Curious to know what happened to the imperial government of Wu after it fell? Chen Shou and Pei Songzhi has got you covered. With translations by me, you can now read what they wrote about Wu. I do not think anyone has translated the entirety of Volume 48, so I consider myself the first. My translations are not perfect, so don't cite this in your school essay. Ask me for anything for clarification and I will try to help you.
I originally wanted to post it as one long Tumblr "essay" but it won't let me so here are the links to where I have them.
Sun Liang
Sun Xiu
Sun Hao
Chen Shou Assessment
I apologize for my hiatus. I don't think I can post content regularly but I felt like this deserved to be shared with you all.
He served as an gongcao for Pingyi commandery, where he met a young boy named Zhang Ji (張既). You Yin felt that Zhang Ji had potential and invited him into his home, to which Zhang Ji said yes respectfully. Beforehand, You Yin had his family furnish the home as well as set a meal up for a Zhang Derong.[a] Zhang Ji came into the home first, shocking You Yin's family, who did not expect him to be a child. When You Yin came into the home, his wife laughed at him, saying, "You must be confused! This Zhang Derong is just a young and ignorant boy! How is he an extraordinary guest?" You Yin retorted, "Do not be so aghast! He shall be a lord's advisor!" In the banquet, You Yin and Zhang Ji discussed strategies for a hegemony king. After they finished, You Yin had his son, You Chu (游楚), entrusted to Zhang Ji. Zhang Ji humbly declined, but You Yin insisted upon it. Zhang Ji later accepted as You Yin was a prominent man in the area.[1]
He later served as General of the Household of the Feathered Forest, but quarreled with Hu Zhen. Hu Zhen slandered him, causing You Yin to be executed. Few months after You Yin's death, Hu Zhen himself fell ill, blamed You Yin for haunting him, and died.[2] Those in the Guanzhong region said of this, "In life, he had the intelligence to understand people; in death, he has the spirit of a powerful deity."[1]
[a] Derong is Zhang Ji's courtesy name. However, a courtesy name is given to people when they are adults, so either this record is fabricated, or You Yin gave Zhang Ji the nickname of Derong, which later became his courtesy name.
Zhou Zhong (周忠) was a civil official who served as Elite Commandant for the Han court.
Ancestry
Zhou Zhong was a scion of the somewhat prestigious Zhou clan of Lujiang. He was the son of Zhou Jing, who himself served as Elite Commandant.
Service
On January 3, 193, he served as Brilliantly Blessed Grandee before he was promoted to Elite Commandant under the court controlled by Li Jue, replacing Huangfu Song.[1] In Summer 193, he was demoted to Minister of the Guards because Mount Hua collapsed and was replaced by Zhu Jun, even though Zhou Zhong recommended Shisun Rui instead.[2][3] Li Jue disliked Zhou Zhong still and intended to kill him. Luckily, Jia Xu told Li Jue that he was in no moral position to kill Zhou Zhong, forcing Li Jue's agreement.[4]
It is not recorded what happened to him and Shisun Rui succeeded him as Minister of the Guards. He could have accompanied Emperor Liu Xie in his escape from Li Jue and could have been killed in Li Jue's ransack after defeating Yang Feng.
Que Xuan (闕宣; d. 193) was a military general who was associated with Tao Qian. He declared himself the Emperor of China, but after suffering multiple defeats by Cao Cao, was betrayed and killed by Tao Qian.
Ancestry
Que Xuan was from Xiapi Commandery.[1][2]
Life
Around Summer 193, Que Xuan amassed an army of thousands and declared himself the Son of Heaven, most likely taking advantage of the rampant chaos in China.[1][2] He and the Governor of Xu Province; Tao Qian allied, taking Hua and Fei Counties from Taishan Commandery as well as plundering Rencheng Commandery. The Governor of Yan Province; Cao Cao launched an expedition against both Que Xuan and Tao Qian for their behavior. Cao Cao was able to achieve many victories while Que Xuan had no recorded victories against Cao Cao.[1] Tao Qian, viewing his 'Emperor' ally as now useless, soon killed Que Xuan, and absorbed his troops.
