Book of Shu · Biographies of Liu Feng, Peng Yang, Liao Li, Li Yan, Liu Yan, Wei Yan, and Yang Yi

Liu Feng was originally a son of the Kou family of the Marquis of Luo and a sister's son of the Liu family of Changsha. When the Former Lord (Liu Bei) <the retrospective designation for Shu's founding ruler> reached Jing Province, he had no heir and adopted Liu Feng. After the Former Lord (Liu Bei) entered Shu and turned back from Jiameng against Liu Zhang, Liu Feng was in his twenties, skilled in martial arts and exceptionally strong. He led troops upstream westward with Zhuge Liang, Zhang Fei, and the others, winning wherever they fought. After Yi Province was secured, he became General of the Household Assisting the Army. <The personal name of the Marquis of Luo mentioned in the family description is not established here.>

Earlier Liu Zhang sent Meng Da of Fufeng as Fa Zheng's deputy, each leading two thousand troops to welcome the Former Lord (Liu Bei). The Former Lord (Liu Bei) then put Meng Da in command of both contingents and left him stationed at Jiangling. After Shu was pacified, Meng Da became Grand Administrator of Yidu. In Jian'an 24 he was ordered north from Zigui against Fangling. Its Grand Administrator Kuai Qi was killed by Meng Da's soldiers. Meng Da intended to advance against Shangyong, but the Former Lord (Liu Bei) secretly feared he could not be entrusted with independent command. He sent Liu Feng down the Mian River from Hanzhong to supervise Meng Da's army and meet him at Shangyong. Its Grand Administrator Shen Dan surrendered with his people, sending his wife, children, and clan to Chengdu. The Former Lord (Liu Bei) added the title General Who Attacks the North, retaining Shen Dan as Grand Administrator of Shangyong and Marquis of Yuan District (Shen Dan) <a territorial marquisate> as before. He made Shen Dan's younger brother Shen Yi General Who Establishes Trust and Grand Administrator of Xicheng and promoted Liu Feng to General Assisting the Army. While Guan Yu besieged Fancheng and Xiangyang, he repeatedly summoned Liu Feng and Meng Da to send troops to assist him. They declined, saying the mountain commanderies had only just submitted and could not be disturbed, and did not obey his orders. Guan Yu was defeated, and the Former Lord (Liu Bei) resented it. Liu Feng and Meng Da also quarreled, and Liu Feng soon seized Meng Da's drum-and-pipe band. Afraid of punishment and angry with Liu Feng, Meng Da submitted a memorial taking leave of the Former Lord (Liu Bei) and surrendered to Wei with his troops.

Emperor Wen of Wei (Cao Pi) <the emperor's posthumous title> admired Meng Da's talent, bearing, and appearance and made him Mounted Regular Attendant and General Who Establishes Martial Might, enfeoffing him as Marquis of Pingyang Village (Meng Da) <a territorial marquisate>. Fangling, Shangyong, and Xicheng were combined as Xincheng Commandery, with Meng Da as its Grand Administrator. <The source supplies 為新城郡，以, 'as Xincheng Commandery, with,' in brackets.> Xiahou Shang, General Who Attacks the South, and Xu Huang, General of the Right, were sent with Meng Da against Liu Feng. Meng Da wrote to Liu Feng:

'The ancients said, "The distant cannot interpose between the close; the new cannot surpass the old." This refers to enlightened superiors and upright subordinates, where slander cannot operate. Yet even under calculating rulers and deceptive sovereigns, or worthy fathers and loving parents, loyal ministers have encountered disaster while pursuing achievement and filial sons have fallen into trouble while embracing humanity. Wen Zhong, Shang, Bai Qi, Xiaoji, and Boqi are all examples. This is not because blood kin delight in separation or relatives enjoy calamity. Sometimes affection shifts and love changes; sometimes slander intervenes. Even a loyal minister cannot alter his ruler, nor a filial son change his father. Where power and profit bear down, kin become enemies. How much more those not truly kin! 'Thus Shensheng, Ji of Wei, Yukou, and Jian of Chu received their bodily substance from their fathers and rightly stood to inherit, yet suffered such fates. You and the King of Hanzhong (Liu Bei) <a territorial royal title> are merely strangers from the road. You share no blood, yet occupy power; your obligation was not originally that of ruler and minister, yet you hold high position. In campaigns you possess the authority of an independent command; at home you bear the title General Assisting the Army. This is known far and near. Since A'dou (Liu Shan) was made crown prince, perceptive men have shuddered for you. Had Shensheng followed Ziyu's words, he would surely have been like Taibo. Had Ji of Wei listened to his younger brother's plan, his father's disgrace would not have become manifest. Moreover Xiaobai (Jiang Xiaobai) fled and returned to become hegemon; Chong'er (Ji Chong'er) climbed a wall to escape and finally recovered his position. Such things have happened since antiquity, not only now. 'Wisdom values escaping calamity, and discernment esteems understanding early. I judge that the King of Hanzhong (Liu Bei)'s plans are settled within while suspicions arise outside. Settled plans make the heart firm; growing suspicions make it fearful. Disorder and calamity have always arisen between deposition and establishment of heirs. Personal resentment is human feeling and cannot remain unseen. I fear those around him will surely interpose accusations against you before the King of Hanzhong (Liu Bei). Once suspicion is formed and resentment reported, its release is like stepping upon a trigger. You are now far away and may breathe for a time. But if a great army advances and you lose your base and return, I privately fear for your safety. Formerly Weizi left Yin and Zhi Guo separated his clan. In avoiding danger and turning from disaster, even they acted thus.' <Shang, Xiaoji, Boqi, Ziyu, Taibo, and Weizi retain the designations given in these allusions; complete personal identifications are not assumed here.>

