Book of Wei · Biographies of Man Chong, Tian Yu, Qian Zhao, and Guo Huai

Man Chong, courtesy name Boning, was from Changyi in Shanyang. At eighteen he became an inspector of subordinate offices in the commandery. Li Shuo and others held their own troops and harmed the common people. The administrator sent Man Chong to investigate, and Li Shuo and the others admitted guilt and ceased raiding. As acting Magistrate of Gaoping, Man Chong encountered Zhang Bao, a county native serving as a commandery inspector, who greedily accepted bribes and disrupted administration. When Zhang Bao came to the relay lodge, Man Chong led officials and soldiers to arrest him, questioned his offenses, and interrogated him to death that day. He then abandoned office and returned home.

When Taizu (Cao Cao) <Great Ancestor; a posthumous temple name> governed Yan Province, he recruited Man Chong as attendant officer. After becoming General-in-Chief, he recruited him as a clerk in the Western Bureau and made him Magistrate of Xu. Cao Hong, a noble kinsman, had retainers in the district who repeatedly broke the law. Man Chong arrested and prosecuted them. Cao Hong wrote to Man Chong, who refused to listen. Cao Hong appealed to Taizu (Cao Cao), who summoned the responsible Xu official. Knowing a pardon was intended, Man Chong hurriedly killed the offenders. Taizu (Cao Cao) was pleased and said: “Should one holding responsibility not act like this?” Former Grand Commandant Yang Biao was arrested and sent to the county prison. Director of the Masters of Writing Xun Yu, Minister Steward Kong Rong, and others instructed Man Chong: “Simply take his statement; do not torture him.” Man Chong answered none and conducted interrogation according to law. Several days later he sought an audience with Taizu (Cao Cao), saying: “Yang Biao's interrogation has produced no further incriminating statement. If someone is to be killed, his offense should first be made clear. This man is renowned throughout the realm. If his guilt is unclear, the people's expectations will be greatly disappointed. I regret this on your behalf.” Taizu (Cao Cao) released Yang Biao that day. Initially Xun Yu and Kong Rong were both angry at hearing he had been tortured. Once the case was resolved through this, they regarded Man Chong more favorably.

Yuan Shao was then powerful north of the Yellow River. Runan, his native commandery, had disciples and retainers throughout its counties, holding troops and resisting. Concerned, Taizu (Cao Cao) made Man Chong Administrator of Runan. Recruiting five hundred who submitted, Man Chong led attacks that took more than twenty fortified settlements. He enticed unsurrendered leaders and killed more than ten at a gathering. All were pacified at once. He obtained twenty thousand households and two thousand soldiers and ordered them to pursue farming.

In the thirteenth year of Jian'an, Man Chong accompanied Taizu (Cao Cao)'s Jing Province campaign. When the great army returned, he remained as acting General Who Rouses Martial Awe at Dangyang. Sun Quan repeatedly disturbed the eastern border, so Man Chong was recalled as Administrator of Runan and granted Marquis Within the Passes. When Guan Yu besieged Xiangyang, Man Chong helped General Who Campaigns against the South Cao Ren hold Fan against him. General of the Left Yu Jin's armies were overwhelmed by Guan Yu after prolonged rains raised the water. Guan Yu pressed Fan, whose waterlogged walls collapsed in places, alarming everyone. Someone told Cao Ren: “Today's danger exceeds what strength can support. Before the siege closes, flee by light boat at night. Though the city is lost, you can survive.” Man Chong said: “Mountain floodwaters rise swiftly; we may hope they will not last. I hear Guan Yu's detached commanders have reached Jia, and people south of Xu are disturbed. He dares not advance further because he fears our army striking his rear. If we flee now, everything south of the great Yellow River will cease to belong to the state. You should wait.” Cao Ren approved. Man Chong sank a white horse in sacrifice and swore an oath with the army. Xu Huang and others arrived with relief. Man Chong fought hard and rendered service, and Guan Yu withdrew. He advanced to Marquis of Anchang Village. When Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) <Civil Emperor; a posthumous imperial title> succeeded as king, Man Chong became General Who Raises Martial Might. For service defeating Wu at Jiangling, he was appointed General Who Subdues the Waves and stationed at Xinye. When the great army campaigned south to Jing Lake, Man Chong led the armies ahead, facing the enemy across water. He warned the generals: “Tonight's wind is fierce. The enemy will surely come to burn our camp. Prepare.” All armies kept alert. At midnight the enemy indeed sent ten detachments secretly to set fires, but Man Chong struck and defeated them. He advanced to Marquis of Nan District. In the third year of Huangchu he received an acting staff and axe of authority; in the fifth, he became General of the Front.