Wang Lei (王累) was a civil official who served Liu Zhang. He warned Liu Zhang not to trust Liu Bei and when he went ignored, he hung himself at the city gates.
Ancestry
Wang Lei came from Xindu County, Guanghan Commandery.[1][2]
Life
When Wang Lei heard Liu Zhang planned to welcome Liu Bei, he told Liu Zhang not to welcome Liu Bei. When Liu Zhang ignored him, Wang Lei either hung himself[1] or cut his throat[2] at the provincial gates as a means of protesting Liu Zhang's decision. Liu Zhang remained unfazed, however, and welcomed Liu Bei.[1][2] The Annals of Huayang State stated that
Niu Fu (牛輔; d. 192) was a military general who served Dong Zhuo. He was married to Dong Zhuo's daughter. He was known for believing in superstitions. After Dong Zhuo's death, he inherited the majority of Dong Zhuo's troops but failed to act aggressively. He was soon killed by his own men after he fled his camp out of paranoia.
Life
Niu Fu probably knew Dong Zhuo for some good time, as he was married to Dong Zhuo's daughter.
In 190, Dong Zhuo sent Niu Fu to attack the White Wave Bandits that threatened him, but Niu Fu failed to push them back.[1] Later on, Dong Zhuo sent him to garrison Shan as he trusted him. Niu Fu was given command of his colonels, Li Jue, Guo Si, and Zhang Ji, and they soon attacked Zhongmou and defeated the Intendant of Henan; Zhu Jun there. After this victory, Niu Fu allowed his troops to plunder Chenliu and Yingchuan commanderies, kidnapping every one they could find for themselves. Later on, Dong Zhuo was killed in Chang'an, and so the majority of the Dong Zhuo army was with Niu Fu. Li Su was sent by the Chang'an revolt to try and destroy Niu Fu, but failed.[2][3]
Superstitions
Although Niu Fu commanded a strong force, he, however, was paranoid as well as cowardly. He believed himself to be weak, so he often showed off his military tally to exert his power as well as using a "axe-guillotine" on people to project strength. When guests requested to meet with him, he had a physiognomer judge them for their character and if it was not to his liking, he refused to meet them. In addition, he also divined his guests to see if they brought fortune or misfortune to him. If they passed both, only then would Niu Fu meet them. When the General of the Household; Dong Yue came to Niu Fu, possibly to help him, Niu Fu ordered a diviner to divine him. When Niu Fu saw the results, the diviner claimed that it meant, "Fire overcomes Metal. This divines that those outside will plot against those inside." Niu Fu got the 'message' and killed Dong Yue.[4] Such was Niu Fu's trust of diviners, even though that particular diviner gave a false interpretation because he hated Dong Yue.[5]
Downfall and Death
Some of the camp soldiers were dissatisfied with Niu Fu's leadership so they revolted and deserted during the night. Niu Fu believed they all betrayed him so he, along with just five or six people that he considered close and old friends, among them Hu Chi'er, made to escape the city. Niu Fu also took some precious treasures and some gold, which Hu Chi'er desired more than his friendship. While they escaped the camp and made a break for out to the north, Hu Chi'er seized Niu Fu and beheaded him, sending the head to Chang'an, and presumably seizing Niu Fu's valuables.[2][3]
Legacy
After Niu Fu's death, the camp troops came under the command of Li Jue, Guo Si, and Zhang Ji. Said people used those troops to breach Chang'an and seize power.
Zhang Ren (張任; d. Spring 213) was a military general who served Liu Zhang. He was a brave warrior who defended Liu Zhang from Liu Bei, but was captured and executed after he refused to surrender.
Ancestry
Zhang Ren was native to Shu Commandery, hailing from a poor family.[2]
Life
Although he was poor, records state that he was extremely brave, was ambitious, and supported righteous ideas.[2]
He served Liu Zhang.