'Now you have abandoned your parents to become another man's heir: that violates ritual. Knowing calamity will come yet remaining is unwise. Seeing the right course yet hesitating to follow it is unrighteous. Calling yourself a great man while doing these three things, what is there to esteem? With your abilities, if you cast yourself eastward and continue the line of the Marquis of Luo, you will not be betraying your parents. Facing north to serve a ruler and rectify the order will not be abandoning the old. Avoiding disorder born of anger and escaping destruction will not be an empty departure. Moreover His Majesty (Cao Pi) has newly received the mandate through abdication. He leaves an empty seat beside him and wins distant men through virtue. If you turn inward decisively, you will not merely rank with me, receiving a fief of three hundred households and continuing the state of Luo: you will receive a tally for a great domain and become its founding lord. His Majesty (Cao Pi)'s great army shakes with metal instruments and drums and will move its headquarters toward Wan and Deng. Unless the two enemies are pacified, the army has no date for returning. You should use this moment to settle a sound plan early. The Changes says, "It is beneficial to see the great man," and the Odes says, "Seek abundant blessings for yourself." Go! Strive now, and do not make Hu Tu shut his doors and refuse to emerge.'

Liu Feng did not follow Meng Da's words.

Shen Yi rebelled against Liu Feng, who was defeated and fled to Chengdu. Shen Dan surrendered to Wei, which granted him the title General Who Cherishes and Gathers and moved him to Nanyang. Shen Yi became Grand Administrator of Weixing, was enfeoffed as Marquis of Yuan District (Shen Yi), and stationed at Xunkou. <The source prints 真鄉侯, 'Marquis of Zhen District,' parenthetically and supplies 員鄉侯, 'Marquis of Yuan District,' in brackets.>

After Liu Feng arrived, the Former Lord (Liu Bei) reproached him for bullying Meng Da and failing to rescue Guan Yu. Zhuge Liang feared Liu Feng's forceful and fierce nature would make him difficult to control after the succession and urged the Former Lord (Liu Bei) to eliminate him on this occasion. Liu Feng was accordingly ordered to die by his own hand. He sighed: 'I regret not following Meng Zidu (Meng Da)'s words!' The Former Lord (Liu Bei) wept for him.

Meng Da's original courtesy name was Zijing. He changed it to avoid the name Jing borne by the Former Lord (Liu Bei)'s paternal uncle.

Peng Yang, courtesy name Yongnian, was from Guanghan. Eight chi tall and magnificent in appearance, he was proud by nature and slighted many people. He respected only Qin Zichi (Qin Mi) of his own commandery and recommended him to Grand Administrator Xu Jing:

'Formerly Gaozong of Shang (Wu Ding) <"High Ancestor," a posthumous ancestral designation> dreamed of Fu Yue, King Wen of Zhou (Ji Chang) <"Cultured King," a posthumous royal title> sought Lü Shang, and Gaozu of Han (Liu Bang) <a customary retrospective imperial designation> received Li Yiji from commoner status. Through such actions emperors and kings founded enterprises, transmitted rule, and brightened their achievements. Now you, Administrator, examine ancient principles of supreme rule and sincerely hold to the divine order. You embody Gong Liu's virtue and practice the kindness of sparing the trees. The creation of the Pure Temple ode begins here, and the principles of praise and blame arise here. Yet your six flight feathers are not complete. I humbly observe that the retired scholar Qin Mi of Mianzhu possesses Zhong Shanfu's virtue and Junsheng's uprightness. He pillows his head on stone and rinses his mouth in streams, sings in a worn padded robe, rests in the path of humanity and righteousness, and remains tranquil in the realm of great moral energy. Lofty in principle and conduct, he preserves truth without impairment. Even the recluses of antiquity could scarcely surpass him. If you can summon this man, you will surely gain a reputation for loyalty and outstanding candor, achieve abundant results and lasting benefit, establish deeds and merit, record your accomplishments in the royal archives, and send your fame into later ages. Would that not be beautiful?' <Junsheng retains the abbreviated designation 雋生; the full identification is not established here.>

