Biography
Early life
Fei Yi was born in Meng County, Jiangxia Commandery (present-day Luoshan County, Henan, or Xiaochang County, Hubei).
When Fei Yi was young, both his parents died, so he relied on his uncle Fei Boren.
Fei Boren’s aunt was the mother of Liu Zhang, Inspector of Yi Province, so Fei Yi entered Shu to study.
After Liu Bei entered Shu, Fei Yi joined Liu Bei’s faction.
Early service
In 221 CE, the first year of Zhangwu, when Liu Bei established the Crown Prince, Fei Yi and Dong Yun both served as Attendants of the Crown Prince and were later transferred to Attendants of the Crown Prince.
After Liu Shan ascended the throne, Fei Yi was appointed Gentleman of the Yellow Gate.
Fei Yi was deeply trusted by Zhuge Liang, who sent him as an envoy to Eastern Wu.
Envoy to Eastern Wu
In 225 CE, the third year of Jianxing, when Zhuge Liang, Chancellor, returned victorious from campaigning against the south, the court officials set up a welcoming ceremony for several tens of li.
These officials’ ages and positions were mostly above Fei Yi’s, but Zhuge Liang specially invited Fei Yi to ride in the same carriage, so everyone looked at Fei Yi with new eyes.
Zhuge Liang, using the reason that he had just returned from the south, appointed Fei Yi as General Who Spreads Trust and sent him as an envoy to Eastern Wu to reaffirm the alliance.
Diplomatic skills
At the banquet, Sun Quan was humorous and mocked Fei Yi without restraint, and Zhuge Ke, Yang Di, and other Wu ministers, with their talent and eloquence, also debated and argued, their words never ceasing.
However, Fei Yi, with smooth words and sincere principles, argued in response and was never defeated.
According to the Fei Yi Biezhuan, Sun Quan and the various Wu ministers separately poured good wine to make Fei Yi drunk, and when they saw he was already drunk, they asked about state affairs and discussed current affairs, with questions coming one after another.
Fei Yi then excused himself saying he was drunk, withdrew and thought about the questions, then answered them one by one, and in the end, there were no mistakes.
Sun Quan once asked Fei Yi while very drunk: “Yang Yi and Wei Yan are both petty people. Although the two often have benefits like barking dogs for current affairs, since they have been appointed, the situation will certainly not be light. If one day there is no Zhuge Liang, the two will certainly cause disaster. You are so confused and do not know how to guard against this. How will you plan for the future?”
Fei Yi was stunned and could not answer immediately.
At that time, Dong Hui, Gentleman Who Spreads Trust, was Fei Yi’s deputy envoy to Wu, so he looked at Fei Yi and said: “You can quickly point out that Yang Yi and Wei Yan’s discord purely arose from personal resentment. The two do not have the hard-to-control hearts of Qing Bu and Han Xin. Now we are just about to eliminate the strong bandits and unify the realm. Merit is achieved through talent, and work is broadened through talent. If we abandon these and do not employ them, and guard against future disasters, is that not like being afraid of wind and waves and abandoning the boat? This is not a long-term plan.”
Sun Quan then laughed with joy.
Sun Quan greatly valued Fei Yi and said to him: “You, sir, are a virtuous person of the realm and will certainly become a pillar minister of Shu. I am afraid you cannot come to Eastern Wu often.”
According to the Fei Yi Biezhuan, Sun Quan gave Fei Yi a treasured sword that he often held in his hand.
Fei Yi replied: “I have no talent. How can I bear Your Excellency’s appointment? However, a sword is something used to attack those who do not submit and prohibit violence and chaos. I hope the Great King can work hard to achieve merit and together support the Han dynasty. In this way, even though I am weak, I will not fail this journey to your honoured state.”
After Fei Yi returned to the state, he was transferred to Palace Attendant.
Service under Zhuge Liang
In 227 CE, the fifth year of Jianxing, Zhuge Liang stationed north at Hanzhong and requested Fei Yi as Army Advisor.
Because Fei Yi’s missions were in accordance with the emperor’s will, he often went as an envoy to Eastern Wu.
In 230 CE, the eighth year of Jianxing, Fei Yi was transferred to Protector of the Army.
In 231 CE, the ninth year of Jianxing, Fei Yi, together with Zhuge Liang and others, submitted a memorial requesting to depose Li Ping (i.e., “Army Advisor of the Rear, General of the Vanguard, your subject Fei Yi” in the “Memorial to the Director of the Imperial Secretariat”).
Later, Fei Yi served as Major.
Mediating between Wei Yan and Yang Yi
At that time, Wei Yan, Army Advisor, and Yang Yi, Chief Clerk, hated each other.