In 212, Liu Zhang sent Zhang Ren and Liu Gui to lead elite troops to Fu County in order to defend it from Liu Bei. When Fu County fell, though, Zhang Ren along with Liu Xun (Liu Zhang's son) went to Luocheng to defend it. Soon, Liu Bei sieged it.[2]
Around Spring 213, before Luocheng fell, Zhang Ren led troops out to Yanqiao to fight Liu Bei, but was defeated and captured. As Liu Bei admired Zhang Ren's personality, he called on him to surrender. Zhang Ren angrily rebuked Liu Bei, exclaiming,
"This old minister will ultimately never serve two masters!"
Therefore, Liu Bei executed Zhang Ren, thinking it was a pity.[2]
Fei Guan (費觀字賔伯) was a military general who served Liu Zhang, Liu Bei, then Shu.
Ancestry
Fei Guan came from Meng County, Jiangxia Commandery, and is almost certainly related to Fei Yi.[1]
Life
In 213, Fei Guan joined Li Yan's military and defended Mianzhu against Liu Bei. Li Yan and Fei Guan later surrendered.[1]
When Liu Bei took over Yi Province from Liu Zhang, he made Fei Guan an Assistant General, then had him become Grand Administrator of Ba Commandery and Commander of Jiangzhou.[1]
In 223, Fei Guan was enfeoffed as Marquis of a Capital District, also becoming General who Shakes with Might.[1]
Fei Guan died when he was 36 years old, but the death date is unknown.[1]
Personality
Fei Guan was fond of talking and even made friends with the self-righteous Li Yan, who was not even close to those of higher rank than Li Yan. Even though Li Yan was 20 years younger than Li Yan, the two were so close that their contemporaries made note of it.[1]
Family
Fei Guan was married to Liu Zhang's daughter. Liu Zhang's mother was an aunt-kinswoman of Fei Guan, meaning Liu Zhang and Fei Guan were in the same generation.[1]
Bian Bing (卞秉; c. 163) was a military general who served Cao Cao and Wei. He was also Cao Cao's brother-in-law.
Ancestry
Bian Bing came from Kaiyang County, Langxie Commandery. He lived in a relatively poor family.[1] He was born after Lady Bian.[2][3][4]
Life
Allegedly, when his sister became the wife to Cao Cao, she aired her concerns about Bian Bing not getting a higher position. Cao Cao replied,
"But you have given me a brother-in-law. Is that not too much?"
Lady Bian later also asked for some money and silk for Bian Bing, but the Cao Cao also said,
"But you secretly gave it to him. Is that not enough?"
Ultimately, Cao Cao declined to promote Bian Bing with his power in his lifetime.[2]
Cao Cao's son and thus Bian Bing's nephew, Cao Pi, was more generous, and even built a mansion for Bian Bing.[3] Based on Bian Bing's unspecified merits, that allowed him to become Marquis of a Capital Township. In 226, he was further enfeoffed as Marquis of Kaiyang, the fief being 1,200 households, and becoming General who Illuminates Ferocity (昭烈將軍), which seems to have been created just for him. When he died, his son Bian Lan succeeded him.[1]
Family
Bian Bing had two recorded sons: Bian Lan and Bian Lin. Bian Lan succeeded Bian Bing.
Bian Lin (卞琳) was awarded with a fief of his own. He was married to a Lady Liu (劉氏) who beget a daughter. This daughter would become the Empress to Cao Huan on November 28, 263. Lady Liu would become the Lady of Guangyang Township as a gift.
Personal Info
Name: Bian Bing (卞秉)
Birth Date: About 163 (based on Lady Bian's birth date)
Huang Hua (黃華; d. 4 April 253) was a military general who served Wei. Initially a rebel, he later surrendered to Wei. He ratted out Wang Ling to Sima Yi.
Ancestry
Huang Hua most likely came from Jiuquan Commandery.[1]
Life
Huang Hua was most likely a nominal vassal of Cao Cao.