When Emperor Ming (Cao Rui) <Bright Emperor; a posthumous imperial title> succeeded, Man Chong advanced to Marquis of Changyi. In the second year of Taihe he concurrently became Inspector of Yu Province. In the spring of the third year, a surrenderer reported that Wu was preparing extensively and announcing a hunt north of the river, with Sun Quan intending to come himself. Man Chong calculated that he must raid Xiyang and prepared. Hearing this, Sun Quan withdrew. In autumn Cao Xiu was sent south from Lujiang into Hefei, while Man Chong was ordered toward Xiakou. Man Chong memorialized: “Though Cao Xiu is intelligent and decisive, he has rarely used troops. His route has a lake behind and the river beside it, easy to enter but difficult to leave—a military depression. If he enters Wuqiangkou, deep precautions are needed.” Before a reply came, Cao Xiu advanced deeply. The enemy indeed cut Jiashi from Wuqiangkou and blocked his retreat. Cao Xiu fought unsuccessfully and fled. Zhu Ling and others arrived behind to intercept the route and met the enemy, who fled in alarm, allowing Cao Xiu's army to return. Cao Xiu died that year. As General of the Front, Man Chong replaced him in supervising Yang Province's armies. Runan's soldiers and people longed for him, high and low following along the roads beyond restraint. The Protector of the Army reported the matter, wishing to kill the leaders. An edict allowed Man Chong to take a thousand personal troops and ordered that no others be questioned. In the fourth year he became General Who Campaigns against the East. That winter Sun Quan announced an advance on Hefei. Man Chong requested the Yan and Yu armies, which assembled. The enemy soon withdrew, and an edict ordered dismissal of the troops. Man Chong considered that a great expedition followed by withdrawal could not be the original intention: the enemy must be feigning retreat to dismiss our forces, then returning against an undefended position. He petitioned not to dismiss them. More than ten days later, Sun Quan indeed returned to Hefei, failed to take it, and withdrew. The following year Wu general Sun Bu sent someone to Yang Province seeking surrender: “The road is far and I cannot come myself. Please send troops to receive me.” Inspector Wang Ling forwarded the letter and requested troops and horses. Man Chong considered it certainly a deception and supplied none. He wrote back: “I commend your recognition of wrong and right, wishing to avoid disaster and submit, leaving violence for the Way. I would send troops, but too few cannot protect you, while too many will make the matter widely known. First plan secretly to fulfill your original purpose; appropriate arrangements can be made at the time.” Man Chong was then ordered to court and instructed the chief clerk left behind: “If Wang Ling wishes to receive him, give him no troops.” Unable to obtain troops, Wang Ling sent a single commander with seven hundred infantry and cavalry. Sun Bu attacked by night; the commander fled, and over half were killed or wounded. Earlier Man Chong and Wang Ling had been at odds. Wang Ling's faction denounced Man Chong as exhausted, old, confused, and mistaken, prompting Emperor Ming (Cao Rui) to summon him. On arrival he was healthy and strong, so after seeing him the emperor sent him back.

Man Chong repeatedly requested to remain at court. An edict replied: “Lian Po showed he could eat heartily; Ma Yuan demonstrated vigor in the saddle. You are not yet old but call yourself old. Why differ so from Lian Po and Ma Yuan? Think of securing the frontier and benefiting these central states.” The following year Wu general Lu Xun advanced toward Lujiang. Discussants urged rapid relief. Man Chong said: “Though Lujiang is small, its commander is strong and troops picked. It can hold for some time. The enemy has left its boats and advanced two hundred li, leaving its rear exposed. We should rather lure it farther. Let it advance; I only fear it will flee beyond reach.” He arrayed the army and hurried to Yangyikou. Hearing the great army was coming east, the enemy fled by night. Sun Quan planned incursions every year at this time.

In the first year of Qinglong, Man Chong memorialized: “Hefei faces rivers and lakes to the south and lies far from Shouchun to the north. When the enemy besieges it, water supports its position. Relief must first defeat a large enemy force before lifting the siege. The enemy reaches it easily, while our relief has great difficulty. Move the troops from the city: thirty li west is exceptionally defensible terrain where a new city can be built and held. This draws the enemy onto level ground and threatens its retreat—a sound plan.” Protector-General Jiang Ji argued: “This displays weakness to the realm. To destroy the city at the sight of enemy smoke is to uproot ourselves before attack. Once this happens, raiding will know no limit, and we must defend north of the Huai.” The emperor did not permit it. Man Chong memorialized again: “Master Sun says warfare is deception. Thus one shows inability when able, makes the enemy arrogant through advantage, and displays fear. Appearance and reality need not correspond. He also says: ‘One skilled in moving the enemy shapes its perceptions.’ Moving the city inward before the enemy arrives is precisely shaping and luring. Draw it far from water and act where advantageous. Gain outside, and blessings arise within.” Master of Writing Zhao Zi considered Man Chong's plan best, and an edict approved. That year Sun Quan came personally to besiege the new city. Because it lay far from water, he dared not disembark for twenty days. Man Chong told the generals: “Hearing we moved the city, Sun Quan must have boasted before his men. Now he comes in force seeking a sudden achievement. Though he dares not reach us, he must land to display troops and apparent surplus strength.” He secretly sent six thousand infantry and cavalry to ambush at a concealed place by Hefei. Sun Quan indeed landed to display troops. Man Chong's ambush suddenly attacked, taking several hundred heads; some enemy men drowned. The following year Sun Quan led a force said to be a hundred thousand to Hefei's new city. Man Chong hurried to meet him, recruiting several dozen brave men to make pine torches drenched in hemp oil. From upwind they set fire to the enemy's siege equipment and shot dead Sun Quan's nephew Sun Tai. The enemy withdrew. In the spring of the third year, Sun Quan sent several thousand households of troops to farm north of the river. In the eighth month, Man Chong considered that crops were nearing harvest, men and women were spread through the fields, and some guard troops lay hundreds of li from the city, making surprise attack possible. He sent the chief clerk with three armies downriver eastward, destroyed the settlements, burned the grain, and returned. An edict praised this and gave all captured goods to officers and soldiers as rewards.

