Biography
Early life
Jiang Ji was born in the 2nd century CE in Ping’a, Chu State (present-day Huaiyuan County, Anhui).
His courtesy name was Zitong.
When he was young, he was famous in the Jianghuai region together with Hu Zhi and Zhu Ji.
He served as Accountant of Chu State.
He later transferred to Biejia of Yang Province.
Defence of Hefei
In 208 CE, the thirteenth year of Jian’an, Sun Quan launched the first Battle of Hefei.
At that time, Cao Cao sent Zhang Xi to lead troops and rescue.
However, because of an epidemic, he was delayed.
After waiting for more than a month, Jiang Ji falsely claimed that he had received a letter from Zhang Xi.
He said that Zhang Xi was about to arrive.
He intentionally let Sun Quan obtain the letter.
Sun Quan fell for the trick.
He therefore withdrew his army.
Hefei was successfully relieved.
Advising against relocating the people
In 209 CE, the fourteenth year of Jian’an, Jiang Ji went as an envoy from Yang Province to Qiao County.
When Cao Cao saw Jiang Ji, he revealed to him that he planned to relocate the people of Huainan.
He asked for Jiang Ji’s opinion.
Jiang Ji, although he agreed that Sun Quan would take advantage of Cao Cao’s heavy losses in the Battle of Chibi to plunder the people and land of Huainan, judged that the people would be attached to their original land.
They would not be willing to relocate.
Once the order to relocate was issued, it would make them afraid.
He did not agree with relocating the people.
Cao Cao later still ordered the relocation of more than one hundred thousand people from Jianghuai.
As a result, more than half of the people fled to Wu territory, just as Jiang Ji had predicted.
Service as Administrator of Danyang
Later, Jiang Ji went as an envoy to Yecheng.
Cao Cao, because of his insight about relocating the people, greatly admired Jiang Ji.
He appointed him as Administrator of Danyang.
He later again served as Biejia of Yang Province.
Cao Cao even issued an order: “Jizi served as a minister. Wu should have a lord. Now you return to the province. I have no worries.”
At that time, there were commoners who falsely accused Jiang Ji of plotting rebellion.
However, Cao Cao determined that the news was false.
This shows Cao Cao’s trust in Jiang Ji.
Jiang Ji was later appointed as Clerk in the Western Section of the Chancellor’s Office.
Strategy against Guan Yu
In 219 CE, the twenty-fourth year of Jian’an, Guan Yu defeated Pang De, a general under Cao Ren, and Yu Jin, who came to rescue.
He besieged Xiangyang and Fancheng.
For a time, he was unstoppable.
Cao Cao saw that Xuchang was close to Jing Province.
He intended to move Emperor Xian of Han from Xuchang to another place.
However, Jiang Ji and Sima Yi remonstrated.
They further suggested that Sun Quan, who was already very dissatisfied with Guan Yu, attack and capture Jing Province.
This would lift the siege of Xiangyang and Fancheng.
Cao Cao finally adopted this.
Sun Quan indeed actively requested to fight.
He ordered Lü Meng to attack and capture Jing Province.
He also joined forces with Wei generals Xu Huang and others to capture and kill Guan Yu.
The siege of Xiangyang and Fancheng was successfully lifted.
Service under Cao Pi
In the following year (220 CE), Cao Pi succeeded to the kingship of Wei.
Jiang Ji served as Chief Clerk of the Chancellor.
In the same year, Cao Pi became emperor.
Jiang Ji was appointed General of the Household of the East.
He later entered as Gentleman Cavalier Attendant.
Campaign against Wu
In 222 CE, the third year of Huangchu, Cao Pi launched a large-scale attack against Wu.
Jiang Ji campaigned against Eastern Wu together with Cao Ren, Grand Marshal.
They attacked Ruxukou.
Jiang Ji led troops to attack Xianxi to disperse the Wu army.
At that time, Cao Ren planned to attack Zhongzhou, where Zhu Huan, Commander of Ruxu, and his soldiers, wife, and children were located.
