Book of Shu · Biographies of Huo Jun, Wang Lian, Xiang Lang, Zhang Yi, Yang Hong, and Fei Shi

Huo Jun, courtesy name Zhongmiao, was from Zhijiang in Nan Commandery. His elder brother Huo Du gathered several hundred followers in their home district. After Huo Du died, Liu Biao, Governor of Jing Province, ordered Huo Jun to take command. Liu Biao died, and Huo Jun led his men to the Former Lord (Liu Bei) <the retrospective designation for Shu's founding ruler>, who made him General of the Household. When the Former Lord (Liu Bei) turned south from Jiameng against Liu Zhang, he left Huo Jun defending Jiameng City. Zhang Lu sent General Yang Bo to entice him, requesting joint defense of the city. Huo Jun said: 'You may obtain this humble man's head, but not his city.' Yang Bo withdrew. Later Liu Zhang's generals Fu Jin, Xiang Cun, and others brought more than ten thousand men up the Lang River and besieged Huo Jun for nearly a year without taking the city. With only several hundred defenders, Huo Jun watched for a lapse, selected picked troops, and attacked, decisively defeating them and beheading Xiang Cun. After the Former Lord (Liu Bei) secured Shu, he praised Huo Jun's achievement, divided Guanghan to establish Zitong Commandery, and appointed him its Grand Administrator and Assistant General. After three years in office he died aged forty and was brought back for burial at Chengdu. The Former Lord (Liu Bei) deeply mourned him and instructed Zhuge Liang: 'Huo Jun was an excellent scholar and rendered service to the state. I wish to perform the libation.' He personally led the officials to mourn and sacrifice, then stayed overnight at the grave. People of the time considered this an honor.

His son Huo Yi, courtesy name Shaoxian, became a Retainer to the Crown Prince late in the Former Lord (Liu Bei)'s reign. After the Later Lord (Liu Shan) <the retrospective designation for Shu's second ruler> succeeded, he became a Receptionist. When Chancellor Zhuge Liang stationed north at Hanzhong, he requested Huo Yi as a Records Clerk and had him associate with his son Zhuge Qiao. After Zhuge Liang died, Huo Yi became Gentleman Attendant at the Yellow Gates. When the Later Lord (Liu Shan) established Crown Prince Liu Xuan, Huo Yi became a Central Attendant to the Crown Prince. Liu Xuan liked riding and archery and came and went without restraint. Huo Yi cited ancient principles and fully remonstrated, aptly fulfilling the role of mutual correction. Later he became Army Adviser and Deputy Commander of the Laijiang garrison, then Protector of the Army with the same responsibilities. The Yi and Liao of Yongchang Commandery relied on rugged terrain to withhold submission and repeatedly raided. Huo Yi concurrently became Grand Administrator of Yongchang and led a detached force against them, beheading their chiefs and destroying settlements until the commandery was peaceful. He was promoted to Supervisor of the Army and General Who Assists the Army, concurrently Grand Administrator of Jianning, and returned to oversee affairs of the southern commanderies. In Jingyao 6 he advanced to General Who Secures the South. That year Shu was annexed by Wei. Huo Yi and Luo Xian of Xiangyang, Army Commander of Badong, each preserved a region intact and submitted it to the central government. Both retained their appointments and received increased favor. <The source writes 南郡事, 'affairs of Nan Commandery' or 'southern commanderies'; the intended administrative scope requires review.>

