by his second son, Zhang Huxiong (張護雄). [42] Zhang Ni's grandson Zhang Yi was an Inspector of Liangzhou during the Jin dynasty. [43]

Appraisal

Chen Shou, who wrote Zhang Ni's biography in the Records of the Three Kingdoms (Sanguozhi), appraised him as follows: "Zhang Ni was intrepid and had a good insight of the situation... Along with Huang Quan, Li Hui, Lü Kai, Ma Zhong, Wang Ping, It was thanks to their qualities that they were all well known through the empire and because they seized the opportunity given to them that they left strong legacies." [44]

Chen Shou, also gives in the Yi Bu Qijiu Zhuan (虞翻別傳) the following appraisal of Zhang Ni:

I have observed Zhang Ni's behavior, appearance and speech; it cannot frighten, but his tactical abilities are considerable, and his intensity is indeed enough to establish his authority. As a servant, he was loyal and devoted to integrity. He is of a clear and upright nature, and when he acts he always considers the law. Liu Shan deeply esteemed him and compared him to the heroic warriors of the ancient past, he was not so far! [45]

Chen Shou

In Romance of the Three Kingdoms

In the 14th-century historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms , Zhang Ni was one of the more notable generals in Shu's later years. He participated in many of Zhuge Liang's campaigns and displayed a fiery passion for Zhuge Liang's endeavours. Due to this, he sometimes found himself over his head and in dangerous situations, nearly being killed by Wang Shuang at Chencang before being rescued by Liao Hua and Wang Ping; he was also led into a trap and captured by Lady Zhurong during the Southern Campaign. While on his deathbed, Zhuge Liang named Zhang Ni, along with Liao Hua, Ma Dai, Wang Ping and Zhang Yi, as the loyal generals of Shu who should be given greater responsibilities.

During Jiang Wei's Northern Expeditions, Zhang Ni often urged Jiang Wei to concentrate on internal affairs rather than attacking Wei. He forfeited his life in Chapter 111, while saving Jiang Wei from Chen Tai. [46]

See also

Notes

  1. According to the chronology of Zhang Ni's biography in Sanguozhi, he should be in his early 20s when Liu Bei took over Yi Province in 214.
  2. "The Grand Tutor" here refers to Zhuge Ke.
  3. Also referring to Zhuge Ke
  4. Zhang Ni is drawing a comparison between Zhuge Ke's position and that of the Duke of Zhou during the Rebellion of the Three Guards against the Duke of Zhou's regency."
  5. "The Eastern Ruler" is a honorific for Sun Quan
  6. Though it follows Zhang Ni's precedent reproach of lacking in courtesy, at this time Xiahou Ba was a famous general and the policy was to treat him well to entice more betrayal in Wei.

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Chen Shou, courtesy name Chengzuo (承祚), was a Chinese historian, politician, and writer who lived during the Three Kingdoms period and Jin dynasty of China. Chen Shou is most known for his most celebrated work, the Records of the Three Kingdoms (Sanguozhi), which records the history of the late Eastern Han dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period. Chen Shou wrote the Sanguozhi primarily in the form of biographies of notable persons of those eras. Today, Chen's Records of the Three Kingdoms is part of the Twenty-Four Histories canon of ancient Chinese history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jiang Wan</span> Shu Han state official and general (died 246)

Jiang Wan, courtesy name Gongyan, was a Chinese military general, politician, and regent of the state of Shu during the Three Kingdoms period of China. Born in the late Eastern Han dynasty, Jiang Wan initially served as a scribe, county chief and county prefect under the warlord Liu Bei, who later became the founding emperor of Shu. After Liu Bei's son Liu Shan succeeded his father as emperor in 223, Jiang Wan gradually rose to prominence under the regency of Zhuge Liang, the Imperial Chancellor of Shu. Between 228 and 234, while Zhuge Liang was away leading Shu forces on the Northern Expeditions against Shu's rival state Wei, Jiang Wan took charge of internal affairs and provided logistical support to the Shu forces at the frontline. After Zhuge Liang's death in 234, Jiang Wan succeeded him as regent and did well in gaining the Shu people's confidence and leading them into a post-Zhuge Liang era. During this time, he considered that the land-based route through the Qin Mountains used by Zhuge Liang during the Northern Expeditions was too difficult for navigation and transportation of supplies. He thus came up with a plan to switch to a water-based route along the Han River targeting Wei territories in present-day southern Shaanxi and northwestern Hubei. However, the Shu government rejected his plan as they thought it was too risky. In 243, due to poor health, Jiang Wan relocated from Hanzhong near the Wei–Shu border to Fu County. Towards the final years of his regency, as his health worsened, Jiang Wan gradually relinquished his powers to his deputies Fei Yi and Dong Yun but he continued to rule as regent in name. He died in 246 and was succeeded by Fei Yi.