Jiang Ji believed that attacking the island in the middle of the river was dangerous.
It was easy to be defeated by the enemy army.
He raised opposition.
However, Cao Ren did not listen.
Finally, he was indeed defeated.
Later, because there was an epidemic, they withdrew their army.
Cao Ren died soon after the battle.
Jiang Ji again served as General of the Household of the East.
He acted as leader of Cao Ren’s army.
He was later appointed Director of the Imperial Secretariat.
Campaign against Wu at Guangling
In 225 CE, the sixth year of Huangchu, in winter, Cao Pi personally led water and land armies to Guangling.
He reviewed troops facing the river.
He planned to attack Eastern Wu.
Jiang Ji, being a native of Yang Province, believed that the water route would be blocked.
It would be unfavourable for marching.
He further wrote the “Three Provinces Treatise” to remonstrate.
However, Cao Pi did not listen.
Finally, the warships all could not advance because the river channel froze.
Someone suggested establishing military colonies locally.
Jiang Ji again opposed this because the military colony location was close to the Huai River and lakes.
When the rainy season came and the water rose, it would be easy for Eastern Wu’s army to plunder the military colony supplies.
Cao Pi followed this.
They therefore withdrew.
When they came to Jinghu, the lake water was somewhat dry.
Cao Pi again gave the stranded fleet to Jiang Ji to handle.
Jiang Ji opened channels and blocked the lake water to guide the river water.
He successfully guided the ships into the Huai River.
Service under Cao Rui
In 226 CE, the seventh year of Huangchu, Cao Rui, Emperor Ming of Wei, succeeded to the throne.
Jiang Ji was enfeoffed as Marquis Within the Passes.
Battle of Shiting
In 228 CE, the second year of Taihe, Cao Xiu, Grand Marshal and Inspector of Yang Province, was lured by Zhou Fang, Administrator of Poyang in Eastern Wu.
He led troops to attack Wancheng.
Jiang Ji believed that Cao Xiu’s advance deep into Eastern Wu this time, fighting against Eastern Wu’s elite troops, and Zhu Ran, who was stationed upstream, would attack from behind.
He suggested not to attack.
However, Cao Xiu still continued to advance.
Later, Lu Xun, Grand Commander of Eastern Wu, led troops to meet Cao Xiu.
Jiang Ji saw that the Wu army had an eastward advance tendency.
He again suggested quickly sending rescue troops to rescue Cao Xiu.
Soon after, Cao Xiu was defeated.
He abandoned large amounts of military supplies and retreated.
Eastern Wu advanced to Jiashi.
Cao Xiu met rescue troops at Jiashi and only then stopped Eastern Wu’s pursuit.
Jiang Ji was later promoted to Leader of the Central Army.
The bribery rumour
When Jiang Ji served as Leader of the Central Army, there was a rumour: “If you want to be a yamen, you need one thousand bolts; if you want to be a commander of one hundred, you need five hundred bolts.”
This meant that Jiang Ji was accepting bribes.
Sima Yi had a friendly relationship with Jiang Ji.
He once asked Jiang Ji about the rumour matter.
Jiang Ji could not explain.
He therefore joked: “In Luoyang market transactions, not even one coin less is acceptable.”
The two therefore laughed together.
He later transferred to General Who Protects the Army.
He was added Gentleman Cavalier Attendant.
Campaign against Gongsun Yuan
In 232 CE, the sixth year of Taihe, Cao Rui planned to order Tian Yu, Inspector of Ping Province, to follow the sea route and Wang Xiong, Inspector of You Province, to follow the land route.
They would attack Gongsun Yuan of Liaodong together.
However, Jiang Ji believed that Gongsun Yuan did not yet have a heart of rebellion.
Moreover, it was not a big problem.
If they attacked today, even if they captured him, they would not gain much benefit.
On the contrary, once they failed, it would cause Gongsun Yuan’s resentment.
Cao Rui still sent Tian Yu and others to attack.
However, they failed.
Service as Grand Commandant
In 239 CE, the first year of Zhengshi, Cao Fang succeeded to the throne.
