Book of Shu · Biographies of Jiang Wan, Fei Yi, and Jiang Wei

Jiang Wan, courtesy name Gongyan, was from Xiangxiang in Lingling. By early manhood he and his maternal cousin Liu Min of Quanling were both renowned. As a provincial clerk Jiang Wan followed the Former Lord (Liu Bei) <the retrospective designation for Shu's founding ruler> into Shu and became Chief of Guangdu. During an excursion the Former Lord (Liu Bei) unexpectedly reached Guangdu, found its affairs neglected and Jiang Wan deeply drunk, and angrily intended to punish him with death. Zhuge Liang, General Acting as Military Adviser, pleaded: 'Jiang Wan has the capacity to support the state, not merely govern a hundred-li county. His government rests on securing the people rather than outward embellishment. Please examine him again, my lord (Liu Bei).' The Former Lord (Liu Bei) had long respected Zhuge Liang and therefore imposed no criminal punishment, merely dismissing Jiang Wan on the spot. After being investigated, Jiang Wan dreamed of an ox's head before his gate with blood streaming down. Disturbed, he asked dream interpreter Zhao Zhi, who said: 'Seeing blood means affairs become clear. The horns and nose resemble the character 公, gong. Your rank will surely reach the Three Excellencies. This is a great auspicious sign.' Soon he became Magistrate of Shifang. When the Former Lord (Liu Bei) became King of Hanzhong (Liu Bei) <a territorial royal title>, Jiang Wan entered court as Gentleman of the Masters of Writing. <The source prints 人, 'person,' where the final sentence is understood as entering office.>

In Jianxing 1, Chancellor Zhuge Liang opened his headquarters and recruited Jiang Wan as assistant in the Eastern Section. Recommended as Flourishing Talent, Jiang Wan firmly yielded to Liu Yong, Yin Hua, Pang Yan, and Liao Chun. Zhuge Liang replied in an instruction: 'Reflecting upon turning from kin and abandoning virtue to destroy the people, others do not conceal this in their hearts, while people far and near also fail to understand the principle. You should therefore make your achievements and recommendation manifest, showing the purity and weight of this selection.' <The opening of this reply, 思惟背親捨德，以殄百姓, is difficult and apparently textually troubled; it is represented as printed rather than replaced with a reconstructed reply.> Jiang Wan became Army Adviser. In Jianxing 5, Zhuge Liang stationed at Hanzhong, leaving Jiang Wan and Chief Clerk Zhang Yi in charge of the remaining headquarters. In Jianxing 8, Jiang Wan succeeded Zhang Yi as Chief Clerk and additionally became General Who Pacifies the Army. During Zhuge Liang's repeated campaigns he always supplied sufficient food and troops. Zhuge Liang often said: 'Gongyan (Jiang Wan) places his purpose in loyalty and refinement. He should join me in supporting the royal enterprise.' He secretly memorialized to the Later Lord (Liu Shan) <the retrospective designation for Shu's second ruler>: 'If misfortune befalls me, later affairs should be entrusted to Jiang Wan.'

After Zhuge Liang died, Jiang Wan became Prefect of the Masters of Writing, soon additionally Acting Protector-General, Bearing the Staff of Authority, and concurrently Inspector of Yi Province. He advanced to General-in-Chief, overseeing the Masters of Writing, and Marquis of Anyang Village (Jiang Wan) <a territorial marquisate>. The recent loss of the chief commander had alarmed those far and near. Rising above the other officials, Jiang Wan showed neither grief nor joy, maintaining his usual spirit and bearing. Public confidence gradually settled. In Yanxi 1 an edict instructed him: 'The enemy's troubles have not ended. Cao Rui is arrogant and cruel. Liaodong's three commanderies, oppressed by his violence, have joined together and separated from him. Cao Rui has mobilized great levies to attack them. At Qin's fall, Chen Sheng and Wu Guang began the troubles. Such a change now is Heaven's opportunity. Prepare, command the armies at Hanzhong, and await Wu's movements, so east and west may strike from opposite sides and exploit the rebellion.' Jiang Wan was also ordered to open his own headquarters and the following year received the additional rank Grand Marshal.