However, in 219, after the loss of Hanzhong to Liu Bei, Huang Hua, along with Yan Jun (顏俊), He Luan, and Qu Yan rebelled against Cao Cao and declared themselves Generals. Soon, they started attacking each other. As Huang Hua would rebel later, it seemed that as soon Yan Jun and He Luan were killed, Huang Hua surrendered.[2]
After Cao Cao's death in 220, though, he, Zhang Jin, and Qu Yan (again) rebelled. Huang Hua denied the Grand Administrator of Jiuquan; Xin Ji (辛機) and instead declared himself the Administrator.[1][3] Earlier, the acting Grand Administrator; Zhang Gong had asked Cao Cao for a new Grand Administrator and so sent his son, Zhang Jiu. However, when Zhang Jiu arrived in Jiuquan, he was quickly held hostage by Huang Hua. In response, Zhang Gong sent his cousin, Zhang Hua (not Maoxian) to take Shatou and Qianqi Counties from Huang Hua and trapped Zhang Jin. Huang Hua intended to rescue Zhang Jin, however, Su Ze and Zhang Ji (Derong) were able to kill Zhang Jin and Qu Yan, so Huang Hua surrendered out of fear.[4]
Huang Hua was made Inspector of Yan Province between 220 and 251.
In 251, Wang Ling sent Yang Hong to talk about deposing Cao Fang in favor of Cao Biao. Though Yang Hong told this to Huang Hua, the two decided to inform Sima Yi of this plot. Sima Yi was grateful and had the court enfeoff Huang Hua as a Township Marquis after he dealt with Wang Ling and Cao Biao.[5]
Huang Hua was made General of the Rear at an unknown date.[6]
Death
On April 4, 253, Huang Hua died. Earlier on May 20, 251, the moon 'trespassed' into the north-east star of the Root Mansion, and a diviner claimed that,
"A general will die."
The death of Huang Hua seemingly confirmed that omen.[6]
Zhang Zi, styled Ziyi (張咨字子議; d. Winter 190), was a civil official who was the Grand Administrator of Nanyang.
Ancestry
Zhang Zi came from Yingchuan Commandery.[1]
Life
He was famous.[1]
Death
Around 190, he presumably became Grand Administrator of Nanyang because Zhou Bi and Wu Qiong, whom Dong Zhuo held high opinions of, advocated for Zhang Zi to be appointed to office.[6] Despite Dong Zhuo giving him the post, he intended to contribute his troops to the Guandong Coalition.[2] However, he was killed by Sun Jian before he could do anything.
There are two accounts of his death. The official biography of Sun Jian states that when Sun Jian and his army arrived in Nanyang, he sent men to request military supplies from Zhang Zi, who was allegedly calm abut the arrival.[3][4] Zhang Zi asked a subordinate of his, who said,
"Jian's neighboring commanderies have officials that have not been asked by him."
So Zhang Zi declined Sun Jian.[4] However, Sun Jian offered cattle and wine to Zhang Zi if he intended a feast, which Zhang Zi did the next day. When Zhang Zi became drunk, the registrar of Changsha entered the room and told Sun Jian,
"Previously, you sent [orders] to Nanyang, but the roads and pathways are still unruly and military supplies were not provided. I ask that you arrest [Zi] and have me interrogate him in his intentions."
Zhang Zi heard this and became very greatly afraid and tried to leave, only to be confronted by Sun Jian's army on all four directions. Shortly after, the same registrar again entered and told Sun Jian,
"The Grand Administrator of Nanyang has halted [raising] righteous troops and so caused the traitors to not then be suppressed. I ask that you arrest him and take him out to judge him and have military law carried out."