Peng Yang's provincial service had risen no higher than a clerkship. Later people slandered him to Governor Liu Zhang, who shaved his head, put him in iron restraints, and made him a penal laborer. The Former Lord (Liu Bei) then entered Shu and traveled north upstream. Wishing to offer him counsel, Peng Yang visited Pang Tong. They had no previous acquaintance, and Pang Tong had guests, but Peng Yang went straight onto his couch and lay down, saying: 'When your guests leave, I will have a good talk with you.' After they left, Pang Tong came and sat beside him. Peng Yang first demanded food, then conversed, staying for successive nights and days. Pang Tong greatly admired him. Fa Zheng had known him for some time, and together they recommended him to the Former Lord (Liu Bei), who also found him remarkable. He repeatedly had Peng Yang convey military instructions to the generals. The missions pleased him, and his appreciation increased daily. After Chengdu was secured, the Former Lord (Liu Bei) concurrently became Governor of Yi Province and promoted Peng Yang to Administrative Aide. Rising from humble pedestrian status to stand above the province's men in a day, Peng Yang showed open arrogance and increasingly boasted of his good fortune. Zhuge Liang treated him courteously outwardly but could not approve of him inwardly. He repeatedly told the Former Lord (Liu Bei) privately that Peng Yang's ambitions were great and difficult to keep within bounds. Respecting and trusting Zhuge Liang, and also observing Peng Yang's conduct, the Former Lord (Liu Bei) gradually estranged him and demoted him to Grand Administrator of Jiangyang.

Unhappy on hearing that he would be sent far away, Peng Yang visited Ma Chao, who asked: 'Your abilities are outstanding and our lord (Liu Bei) treats you with the greatest regard. I thought you would advance alongside Kongming (Zhuge Liang), Xiaozhi (Fa Zheng), and the others. How could you be assigned a small commandery outside, disappointing everyone's original hopes?' Peng Yang said: 'The old ge is absurd and perverse. What more can one say?'

He also told Ma Chao: 'You act outside and I within, and the realm will not be hard to settle.' Ma Chao, a displaced man who had submitted, constantly feared for his safety. Hearing these words, he was greatly alarmed and remained silent. After Peng Yang left, he reported all his words. Peng Yang was arrested and handed to the responsible authorities.

In prison Peng Yang wrote to Zhuge Liang:

'Formerly I served among the regional lords. I considered Cao Cao violent and cruel, Sun Quan without the Way, and the General Who Inspires Awe (Liu Zhang) <a military title> benighted and weak. Only our lord (Liu Bei) had the capacity of a king or hegemon with whom to found an enterprise and establish order. Thus I decisively wished to move forward. When you came west, I presented myself through Fa Xiaozhi (Fa Zheng), with Pang Tong mediating, and gained an audience with our lord (Liu Bei) at Jiameng. Speaking plainly, I discussed the work of governing the age, explained the principles of kings and hegemons, and proposed taking Yi Province. His prior deliberations were clear and settled, and he agreed and approved, then undertook the action. In the former provincial government I remained ordinary and feared entanglement in punishment. Amid the meeting of wind and clouds and the flight of arrows, I found the ruler I sought, fulfilled my ambitions, and made my name known. From commoner status I was raised as a scholar of the state, undeservedly acquiring the title of Flourishing Talent. Who could have received greater kindness than sharing that bestowed on a son?'