Zhang Yi, courtesy name Junsi, was an official of the state of Shu Han in the Three Kingdoms period of China.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wang Ping (Three Kingdoms)</span> Shu Han general (died 248)

Wang Ping, courtesy name Zijun, was a military general of the state of Shu Han in the Three Kingdoms period of China. Originally a military officer serving under the warlord Cao Cao. In 219, he defected to Cao Cao's rival Liu Bei during the Hanzhong Campaign. Although he was a talented orator, Wang Ping never learned to read because he joined the army at a young age. However, he did not let this disadvantage stop him and had his clerk help him with his reports. Known for his self discipline, he steadily rose through the ranks to become a senior general. During his career, he defeated Zhang He, quelled Wei Yan's alleged rebellion and was the leading commander of the Shu forces during the Battle of Xingshi. The highest position he reached was Senior General Who Guards the North (鎮北大將軍).

Huang Quan, courtesy name Gongheng, was a Chinese military general and politician of the state of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms period of China. He previously served under the warlords Liu Zhang and Liu Bei during the late Eastern Han dynasty and in the state of Shu Han during the early Three Kingdoms period before defecting to Cao Wei. Liu Bei relied heavily on Huang Quan for counsel in both domestic and foreign policy. Under the Wei government, however, Huang Quan was restricted to only internal affairs because even though the Wei emperor Cao Pi appreciated him for his talent, he doubted Huang Quan's allegiance and believed he was still secretly loyal to Liu Bei.

Hao Zhao, courtesy name Bodao, was a military general of the state of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms period of China. He is best known for his victory at the siege of Chencang in 229 when he led a successful defence of Chencang against an invasion by a much larger army from Wei's rival state Shu Han. However, he died of illness not long after that.

Li Hui, courtesy name De'ang, was an official of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period of China. After refusing Liu Zhang's service, Li joined Liu Bei early in his campaign to pacify Yi province. After Liu Bei's death, Li Hui proved his talents during Zhuge Liang's Southern Campaign and was appointed the area commander in the south. He set the standard for his successors, such as Ma Zhong, for sound governance. After Shu-Han's co-regent Li Yan was removed from office, Li Hui was promoted again and sent to Hanzhong to assist in the Northern Expeditions but died a year later.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dong Yun</span> Shu Han state general and official (died 246)

Dong Yun, courtesy name Xiuzhao, was a Chinese general and politician of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period of China. His father, Dong He, also served as an official in Shu. Dong Yun was one of four persons who held positions equivalent to a head of government in Shu from 221 to 253; the other three were Zhuge Liang, Jiang Wan and Fei Yi.

Quan Cong, courtesy name Zihuang, was a Chinese military general of the state of Eastern Wu during the Three Kingdoms period of China. Born in present-day Hangzhou towards the end of the Eastern Han dynasty, Quan Cong became famous at a young age when he performed acts of charity by giving grain to people suffering from famine and providing shelter to refugees from central China. He started his career under the warlord Sun Quan as a military officer and achieved success in his early career by pacifying the restive Shanyue tribes in the Jiangdong territories. After Sun Quan became an independent ruler of Wu in 222, Quan Cong rose to the rank of General and participated in battles against Wu's rival state Wei. He also pacified rebellions by local tribes in Danyang, Wu and Kuaiji commanderies. After Sun Quan became emperor in 229, Quan Cong married his daughter Sun Luban and became one of his most trusted generals. During this time, although he was less active in battles, he became more outspoken on state affairs. He strongly objected to Sun Quan's decision to let his heir apparent Sun Deng lead troops into battle because it was against traditions, and attempted to dissuade Sun Quan from launching an invasion of Zhuya and Yizhou. Towards the end of his life, he became embroiled in a power struggle between Sun Quan's sons Sun He and Sun Ba over the succession to their father's throne. Although he supported Sun Ba, he died before he could see the power struggle end in 250 with neither Sun He nor Sun Ba becoming the new heir apparent. Throughout his life, Quan Cong was known for being a respectful and agreeable man who remained humble despite his high social status and prestige. As a military commander, he was known for being courageous and decisive, and for conducting himself with dignity and often taking the bigger picture into consideration.