Thus Sun Jian dragged out Zi to the army gates and beheaded him.[3]
The second version from the Records of Wu by Hu Chong stated that when Sun Jian arrived at Nanyang, Zhang Zi did not give out military supplies and was unwilling to even meet Sun Jian. Sun Jian wanted to attack Zhang Zi because he feared Zhang Zi would be a future threat, so he pretended to have become seriously ill. He had his army act as though they were fearful and trying to save his life desperately. Eventually, Sun Jian sent his close relatives to tell Zhang Zi that as Sun Jian was supposedly very will, he wanted to have his troops given to Zhang Zi. Zhang Zi was delighted and led 500 or 600 infantry and cavalry to Sun Jian's camp and visited him. Sun Jian was lying down when he met with Zi. Without warning, Sun Jian rose up, pressed his sword against Zhang Zi, and scolded him. Afterwards, he beheaded him.[5]
Legacy
Zhang Zi's death frightened the people of Nanyang Commandery that they gave Sun Jian what he wanted without fail. The commandery itself was given to Yuan Shu, but his government was very unpopular.[6]
Personal Info
Name: Wang Rui (張咨)
Style name: Ziyi (子議)[1]
Death date: Winter 190/Spring 191 (11th/12th lunar month of 1st year of the Chuping era)[7]
Wang Rui, styled Tongyao (王叡字通耀; 189), was a civil official who served as Inspector of Jing Province. His animosity with Sun Jian culminated in his demise.
Ancestry
Wang Rui came from Linyi County, Langxie Commandery.[1] Wang Rui's ancestor was a Wang Ji (王吉), who was from Gaoyu County, Langya Commandery, and who served Emperor Xuan of Han.[2]
Wang Rui's father was Wang Ren, the Inspector of Qing Province. Wang Rui was the elder brother of Wang Rong, the father of Wang Xiang and Wang Lan.[1][3]
Wang Rui is also called Wang Min (王敏), possibly to avoid the taboo of Cao Rui.
Life
A time before or in 186, Wang Rui was made Inspector of Jing Province.
In 186, Zhao Ci rebelled and took over six counties of Nanyang Commandery. The court appointed Yang Xu to replace the killed Qin Xie and led troops with Wang Rui to defeat and kill Zhao Ci in a major victory.[4] For possibly these reasons, Wang Rui was enfeoffed as Marquis of Anci County in the same year.[5]
In 188, Wang Rui and Sun Jian worked together on subjugating the rebels Zhou Chao and Su Ma in Lingling and Guiyang Commanderies and succeed. Wang Rui almost always belittled Sun Jian and showed him no respect because he was just a military officer while Wang Rui came from a noble family.[6][7][8]
In late 190, Wang Rui raised an army to kill Dong Zhuo. Wang Rui and the Grand Administrator of Wuling; Cao Yin were at odds, so much so that Wang Rui exclaimed he should first kill Cao Yin before marching against Dong Zhuo. In response, Cao Yin forged a message from imperial envoy Wen Yi and sent it to Sun Jian, demanding that he 'execute' Wang Rui. Sun Jian decided to take this chance to kill Wang Rui and disguised he and his personal army as Wang Rui's troops, marching onto Wang Rui. Wang Rui gazed at them from a high floor and sent someone to ask what they wanted. Sun Jian's troops replied,
"The troops have long battled, laboring bitterly in it. We have gotten awards, but it is not enough for us to get clothes, so we beg of you, sire, to provide for us, that is all."
Wang Rui stated,
"How could I be so stingy?"
Wang Rui came down and promptly opened the treasury to Sun Jian's army, watching them select what they wanted. Wang Rui spotted Sun Jian among them, so he said in a shocked tone,
"Those soldiers seek awards for themselves. Lord Sun, why are you among them?"
Sun Jian replied,
"I received an envoy's orders to execute you, sir."
Wang Rui asked,
"What was my crime?"
Sun Jian replied,
"Guilty of not knowing."
Cornered, Wang Rui drank scrapped gold and committed suicide.[8][9] Wang Rui was replaced by Liu Biao as Inspector of Jing Province by imperial edict.[10]
Legacy
Wang Rui almost brought Jing Province into the war against Dong Zhuo, but his death at the hands of Sun Jian allowed Dong Zhuo to slip in Liu Biao as the new Inspector and effectively neutralize Jing Province.