'Could I, Peng Yang, suddenly become mad and perverse, seeking my own mincing and pickling as a disloyal and unrighteous ghost? Men of old said that even a fool would not grasp a map of the realm with his left hand while cutting his throat with his right. How much less a man like me, who can distinguish beans from wheat! The reason I felt resentment was that I failed to measure myself. I recklessly thought I had helped initiate the enterprise, yet there was talk of casting me off to Jiangyang. Not understanding our lord (Liu Bei)'s intention, I suddenly became agitated, and, somewhat overcome by drink, let slip the word "old." This resulted from my utter foolishness and shallow thought. Our lord (Liu Bei) is truly not old. Besides, establishing an enterprise does not depend on age. The Lord of the West (Ji Chang) <a designation of the future King Wen of Zhou> was ninety: did his ambition decline? I have betrayed my loving father (Liu Bei) and deserve death a hundred times. 'As for the words about inside and outside, I meant to have Mengqi (Ma Chao) win merit in the northern provinces and exert himself for our lord (Liu Bei), joining in the attack on Cao Cao. How could I dare have any other intention? Mengqi (Ma Chao)'s report was correct, but its failure to distinguish the meaning pains my heart. Formerly Pang Tong and I repeatedly pledged that we would follow in your footsteps, devote our hearts to our lord (Liu Bei)'s enterprise, pursue the fame of ancient men, and record our merits on bamboo and silk. Pang Tong unfortunately died, and I have failed and brought calamity upon myself. I caused my own downfall: whom else can I blame? You are the Yi Yin and Lü Shang of the age. Plan well with our lord (Liu Bei) and fulfill his great designs. Heaven is bright, Earth discerning, and the spirits have awareness. What more can I say? I value only that you understand my original heart. Go and strive; take care of yourself, take care of yourself!'

Peng Yang was ultimately executed, aged thirty-seven.

Liao Li

had the courtesy name Gongyuan and was from Linyuan in Wuling. When the Former Lord (Liu Bei) governed Jing Province, he recruited him as an administrative officer and, before he was thirty, promoted him to Grand Administrator of Changsha. The Former Lord (Liu Bei) entered Shu, leaving Zhuge Liang to hold Jing Province. Sun Quan sent envoys to establish friendship with Zhuge Liang and asked which scholars assisted him in affairs. Zhuge Liang answered: 'Pang Tong and Liao Li are fine talents of Chu, destined to assist in reviving the age's enterprise.' In Jian'an 20, Sun Quan sent Lü Meng to attack the three southern commanderies by surprise. Liao Li escaped and returned to the Former Lord (Liu Bei), who had long valued him, did not reproach him severely, and made him Grand Administrator of Ba. In Jian'an 24, the Former Lord (Liu Bei) became King of Hanzhong (Liu Bei) and summoned Liao Li as Palace Attendant. After the Later Lord (Liu Shan) <the retrospective designation for Shu's second ruler> succeeded, he was transferred to Colonel of the Long Waters.

Liao Li believed his talent and reputation entitled him to rank second to Zhuge Liang, yet he remained in less central posts below Li Yan and others, constantly resentful. Later, when the Chancellor's assistants Li Shao and Jiang Wan visited, he told them: <Li Shao's name is supplied in brackets in the source.>

'The army is about to campaign far away. You gentlemen should examine matters carefully. Formerly the Former Lord (Liu Bei) failed to take Hanzhong and hurried to contest the three southern commanderies with Wu. In the end he gave them to Wu, merely exhausting officials and soldiers and returning without benefit. Losing Hanzhong allowed Xiahou Yuan and Zhang He to penetrate Ba, nearly costing an entire province. Later, after reaching Hanzhong, he allowed Marquis Guan (Guan Yu) <a reference to his marquisate> to die without a survivor and Shangyong to fall, pointlessly losing a whole region. Guan Yu relied on his brave reputation, made war without discipline, and rushed forward according to his own will. Thus he repeatedly lost armies. Men like Xiang Lang and Wen Gong are ordinary people. As Administrative Aide, Wen Gong maintained no order. Xiang Lang formerly honored the Ma Liang brothers as sages; now, as Chief Clerk, he has always been good at accommodating the prevailing way. The Gentleman of the Household Guo Yanchang (Guo Youzhi) merely follows others and cannot participate in great affairs, yet has become Palace Attendant. In this weak age, employing these three is improper. Wang Lian follows common ways and merely exacts wealth, exhausting the people and bringing us to the present condition.' <The source places 主, 'lord,' parenthetically after 先. Yanchang is the courtesy-name identification of Guo Youzhi; Wen Gong's complete personal identification is not fixed here.>

Li Shao and Jiang Wan reported all his words to Zhuge Liang, who memorialized against Liao Li: 'Colonel of the Long Waters Liao Li exalts himself and disparages the scholars. He publicly says that the state employs ordinary clerks instead of worthies and that commanders of ten thousand men are all petty fellows. He slanders the late emperor (Liu Bei) and disparages the ministers. When someone said our troops were well trained and their units clearly organized, Liao Li raised his head toward the roof, angrily changed expression, and said, "What is there to mention?" Such examples are innumerable. Even a sheep that disorders its flock can cause harm. How much more Liao Li, entrusted with high office! Can people of middling intelligence or below distinguish truth from falsehood?' <The source inserts 郃, He, parenthetically before Jiang Wan's name; the preceding supplied name is Li Shao.>