Wang Lian, courtesy name Wenyi, was from Nanyang. In Liu Zhang's time he entered Shu and became Magistrate of Zitong. When the Former Lord (Liu Bei) rose at Jiameng and marched south, Wang Lian shut his city and refused to surrender. The Former Lord (Liu Bei) respected his righteousness and did not force him. After Chengdu was pacified, he made Wang Lian Magistrate of Shifang, then transferred him to Guangdu. He achieved results wherever he served. Promoted to Colonel in Charge of Salt, he assessed profits from salt and iron, bringing large revenues that supported state expenditure. He selected able subordinates such as Lü Yi, Du Qi, and Liu Gan, all of whom eventually reached high office through his promotion. He became Grand Administrator of Shu Commandery and General Who Promotes the Enterprise, retaining control of the Salt Administration. In Jianxing 1 he became Colonel of Garrison Cavalry, concurrently Chief Clerk to the Chancellor, and Marquis of Pingyang Village (Wang Lian) <a territorial marquisate>. The southern commanderies then withheld submission, and Zhuge Liang intended to campaign personally. Wang Lian remonstrated: 'This is barren land and a region of epidemic disease. The man upon whom the entire state places its hopes should not risk going there.' Zhuge Liang feared the generals were less able than himself and was determined to go, but Wang Lian's repeated earnest objections delayed him for a long time. Wang Lian then died. His son Wang Shan succeeded and rose to Grand Administrator of Jiangyang.

Xiang Lang, courtesy name Juda, was from Yicheng in Xiangyang.

Liu Biao, Governor of Jing Province, appointed him Chief of Linju. After Liu Biao died, he joined the Former Lord (Liu Bei). When the Former Lord (Liu Bei) secured the lands south of the Yangzi, he had Xiang Lang supervise military and civilian affairs in Zigui, Yidao, Wu, and Yiling counties. <The source inserts 山, 'mountain,' parenthetically after Wu.> After Shu was pacified, Xiang Lang became Grand Administrator of Baxi, was soon transferred to another appointment, then moved to Fangling. After the Later Lord (Liu Shan) succeeded, he became Colonel of Infantry and succeeded Wang Lian as Chief Clerk to the Chancellor. When Chancellor Zhuge Liang campaigned south, Xiang Lang remained in charge of affairs behind. In Jianxing 5 he followed Zhuge Liang to Hanzhong. He had long been friendly with Ma Su. When Ma Su fled, Xiang Lang knew but did not report it. Zhuge Liang resented this, dismissed him, and sent him back to Chengdu. Several years later he became Minister of the Household; after Zhuge Liang's death he was transferred to General of the Left. His former merits were reviewed, and he was enfeoffed as Marquis of Xianming Village (Xiang Lang) <a territorial marquisate> with the rank Specially Advanced. In youth he had read widely but did not cultivate disciplined conduct, being known instead for administrative ability. After leaving the chief clerkship, he spent nearly thirty years at leisure without duties.

He then devoted himself deeply to the classics without weariness. Even past eighty he personally collated books and corrected errors. His accumulated scrolls were the most numerous of the time. He opened his doors to guests and welcomed younger scholars, discussing only ancient principles and avoiding current affairs. This won praise. From those governing above to young men below, all respected him. He died in Yanxi 10.

His son Xiang Tiao succeeded and served as Assistant Censor-in-Chief during Jingyao.

Xiang Lang's elder brother's son Xiang Chong served as General of the Standard Gate under the Former Lord (Liu Bei). In the defeat at Zigui, his camp alone remained intact. In Jianxing 1 he was enfeoffed as Marquis of Du Village (Xiang Chong) <a territorial marquisate>. Later he became Commander of the Central Division, directing the palace guard. As Zhuge Liang prepared to march north, he memorialized to the Later Lord (Liu Shan): 'General Xiang Chong is good and impartial in character and thoroughly understands military affairs. Tested formerly, he was called capable by the late emperor (Liu Bei), so all recommended him as commander. In my foolish view, all matters in the camps should be referred to him. He will surely bring harmony to the ranks and find proper places for men of differing ability.' Xiang Chong became Central Army Commander. In Yanxi 3 he campaigned against the Man and Yi of Hanjia and was killed. His younger brother Xiang Chong, 充, successively served as Colonel of Archers Who Shoot by Sound and Master of Writing. <The elder is 向寵 and the younger 向充; both are transcribed Chong here.>