Personal Info
Name: Wang Rui (王叡)[3][6][8][9][10] or Wang Min (王敏)[4][5]
Style name: Tongyao (通耀)[3]
Death date: Winter 190/Spring 191 (11th/12th lunar month of 1st year of the Chuping era)[4]
Yang Yong, styled Zizhao (楊顒字子昭), was a civil official who served Shu. He asked Zhuge Liang to not to micro-task as much and delegate some duties to lower-level officials.
Ancestry
Yang Yong was from Xiangyang Commandery. He was a relative of Yang Yi.[1] Yang Yong lived south of the Hui Lake (洄湖) while Yang Yi lived north of it.[2]
Life
When he entered Shu from Jing Province, Liu Bei made him Grand Administrator of Ba Commandery. He also became Zhuge Liang's registrar. Zhuge Liang was known to personally examine official documents while rarely delegating it to lower-level officials. Yang Yong thus admonished him, stating verbosely that,
"In governance, there is a system; top and bottom cannot encroach each other. I ask to provide familial examples of this for you, Enlightened Lord. Currently, there are people that order their servants to labor by plowing grain in farms, their maids to be in charge of cooking meals, their fowls to be in charge of announcing morning, their dogs to be in charge of barking at bandits, their cattle to carry heavy burden, and their horses to traverse long distances. Personal jobs are not neglected and what [materials] are asked are all sufficient; that they can be relaxed and rest on a high pillow. They just need to eat and drink, that is all. Yet suddenly in one day, all they want to do is personally perform such labor, no longer delegating duties, laboring with their physical strength, working in such cumbersome matters, thus their body becomes worn and their mind becomes exhausted. Ultimately, nothing will succeed. Would their intelligence be inferior to servants, maids, fowls, and dogs? This is a loss in the law of being the household master. Therefore, the ancients have claimed that, 'Those that sit while discussing methods can be said to become kings or dukes; those that get up then works can be said to become civil grandees.' Therefore, Bing Ji ignored the dead people along the road, but worried about his cattle panting [from heat]; Chen Ping was unwilling to answer questions of coin and grain taxes, but said, 'There are directors for those.' Those people honestly fulfilled their positions and status in the system. Currently, you are governing, thus you are personally checking official documents, sweating the entire day. Is that not also laborious?"
Zhuge Liang appreciated his advice.[1]
When Yang Yong died, Zhuge Liang cried for him for three days.[1] He later wrote to Zhang Yi (Junsi) and Jiang Wan, stating,
"In Prefect Clerks, we lost Lai Gong (the son); in Lesser Subordinates, we lost Yang Yong. This is a loss most severe for the imperial court."[3]
Yufuluo (於夫羅/於扶羅; d. 195) was a nominal leader of the Xiongnu for some time.
Ancestry
Yufuluo was the son of the Chanyu of South Xiongnu; Qiangqu.[1][2]
Early life
Yufuluo was initially the Left Worthy King.[2] During the Zhongping era, the Xiongnu aided the Han against its rebellions and sent Yufuluo to lead troops. Unfortunately, in 188, Qiangqu faced a revolt in favor of Xuboguduhou (須卜骨都侯) and was killed in the process, so Yufuluo stayed in China rather than return.[1][2] Yufuluo was nominally titled Chizhishizhuhou (持至尸逐侯).[2]
Around 189, when China fell into political chaos, Dong Zhuo received an edict to destroy Yufuluo. However, he later petitioned that,
"...Your minister previously received an edict to suppress Yufuluo, but my soldiers were famished and were unwilling to cross the Yellow River. All of them said that they wanted me to go to the capital city to first execute the lowly eunuchs in order to remove the danger toward the people..."