In the second year of Jingchu, Man Chong was recalled for age and promoted to Grand Commandant. He did not manage property, and his family had no surplus wealth. An edict said: “Commanding troops abroad, you devoted yourself to public concerns, with the manner of Jisun Xingfu and Ji Zun. I grant you ten qing of land, five hundred hu of grain, and two hundred thousand cash to manifest your purity, loyalty, frugality, and restraint.” Successive increases brought his estate to ninety-six hundred households, and two sons or grandsons received village marquisates. He died in the third year of Zhengshi and received the posthumous title Marquis Jing. His son Man Wei succeeded. Known for bearing and judgment, Man Wei rose to Minister of Guards.

Tian Yu, courtesy name Guorang, was from Yongnu in Yuyang. When Liu Bei fled to Gongsun Zan, Tian Yu was young and attached himself to Liu Bei, who regarded him as exceptional. When Liu Bei became Inspector of Yu Province, Tian Yu asked to return because his mother was old. Parting in tears, Liu Bei said: “I regret that I cannot accomplish a great undertaking with you.”

Gongsun Zan made Tian Yu acting Magistrate of Dongzhou. Gongsun Zan's general Wang Men defected and led more than ten thousand men for Yuan Shao to attack. Frightened, the defenders wished to surrender. Tian Yu mounted the wall and told Wang Men: “You received generous treatment from Gongsun Zan and left. I thought circumstances forced you. Now you return as a rebel, and I know you are merely a disturber. Even with the limited intelligence of someone carrying a bottle, one guards what is entrusted without lending it away. I have received this charge. Why not attack at once?” Ashamed, Wang Men withdrew. Though Gongsun Zan knew Tian Yu was resourceful, he could not employ him properly. After Gongsun Zan's defeat, the local people chose Xianyu Fu as acting administrator. Long friendly with Tian Yu, he made him chief clerk. Heroes were rising, and Xianyu Fu did not know whom to follow. Tian Yu said: “The man who ultimately settles the realm must be Cao Cao. Submit quickly, without waiting for later disaster.” Xianyu Fu followed his advice and received enfeoffment and favor. Taizu (Cao Cao) summoned Tian Yu as a clerk for military planning in the Chancellor's office, appointed him Magistrate of Yingyin and Langling, and promoted him to Administrator of Yiyang. He governed well everywhere.

When the Marquis of Yanling (Cao Zhang) campaigned against Dai Commandery, Tian Yu served as his chancellor. The army camped north of the Yi River, where concealed enemy cavalry attacked, throwing it into confusion. Using the terrain, Tian Yu turned the carts into a circular formation, with drawn bows and crossbows within and decoy troops filling the gaps. Unable to advance, the enemy scattered. Pursuit heavily defeated them, and the army proceeded to pacify Dai. All this was Tian Yu's planning.

He was promoted to Administrator of Nanyang. Earlier, local man Hou Yin rebelled, and several thousand men became mountain bandits, gravely troubling the commandery. The previous administrator arrested more than five hundred associates and memorialized that all deserved death. Tian Yu saw every prisoner, consoled them, and opened a path to reform, breaking their fetters and releasing them together. All knocked their heads and wished to prove themselves. They spread word, and the bandits dispersed in a single morning, leaving the commandery peaceful. Tian Yu fully reported the circumstances, and Taizu (Cao Cao) approved.