Liao Li was therefore reduced to commoner status and moved to Wenshan Commandery. He personally led his wife and children in farming to maintain themselves. Hearing of Zhuge Liang's death, he wept and sighed: 'I shall wear the left-fastened robe to the end!' Later Supervisor of the Army Jiang Wei led a detached force through Wenshan and visited Liao Li, praising his undiminished spirit and unaltered conversation. Liao Li died in exile. His wife and children returned to Shu. <The left-fastened robe is the source's image of remaining among non-Chinese peoples, here expressing his exile.>

Li Yan, courtesy name Zhengfang, was from Nanyang. As a young commandery official he was renowned for administrative ability. Liu Biao, Governor of Jing Province, sent him through various commanderies and counties. When Lord Cao (Cao Cao) entered Jing Province, Li Yan governed Zigui. He went west to Shu, where Liu Zhang made him Magistrate of Chengdu, and again he gained a reputation for ability. In Jian'an 18, Liu Zhang appointed him Protector of the Army to resist the Former Lord (Liu Bei) at Mianzhu. Li Yan surrendered with his forces, and the Former Lord (Liu Bei) appointed him Assistant General. After Chengdu was secured, he became Grand Administrator of Qianwei and General Who Promotes the Enterprise. In Jian'an 23, Ma Qin, Gao Sheng, and other bandits rose at Qi

and gathered several tens of thousands, reaching Zizhong County. The Former Lord (Liu Bei) was in Hanzhong. Without levying further troops, Li Yan led only five thousand commandery soldiers against them, beheaded Ma Qin, Gao Sheng, and the others, and scattered their followers, all of whom returned to the civilian registers. Gao Ding, a Yi chief of Yuexi, also sent troops to besiege Xindao County. Li Yan hurried to relieve it, defeated the rebels, and put them to flight. He received the additional title General Who Assists Han and retained the commandery.

In Zhangwu 2, the Former Lord (Liu Bei) summoned Li Yan to the Yong'an Palace and appointed him Prefect of the Masters of Writing. In Zhangwu 3, when the Former Lord (Liu Bei) fell ill, Li Yan and Zhuge Liang both received his final command to assist the young ruler (Liu Shan). Li Yan became Central Protector-General, directing military affairs within and outside, and remained to hold Yong'an. In Jianxing 1 he was enfeoffed as Marquis of Du District (Li Yan) <a territorial marquisate>, bearing the staff of authority and additionally Minister of the Household. In Jianxing 4 he became General of the Front. Since Zhuge Liang intended to campaign from Hanzhong, Li Yan was to oversee affairs behind and moved his station to Jiangzhou, leaving Protector of the Army Chen Dao at Yong'an, all under Li Yan's command. Li Yan wrote to Meng Da: 'Kongming (Zhuge Liang) and I have both received a trust. Our concerns are deep and responsibilities heavy. I think of obtaining good companions.' Zhuge Liang also wrote to Meng Da: 'Assigning duties as smoothly as flowing water, without hesitation in advancing or withdrawing: that is Zhengfang (Li Yan)'s nature.' Such was the esteem he enjoyed.

In Jianxing 8, Li Yan became General of Agile Cavalry. Because Cao Zhen intended to advance on Hanchuan by three routes, Zhuge Liang ordered Li Yan to bring twenty thousand men to Hanzhong. He memorialized to appoint Li Yan's son Li Feng Commander-in-Chief and Army Supervisor at Jiangzhou to manage affairs left behind. Intending to campaign the following year, Zhuge Liang had Li Yan manage headquarters affairs as Central Protector-General. Li Yan changed his personal name to Ping.