Huo Yi, courtesy name Shaoxian, was a military general of the state of Shu Han in the Three Kingdoms period of China. His father, Huo Jun, served under Liu Bei, the founding emperor of Shu. During his service under the Shu emperor Liu Shan, Huo Yi suppressed tribal rebellions in the restive Nanzhong region and maintained peace in the area. After Shu was conquered by its rival state Cao Wei in 263, Huo Yi surrendered to the Wei regime and was permitted to remain in charge of keeping the peace in Nanzhong. In return, Huo Yi became a Wei subject and continued serving under the Jin dynasty, which replaced the Wei regime in 266.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ma Zhong (Shu Han)</span> Chinese Shu Han state general (died 249)

Ma Zhong, courtesy name Dexin, originally named Hu Du, was a military general of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period of China. Liu Bei was quite impressed by Ma Zhong and praised him highly, comparing him to the recently defected Huang Quan, Ma Zhong was trusted and respected by the following head of the government Zhuge Liang, Jiang Wan and Fei Yi. After Liu Bei's death, he served under Zhuge Liang during the Southern Campaign and helped to quell the rebellion. He was appointed as the area commander in the south after Li Hui's death. He spends most of his life pacify the region and protecting the people of the south often with the help of Zhang Ni. Ma Zhong was known as a generous and whimsical man but he was also decisive in handling affairs. Hence the southern tribes both feared him and respected him. His duty in the south could be comparable to Wang Ping in the north and Deng Zhi in the east. After his death, the foreigners sorely missed him and later established a temple in his honor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zhang Yi (Bogong)</span> General of the state of Shu Han (died 264)

Zhang Yi, courtesy name Bogong, was a Chinese military general and politician of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period of China. Born in the late Eastern Han dynasty, Zhang Yi was a 10th-generation descendant of Zhang Liang. He started his career as a scribe under the warlord Liu Bei, who founded Shu later, and gradually rose to the positions of a county prefect and commandery administrator. In the early 230s, he served as an area commander tasked with maintaining the peace in Shu's southern commanderies. In 234, he led the Shu vanguard during the Battle of Wuzhang Plains against Shu's rival state Wei. From 238 to 259, Zhang Yi steadily rose through the ranks to become one of Shu's top generals. During this time, although he strongly opposed the Shu general Jiang Wei's aggressive stance towards Wei, he still accompanied Jiang Wei on his military campaigns against Wei. In 263, he surrendered to Wei forces along with the Shu emperor Liu Shan when Wei launched a large-scale invasion of Shu. In the following year, Zhang Yi was killed by mutineers during a rebellion by the Wei general Zhong Hui. Like Liao Hua and Zong Yu, Zhang was one of few officials who served the Shu-Han state throughout its entire existence.

Yang Xi, courtesy name Wenran, was an official of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period of China. He is best known for writing the Ji Han Fuchen Zan, a collection of praises of notable persons who served in the Shu Han state. Chen Shou, the third-century historian who wrote the Records of the Three Kingdoms (Sanguozhi), extensively quoted and annotated Yang Xi's collection.

Li Fu, courtesy name Sunde, was an official of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period of China.

He Zhi courtesy name Junsu, was an official of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period of China.