Zhang Yi, courtesy name Junsi, was from Chengdu in Shu Commandery. He studied the Gongyang tradition of the Spring and Autumn Annals and read broadly in the Records of the Historian and History of Han. Xu Wenxiu (Xu Jing) of Runan entered Shu and said Zhang Yi's administrative ability and quickness resembled Zhong Yuanchang (Zhong Yao) of the central lands. In Liu Zhang's time he was recommended as Filial and Incorrupt, became Chief of Yufu, and returned to the province as an administrative officer, concurrently Major of the Headquarters Guard. Zhang Fei entered from Jing Province by Dianjiang. Liu Zhang gave Zhang Yi troops to resist him below the Deyang paths. Defeated, he returned to Chengdu. Sent as Liu Zhang's envoy to the Former Lord (Liu Bei), he obtained a promise to treat his ruler courteously and secure his people. Zhang Yi returned, and the city gates opened. The Former Lord (Liu Bei) made him Grand Administrator of Ba, then recalled him as General of the Household in Charge of Metals, overseeing manufacture of agricultural tools and military equipment. Earlier Yi Commandery had killed its Grand Administrator Zheng Ang. The senior chief Yong Kai was renowned for kindness and good faith in the south and exchanged missions with Sun Quan far away. Zhang Yi was therefore appointed Grand Administrator of Yi Commandery and went directly there. Yong Kai hesitated to submit and fabricated a spirit's instruction: 'Administrator Zhang (Zhang Yi) is like a gourd vessel: smooth outside but coarse within. He is not worth killing. Bind him and give him to Wu.' Zhang Yi was consequently sent to Sun Quan.

After the Former Lord (Liu Bei) died, Zhuge Liang sent Deng Zhi to Wu and told him to request Zhang Yi from Sun Quan in the course of conversation. Zhang Yi had been in Wu for years as a displaced exile in obscurity, and Sun Quan did not know him, so he agreed to let Deng Zhi take him. As Zhang Yi prepared to leave, Sun Quan received him and asked: 'The widowed daughter of Shu's Zhuo family fled to Sima Xiangru. Why are your country's customs like that?' Zhang Yi replied: 'In my foolish view, the Zhuo family's widowed daughter was still worthier than Zhu Maichen's wife.' Sun Quan said: 'When you return, you will surely manage affairs at the western court, not remain a peasant in a village lane. How will you repay me?' Zhang Yi replied: 'I return bearing guilt and will entrust my life to the authorities. If fortunate enough to preserve my head, my years up to fifty-eight were my parents' gift; all years thereafter are Your Majesty (Sun Quan)'s grant.' Sun Quan laughed happily and showed esteem for his ability. Leaving the hall, Zhang Yi deeply regretted his failure to feign foolishness. He immediately boarded his boat and traveled at twice the usual speed. Sun Quan indeed pursued, but Zhang Yi was already several dozen li inside Yong'an's boundary and could not be caught.

After he reached Shu, Chancellor Zhuge Liang made Zhang Yi Army Adviser managing headquarters affairs, concurrently Administrative Aide of Yi Province. When Zhuge Liang marched to Hanzhong, Zhang Yi, as Colonel of Archers Who Shoot by Sound, became Chief Clerk of the Remaining Headquarters. He often said: 'Our lord (Zhuge Liang) does not overlook the distant in rewards or favor the close in punishment. Rank cannot be obtained without merit, and punishment cannot be escaped through status and power. That is why worthy and unworthy alike forget themselves in service.' The next year he went north to consult Zhuge Liang. Several hundred people saw him off, with carriages filling the roads. Returning, he wrote to someone close: 'Recently on the road I received visitors day and night without rest. People themselves respect the Chancellor's Chief Clerk; the fellow Zhang Junsi (Zhang Yi) merely tags along with him. I am tired to death.' His quick-flowing wit was generally of this kind.