Early under Emperor Wen (Cao Pi), northern peoples grew powerful and raided the frontier. Tian Yu was therefore made Colonel Who Protects the Wuhuan, holding a staff of authority, while Qian Zhao and Xie Jun jointly oversaw the Xianbei. From Gaoliu eastward to the west of the Yemaek, the Xianbei had several dozen groups. Bineng, Mijia, and Suli divided and governed territories with distinct boundaries. They swore an agreement forbidding trade in horses with the central state. Considering unity among the non-Chinese peoples disadvantageous to the central state, Tian Yu first sowed divisions, making them enemies who attacked one another. Suli violated the pact by supplying a thousand horses to the government, and Bineng attacked him. Tian Yu feared annexation would deepen the danger; he should rescue the good, attack the wicked, and display trust to the peoples. Taking picked troops alone, he advanced deep into enemy territory. Numerous enemy men raided his front and rear and cut his retreat. Tian Yu moved forward and camped more than ten li from them, gathering and burning much cattle and horse dung, then withdrew by another route. Seeing continuous smoke and fire, the enemy thought he remained. Only after he had gone several dozen li did they discover it. Pursuing to Macheng, they encircled him ten layers deep. Tian Yu secretly prepared and had a major raise banners, sound drums and pipes, and lead infantry and cavalry from the southern gate. All enemy eyes turned there, and they hurried toward it. Tian Yu led picked men from the northern gate with drums and shouting. Both ends attacked together, surprising and scattering the enemy, who abandoned bows and horses and fled on foot. Pursuit continued more than twenty li, with bodies covering the ground. The Wuhuan king Gujin was also fierce, cunning, and disrespectful. During an inspection beyond the frontier, Tian Yu entered Gujin's group with only a hundred or so mounted attendants. Gujin came to bow, whereupon Tian Yu had attendants behead him and proclaimed his offenses to the people. All were terrified and dared not move. He replaced Gujin with his younger brother. From then on the non-Chinese peoples lost heart, and his authority shook the desert. Mountain bandit Gao Ai had several thousand followers who raided You and Ji. Tian Yu induced Suli's Xianbei group to behead Gao Ai and send the head to the capital. Tian Yu was enfeoffed as Marquis of Changle Village. During nine years as colonel, he consistently restrained annexations and divided powerful, cunning leaders. Whenever fugitives and wrongdoers devised plans for foreign peoples against the government, he used intrigues, provocations, and division to prevent their schemes and unsettle their gatherings. Before the work was complete, Inspector of You Province Wang Xiong's faction wished to give Wang Xiong the Wuhuan colonelcy. They accused Tian Yu of disturbing the frontier and creating trouble for the state. He was consequently transferred to Administrator of Runan, concurrently General Who Exterminates the Non-Chinese Peoples.

Late in Taihe, Gongsun Yuan rebelled in Liaodong. The emperor wished to campaign against him but found choosing a commander difficult. Central Commandant Yang Ji recommended Tian Yu.

Tian Yu was accordingly sent, retaining his office while supervising Qing Province's armies and holding an acting staff of authority. Wu then sent envoys to ally with Gongsun Yuan. Because the enemy force was numerous and had crossed the sea, the emperor ordered Tian Yu to dismiss the army. Tian Yu calculated that the enemy ships were about to return. Late in the year, strong winds would make them fear drifting waves; with no coast along an eastward drift, they would head for Chengshan. Chengshan had no shelter for ships. He therefore followed the shore, inspected terrain and mountain islands, intercepted strategic points, and stationed troops. He entered Chengshan and climbed the lookout of Emperor Wu of Han (Liu Che). Returning, the enemy indeed met violent winds. Their ships struck the hills and sank, waves throwing them ashore without shelter or escape. All their men were captured. Initially the generals had laughed at waiting for the enemy on empty ground. After the defeat, all competed to join in planning and requested entry into the sea to hook and seize wave-tossed ships. Fearing cornered men would fight to the death, Tian Yu refused. Earlier, supervising Qing Province as a commandery administrator, he had faced Inspector Cheng Xi's inward resentment and repeated obstruction in military affairs. Knowing the emperor treasured bright pearls, Cheng Xi secretly reported: “Though Tian Yu has military achievements, his prohibitions are loose. Much equipment, pearls, and gold were captured, but he scattered them all without submitting them to the government.” Thus his achievement was not entered among rewarded services.

Later Sun Quan, with a force said to be a hundred thousand, attacked Xincheng. General Who Campaigns against the East Man Chong wished to lead the armies to relieve it. Tian Yu said: “The enemy has committed its full force, not merely seeking a small gain through an attack. It wishes to use Xincheng as a hostage to draw out the great army. Let it attack the city and blunt its sharpness; do not contest its edge. Unable to take the city, its men must become weary. Strike then, and a great victory is possible. If the enemy sees the plan, it will not attack and must withdraw itself. Advancing now merely enters its scheme. Moreover, when great armies face each other, our intentions should be difficult to know, not marked out by ourselves.” Tian Yu reported this, and the Son of Heaven followed him. The enemy fled. Later Wu raided again. Tian Yu went to resist and the enemy withdrew. At night the armies panicked, shouting: “The enemy has returned!” Tian Yu remained lying down and ordered: “Anyone daring to move will be beheaded.” After a while it became clear there was no enemy.

Late in Jingchu, Tian Yu's estate increased by three hundred households to five hundred in all. Early in Zhengshi he became General of the Household Who Protects the Xiongnu, holding a staff of authority, concurrently General Who Inspires Martial Awe and Inspector of Bing Province. Hearing his formidable reputation, foreign peoples came together to offer tribute. The province was peaceful and disciplined, and the people cherished him. Recalled as Minister of Guards, he repeatedly sought retirement. Grand Tutor Sima Xuanwang (Sima Yi) <King Xuan; a posthumous royal title> considered him still vigorous and wrote refusing. Tian Yu answered: “To remain in office past seventy is like continuing to travel at night when the bell has sounded and the water clock is empty. Such a man is an offender.” He firmly pleaded grave illness and became Grand Palace Grandee with a minister's stipend. He died at eighty-two. His son Tian Pengzu succeeded.