In spring of Jianxing 9, Zhuge Liang campaigned at Mount Qi, and Li Ping supervised transport. At the transition of summer and autumn, prolonged rain prevented grain deliveries from continuing. Li Ping sent Army Adviser Hu Zhong and Army Supervisor Cheng Fan to convey instructions summoning Zhuge Liang back. Zhuge Liang accordingly withdrew. Hearing that the army had retreated, Li Ping instead pretended surprise: 'Provisions are plentiful. Why return so soon?' He sought to escape responsibility for his failure and make Zhuge Liang appear at fault for not advancing. He also memorialized to the Later Lord (Liu Shan): 'The army has feigned retreat to lure the enemy into battle.' Zhuge Liang produced all Li Ping's earlier and later handwritten letters and documents, making his contradictions manifest. With no explanation left and his intentions exposed, Li Ping bowed and confessed. Zhuge Liang then memorialized against him: 'Since the late emperor (Liu Bei)'s death, wherever Li Ping has served he has managed his own household and dispensed small favors, seeking personal security and reputation without concern for the state. When I intended to march north, I wanted his troops to hold Hanzhong. Li Ping raised difficulties in every direction, with no intention of coming, and asked instead to become Inspector of Ba Province with five commanderies. Last year, when I intended a western campaign and wanted him to supervise Hanzhong, he said that Sima Yi and others had their own headquarters and recruited staff. I knew his petty intention was to pressure me for advantage as I was about to depart. Thus I memorialized to put his son Li Feng in charge of Jiangzhou, honoring and favoring him generously to secure the urgent task. Upon Li Ping's arrival, I entrusted every matter to him. Ministers above and below all wondered at my generous treatment. Precisely because the great enterprise was unsettled and Han endangered, I thought it better to praise him than attack his shortcomings. Yet I assumed his heart sought only honor and profit. I did not expect it to be so perverse. If matters are delayed and disaster follows, it will be my lack of discernment; more words merely increase my fault.'

Li Ping was reduced to commoner status and moved to Zitong Commandery.

In Jianxing 12, Li Ping heard that Zhuge Liang had died, fell ill, and died himself. He had always hoped Zhuge Liang would personally restore him, judging that his successors could not do so; thus he was overcome by agitation and grief.

Li Feng rose to Grand Administrator of Zhuti.

Liu Yan, courtesy name Weishuo, was from Lu. When the Former Lord (Liu Bei) was in Yu Province, he recruited him as an administrative officer. Because they shared the imperial surname and Liu Yan was elegant and a good conversationalist, the Former Lord (Liu Bei) treated him with close favor. He followed him in his travels, always as an honored guest. After the Former Lord (Liu Bei) secured Yi Province, he made Liu Yan Grand Administrator of Guling. When the Later Lord (Liu Shan) succeeded, Liu Yan was enfeoffed as Marquis of Du District (Liu Yan), usually ranking just below Li Yan. He served as Minister of the Guards, Military Adviser to the Central Army, and General of the Rear, then advanced to General of Chariots and Cavalry. Yet he took no part in state government, merely commanding more than a thousand men and accompanying Chancellor Zhuge Liang in discussion. His carriages, clothing, food, and drink were called extravagant. Several dozen female attendants all performed music, and he also taught them to recite the Rhapsody on the Lingguang Palace of Lu. In Jianxing 10, he quarreled with Wei Yan, Military Adviser to the Front Army, and spoke falsely and absurdly. Zhuge Liang reproached him. Liu Yan apologized in a letter: 'My nature is empty and my conduct has always been deficient, aggravated by a destructive addiction to wine. Since the late emperor (Liu Bei)'s time, contentious talk nearly brought me down. You graciously recognized that my heart was devoted to the state, forgave my personal impurities, supported and preserved me, and maintained my salary and rank until today. Recently, deluded by drunkenness, I spoke mistakenly. Your compassionate favor endured it and did not bring me before the law, allowing me to remain whole and preserve my life. I must restrain and reproach myself, correct my faults, and be ready to die, swearing before the spirits. If there is nowhere I can obey your commands, I have no place to hide my face.' Zhuge Liang then sent him back to Chengdu, retaining his office and rank.

Frustrated in ambition, Liu Yan became distraught. In the first month of Jianxing 12, his wife Lady Hu entered the palace to congratulate the Empress Dowager (Lady Wu) <the preceding ruler's surviving empress; her personal name is not recorded here>. The Empress Dowager (Lady Wu) specially kept her there, and she left only after a month. Lady Hu was beautiful, and Liu Yan suspected an affair with the Later Lord (Liu Shan). He called soldiers to beat her, going so far as to strike her face with a shoe, then cast her out. Lady Hu fully reported his conduct, and Liu Yan was imprisoned. The authorities judged: 'Soldiers are not the people to beat a wife, and a face is not a place for a shoe.' Liu Yan was ultimately executed in the marketplace. Thereafter visits by great ministers' wives and mothers to offer court congratulations ceased. <The source places 卒, 'soldiers,' in parentheses before 五百, 'five hundred'; whether the latter is a number or a service designation requires further review. Lady Hu's personal name is not recorded here, and the accusation of an affair is presented as Liu Yan's suspicion.>