In youth Zhang Yi had been close to Yang Gong of Qianwei. Yang Gong died early, leaving a child not yet several years old. Zhang Yi brought him home, shared his residence, and served Yang Gong's mother as his own. When Yang Gong's son grew up, he arranged his marriage and purchased fields, a house, and property so he could establish a household. He showed exceptional righteousness in caring for old friends and relieving declining clans. He received the additional title General Who Assists Han, retaining the chief clerkship. He died in Jianxing 8. His son Zhang Mu succeeded.

Zhang Mu served as administrator of three commanderies and Supervisor of the Army. Zhang Yu became Central Attendant to the Crown Prince. <The source's compressed wording 毣郁 does not clearly express the relationship of Yu to Mu; the names are retained without inventing a kinship.>

Yang Hong, courtesy name Jixiu, was from Wuyang in Qianwei. Under Liu Zhang he served on inspections through the commanderies. After the Former Lord (Liu Bei) secured Shu, Grand Administrator Li Yan made him Merit Officer. Li Yan wished to move the commandery seat. Yang Hong firmly remonstrated but was ignored, so he resigned and requested retirement. Li Yan recommended him to the province, where he became an administrative officer inspecting Shu. <The source inserts 欲, 'wished,' parenthetically and replaces 蜀部從事 with 部蜀從事 in brackets.> When the Former Lord (Liu Bei) contested Hanzhong, he urgently requested troops by letter. Zhuge Liang, General Acting as Military Adviser, asked Yang Hong, who said: 'Hanzhong is Yi Province's throat, the turning point of survival or destruction. Without Hanzhong there is no Shu. This is calamity at our own door. Men must fight and women must transport supplies. Why hesitate to send troops?' Fa Zheng, Grand Administrator of Shu Commandery, was then campaigning north with the Former Lord (Liu Bei). Zhuge Liang therefore memorialized to have Yang Hong act as Grand Administrator of Shu. All affairs were completed, and he was confirmed. Soon he became Administrative Aide of Yi Province.

After the Former Lord (Liu Bei) assumed the imperial title, he unsuccessfully campaigned against Wu and returned to Yong'an. Huang Yuan, Grand Administrator of Hanjia, had long been disliked by Zhuge Liang. Hearing of the Former Lord (Liu Bei)'s illness and fearing later trouble, he rebelled with his commandery and burned Linqiong. Zhuge Liang had gone east to visit the sick ruler (Liu Bei), leaving Chengdu weakly defended, so Huang Yuan felt even less restraint. Yang Hong immediately informed the crown prince (Liu Shan), dispatching his personal troops under Generals Chen Hu and Zheng Chuo against Huang Yuan. People thought that if Huang Yuan could not besiege Chengdu, he would pass through Yue and occupy Nanzhong. <The source writes 越囗, an incomplete place-name; the missing character is not supplied.> Yang Hong said: 'Huang Yuan has always been fierce and violent, without kindness or trust. How could he accomplish this? He will merely go east downstream, hoping the sovereign (Liu Bei) is well, bind himself, and surrender his life. If matters have changed, he will flee to Wu for survival. Order Chen Hu and Zheng Chuo to block the mouth of the Nan'an Gorge, and they will catch him.' Following this advice, they captured Huang Yuan alive. In Jianxing 1, Yang Hong received the rank Marquis Within the Passes (Yang Hong) <a marquisate without a territorial fief>, again became Grand Administrator of Shu and General of Loyal Integrity, and later Colonel of Yue Cavalry, retaining the commandery.