Yang Xi, assistant in the Eastern Section, was naturally unadorned and sometimes did not answer when Jiang Wan spoke. Someone tried to slander him: 'You speak to Yang Xi and receive no answer. Is his disrespect not extreme?' Jiang Wan said: 'People's hearts differ like their faces. Outward agreement followed by contrary words is what the ancients warned against. If Yang Xi praised my words, it would not be his true mind; if he opposed them, he would expose my fault. Thus he remains silent. That is his frankness.' Agricultural Supervisor Yang Min also disparaged Jiang Wan: 'He handles affairs confusedly and truly does not equal his predecessor.' Someone reported this, and officials requested an investigation. Jiang Wan said: 'I truly do not equal my predecessor. There is nothing to investigate.' Accepting that he would not permit investigation, they asked to question Yang Min about the alleged confusion. Jiang Wan replied: 'If I do not equal him, my affairs do not accord with principle. If they do not accord with principle, they are confused. What further question is needed?' Later Yang Min was imprisoned for an offense, and everyone feared he must die. Jiang Wan bore neither favoritism nor hostility, and Yang Min escaped serious punishment. Such was his principled judgment of likes and dislikes.

Jiang Wan considered Zhuge Liang's repeated attempts against Qinchuan unsuccessful because roads were difficult and transport arduous. Better, he thought, to go east by water. He built many boats, intending to attack Weixing and Shangyong through the Han and Mian rivers, but recurring illness prevented departure. Opinion generally held that if victory failed, retreat would be very difficult and the plan unsound. Fei Yi, Prefect of the Masters of Writing, Jiang Wei, Central Supervisor of the Army, and others were therefore sent to explain the government's intention. Receiving the command, Jiang Wan memorialized:

'Removing evil and ending trouble belong to my duties. Six years have passed since I received my commission at Hanzhong. Benighted and weak, and afflicted by illness, I have accomplished none of my plans and am anxious day and night. Wei now spans nine provinces, its roots spreading widely: removing it is not easy. If east and west combine, striking at head and tail, even if we cannot quickly achieve our wishes, we should divide and gradually consume its territory, first destroying its branches. Yet Wu repeatedly changes its agreed plans, and our joint efforts have failed to materialize. Amid such difficulties I forget sleep and food. I have discussed matters with Fei Yi and the others. Liang Province is strategically important on the Hu frontier, offers resources for advance and retreat, and is valued by the enemy. Moreover the Qiang and Hu thirst in their hearts for Han. Formerly a detached force entered Qiang territory and defeated Guo Huai. Considering these strengths and weaknesses, this should be our first undertaking. Jiang Wei should become Inspector of Liang Province. If he campaigns and holds the lands west of the Yellow River, I will lead troops to support him. Fu communicates in every direction by land and water, enabling response to emergencies. If danger arises northeastward, reaching it will not be difficult.'

Jiang Wan accordingly returned to station at Fu. His illness worsened, and he died in Yanxi 9 with the posthumous title Gong (Jiang Wan) <a posthumous designation conventionally conveying reverence>.