References

  1. (益部耆舊傳曰:嶷出自孤微,而少有通壯之節。) Yi Bu Qijiu Zhuan annotation in Sanguozhi vol. 43.
  2. (先主定蜀之际,山寇攻县,县长捐家逃亡,嶷冒白刃,携负夫人,夫人得免。由是显名,州召为从事。) Sanguozhi vol. 43.
  3. (時郡內士人龔祿、姚伷位二千石,當世有聲名,皆與嶷友善。) Sanguozhi vol. 43.
  4. (嶷度其鸟散,难以战禽,乃诈与和亲,克期置酒。酒酣,嶷身率左右,因斩慕等五十馀级,渠帅悉殄。寻其馀类,旬日清泰。) Sanguozhi vol. 43.
  5. (後得疾病困篤,家素貧匱,廣漢太守蜀郡何祗,名為通厚,嶷宿與疏闊,乃自轝詣祗,託以治疾。祗傾財醫療,數年除愈。其黨道信義皆此類也。) Sanguozhi vol. 43.
  6. (拜為牙門將,屬馬忠,北討汶山叛羌,南平四郡蠻夷,輒有籌畫戰克之功。) Sanguozhi vol. 43.
  7. (益部耆舊傳曰:嶷受兵馬三百人,隨馬忠討叛羌。嶷別督數營在先,至他里。邑所在高峻,嶷隨山立上四五里。) Yi Bu Qijiu Zhuan annotation in Sanguozhi vol. 43.
  8. (羌於要厄作石門,於門上施床,積石於其上,過者下石槌擊之,無不糜爛。嶷度不可得攻,乃使譯告曉之曰:) Yi Bu Qijiu Zhuan annotation in Sanguozhi vol. 43.
  9. (「汝汶山諸種反叛,傷害良善,天子命將討滅惡類。汝等若稽顙過軍,資給糧費,福祿永隆,其報百倍。若終不從,大兵致誅,雷擊電下,雖追悔之,亦無益也。」) Yi Bu Qijiu Zhuan annotation in Sanguozhi vol. 43.
  10. (耆帥得命,即出詣嶷,給糧過軍。軍前討餘種,餘種聞他里已下,悉恐怖失所,或迎軍出降,或奔竄山谷,放兵攻擊,軍以克捷。) Yi Bu Qijiu Zhuan annotation in Sanguozhi vol. 43.
  11. (後南夷劉冑又反,以馬忠為督庲降討冑,嶷復屬焉,戰鬥常冠軍首,遂斬冑。) Yi Bu Qijiu Zhuan annotation in Sanguozhi vol. 43.
  12. (平南事訖,牂牁興古獠種復反,忠令嶷領諸營往討,嶷內招降得二千人,悉傳詣漢中。) Yi Bu Qijiu Zhuan annotation in Sanguozhi vol. 43.
  13. (十四年,武都氐王苻健請降,遣將軍張尉往迎,過期不到,大將軍蔣琬深以為念。嶷平之曰:) Sanguozhi vol. 43.
  14. (「苻健求附款至,必無他變,素聞健弟狡黠,又夷狄不能同功,將有乖離,是以稽留耳。」) Sanguozhi vol. 43.
  15. (數日,問至,健弟果將四百戶就魏,獨健來從。) Sanguozhi vol. 43.
  16. (初,越嶲郡自丞相亮討高定之後,叟夷數反,殺太守龔祿、焦璜,是後太守不敢之郡,只住(安定)〔安上〕縣,去郡八百餘里,其郡徒有名而已。) Sanguozhi vol. 43.
  17. (時論欲復舊郡,除嶷為越嶲太守,嶷將所領往之郡,誘以恩信,蠻夷皆服,頗來降附。北徼捉馬最驍勁,不承節度,嶷乃往討,生縛其帥魏狼,又解縱告喻,使招懷餘類。表拜狼為邑侯,種落三千餘戶皆安土供職。諸種聞之,多漸降服,嶷以功賜爵關內侯。) Sanguozhi vol. 43.
  18. (蘇祁邑君冬逢、逢弟隗渠等,已降復反。嶷誅逢。逢妻,旄牛王女,嶷以計原之。) Sanguozhi vol. 43.
  19. (而渠逃入西徼。渠剛猛捷悍,為諸種深所畏憚,遣所親二人詐降嶷,實取消息。嶷覺之,許以重賞,使為反間,二人遂合謀殺渠。渠死,諸種皆安。又斯都耆帥李求承,昔手殺龔祿,嶷求募捕得,數其宿惡而誅之。) Sanguozhi vol. 43.
  20. (始嶷以郡郛宇頹壞,更築小塢。在官三年,徙還故郡,繕治城郭,夷種男女莫不致力。) Sanguozhi vol. 43.
  21. (定莋、臺登、卑水三縣去郡三百餘里,舊出鹽鐵及漆,而夷徼久自固食。嶷率所領奪取,署長吏焉。) Sanguozhi vol. 43.
  22. (嶷之到定莋,定莋率豪狼岑,槃木王舅,甚為蠻夷所信任,忿嶷自侵,不自來詣。嶷使壯士數十直往收致,撻而殺之,持尸還種,厚加賞賜,喻以狼岑之惡,且曰:) Sanguozhi vol. 43.
  23. (「無得妄動,動即殄矣!」) Sanguozhi vol. 43.