Every time they sat together, they argued. Wei Yan often raised his blade and pointed it at Yang Yi to threaten him, and Yang Yi wept profusely.
Fei Yi often intervened between the two, advising and explaining to them separately to resolve their differences.
Therefore, while Zhuge Liang was alive, he could use both Wei Yan and Yang Yi to their fullest, all relying on Fei Yi’s power to correct and save them.
After Zhuge Liang’s death
In the autumn of 234 CE, the twelfth year of Jianxing, Zhuge Liang was seriously ill at Wuzhangyuan and secretly arranged with Fei Yi, Yang Yi, Chief Clerk, Jiang Wei, Protector of the Army, and others the plan for retreat after his death.
He ordered Wei Yan to cover the rear, Jiang Wei second; if Wei Yan did not follow orders, the army would set out on its own.
After Zhuge Liang died, the army secretly did not announce the mourning. Yang Yi sent Fei Yi to sound out Wei Yan’s intentions.
Wei Yan said: “Although the Chancellor has died, I am still here. The officials of the office can take the body back to the capital for burial. I will lead the various armies to attack the bandits. How can we abandon the affairs of the realm because of one person’s death? Moreover, what kind of person am I, Wei Yan, that I would be commanded by Yang Yi and serve as rear guard?”
He therefore made arrangements with Fei Yi for advance and stay, and ordered Fei Yi to write a document with him, signed together, to inform the various generals.
Fei Yi knew this was not good, so he falsely said: “I will go back and persuade Yang Changshi for you. Changshi is a civil official and rarely knows about military affairs. He will certainly not disobey orders.”
He therefore went out the door, mounted his horse, and left. Wei Yan soon regretted it, but it was too late to catch up.
Fei Yi served as Army Advisor of the Rear.
Succeeding Jiang Wan
At that time, Jiang Wan was Director of the Imperial Secretariat and Inspector of Yi Province, and Yang Yi was Army Advisor of the Centre, with no one under his command.
Initially, Yang Yi was Liu Bei’s Director of the Imperial Secretariat, and Jiang Wan was Gentleman of the Secretariat.
Later, although both were Army Advisors and Chief Clerks under the Chancellor, Yang Yi believed that his years of service preceded Jiang Wan’s and his ability exceeded Jiang Wan’s, so he showed resentment in his expression and voice, and his shouts came from within.
At that time, people feared that his words were unrestrained, and no one dared to follow him. Only Fei Yi, Army Advisor of the Rear, went to comfort him.
Yang Yi often complained to Fei Yi about his grievances, saying this many times, and also said to Fei Yi: “Previously, when the Chancellor died, if I had led the army and surrendered to Wei, would my position in the world have been like this? This is truly something to regret and cannot be recovered.”
Fei Yi secretly submitted a memorial to the court reporting his words.
In 235 CE, the thirteenth year of Jianxing, Yang Yi was deposed as a commoner and exiled to Hanjia Commandery.
Yang Yi, after reaching the place of exile, again submitted a memorial slandering, and his words were fierce and urgent. The court ordered the commandery to arrest Yang Yi.
As a result, Yang Yi committed suicide, and his wife and children returned to Shu.
Director of the Imperial Secretariat
In 235 CE, the thirteenth year of Jianxing, Jiang Wan was advanced to Grand General, and Fei Yi succeeded Jiang Wan as Director of the Imperial Secretariat.
According to the Fei Yi Biezhuan, at that time, the state had many affairs, and government business was busy and numerous.
Fei Yi’s understanding and perception exceeded others. Every time he read documents, he only needed to glance at them briefly to understand their meaning, and his speed was several times faster than others, and he never forgot.
Fei Yi often handled government affairs in the morning, and afterward, he ate, drank, and played, entertained guests, and played chess, but he did not neglect government affairs.
When Dong Yun succeeded Fei Yi as Director of the Imperial Secretariat, he wanted to try to imitate Fei Yi’s way of life, but within ten days, many government affairs were delayed.
Dong Yun therefore sighed and said: “People’s talent and strength can differ so far. This is truly not what I can achieve. I handle affairs all day and still feel I have no leisure.”
Grand General
In the tenth month of 241 CE, the fourth year of Yanxi, Fei Yi, Director of the Imperial Secretariat, went to Hanzhong to discuss matters with Jiang Wan, and did not return to court until the end of the year.
In the tenth month of 243 CE, the sixth year of Yanxi, Jiang Wan, Grand Marshal, returned from Hanzhong to Fu County.
In the eleventh month, Fei Yi was transferred to Grand General and Director of the Imperial Secretariat.