In Jianxing 5, Chancellor Zhuge Liang stationed north at Hanzhong and wished to make Zhang Yi Chief Clerk of the Remaining Headquarters. Asked for his view, Yang Hong said: 'Zhang Yi is naturally discerning and skilled in difficult administration. His talent certainly fits. But his disposition is not impartial, and I fear he cannot be entrusted alone. Better to leave Xiang Lang, who has somewhat less duplicity, while Zhang Yi remains close at hand to demonstrate his ability. Both arrangements would benefit affairs.' Earlier Zhang Yi and Yang Hong had been close in youth. While Zhang Yi was exiled in Wu, Yang Hong governed his commandery. Zhang Yi's son Zhang Yu served as a commandery clerk and was punished for a minor fault without special indulgence. Hearing of this on his return, Zhang Yi deeply resented it, damaging their friendship. After leaving Zhuge Liang, Yang Hong went to Zhang Yi and fully reported his words. Zhang Yi answered: 'The chancellor (Zhuge Liang) has decided to retain me. You, Administrator, cannot stop it.' Some thought Yang Hong wanted the chief clerkship himself; others thought he knew Zhang Yi resented him and did not wish him to hold an important post controlling affairs behind. Later Zhang Yi quarreled bitterly with Cen Shu, Colonel in Charge of Salt. Zhuge Liang wrote to Zhang Yi: 'Formerly, when your camp collapsed below the paths, my concern made food tasteless. <The source supplies 陌, "path," in brackets.> Later, when you drifted into exile by the southern sea, I grieved and sighed for you and could not rest peacefully. Upon your return I entrusted you with great responsibilities to uphold the royal house together, believing ours a friendship of stone like those of antiquity. In such a friendship, one may recommend an enemy for mutual benefit or cut away blood kin to clarify right and wrong, without either taking offense. How much less should you resent my merely placing trust in Yuanjian (Cen Shu)?' People discussing this consequently understood Yang Hong's impartiality. <Yuanjian is the contextual courtesy-name designation associated with Cen Shu.>

Yang Hong did not enjoy scholarly study when young, but was loyal, pure, sincere, and clear-minded, concerning himself with public affairs as his own household. He served his stepmother with utmost filial devotion. He died in office in Jianxing 6. When he first served as Li Yan's Merit Officer, Li Yan had not yet left Qianwei before Yang Hong had already become Grand Administrator of Shu. <The source prints 至, 'arrived,' parenthetically and supplies 去, 'left,' in brackets.>

Yang Hong received He Zhi, a clerk at his gate, recognized his talent in planning and administration, and recommended him as a commandery official. Within several years He Zhi became Grand Administrator of Guanghan, while Yang Hong was still in Shu Commandery. Thus all in the west admired Zhuge Liang's ability to make full use of his contemporaries' capacities.

Fei Shi, courtesy name Gongju, was from Nan'an in Qianwei. Under Liu Zhang he was Magistrate of Mianzhu. When the Former Lord (Liu Bei) attacked, Fei Shi surrendered first with the city. After Chengdu was secured and the Former Lord (Liu Bei) became Governor of Yi Province, he made Fei Shi Administrative Officer Supervising the Army, later Grand Administrator of Zangke, then Major of the Province's Front Division. When the Former Lord (Liu Bei) became King of Hanzhong (Liu Bei) <a territorial royal title>, he sent Fei Shi to appoint Guan Yu General of the Front. Hearing that Huang Zhong was General of the Rear, Guan Yu angrily said: 'A great man will never rank alongside an old soldier!' He refused the appointment. Fei Shi said: 'A man establishing a royal enterprise employs more than one kind of person. Formerly Xiao He and Cao Can had been close to Gaozu (Liu Bang) <a customary retrospective imperial designation> since youth, while Chen Ping and Han Xin came later as fugitives. Yet in rank Han Xin stood highest, and we never heard Xiao He or Cao Can complain. Now the King of Hanzhong (Liu Bei) honors Hansheng (Huang Zhong) for a particular achievement. But in the weight of his affection, how could Huang Zhong equal you, my marquis (Guan Yu)? The king (Liu Bei) and you, my marquis (Guan Yu), are like arm and body, sharing rest and grief, fortune and calamity. In my foolish view, you should not concern yourself with the relative height of offices or amount of rank and revenue. I am merely an envoy bearing orders. If you refuse, I will return, but I regret this action for you and fear later remorse.' Guan Yu was deeply moved and accepted. <The source inserts 羽 parenthetically after his anger and replaces 漢王 with 漢中王 in brackets.>