His son Jiang Bin succeeded and served as General Who Pacifies Martial Affairs and Protector of the Army at Hancheng. Wei's General-in-Chief Zhong Hui reached Hancheng and wrote: 'Ba and Shu contain many wise men of civil and military talent. You and Zhuge Siyuan (Zhuge Zhan) are like plants of my own kind. Reverence for one's native mulberries and catalpas is honored in antiquity and the present. Coming west, I wish to visit your honored father's grave, sweep it, and sacrifice respectfully. Please tell me its location.' Jiang Bin replied: 'I understand your deep regard for shared qualities and your gracious wish for communication, and have not rejected your approach. My late father suffered illness and died at Fu County. Divination found the place auspicious, so he was buried there. Hearing that you will come west and condescend to honor his grave reminds me of Yan Hui's humanity in regarding another as his father. Your message moves me to grief and deepens my feelings.' Zhong Hui admired the letter and, upon reaching Fu, acted as promised. After the Later Lord (Liu Shan) surrendered to Deng Ai, Jiang Bin met Zhong Hui at Fu and was treated as a friend. He followed Zhong Hui to Chengdu and was killed by the mutinous troops. His younger brother Jiang Xian served as Attendant to the Crown Prince. Zhong Hui also valued his talent and learning, and he died with Jiang Bin.

Liu Min, Left Protector of the Army and General Who Displays Awe, held Hanzhong with Wang Ping, General-in-Chief Who Guards the North. When Wei sent General-in-Chief Cao Shuang against Shu, some argued for holding the cities without confronting him, believing he would retreat of himself. Liu Min considered that men and women were spread through the countryside and grain stood in the fields: admitting the enemy would lose the great enterprise. He led his troops with Wang Ping to occupy Xingshi and displayed banners for more than a hundred li. General-in-Chief Fei Yi arrived from Chengdu, and Wei withdrew. For his merit Liu Min became Marquis of Yunting (Liu Min) <a territorial marquisate as printed 雲亭侯>. <The source writes 懼鎮漢巾 in the joint garrison clause; Hanzhong follows the narrative context, while the anomalous characters remain documented.>

Fei Yi, courtesy name Wenwei, was from Meng in Jiangxia.

Orphaned young, he depended on his elder clansman Boren. Boren's paternal aunt was Liu Zhang's mother. Liu Zhang sent envoys to welcome Boren, who took Fei Yi into Shu to study. After the Former Lord (Liu Bei) secured Shu, Fei Yi remained in Yi Province and shared a reputation with Xu Shulong of Runan and Dong Yun of Nan Commandery. When Xu Jing lost a son, Dong Yun and Fei Yi wished to attend the funeral together. Dong Yun asked his father Dong He for a carriage. He sent a small deer-cart open at the rear. Dong Yun looked reluctant to ride, but Fei Yi immediately climbed aboard from the front. At the funeral Zhuge Liang and the dignitaries had all gathered in splendid carriages. Dong Yun remained uneasy, while Fei Yi was composed. After the driver returned and reported their behavior, Dong He told Dong Yun: 'I have long wondered which of you and Wenwei (Fei Yi) was superior. Now my mind is clear.' <Boren and Xu Shulong retain the designations provided; complete personal names are not established here.>

When the Former Lord (Liu Bei) established the crown prince (Liu Shan), Fei Yi and Dong Yun became Retainers, and Fei Yi advanced to Attendant to the Crown Prince. After the Later Lord (Liu Shan) succeeded, he became Gentleman Attendant at the Yellow Gates. Upon Chancellor Zhuge Liang's return from the southern campaign, officials went several dozen li to meet him. Many outranked Fei Yi in age and office, yet Zhuge Liang specially commanded him to share his carriage, changing everyone's regard. After returning from the south, Zhuge Liang made him Colonel Who Manifests Good Faith and sent him to Wu. Sun Quan was witty and mocked without restraint; Zhuge Ke, Yang Dao, and other learned, forceful debaters pressed arguments upon him. Fei Yi replied courteously and firmly according to reason, and none could defeat him.

Sun Quan greatly valued him: 'You possess excellent virtue and will surely become a mainstay of Shu's court. I fear you cannot visit often.'