Tian Yu was pure, frugal, restrained, and plain, distributing all rewards to officers and soldiers. Private gifts from non-Chinese peoples were all registered and stored in government custody, never entering his home. His family was always poor. Even people of different communities esteemed his integrity.

In the sixth year of Jiaping, an edict praised him and granted his family cash and grain. Its text appears in the Biography of Xu Miao.

Qian Zhao, courtesy name Zijing, was from Guanjin in Anping. In his teens he went to study under Yue Yin of the same county. Yue Yin later became Chief Clerk to General of Chariots and Cavalry He Miao, and Qian Zhao followed to complete his studies. When the capital fell into disorder, He Miao and Yue Yin were killed. Qian Zhao, with Yue Yin's pupil Shi Lu and others, braved blades to encoffin Yue Yin's body and escort it home. Raiders attacked on the road. Shi Lu and the others scattered and fled. The bandits wished to chop open the coffin for its nails. Weeping, Qian Zhao begged them to spare it. Admiring his righteousness, they let him go. This made him renowned.

Governor of Ji Province Yuan Shao recruited Qian Zhao as attendant officer supervising the army, concurrently commanding Wuhuan assault cavalry. When a retainer of Yuan Shao broke regulations, Qian Zhao beheaded him before reporting. Yuan Shao admired his intention and did not punish him. After Yuan Shao's death, he served Yuan Shang. In the ninth year of Jian'an, Taizu (Cao Cao) besieged Ye. Yuan Shang sent Qian Zhao to Shangdang to supervise the delivery of army grain. Before his return, Yuan Shang was defeated and fled to Zhongshan. Yuan Shang's maternal cousin Gao Gan was Inspector of Bing Province. Considering that Bing had the defenses of Mount Heng on the left, the great river on the right, fifty thousand armored men, and strong northern peoples blocking its north, Qian Zhao urged Gao Gan to welcome Yuan Shang and combine forces to observe developments. Gao Gan could not do so and secretly intended to harm Qian Zhao. Hearing this, Qian Zhao left by a secluded route. With roads blocked and unable to follow Yuan Shang, he went east to Taizu (Cao Cao). When Taizu (Cao Cao) concurrently governed Ji Province, he recruited Qian Zhao as attendant officer.

As Taizu (Cao Cao) prepared to attack Yuan Tan, the Wuhuan of Liucheng wished to send cavalry to help Yuan Tan. Because Qian Zhao had commanded the Wuhuan, Taizu (Cao Cao) sent him to Liucheng. On arrival, he found King Qiao <a Wuhuan ruler whose fuller personal designation is not given here> preparing to send five thousand cavalry to Yuan Tan. Administrator of Liaodong Gongsun Kang also called himself Governor of Ping Province and sent envoy Han Zhong with a chanyu's seal and ribbon to confer on King Qiao. The king assembled the chiefs, with Han Zhong also present, and asked Qian Zhao: “Lord Yuan (Yuan Shao) formerly said he acted by the Son of Heaven's command in making me chanyu. Now Lord Cao (Cao Cao) says he must report to the Son of Heaven and make me a true chanyu. Liaodong has also brought a seal and ribbon. Who is legitimate?” Qian Zhao answered: “Lord Yuan (Yuan Shao) once exercised delegated imperial authority and could confer appointments. Later he departed from the proper course, and the Son of Heaven ordered Lord Cao (Cao Cao) to replace him. Saying he will report to the Son of Heaven and formally confer the chanyu title is correct. Liaodong is a subordinate commandery. How can it presume to confer appointments?” Han Zhong said: “Our Liaodong lies east of the blue sea, commands a million troops, and can employ Buyeo and Yemaek. In today's situation the strong take precedence. Why should Cao Cao alone be right?” Qian Zhao rebuked him: “Lord Cao (Cao Cao) is respectful, discerning, and wise. He upholds the Son of Heaven, attacks rebels, reassures the obedient, and brings peace to the four seas. Your ruler and ministers are obstinate fools, relying on distance and defenses to violate royal commands, presume to confer appointments, and play with sacred authority. You face slaughter. How dare you contemptuously insult a great man?” He seized Han Zhong's head, struck it down, and drew his sword to behead him. Terrified, King Qiao rose barefoot and embraced Qian Zhao to plead for Han Zhong's rescue. Attendants turned pale. Qian Zhao returned to his seat and explained success and failure and the sources of disaster and blessing. All descended from their seats, knelt, and respectfully accepted instruction. They dismissed Liaodong's envoy and canceled the cavalry preparations.