Later the ministers discussed urging the King of Hanzhong (Liu Bei) to assume the imperial title. Fei Shi memorialized: 'Because Cao Cao and his son pressured the sovereign and usurped his position, Your Highness (Liu Bei) has traveled ten thousand li as a displaced man and gathered officers and troops to punish the rebels. Now the enemy is not yet defeated, yet you first establish yourself. I fear people's hearts will be confused. Formerly Gaozu (Liu Bang) agreed with Chu that whoever first defeated Qin would become king. After taking Xianyang and capturing Ziying, he still maintained deference. How much more should Your Highness (Liu Bei), who has not yet left your gates, hesitate to establish yourself! I truly cannot approve this course for you.' Offending his wishes, Fei Shi was demoted to Administrative Officer Inspecting Yongchang. <The source writes 先主自立 within the memorial; the wording is represented here by the speaker's direct address rather than treating 'Former Lord' as a contemporary title.>

In Jianxing 3, Fei Shi accompanied Zhuge Liang south. Returning as far as Hanyang County, a surrendered man named Li Hong came to Zhuge Liang. Jiang Wan and Fei Shi were present. Li Hong said: 'Passing Meng Da's place, I happened to see Wang Chong arriving from the south. He said that when Meng Da changed allegiance, you gnashed your teeth and wanted to execute his wife and children, but the Former Lord (Liu Bei) refused. Meng Da said, "Zhuge Liang's regard for me has a consistent history. He would never do that." He utterly disbelieved Wang Chong and relies upon you without end.' Zhuge Liang told Jiang Wan and Fei Shi: 'After returning to the capital, I should write to Zidu (Meng Da).' Fei Shi said: 'Meng Da is a petty fellow. Formerly he served the General Who Inspires Awe (Liu Zhang) <a military title> disloyally, then betrayed the Former Lord (Liu Bei). Why write to such a fickle man?' Zhuge Liang remained silent. Wishing to entice Meng Da into becoming external support, he eventually wrote: 'Last year, returning from the southern campaign at year's end, I happened to meet Li Hong at Hanyang and learned your news. I sighed deeply, remembering your longstanding aspirations. Could they be merely an empty claim to glorious reputation, valuing separation? Alas, Master Meng (Meng Da), it was truly Liu Feng's oppression of you that damaged the Former Lord (Liu Bei)'s righteous treatment of scholars. Li Hong also spoke of Wang Chong inventing false words and said that, judging my heart, you rejected his account. Reflecting on those clear words and recalling our lifelong friendship, I looked east with lingering affection and therefore send this letter.' <The source prints 未及 parenthetically and supplies 末及 in brackets in the year's-end phrase. The expression 貴為乘離 is compressed and its precise sense uncertain.> Receiving the letter, Meng Da repeatedly communicated and expressed a wish to rebel against Wei. Wei sent Sima Xuanwang (Sima Yi) <a posthumous royal designation> against him, who beheaded and destroyed him. Zhuge Liang also judged Meng Da insincere and therefore did not send relief. When Jiang Wan governed, he made Fei Shi Grandee Who Remonstrates. Fei Shi died at home.

Wang Chong was from Guanghan. As General of the Standard Gate he served under Li Yan at Jiangzhou. Disliked by Li Yan and fearing punishment, he surrendered to Wei, which made him Grand Administrator of Leling.

Appraisal: Huo Jun's isolated city did not fall; Wang Lian's firm integrity did not waver; Xiang Lang studied tirelessly; Zhang Yi's penetrating quickness met every need; Yang Hong devoted his heart loyally to public affairs; Fei Shi spoke directly from his intentions. All have deeds worth recording. Even with the Former Lord (Liu Bei)'s broad generosity and Zhuge Liang's standards, Fei Shi suffered decline for frank speech. How much more under an ordinary ruler!