Upon returning, Fei Yi became Palace Attendant. Zhuge Liang, stationed north at Hanzhong, requested him as Army Adviser. Because his missions fulfilled instructions, he went frequently to Wu. <The source repeats 住 in 亮住北住漢中; the duplicated wording is not treated as an additional event.>

In Jianxing 8, Fei Yi became Central Protector of the Army, later Major. Military Adviser Wei Yan and Chief Clerk Yang Yi hated one another. Whenever they sat together to argue, Wei Yan sometimes raised a knife at Yang Yi, whose tears streamed. Fei Yi regularly sat between them, remonstrating and explaining their differences. Throughout Zhuge Liang's life, the full use made of both Wei Yan and Yang Yi depended upon Fei Yi's corrective efforts. After Zhuge Liang died, Fei Yi became Military Adviser to the Rear Army and soon succeeded Jiang Wan as Prefect of the Masters of Writing.

After Jiang Wan returned from Hanzhong to Fu, Fei Yi became General-in-Chief and supervised the Masters of Writing.

In Yanxi 7, Wei's army reached Xingshi. Fei Yi received the staff of authority and led troops to resist. Grandee of the Household Lai Min visited to bid farewell and asked to play weiqi. Urgent dispatches were racing, men and horses were armed, and the carriages ready. Yet Fei Yi concentrated on the game without impatience or weariness. Lai Min said: 'I merely wished to test you. You are truly capable and will certainly deal with the enemy.' Fei Yi arrived, the enemy withdrew, and he was enfeoffed as Marquis of Chengxiang (Fei Yi) <a territorial marquisate>.

Jiang Wan firmly yielded his provincial office, and Fei Yi concurrently became Inspector of Yi Province. His achievements and reputation in government broadly equaled Jiang Wan's.

In Yanxi 11, he went to Hanzhong. Under Jiang Wan and Fei Yi, even while they were outside the capital, celebrations, rewards, punishments, and authority were first referred to them remotely for decision and only then carried out. Such was the trust placed in them. In summer of Yanxi 14, Fei Yi returned to Chengdu. Observers of vapors said the capital had no place for a chancellor, so that winter he again moved his station to Hanshou.

In Yanxi 15, Fei Yi was authorized to open his own headquarters. At the great New Year gathering of Yanxi 16, Guo Xun, a surrendered man from Wei, was present. Fei Yi drank joyfully and became deeply drunk; Guo Xun killed him with his own blade. His posthumous title was Marquis Jing (Fei Yi) <a posthumous marquisate title>. His son Fei Cheng succeeded and became Gentleman Attendant at the Yellow Gates; Fei Cheng's younger brother Fei Gong married an imperial princess.

Fei Yi's eldest daughter became consort to Crown Prince Liu Xuan.

Jiang Wei, courtesy name Boyue, was from Ji in Tianshui. Orphaned young, he lived with his mother and favored the learning of Zheng Xuan.

He served the commandery as Accounts Assistant and was recruited by the province as an administrative officer. His father Jiang Jiong had been the commandery's Merit Officer. During Qiang and Rong rebellion he personally guarded the administrator and died in battle. Jiang Wei was therefore granted a Gentleman of the Household appointment and a role in his commandery's military affairs. In Jianxing 6, Chancellor Zhuge Liang advanced toward Mount Qi. The Grand Administrator of Tianshui was out inspecting, accompanied by Jiang Wei, Merit Officer Liang Xu, Registrar Yin Shang, Records Officer Liang Qian, and others. Hearing that Shu's army approached and the counties responded, he suspected Jiang Wei and the others of disloyalty and fled by night to Shanggui. Discovering his departure, they pursued too late and reached closed gates that would not admit them. They returned together to Ji, which also refused entry. They therefore joined Zhuge Liang. Ma Su then lost at Jieting, and Zhuge Liang withdrew with more than a thousand households from Xi County and Jiang Wei's party. Thus Jiang Wei was separated from his mother.