Battle of Xingshi
In the intercalary month of 244 CE, the seventh year of Yanxi, Cao Shuang, Grand General of Wei, Xiahou Xuan, General Who Conquers the West, and others led troops toward Hanzhong.
Wang Ping, General Who Guards the North, defended Xingshiwei.
Fei Yi left Ma Zhong, General Who Guards the South, at Chengdu to handle affairs of the Imperial Secretariat, and he himself commanded the various armies and went to Xingshi to rescue, leading the troops to resist Wei.
Lai Min, Minister over the Masses, came to Fei Yi’s residence to see him off and requested to play chess together.
At that time, the army was preparing carriages, and everything was busy, but Fei Yi and Lai Min paid attention to playing chess, and their faces showed no sign of weariness.
Lai Min then said: “I was just testing you! You, sir, are indeed trustworthy and will certainly be able to deal with the enemy army.”
Fei Yi reached Xingshi, and Cao Shuang indeed withdrew his army.
Fei Yi advanced troops and occupied Sanling to intercept Cao Shuang. Cao Shuang fought bitterly and was able to withdraw.
Fei Yi was enfeoffed as Marquis of Chengxiang.
In the ninth month of autumn, Fei Yi returned to Chengdu.
Later years
Later, Jiang Wan firmly yielded the provincial position, and Fei Yi again served as Inspector of Yi Province.
Fei Yi’s achievements and reputation when governing the state could be compared to Jiang Wan’s.
According to the Fei Yi Biezhuan, Fei Yi was elegant and modest by nature, and his family did not accumulate wealth.
He ordered his sons to wear plain clothes and eat simple food, and when going out and entering, they did not ride in carriages, no different from ordinary people.
Restraining Jiang Wei
Fei Yi, while assisting in government, believed that Jiang Wei, thinking he understood the customs of the west and also relying on his talent and military ability, planned to lead the various Qiang and Hu of the northwest as wings and pointed out that from Long west could be cut off and held.
Every time Jiang Wei wanted to raise a large army, Fei Yi often restrained him and did not agree, giving him no more than ten thousand troops.
Fei Yi said to Jiang Wei: “We are far inferior to the Chancellor. The Chancellor still could not pacify the Central Plains. How much more so are we? It is better to protect the state and govern the people, respectfully guard the altars of soil and grain, and wait for those with ability to continue the work. Do not think of hoping for luck and deciding success or failure in one move. If we do not achieve our goal, we will regret it and it will be too late.”
Assassination
In 253 CE, the sixteenth year of Yanxi, on the first day of the first month of spring (16 February 253 CE), Shu Han held a New Year’s banquet, and Guo Xiu, a Wei defector, was also present.
At that time, Fei Yi was drinking joyfully and was drunk, and he was not on guard.
As a result, Guo Xiu personally held a blade and killed Fei Yi.
Fei Yi died several days later and was posthumously titled Marquis Jing.
Personality
Fei Yi was known for being friendly, trusting, and modest.
He was naturally modest and simple, and his family did not accumulate wealth.
He ordered his sons to wear plain clothes and eat simple food, and when going out and entering, they did not ride in carriages, no different from ordinary people.
However, his trusting nature also led to his downfall, as he was assassinated by Guo Xiu, a Wei defector whom he had trusted.
Military achievements
Battle of Xingshi
Fei Yi’s greatest military achievement was the Battle of Xingshi, where he led troops to rescue Wang Ping and defeated Cao Shuang’s army.
Restraining Jiang Wei
Although Fei Yi restrained Jiang Wei’s campaigns, this showed his strategic thinking and his desire to preserve Shu Han’s strength.
Relationships
With Zhuge Liang
Fei Yi had a close relationship with Zhuge Liang, who greatly trusted him and sent him as an envoy to Eastern Wu.
Zhuge Liang praised Fei Yi’s loyalty and ability.
With Jiang Wan
Fei Yi worked closely with Jiang Wan, succeeding him as Director of the Imperial Secretariat and later as Inspector of Yi Province.
With Wei Yan and Yang Yi
Fei Yi often mediated between Wei Yan and Yang Yi, showing his diplomatic skills and ability to resolve conflicts.
With Jiang Wei
Fei Yi restrained Jiang Wei’s campaigns, believing that Shu Han should focus on protecting the state and governing the people rather than launching large-scale attacks.
Anecdotes
The chess game before battle
Before the Battle of Xingshi, Lai Min came to see Fei Yi off and requested to play chess together.
At that time, the army was preparing carriages, and everything was busy, but Fei Yi and Lai Min paid attention to playing chess, and their faces showed no sign of weariness.