Jiang Ji transferred to General Who Leads the Army.
He was enfeoffed as Marquis of Changling.
Soon after, on the yi-you day of the seventh month of 242 CE, the third year of Zhengshi (1st day of the ninth month), he was promoted to Grand Commandant.
The Gaopingling Incident
In 249 CE, the tenth year of Zhengshi, Sima Yi, Grand Tutor, launched a coup against Cao Shuang’s seizure of power.
He launched the Gaopingling Incident.
Jiang Ji participated in the coup.
He stationed troops at the Luoshui Floating Bridge.
During this time, Huan Fan left the city and defected to Cao Shuang.
Jiang Ji, however, believed that although Huan Fan was intelligent, Cao Shuang would certainly only care about his family and not plan for the long term.
He would not accept Huan Fan’s strategy.
Jiang Ji also wrote a letter to Cao Shuang.
He forcefully stated that Sima Yi was only stripping him of his power.
He advised him to hand over his power and surrender as soon as possible.
Finally, Cao Shuang voluntarily handed over his power and returned to his residence in Luoyang.
However, several months later, Cao Shuang was accused of plotting rebellion.
He was executed along with his clan.
Jiang Ji advised Sima Yi to leave descendants for Cao Zhen.
Sima Yi refused.
After the matter, Jiang Ji was advanced to Marquis of Duxiang.
Death
However, Jiang Ji, because he had broken faith with Cao Shuang, memorialized refusing the enfeoffment.
However, it was not approved.
On the bing-zi day of the fourth month of the same year (18th day of the fifth month), he died of illness from anger and shame.
He was posthumously titled Marquis Jing.
Personality
Jiang Ji was known for his strategic ability and military insight.
He was also known for his integrity and loyalty.
However, he felt guilty about Cao Shuang’s execution, which led to his death.
Military achievements
Defence of Hefei
Jiang Ji successfully defended Hefei using a ruse to make Sun Quan withdraw.
Strategy against Guan Yu
Jiang Ji successfully advised Cao Cao to have Sun Quan attack Jing Province to lift the siege of Xiangyang and Fancheng.
Campaign against Wu
Jiang Ji successfully advised Cao Pi about the campaign against Wu and helped guide the ships into the Huai River.
Battle of Shiting
Jiang Ji successfully advised Cao Rui to send rescue troops to rescue Cao Xiu.
Relationships
With Cao Cao
Jiang Ji served under Cao Cao and advised him on various matters.
With Cao Pi
Jiang Ji served under Cao Pi and advised him on campaigns against Wu.
With Cao Rui
Jiang Ji served under Cao Rui and advised him on military matters.
With Cao Fang
Jiang Ji served under Cao Fang and participated in the Gaopingling Incident.
With Sima Yi
Jiang Ji had a friendly relationship with Sima Yi and participated in the Gaopingling Incident together.
Anecdotes
The ruse at Hefei
Jiang Ji successfully used a ruse to make Sun Quan withdraw from Hefei.
Advising against relocating the people
Jiang Ji successfully advised Cao Cao against relocating the people, but Cao Cao did not listen.
The “Zuo Wei Zuo Fu” incident
Jiang Ji successfully remonstrated with Cao Pi about his edict to Xiahou Shang, which contained inappropriate language.
Recognizing Zhong Hui
Jiang Ji successfully recognized Zhong Hui’s talent when he was five years old.
The dream about his son
Jiang Ji’s wife dreamed about their dead son, who asked Jiang Ji to help him get a better position in the underworld.
Achievements
- Successfully defended Hefei using a ruse
- Successfully advised Cao Cao against relocating the people
- Successfully advised Cao Cao on strategy against Guan Yu
- Successfully advised Cao Pi on campaigns against Wu
- Successfully advised Cao Rui on military matters
- Participated in the Gaopingling Incident
- Known for strategic ability and military insight
Behind the scenes
Historical sources
Jiang Ji’s biography appears in the Records of the Three Kingdoms by Chen Shou, grouped with Cheng Yu, Guo Jia, Dong Zhao, Liu Ye, and Liu Fang.