Zhuge Liang recruited Jiang Wei as assistant in the Granaries Section, additionally General Who Upholds Righteousness and Marquis of Dangyang Village (Jiang Wei) <a territorial marquisate>. He was twenty-seven. Zhuge Liang wrote to Chief Clerk Zhang Yi and Army Adviser Jiang Wan at the remaining headquarters: 'Jiang Boyue (Jiang Wei) is loyal and diligent in current affairs, and precise in thought. Examining his qualities, Yongnan (Li Shao), Jichang (Ma Liang), and the others do not equal him. He is an outstanding scholar of Liang Province.' He also wrote: 'He should first train five or six thousand central elite infantry. Jiang Boyue (Jiang Wei) is quick in military matters, courageous and righteous, and deeply understands warfare. His heart rests with Han and his talent surpasses others. When training is complete, he should be sent to the palace to see our sovereign (Liu Shan).'

Later he became Central Supervisor of the Army and General Who Attacks the West.

In Jianxing 12, after Zhuge Liang died, Jiang Wei returned to Chengdu as Right Supervisor of the Army and General Who Assists Han, commanding the armies, and advanced to Marquis of Pingxiang (Jiang Wei) <a territorial marquisate>. In Yanxi 1 he followed General-in-Chief Jiang Wan to Hanzhong. When Jiang Wan became Grand Marshal, Jiang Wei became his Major and repeatedly led detached forces westward. In Yanxi 6 he became General-in-Chief Who Guards the West, concurrently Inspector of Liang Province. In Yanxi 10 he became General of the Guard, jointly overseeing the Masters of Writing with General-in-Chief Fei Yi. That year the Pingkang Yi of Hanshan rebelled, and Jiang Wei suppressed them. He also went into the borders of Longxi, Nan'an, and Jincheng and fought Wei's General-in-Chief Guo Huai, Xiahou Ba, and others west of the Tao River. Hu king Zhiwudai and others surrendered with their peoples, whom Jiang Wei brought back and settled. In Yanxi 12 he received the staff of authority and again marched against Xiping, returning without victory. Confident in his knowledge of western customs and his own military talents, he wished to win Qiang and Hu as wings, believing he could cut off and possess the lands west of Long. Whenever he sought a great expedition, Fei Yi restrained him and gave him no more than ten thousand troops. <Hanshan follows 漢山 here, differing from the familiar Wenshan place-name in the Later Lord's biography.>

In spring of Yanxi 16, Fei Yi died. In summer Jiang Wei led tens of thousands from Shiying through Dongting to besiege Nan'an. Chen Tai, Wei's Inspector of Yong Province, came to relieve it and reached Luomen. With provisions exhausted, Jiang Wei withdrew. The following year he additionally received command of military affairs within and outside the state. Again entering Longxi, he received the surrender of Li Jian, Magistrate of Didao, with the city. He advanced against Xiangwu and fought Wei general Xu Zhi, beheading him and routing the enemy. Exploiting victory, he won many surrenders and brought back the inhabitants of Hejian, Didao, and Lintao. In Yanxi 18 he again went to Didao with Xiahou Ba, General of Chariots and Cavalry, and others, decisively defeating Wang Jing, Wei's Inspector of Yong Province, west of the Tao. Tens of thousands of Wang Jing's men died. Wang Jing withdrew into Didao, where Jiang Wei besieged him. Chen Tai, Wei's General Who Attacks the West, advanced to relieve it, and Jiang Wei moved back to Zhongti. <Hejian is 河間 in this source, differing from the corrected 河關, Heguan, in the Later Lord's biography.>

In spring of Yanxi 19, Jiang Wei was promoted to General-in-Chief. Reorganizing his troops and horses, he arranged to meet Hu Ji, General-in-Chief Who Guards the West, at Shanggui. Hu Ji broke the agreement and did not arrive. Jiang Wei was therefore defeated at Duangu by Wei's great general Deng Ai. His forces scattered, and many died. The people resented this, while the lands west of Long became disturbed. Jiang Wei confessed responsibility and requested demotion. He became General of the Rear, acting as General-in-Chief.