Wei Yan, courtesy name Wenchang, was from Yiyang. He accompanied the Former Lord (Liu Bei) into Shu as a member of his forces and repeatedly won military merit, rising to General of the Standard Gate. When the Former Lord (Liu Bei) became King of Hanzhong (Liu Bei) and moved his seat to Chengdu, an important general was needed to guard Hanchuan. Everyone thought it must be Zhang Fei, who also expected it. Instead the Former Lord (Liu Bei) selected Wei Yan as Commander of Hanzhong and General Who Guards the Distant, concurrently Grand Administrator of Hanzhong. The whole army was astonished. At a great assembly of ministers, the Former Lord (Liu Bei) asked: 'I now entrust you with a heavy responsibility. How do you intend to discharge it?' Wei Yan replied: 'If Cao Cao comes with the whole realm, I ask to resist him for Your Majesty (Liu Bei). If a subordinate general comes with a hundred thousand men, I ask to swallow them for Your Majesty (Liu Bei).' The Former Lord (Liu Bei) approved, and all admired his bold words. Upon assuming the imperial title, the Former Lord (Liu Bei) promoted him to General Who Guards the North. In Jianxing 1 he was enfeoffed as Marquis of Du Village (Wei Yan) <a territorial marquisate>. In Jianxing 5, when Zhuge Liang stationed at Hanzhong, Wei Yan became Supervisor of the Front Division, concurrently Major to the Chancellor and Inspector of Liang Province. In Jianxing 8, he was sent west among the Qiang. Wei's General of the Rear Fei Yao and Inspector of Yong Province Guo Huai fought him at Yangxi, and he decisively defeated them. He became Military Adviser to the Front Army and General-in-Chief Who Attacks the West, bearing the staff of authority, and was advanced to Marquis of Nanzheng (Wei Yan) <a territorial marquisate>.

Whenever Wei Yan accompanied Zhuge Liang on campaign, he asked for ten thousand men to take a different route and meet at Tong Pass, following Han Xin's precedent. Zhuge Liang restrained him and refused. Wei Yan always called Zhuge Liang timid and lamented that his own abilities were not fully used.

Wei Yan cared well for his soldiers and was exceptionally brave, but proud by nature, so contemporaries all yielded to him. Only Yang Yi would not accommodate him. Wei Yan was furious, and they were like fire and water. In Jianxing 12, Zhuge Liang emerged at the northern valley mouth with Wei Yan as vanguard. Ten li beyond Zhuge Liang's camp, Wei Yan dreamed that horns grew on his head and asked the dream interpreter Zhao Zhi. Zhao Zhi deceived him: 'The qilin has horns but does not use them. This signifies that without battle the enemy will destroy itself.' Withdrawing, he told others: 'The character 角, "horn," has 用 beneath 刀, "knife." A knife used on the head is extremely inauspicious.'

In autumn Zhuge Liang became gravely ill. He secretly arranged the retreat after his death with Chief Clerk Yang Yi, Major Fei Yi, Protector of the Army Jiang Wei, and others. Wei Yan was to guard the rear, with Jiang Wei next. If Wei Yan disobeyed, the army was to depart anyway. Zhuge Liang died, and the death was kept secret. Yang Yi sent Fei Yi to sound out Wei Yan, who said: 'Though the chancellor has died, I am still here. His close officers and staff may escort the funeral home, while I lead the armies against the rebels. How can one man's death end the affairs of the realm? Besides, what sort of man am I, Wei Yan, to be commanded by Yang Yi as his rearguard general?' He and Fei Yi drew up arrangements for those staying and leaving and had Fei Yi write and sign jointly with him to notify the generals. Fei Yi deceived him: 'I will return and explain to Chief Clerk Yang (Yang Yi). He is a civil clerk with little military experience and will surely obey.' Leaving the gate, Fei Yi galloped away. Wei Yan soon regretted it but could not catch him. Wei Yan sent someone to observe Yang Yi and the others. They intended to follow Zhuge Liang's settled plan, with camps withdrawing in sequence. Furious, Wei Yan led his own troops south ahead of them before Yang Yi departed, burning the plank roads wherever he passed. <The source inserts 才, cai, parenthetically before Yang Yi's name in this sentence.> Wei Yan and Yang Yi each memorialized accusing the other of rebellion; urgent feathered dispatches arrived together within a day. The Later Lord (Liu Shan) consulted Palace Attendant Dong Yun and Jiang Wan, Chief Clerk of the remaining headquarters. Both vouched for Yang Yi and suspected Wei Yan. Yang Yi's men cut through the mountains to open a road, marching day and night and following Wei Yan. Arriving first, Wei Yan occupied the southern valley mouth and sent troops against Yang Yi. Yang Yi and the others put He Ping forward to resist. He Ping shouted at Wei Yan's advance troops: 'The chancellor has died and his body is not yet cold. How dare you act thus!' Knowing Wei Yan was in the wrong, his soldiers refused to exert themselves, and the army scattered. Wei Yan fled with only his sons and a few others toward Hanzhong. Yang Yi sent Ma Dai, who pursued and beheaded him and brought his head back. Yang Yi rose, trampled it, and said: 'Wretched slave! Can you still do evil?' Wei Yan's three degrees of kinship were exterminated. Earlier Jiang Wan had led the palace guard camps north to meet the crisis. After several dozen li, news of Wei Yan's death arrived, and he returned. Examining Wei Yan's intention in returning south instead of surrendering north to Wei, he merely wished to kill Yang Yi and the others. The generals had normally disagreed, and he hoped opinion would favor his succeeding Zhuge Liang. Such was his original purpose; he did not intend rebellion. <He Ping is the designation printed here; its relationship to Wang Ping is left for further historical review.> <The source ends 不便背叛, whose wording is difficult; the final sentence here follows the surrounding explanation of his intention, without silently replacing the Chinese.>