  24. (種類咸面縛謝過。嶷殺牛饗宴,重申恩信,遂獲鹽鐵,器用周贍。) Sanguozhi vol. 43.
  25. (漢嘉郡界旄牛夷種類四千餘戶,其率狼路,欲為姑婿冬逢報怨,遣叔父離將逢眾相度形勢。嶷逆遣親近齎牛酒勞賜,又令離(姊)逆逢妻宣暢意旨。離既受賜,并見其姊,姊弟歡悅,悉率所領將詣嶷,嶷厚加賞待,遣還。旄牛由是輒不為患。) Sanguozhi vol. 43.
  26. (郡有舊道,經旄牛中至成都,既平且近;自旄牛絕道,已百餘年,更由安上,既險且遠。嶷遣左右齎貨幣賜路,重令路姑喻意,路乃率兄弟妻子悉詣嶷,嶷與盟誓,開通舊道,) Sanguozhi vol. 43.
  27. (千里肅清,復古亭驛。奏封路為旄牛㽛毗王,遣使將路朝貢。後主於是加嶷憮戎將軍,領郡如故。) Sanguozhi vol. 43.
  28. ([張]嶷初見費禕為大將軍,恣性汎愛,待信新附太過,嶷書戒之曰:「昔岑彭率師,來歙杖節,咸見害於刺客,今明將軍位尊權重,宜鑒前事,少以為警。」) Sanguozhi vol. 43.
  29. (後禕果為魏降人郭脩所害。) Sanguozhi vol. 43.
  30. (吳太傅諸葛恪以初破魏軍,大興兵眾以圖攻取。侍中諸葛瞻,丞相亮之子,恪從弟也,嶷與書曰:) Sanguozhi vol. 43.
  31. (「東主初崩,帝實幼弱,太傅受寄託之重,亦何容易!親以周公之才,猶有管、蔡流言之變,霍光受任,亦有燕、蓋、上官逆亂之謀,賴成、昭之明,以免斯難耳。昔每聞東主殺生賞罰,不任下人,又今以垂沒之命,卒召太傅,屬以後事,誠實可慮。加吳、楚剽急,乃昔所記,而太傅離少主,履敵庭,恐非良計長算之術也。雖云東家綱紀肅然,上下輯睦,百有一失,非明者之慮邪?取古則今,今則古也,自非郎君進忠言於太傅,誰復有盡言者也!旋軍廣農,務行德惠,數年之中,東西並舉,實為不晚,願深採察。」) Sanguozhi vol. 43.
  32. (恪竟以此夷族。嶷識見多如是類。) Sanguozhi vol. 43.
  33. (在郡十五年,邦域安穆。屢乞求還,乃徵詣成都。(夷民)〔民夷〕戀慕,扶轂泣涕,過旄牛邑,邑君襁負來迎,及追尋至蜀郡界,其督相率隨嶷朝貢者百餘人。) Sanguozhi vol. 43.
  34. (嶷至,拜盪寇將軍,慷慨壯烈,士人咸多貴之,然放蕩少禮,人亦以此譏焉,是歲延熙十七年也。) Sanguozhi vol. 43.
  35. (益部耆舊傳曰:時車騎將軍夏侯霸謂嶷曰:「雖與足下疏闊,然託心如舊,宜明此意。」嶷答曰:「僕未知子,子未知我,大道在彼,何云託心乎!願三年之後徐陳斯言。」有識之士以為美談。) Yi Bu Qijiu Zhuan annotation in Sanguozhi vol. 43.
  36. 魏狄道長李簡密書請降,衛將軍姜維率嶷等因簡之資以出隴西。〔二〕既到狄道,簡悉率城中吏民出迎軍。) Sanguozhi vol. 43.
  37. (益部耆舊傳曰:嶷風溼固疾,至都寖篤,扶杖然後能起。李簡請降,眾議狐疑,而嶷曰必然。姜維之出,時論以嶷初還,股疾不能在行中,由是嶷自乞肆力中原,致身敵庭。臨發,辭後主曰:) Yi Bu Qijiu Zhuan annotation in Sanguozhi vol. 43.
  38. (「臣當值聖明,受恩過量,加以疾病在身,常恐一朝隕沒,辜負榮遇。天不違願,得豫戎事。若涼州克定,臣為藩表守將;若有未捷,殺身以報。」) Yi Bu Qijiu Zhuan annotation in Sanguozhi vol. 43.
  39. (後主慨然為之流涕。) Yi Bu Qijiu Zhuan annotation in Sanguozhi vol. 43.
  40. (軍前與魏將徐質交鋒,嶷臨陳隕身,然其所殺傷亦過倍) Sanguozhi vol. 43.
  41. (南土越嶲民夷聞嶷死,無不悲泣,為嶷立廟,四時水旱輒祀之。) Sanguozhi vol. 43.
  42. (既亡,封長子瑛西鄉侯,次子護雄襲爵。) Sanguozhi vol. 43.
  43. (蜀世譜曰:嶷孫奕,晉梁州刺史。) Shǔ Shìpǔ
  44. (評曰:...張嶷識斷明果,咸以所長,顯名發跡,遇其時也。) Sanguozhi vol. 43.
  45. (益部耆舊傳曰:余觀張嶷儀貌辭令,不能駭人,而其策略足以入算,果烈足以立威,為臣有忠誠之節,處類有亮直之風,而動必顧典,後主深崇之。雖古之英士,何以遠踰哉!)"Yìbù Qíjiù Zhuàn"
  46. Romance of the Three Kingdoms