In Yanxi 20, Zhuge Dan, Wei's General-in-Chief Who Attacks the East, rebelled in Huainan, drawing Guanzhong troops eastward. Wishing to exploit the opening against Qinchuan, Jiang Wei again led tens of thousands through Luo Valley directly to Shen Ridge. Changcheng held abundant grain but few defenders, who were alarmed on hearing his approach. Wei's General-in-Chief Sima Wang resisted, while Deng Ai also came from Longyou; both camped at Changcheng. Jiang Wei stationed ahead at Mangshui, with his camps against the mountains. Sima Wang and Deng Ai fortified themselves beside the Wei River. Jiang Wei repeatedly challenged them, but they refused. In Jingyao 1, hearing of Zhuge Dan's defeat, Jiang Wei returned to Chengdu and was restored as General-in-Chief.

Originally, when the Former Lord (Liu Bei) left Wei Yan holding Hanzhong, he filled its defensive enclosures with troops to prevent enemies entering. Wang Ping's resistance to Cao Shuang at Xingshi followed this system. Jiang Wei proposed that dispersed defense accorded with the Changes' principle of 'double gates,' but merely resisted enemies without obtaining great gains. Better, upon hearing of an invasion, to withdraw troops and gather grain from the enclosures into Han and Le cities, preventing the enemy from entering the plains while strongly guarding the passes. When war came, mobile forces should advance together to exploit weaknesses. Unable to take the passes and finding no scattered grain, the enemy would exhaust itself transporting supplies a thousand li. On its withdrawal, the cities and mobile forces could jointly attack and destroy it. Hu Ji, commanding Hanzhong, was therefore ordered back to Hanshou; Army Supervisor Wang Han defended Lecheng, and Protector of the Army Jiang Bin held Hancheng. Defensive enclosures were also established at Xi'an, Jianwei, Wuwei, Shimen, Wucheng, Jianchang, and Linyuan. <The clause 使敵不得入平，臣重關鎮守 is awkward in the supplied text; the precise relation of 入平 and 臣 requires textual review.>

In Jingyao 5, Jiang Wei led troops out to Han and Houhe, was defeated by Deng Ai, and returned to Tazhong. A displaced man dependent on the state, he had campaigned for years without establishing lasting achievements. Meanwhile Huang Hao and other eunuchs manipulated power within. Yan Yu, General-in-Chief of the Right, allied with Huang Hao, who secretly wished to replace Jiang Wei with Yan Yu. Suspecting this, Jiang Wei feared for himself and did not return to Chengdu.

In Jingyao 6, Jiang Wei memorialized to the Later Lord (Liu Shan): 'I hear Zhong Hui is preparing troops in Guanzhong for an advance. Zhang Yi and Liao Hua should be sent together to supervise forces defending the Yang'an Pass entrance and Yinping bridgehead, preventing trouble before it happens.' Huang Hao trusted diviners, saying the enemy would never arrive. He persuaded the Later Lord (Liu Shan) to shelve the matter, and the ministers knew nothing. Only when Zhong Hui was about to advance through Luo Valley and Deng Ai into Tazhong were Liao Hua, General of Chariots and Cavalry of the Right, sent to assist Jiang Wei at Tazhong, and Zhang Yi, General of Chariots and Cavalry of the Left, Dong Jue, General-in-Chief Who Supports the State, and others sent to Yang'an to support the enclosures. Reaching Yinping, they heard Wei general Zhuge Xu was heading toward Jianwei and waited. More than a month later, defeated by Deng Ai, Jiang Wei returned to Yinping. Zhong Hui besieged Han and Le cities and sent another general against the pass. Jiang Shu opened the city and surrendered; Fu Qian fought and died.