Yang Yi, courtesy name Weigong, was from Xiangyang. During Jian'an he was Registrar to Fu Qun, Inspector of Jing Province, but deserted him for Guan Yu, Grand Administrator of Xiangyang. Guan Yu made him Merit Officer and sent him west on a mission to the Former Lord (Liu Bei). The Former Lord (Liu Bei) conversed with him on military and state policy and successes and failures in government, was delighted, and recruited him as assistant in the Military Section of the General of the Left's office. Upon becoming King of Hanzhong (Liu Bei), the Former Lord (Liu Bei) promoted Yang Yi to Master of Writing. After the Former Lord (Liu Bei) assumed the imperial title and campaigned east against Wu, Yang Yi quarreled with Liu Ba, Prefect of the Masters of Writing, and was demoted to the nominal distant appointment of Grand Administrator of Hongnong. In Jianxing 3, Chancellor Zhuge Liang made him Army Adviser, managing headquarters affairs, and prepared to go south. In Jianxing 5, Yang Yi followed him to Hanzhong. In Jianxing 8 he became Chief Clerk and additionally General Who Pacifies the Army. On Zhuge Liang's repeated campaigns, Yang Yi always planned unit assignments and calculated grain supplies, completing them immediately without prolonged thought. Military arrangements depended on him. Zhuge Liang deeply valued Yang Yi's ability and relied on Wei Yan's bravery, always regretting their discord and unable to discard either. In Jianxing 12, Yang Yi accompanied him to the valley mouth. Zhuge Liang died in enemy territory. Having led the army back and killed Wei Yan, Yang Yi considered his merit supreme and thought he should succeed Zhuge Liang in governing. He summoned Commandant Zhao Zheng to divine with the Changes and obtained the Family hexagram. He was silent and displeased. Yet Zhuge Liang had privately indicated during his lifetime that Yang Yi was narrow and impatient and that his preference lay with Jiang Wan. Jiang Wan accordingly became Prefect of the Masters of Writing and Inspector of Yi Province. When Yang Yi arrived, he was appointed Military Adviser to the Central Army without actual command, merely occupying himself at leisure.

Earlier, when Yang Yi was the Former Lord (Liu Bei)'s Master of Writing, Jiang Wan was a Gentleman of the Masters of Writing. Later, though both served as Army Advisers or Chief Clerks under the chancellor, Yang Yi always accompanied campaigns and bore the hardest labor. Thinking himself senior to Jiang Wan in age and service and superior in talent, he displayed resentment in words and expression, sighing and shouting from his innermost feelings. People feared his unrestrained speech and dared not approach. Only Fei Yi, Military Adviser to the Rear Army, went to comfort and visit him. Yang Yi repeatedly voiced his grievances and told Fei Yi: 'When the chancellor died, had I taken the army to Wei, would I now be so destitute? It makes me regret what can no longer be recovered.' Fei Yi secretly reported this. In Jianxing 13, Yang Yi was reduced to commoner status and moved to Hanjia Commandery. From exile he again submitted a slanderous letter in vehement language. The commandery was ordered to arrest him. Yang Yi killed himself, and his wife and children returned to Shu.

Appraisal: Liu Feng occupied a position exposed to suspicion, yet lacked sufficient thought and precautions to protect himself. Peng Yang and Liao Li were promoted for talent; Li Yan advanced through administrative capacity; Wei Yan was entrusted with duties for bravery and strategy; Yang Yi became distinguished through official ability; and Liu Yan was an old servant. All enjoyed high standing. Looking at their actions and tracing their standards, they brought calamity and blame upon themselves in every case.