After Taizu (Cao Cao) destroyed Yuan Tan at Nanpi, he appointed Qian Zhao a clerk for military planning. Qian Zhao accompanied the Wuhuan campaign and, on reaching Liucheng, became Colonel Who Protects the Wuhuan. Returning to Ye, he saw Yuan Shang's head, sent from Liaodong, displayed in the horse market. Grieving, he offered sacrifice beneath it. Taizu (Cao Cao) admired his righteousness and nominated him as Flourishing Talent. Qian Zhao accompanied the pacification of Hanzhong. When Taizu (Cao Cao) returned, he left Qian Zhao as Central Protector of the Army. After the assignment ended, Qian Zhao returned to Ye and became Colonel Who Pacifies the Enemy, commanding troops and supervising military affairs in Qing and Xu Provinces. He attacked Donglai's bandits and beheaded their leaders, bringing peace to the east.

When Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) ascended the throne, he appointed Qian Zhao Colonel Who Protects the Xianbei, holding a staff of authority, stationed at Changping. Frontier people had scattered into mountains and marshes, while fugitives and rebels living among the Xianbei numbered in the thousands in various places. Qian Zhao spread kindness and trust widely, attracting submission. General of the Household Who Establishes Righteousness Gongsun Ji and others led their followers to submit, and Qian Zhao sent them back to their native commanderies. He also won over more than a hundred thousand Xianbei settlements under Suli, Mijia, and others, having all approach the frontier in submission.

When the great army planned to campaign against Wu, Qian Zhao was recalled. By his arrival the army had been dismissed. He became General of the Household of the Right, then went out as Administrator of Yanmen. Though the frontier commandery had lookouts, raids never ceased. Qian Zhao trained the people in battle formations and petitioned to exempt more than five hundred Wuhuan households from taxes so they could prepare saddled horses and scout far afield. Whenever enemies crossed the frontier, he led troops to meet them and defeated each incursion. Officials and people grew bolder daily, and the open country had no danger. He also sowed division and suspicion among the enemy. Xianbei leaders Budugen, Xieguini, and others fell out with Kebineng and brought more than thirty thousand households to attach themselves at the commandery's frontier. Qian Zhao ordered them back against Kebineng. They killed Kebineng's younger brother Juluohou and rebel Wuhuan leaders Wang Tong and Wang Ji, Marquises Who Return to Righteousness, creating deep enmity. Qian Zhao then personally led Xieguini and the others against Kebineng in the old Yunzhong commandery and heavily defeated him. He established contact with more than a hundred thousand Xianbei households west of the Yellow River under Futou and others, repaired the old city of Shangguan north of Xing Pass, and stationed troops to stabilize inside and outside. Great and small among the non-Chinese peoples all turned toward him. None dared hide fugitives or rebels, even relatives, and all were arrested and delivered. Thus people living in the countryside could close their doors peacefully, and raiding ceased. Qian Zhao selected men with ability and understanding to study at the Imperial Academy, then return to teach others. Within several years schools flourished. At Guangwu, the commandery seat, wells were salty and bitter, so people carried or carted flowing water over a seven-li round trip. Assessing the terrain and using the mountains and slopes, Qian Zhao cut through high ground and opened a channel to bring water into the city. The people benefited.

When Emperor Ming (Cao Rui) succeeded, Qian Zhao received Marquis Within the Passes. In the second year of Taihe, Colonel Who Protects the Wuhuan Tian Yu went beyond the frontier and was surrounded by Kebineng at old Mayi. He sent to Qian Zhao for relief. Qian Zhao immediately prepared troops and horses. Bing Province prohibited him under standing regulations, but he considered that a commander holding a staff of authority was besieged and should not be constrained by officials' deliberations. He memorialized and set out without waiting. He also sent feathered urgent proclamations describing the situation and declaring that he would strike northwest to seize the enemy's families, then turn east to combine in destroying the enemy themselves. On arrival of the proclamation, Tian Yu's army rejoiced. Qian Zhao left another copy at a key enemy route. The enemy became frightened and its groups scattered. When the army reached old Pingcheng, they all fled. Kebineng again assembled a great cavalry force north of old Pingzhou's frontier. Qian Zhao moved secretly and struck, taking many heads. Since Shu's Zhuge Liang repeatedly advanced and Kebineng was cunning enough to communicate with him, Qian Zhao memorialized for precautions. Discussants did not believe this because the distance was so great. While Zhuge Liang was at Qishan, he indeed sent an envoy to ally with Kebineng, who reached Shicheng in old Beidi to coordinate operations. The emperor ordered Qian Zhao to attack as opportunity allowed. Kebineng had already returned south of the desert. Qian Zhao discussed with Inspector Bi Gui: “The enemy migrates unpredictably. If we tire an army in distant pursuit, our speed cannot match theirs. A secret attack faces difficult mountains and streams, while provisions and transport cannot be prepared secretly. Have the two standard-gate commanders guarding Xinxing and Yanmen station troops north of Xing Pass, stabilizing outwardly while soldiers farm within and store supplies. In autumn and winter, when horses are fat, combine provincial and commandery troops and attack at an opening. This plan must bring complete victory.” Before implementation, he died of illness. During twelve years in the commandery, his authority resounded afar. His reputation in frontier government ranked next to Tian Yu's, and the people remembered him. Fu Rong of Yuyang, renowned for achievements in Yanmen and succeeding after Qian Zhao, also rendered service in Liaodong.