Zhong Hui could not take Lecheng. Hearing the pass had fallen, he advanced far. Zhang Yi and Dong Jue had just reached Hanshou; Jiang Wei and Liao Hua also abandoned Yinping and withdrew. Joining Zhang Yi and Dong Jue, all fell back to Jiange against Zhong Hui. Zhong Hui wrote to Jiang Wei: 'Your civil and martial virtues embrace extraordinary strategy. Your achievements benefit Ba and Han, and your reputation reaches the central lands. Far and near acknowledge your name. Reflecting on the past, we once shared the great transformation. Ji Zha of Wu and Zichan (Gongsun Qiao) of Zheng understood such friendship.' Jiang Wei did not reply, arranging camps to defend the difficult terrain. Unable to overcome him and facing long supply lines, Zhong Hui considered retreat. But Deng Ai entered by an unexpected side route from Yinping through Jing Valley and defeated Zhuge Zhan at Mianzhu. The Later Lord (Liu Shan) requested surrender, and Deng Ai occupied Chengdu. Jiang Wei's party first heard Zhuge Zhan had fallen, then conflicting reports that the Later Lord (Liu Shan) would defend Chengdu, go east to Wu, or south to Jianning. They moved through Guanghan and Qi to discover the truth. Soon receiving the Later Lord (Liu Shan)'s surrender order, they laid down weapons and armor and went to Zhong Hui's camp at Fu. Officers and soldiers were furious and drew swords to chop stones.

Zhong Hui treated Jiang Wei and the others generously and provisionally restored their seals, titles, staffs, and canopies. He shared a carriage with Jiang Wei when traveling and a seat when sitting, telling Chief Clerk Du Yu: 'Compared with the central lands' renowned scholars, Gongxiu (Zhuge Dan) and Taichu (Xiahou Xuan) cannot surpass Boyue (Jiang Wei).' The Accounts of the Age says: Shu's officials were all outstanding talents, yet none surpassed Jiang Wei. After falsely incriminating Deng Ai and having him summoned in a cage-cart, Zhong Hui took Jiang Wei and the others to Chengdu, styled himself Governor of Yi Province, and rebelled. <The source embeds the Accounts of the Age attribution in this main-text segment and includes the stray marks }}; both are documented without converting them into an additional narrative event.>

Zhong Hui intended to give Jiang Wei fifty thousand men as vanguard. Wei's officers and soldiers rose in anger and killed Zhong Hui and Jiang Wei. Jiang Wei's wife and children were all executed.

Xi Zheng wrote of Jiang Wei: 'Jiang Boyue (Jiang Wei) held the weight of a supreme general and ranked above the ministers, yet his dwelling was shabby, with no surplus wealth. His side chambers contained no concubines for pleasure, and his rear courts no musical entertainment. Clothes merely supplied his needs, carriages and horses merely sufficed, and food and drink were regulated, neither extravagant nor ascetic. Official allowances were spent as received. Examining why, he was not suppressing desire to rebuke the greedy or reform the corrupt. He simply considered this enough and sought nothing more. People commonly praise success and disparage failure, support the high and push down the fallen. All belittle Jiang Wei because his efforts found no place and he died with his clan destroyed, without further discrimination. This differs from the Spring and Autumn Annals' principles of praise and blame. His tireless love of learning and pure frugality truly made him a model of his age.'

Of those who originally entered Shu with Jiang Wei, Liang Xu rose to Grand Herald, Yin Shang to Bearer of the Gilded Mace, and Liang Qian to Chamberlain for the Empress. All died before Shu fell.

Appraisal: Jiang Wan was upright, orderly, and dignified; Fei Yi generous, accommodating, and widely loving. Both inherited Zhuge Liang's established rules and followed them without alteration. Thus the frontiers were secure and the state harmonious. Yet they still did not fully realize the proper methods of governing a small state and remaining tranquil.

Jiang Wei had some civil and military ability and aspired to merit and reputation, but squandered troops in repeated warfare and lacked comprehensive discernment, finally bringing destruction upon himself. Laozi says: 'Governing a great state is like cooking a small fish.' How much less may a tiny state be repeatedly disturbed!