The Gaopingling Incident
Jiang Ji participated in the Gaopingling Incident and wrote a letter to Cao Shuang persuading him to surrender.
However, after Cao Shuang was executed, Jiang Ji felt guilty and refused the enfeoffment.
The bribery rumour
There was a rumour that Jiang Ji was accepting bribes when he served as Leader of the Central Army.
However, this was likely false.
Historical evaluations
Contemporary
Cao Pi said: “You combine both civil and military abilities. Your will and integrity are generous. You often have the ambition to cross the rivers and lakes and swallow Wu and Kuaiji.”
Cao Rui said: “Jiang Ji combines both civil and military abilities. He serves diligently and exhausts his integrity. Whenever there are great military and state matters, he always has memorials and discussions. He is loyal and enthusiastic. I greatly admire him.”
Later historians
Chen Shou wrote: “Cheng Yu, Guo Jia, Dong Zhao, Liu Ye, and Jiang Ji had talent, strategy, and planning. They were extraordinary men of the world. Although their governance and virtue differed from Xun You’s, their planning and predictions were of the same class.”
Sun Sheng wrote: “Jiang Ji’s refusal of the enfeoffment (referring to his memorial refusing the enfeoffment for executing Cao Shuang) can be said to be not betraying his heart. The saying goes, ‘Do not turn back for profit, do not feel guilty for righteousness.’ Jiang Ji had this.”
Legacy
Jiang Ji is remembered as a key strategist who served four generations of Cao rulers.
His strategic advice is praised.
However, his participation in the Gaopingling Incident and his guilt about Cao Shuang’s execution are also remembered.
Timeline
- 2nd century CE: Born in Ping’a, Chu State
- ?: Served as Accountant of Chu State; transferred to Biejia of Yang Province
- 208 CE: Defended Hefei using ruse; Sun Quan withdrew
- 209 CE: Advised Cao Cao against relocating the people; Cao Cao did not listen; more than half of the people fled to Wu
- ?: Appointed Administrator of Danyang; again served as Biejia of Yang Province; appointed Clerk in the Western Section of the Chancellor’s Office
- 219 CE: Advised Cao Cao on strategy against Guan Yu; suggested having Sun Quan attack Jing Province; Guan Yu killed; siege lifted
- 220 CE: Served as Chief Clerk of the Chancellor; appointed General of the Household of the East; entered as Gentleman Cavalier Attendant
- 222 CE: Campaigned against Wu together with Cao Ren; attacked Xianxi; advised Cao Ren against attacking Zhongzhou; Cao Ren defeated; again served as General of the Household of the East; acted as leader of Cao Ren’s army; appointed Director of the Imperial Secretariat
- 225 CE: Advised Cao Pi about campaign against Wu; wrote “Three Provinces Treatise”; Cao Pi did not listen; ships frozen; advised against military colonies; guided ships into Huai River
- 226 CE: Enfeoffed as Marquis Within the Passes
- 228 CE: Advised Cao Rui about Cao Xiu’s campaign; suggested sending rescue troops; Cao Xiu defeated; promoted to Leader of the Central Army; transferred to General Who Protects the Army; added Gentleman Cavalier Attendant
- 232 CE: Advised Cao Rui against attacking Gongsun Yuan; Cao Rui did not listen; campaign failed
- 239 CE: Transferred to General Who Leads the Army; enfeoffed as Marquis of Changling
- 242 CE: Promoted to Grand Commandant
- 249 CE: Participated in Gaopingling Incident; wrote letter to Cao Shuang; Cao Shuang executed; advanced to Marquis of Duxiang; refused enfeoffment; died of illness from guilt; posthumous Marquis Jing
See also
References
- Chen Shou. Records of the Three Kingdoms, Volume 14, Biography of Cheng, Guo, Dong, Liu, Jiang, Liu.
- Luo Guanzhong. Romance of the Three Kingdoms, various chapters.