Qian Zhao's son Qian Jia succeeded. His next son Qian Hong was fierce and resolute, possessing Qian Zhao's manner. As Administrator of Longxi he rendered service accompanying Deng Ai's conquest of Shu and became Protector of the Army Who Inspires Martial Awe during Xianxi. Qian Jia shared a mother with Jin's Minister over the Masses Li Yin and died early.

Guo Huai, courtesy name Boji, was from Yangqu in Taiyuan.

Nominated as Filial and Incorrupt during Jian'an, Guo Huai became assistant in Pingyuan's administration. When Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) was General of the Household for All Purposes, he summoned Guo Huai to the household office's bureau for criminal affairs. Guo Huai became a deliberating clerk in the Chancellor's Military Bureau and accompanied the Hanzhong campaign. When Taizu (Cao Cao) returned, he left General Who Campaigns against the West Xiahou Yuan to resist Liu Bei, with Guo Huai as Xiahou Yuan's major. During the battle with Liu Bei, Guo Huai was ill and did not go out. Xiahou Yuan was killed, throwing the army into confusion. Guo Huai gathered scattered soldiers and put General Who Sweeps Away Bandits Zhang He forward as army commander, stabilizing the camps. Next day Liu Bei wished to cross the Han River to attack. Thinking their numbers insufficient against a victorious enemy, the generals wished to form beside the water. Guo Huai said: “This displays weakness without blunting the enemy. It is no plan. Better form away from the river and draw him over, striking after half has crossed. Liu Bei can be defeated.” Once the formation was made, Liu Bei hesitated and did not cross. Guo Huai held firmly, showing no wish to retreat. Taizu (Cao Cao) approved his report, granted Zhang He an acting staff, and again made Guo Huai major. When Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) succeeded as king, Guo Huai received Marquis Within the Passes and transferred to chief clerk of the western guarding command. As acting Protector of the Army Campaigning against the Qiang, he supervised General of the Left Zhang He and Champion General Yang Qiu against mountain bandit Zheng Gan and the rebellious Lushui peoples. All were defeated and pacified. Guanzhong began to settle, and the people pursued their livelihoods securely.

In the first year of Huangchu, Guo Huai was sent to congratulate Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) on his accession, but illness on the road delayed him relative to the distance. When the ministers gathered joyfully, the emperor sternly reproached him: “When Yu assembled the regional lords at Mount Tu, Fangfeng arrived late and was immediately executed. Now the whole realm celebrates together, yet you are latest. Why?” Guo Huai replied: “I have heard that the Five Emperors first guided the people through virtue, and only when Xia's government declined were punishments employed. I now encounter an age like Tang Yao and Yu Shun's, so I knew I would escape Fangfeng's execution.” Pleased, the emperor promoted him to acting Inspector of Yong Province and enfeoffed him as Marquis of Sheyang Village. In the fifth year he was confirmed in office. When the great Qiang leader Piti of Anding rebelled, Guo Huai defeated and subdued him. Whenever Qiang or other non-Chinese people surrendered, he first sent someone to inquire into their kinship relations, numbers of men and women, ages, and seniority. At the meeting he knew each person's circumstances and questioned them thoroughly. All called him divinely discerning.

In the second year of Taihe, Shu's Chancellor Zhuge Liang advanced from Qishan, sending General Ma Su to Jieting while Gao Xiang camped at Lieliu. Zhang He attacked Ma Su and Guo Huai attacked Gao Xiang's camp, defeating both. Guo Huai also defeated the prominent Longxi Qiang leader Tangti at Fuhan and was concurrently appointed General Who Establishes Martial Might. In the fifth year Shu advanced to Lu. Longyou then lacked grain, and large-scale transport from Guanzhong was proposed. Through authority and kindness, Guo Huai reassured the Qiang and others, having each household supply grain and equalizing their levies. Army provisions became sufficient, and he transferred to General Who Raises Martial Might. In the second year of Qinglong, Zhuge Liang emerged through Xie Valley and farmed at Lankeng. Sima Xuanwang (Sima Yi) was stationed south of the Wei. Guo Huai predicted that Zhuge Liang must contest Beiyuan and that it should be occupied first. Most disagreed. Guo Huai said: “If Zhuge Liang crosses the Wei, ascends the plateau, connects his troops with the northern mountains, cuts the Long route, and unsettles Chinese and non-Chinese people, it will not benefit the state.” Sima Xuanwang (Sima Yi) approved, and Guo Huai camped at Beiyuan. Before trenches and fortifications were complete, Shu troops arrived in force. Guo Huai met and struck them. Several days later, Zhuge Liang led many troops west. The generals all thought he intended to attack the western encirclement, but Guo Huai alone considered it a western display to draw a strong government response while he actually attacked Yangsui. That night he indeed attacked Yangsui but could not ascend because defenses were prepared.