Lai Min then said: “I was just testing you! You, sir, are indeed trustworthy and will certainly be able to deal with the enemy army.”
This shows Fei Yi’s composure and ability to remain calm under pressure.
Reading documents quickly
According to the Fei Yi Biezhuan, Fei Yi’s understanding and perception exceeded others.
Every time he read documents, he only needed to glance at them briefly to understand their meaning, and his speed was several times faster than others, and he never forgot.
This shows Fei Yi’s exceptional ability.
The warning from Zhang Ni
Zhang Ni, General Who Pacifies the Rong, initially saw that Fei Yi was friendly and trusting and overly trusted new defectors.
He wrote a letter warning him: “Previously, Cen Peng led troops and Lai Xi held credentials, but both were killed by assassins. Now you, General, have a high position and great power. You should learn from previous events and be slightly more cautious.”
However, this did not cause Fei Yi to pay enough attention, and he was eventually assassinated by Guo Xiu.
Achievements
- Succeeded Jiang Wan as Chancellor
- Defeated Cao Shuang at Battle of Xingshi
- Mediated between Wei Yan and Yang Yi
- Restrained Jiang Wei’s campaigns to preserve Shu Han’s strength
- One of the Four Excellencies of Shu Han
Behind the scenes
Historical sources
Fei Yi’s biography appears in the Records of the Three Kingdoms by Chen Shou, where he is grouped with Jiang Wan and Jiang Wei.
The biography records his achievements and his assassination.
The Four Excellencies
Fei Yi was one of the “Four Excellencies” (四英) of Shu Han, along with Zhuge Liang, Jiang Wan, and Dong Yun.
These four men were considered the pillars of Shu Han’s government.
The assassination
Fei Yi’s assassination by Guo Xiu was a major event in Shu Han’s history.
His trusting nature, which was one of his strengths, also became his weakness, as he was killed by someone he had trusted.
Historical evaluations
Contemporary
Zhuge Liang said: “These are all good and honest people, loyal and pure in their thoughts. Therefore, the Former Emperor selected and promoted them to be left for Your Majesty.”
Sun Quan said: “You, sir, are a virtuous person of the realm and will certainly become a pillar minister of Shu.”
Later historians
Chen Shou wrote: “Fei Yi was broad-minded and benevolent. He inherited Zhuge Liang’s established regulations and followed them without change. Therefore, the borders had no worries, and the state was harmonious. However, he still did not fully achieve the appropriateness of governing a small state and the principle of remaining quiet.”
Pei Songzhi wrote: “Fei Yi as chancellor strictly followed the established plan and never acted recklessly for merit. He had no losses. He repelled the army at Luogu externally and maintained peace and order internally. How could the appropriateness of governing a small state and the principle of remaining quiet exceed this?”
Legacy
Fei Yi is remembered as one of the Four Excellencies of Shu Han and as a chancellor who successfully maintained stability after Jiang Wan’s death.
His friendly and trusting nature, diplomatic skills, and strategic thinking show his ability as a statesman.
However, his trusting nature also led to his assassination, showing the dangers of being too trusting in a time of war.
His story represents both achievement and tragedy—a chancellor who successfully maintained Shu Han’s stability but whose trusting nature led to his death.
Timeline
- c. 221 CE: Served as Attendant of the Crown Prince under Liu Bei
- 223 CE: Appointed Gentleman of the Yellow Gate after Liu Shan ascended the throne
- 225 CE: Sent as envoy to Eastern Wu; appointed General Who Spreads Trust; transferred to Palace Attendant
- 227 CE: Appointed Army Advisor; stationed at Hanzhong
- 230 CE: Transferred to Protector of the Army
- 231 CE: Served as Major; mediated between Wei Yan and Yang Yi
- 234 CE: Zhuge Liang died; served as Army Advisor of the Rear; mediated Wei Yan’s rebellion
- 235 CE: Succeeded Jiang Wan as Director of the Imperial Secretariat
- 241 CE: Went to Hanzhong to discuss matters with Jiang Wan
- 243 CE: Transferred to Grand General, Director of the Imperial Secretariat
- 244 CE: Battle of Xingshi; defeated Cao Shuang; enfeoffed as Marquis of Chengxiang
- 248 CE: Stationed at Hanzhong; remotely controlled Chengdu government affairs
- 252 CE: Opened office; became leader of the ministers
- 253 CE: Assassinated by Guo Xiu at New Year’s banquet (16 February); posthumously titled Marquis Jing
See also
References
- Chen Shou. Records of the Three Kingdoms, Volume 44, Biography of Jiang Wan, Fei Yi, and Jiang Wei.
- Luo Guanzhong. Romance of the Three Kingdoms, various chapters.