Dong Zhuo instead seized the capital and took power.[3]
Yufuluo allied with the White Wave Bandits and overcame the defenses of Taiyuan and Henei commanderies, soon ravaging it.[1] Soon, in Spring 191, he allied with Yuan Shao and Zhang Yang and garrisoned at the Zhang River. However, he decided to rebel against the Han dynasty's authority and coerced Zhang Yang into leaving Yuan Shao. In response, Yuan Shao sent Qu Yi to chase them down south of Ye, defeating Yufuluo. However, Yufuluo still kept Zhang Yang and travelled to Liyang, defeating the army of Geng Zhi (耿祉) there and emboldening his army. However, he presumably released Zhang Yang thereafter for unknown reasons.[4]
In Spring 192, Yufuluo was defeated greatly at Neihuang by Cao Cao. Also defeated was Sui Gu.[5]
In Spring 193, Yufuluo allied with Yuan Shu and guarded Fengqiu. However, Yuan Shu left and got defeated by Cao Cao, so he and Yufuluo guarded Fengqiu against Cao Cao. While Cao Cao prepared for a siege, Yuan Shu escaped and Yufuluo presumably did as well.[6]
In 195, Yufuluo died. His younger brother, Huchuquan, succeeded him.[7]
Personal Info
Name: Yufuluo (於夫羅)[1][4][5][6] or Yufuluo (於扶羅)[3][7]
Meng Jian, styled Gongwei (孟建字公威), was a civil official for Wei. He was a travelling colleague of Zhuge Liang at one time.
Ancestry
Meng Jian came from Runan Commandery.
Life
Meng Jian, along with Shan Tao, Xu Shu, and Zhuge Liang, travelled around China to study. Zhuge Liang told them,
"Gentlemen, when you serve in posts, you shall be commandery administrators or inspectors."
When Meng Jian and the others asked Liang what his life purpose was, Zhuge Liang merely laughed and said nothing.[1]
After travelling for a while, Meng Jian grew to miss his hometown and wanted to return north, only for Zhuge Liang to tell him,
"China has many talented grandees! You are traveling to study, why must you go back to your hometown?"
Meng Jian probably dismissed Zhuge Liang's advice and went up north, because he was soon recorded serving Wei.[1]
Wei
In 223, when the incumbent Inspector of Liang Province; Wen Hui died, Meng Jian succeeded him. He was known for governing it well and later became the General who Conquers the East.[2] Later, in 231, when Zhuge Liang was attacking Wei, he replied to a message from Sima Yi and had Du Xi sent his regards to Meng Jian.[3]
Huang Yuan (黃元; d. Spring 223) was a military general who served Liu Bei in Shu Han. He rebelled against Liu Bei when he was seriously ill as he feared Zhuge Liang would hurt him, only to be defeated and executed.
Life
Huang Yuan served as Grand Administrator of Hanjia Commandery.[1] According to Yang Hong, he was a brutal man.[3]
In Spring 223, upon hearing Liu Bei was seriously ill, Huang Yuan raised his flag in revolt in fear that Zhuge Liang would hurt him upon taking authority. He initially defended his own commandery, but after about three months, Huang Yuan marched his army to Linqiong County and assaulted it. He probably intended to go after Chengdu next. It is said that Huang Yuan acted more bold in his rebellion after hearing Zhuge Liang vacated it. This was treated as a serious rebellion and so Yang Hong told Crown Prince Liu Shan,
"Yuan had always by nature been violent and brutish and has no kindness nor faith. How could he manage this [rebellion]? He can only sail the river south-east and hope that our liege is eased and safe, face him with hands tied, and accept death. If something is any different [from what was just said], he would flee to Wu and beg to live there, that is all. Command that Hu and Chuo just wait at the mouth of Nan'an Gorge to obstruct and thereupon get him!"
Soon, Chen Hu and Zheng Chuo (鄭綽) were sent to resist him from Qingyi River (青衣水).[1][2][3] Huang Yuan was defeated and attempted to retreat down a river, but was apprehended by his own troops and sent to Chengdu, where he was beheaded.[1]