In the first year of Zhengshi, Shu general Jiang Wei advanced into Longxi. Guo Huai moved forward and pursued to Qiangzhong. Jiang Wei withdrew. Guo Huai then attacked Qiang leaders such as Midang, examined and pacified more than three thousand Di settlements [the exact force of 柔 before 氐 is uncertain], and moved them to populate Guanzhong. He was promoted to General of the Left. More than two thousand households of Xiutu people from Liang Province under Liang Yuanbi and others attached themselves to Yong Province. Guo Huai petitioned to settle them at Gaoping in Anding as a protective screen for the people. The Xichuan commandant's office was subsequently established on this basis. He was appointed General of the Front, continuing to govern the province.

In the fifth year, Xiahou Xuan attacked Shu, with Guo Huai supervising the armies as vanguard. Judging the situation unfavorable, Guo Huai withdrew his troops, preventing a great defeat. On return he received an acting staff of authority. In the eighth year, Qiang leaders Ehe, Shaoge, Fatong, Ezhesai, and others from Longxi, Nan'an, Jincheng, and Xiping joined in rebellion, besieging cities and inviting Shu troops from the south. Liang Province's prominent non-Chinese leader Zhiwudai also rebelled in response. Protector of the Army against Shu Xiahou Ba led the armies to Weichi. Guo Huai had just reached Didao. Everyone urged first settling Fuhan to pacify the hostile Qiang within and frustrate the enemy's plans without. Predicting that Jiang Wei must attack Xiahou Ba, Guo Huai entered Fengzhong and turned south to meet him. Jiang Wei indeed attacked Weichi, but Guo Huai arrived just then, causing him to withdraw. Guo Huai advanced against the rebel Qiang, beheaded Ehe and Shaoge, and received the submission of more than ten thousand settlements. In the ninth year, Zhesai and others camped at Heguan and the old city of Baitu, using the river to resist. Guo Huai made a display upstream but secretly crossed troops downstream to occupy Baitu and heavily defeated them. Zhiwudai besieged Wuwei, leaving his families and baggage at Xihai. Guo Huai hurried toward Xihai to seize them, meeting Zhiwudai returning. He defeated and routed him north of Longyi. Hostile men of Lingju blocked the main road west of Shitou Mountain and cut off royal envoys. Passing on his return, Guo Huai heavily defeated them. Jiang Wei advanced from Shiying through Qiangchuan, then went west to meet Zhiwudai, leaving Administrator of Yinping Liao Hua to build a fort at Chengzhong Mountain and gather defeated Qiang as protected hostages. Guo Huai wished to divide troops to take it. The generals argued that Jiang Wei's force was joining powerful non-Chinese groups in the west, while Liao Hua held difficult ground. Dividing the army between two tasks would weaken it, unable either to control Jiang Wei ahead or take Liao Hua behind. Better combine and go west, separating the foreign peoples from Shu before they joined—a campaign to break an alliance. Guo Huai replied: “Taking Liao Hua now will surprise the enemy and force Jiang Wei to look back anxiously. Before Jiang Wei can arrive, we can settle Liao Hua, while exhausting Jiang Wei through urgent rescue. Our army need not go far west, and the foreign alliance breaks of itself. One action achieves both aims.” He separately sent Xiahou Ba and others after Jiang Wei at Tazhong, while personally leading the armies against Liao Hua. Jiang Wei hurried back to relieve him, all as Guo Huai planned. Guo Huai advanced to Marquis of the Capital District.

In the first year of Jiaping, Guo Huai became General Who Campaigns against the West, supervising military affairs in Yong and Liang Provinces. That year, cooperating with Inspector of Yong Province Chen Tai, he compelled Shu's Standard-Gate General Gou An and others to surrender at Chishang [翅上 in the source; compare the Qushan account elsewhere]. In the second year an edict said: “During the Hanzhong campaign, our army nearly collapsed. Guo Huai rescued it amid danger, and his achievement is recorded in the royal archives. For more than thirty years west of the passes, he has campaigned against enemies abroad and pacified Chinese and non-Chinese people within. Recently he defeated Liao Hua and captured Gou An, with conspicuous achievements that I greatly commend. Let him become General of Chariots and Cavalry, with ceremonial status equal to the Three Offices, retaining his staff and supervisory command.” He advanced to Marquis of Yangqu, with twenty-seven hundred eighty households in all. Three hundred were divided off to enfeoff one son as a village marquis.

Guo Huai died in the second year of Zhengyuan, was posthumously appointed General-in-Chief, and received the posthumous title Marquis Zhen. His son Guo Tong succeeded. Guo Tong rose to Inspector of Jing Province and died, succeeded by his son Guo Zheng. During Xianxi the five noble ranks were established. For Guo Huai's distinguished service under the preceding reign, the enfeoffment was changed to Viscount of Fenyang.

Appraisal: Man Chong established firm and resolute purposes, courageous and resourceful. Tian Yu was personally pure and unblemished, clear and practiced in strategy. Qian Zhao upheld righteousness with vigorous resolve, displaying authority and achievement. Guo Huai's plans were precise and detailed, leaving a reputation in Qin and Yong. Yet Tian Yu's rank stopped at a small province, and Qian Zhao ended as a commandery administrator: their abilities were not fully employed.