Biography
Early life
Jiang Wan was born in Xiangxiang, Lingling Commandery (present-day Xiangxiang, Hunan). When he was young, he was studious, intelligent, dignified, and had an extraordinary bearing.
When he was about twenty years old, Jiang Wan and his cousin Liu Min were both famous for their talent and learning.
Early service under Liu Bei
Jiang Wan followed Liu Bei as a clerk before Liu Bei pacified Shu.
After Liu Bei pacified Shu, Jiang Wan was appointed Chief of Guangdu.
During his tenure, Jiang Wan neglected government affairs because he was drunk, and Liu Bei, during an inspection tour, found Jiang Wan’s government affairs in disarray and Jiang Wan himself drunk and unconscious.
Liu Bei was greatly angry and wanted to execute Jiang Wan, but Zhuge Liang, General of the Army, interceded and said: “Jiang Wan is a pillar of the state, not a talent for a small area. In governing, he takes pacifying the people as the foundation and does not use decoration as the priority. I hope you will carefully consider this.”
Liu Bei had always respected Zhuge Liang, so he did not punish Jiang Wan but still dismissed him from office.
Not long after, Jiang Wan was promoted to Magistrate of Shifang to test his ability.
Service under Zhuge Liang
In 219 CE, the twenty-fourth year of Jian’an, Liu Bei became King of Hanzhong and transferred Jiang Wan to the central government as Gentleman of the Secretariat.
In 223 CE, the first year of Jianxing, Liu Shan, Emperor of Shu, ascended the throne, and Zhuge Liang, Chancellor, opened his office and recruited Jiang Wan as Clerk of the East Section.
Zhuge Liang also recommended Jiang Wan as a man of outstanding ability, but Jiang Wan modestly declined and repeatedly recommended Liu Yong, Yin Hua, Pang Yan, and Liao Chun instead.
Zhuge Liang repeatedly encouraged him and said in a document to him: “If we abandon virtuous people to avoid favouritism, the people will suffer. Since everyone is uneasy, it indeed makes the inner and outer officials unclear about the reason. You should do your best to display your ability to show that this selection is fair and careful.”
Jiang Wan was later transferred to Army Advisor.
Supporting Zhuge Liang’s Northern Expeditions
In 227 CE, the fifth year of Jianxing, Zhuge Liang moved to Hanzhong to prepare for the Northern Expeditions against Cao Wei.
Jiang Wan and Zhang Yi, Chief Clerk, remained to oversee all affairs of the Chancellor’s office.
In 230 CE, the eighth year of Jianxing, Jiang Wan succeeded Zhang Yi as Chief Clerk and was additionally appointed General Who Assists the Army.
Whenever Zhuge Liang campaigned, Jiang Wan often raised grain, organized transport, and supplemented troops.
Zhuge Liang often said: “Jiang Gongyan is loyal and upright, elegant and generous. He should work with me to restore the Han dynasty.”
Zhuge Liang therefore secretly submitted a memorial to Liu Shan: “If I meet with misfortune, all military and state affairs can be entrusted to Jiang Wan.”
Succeeding Zhuge Liang
In 234 CE, the twelfth year of Jianxing, Zhuge Liang was seriously ill at Wugong.
Liu Shan sent Li Fu to visit him. At this time, Zhuge Liang told Li Fu that after his death, Jiang Wan could handle great matters.
After Zhuge Liang died, Wei Yan burned the plank roads and he and Yang Yi accused each other of rebellion.
Liu Shan asked Jiang Wan and Dong Yun about this, and both supported Yang Yi and suspected Wei Yan.
Jiang Wan led the various guard camps to go north to deal with the crisis, but after walking several tens of li, he learned that Wei Yan had already died, so he returned.
Jiang Wan was appointed Director of the Imperial Secretariat.
Soon after, he was additionally appointed Protector General, granted credentials, and made Inspector of Yi Province.
In the fourth month of 235 CE, the thirteenth year of Jianxing, Jiang Wan was again promoted to Grand General, Director of the Imperial Secretariat, and enfeoffed as Marquis of Anyang Pavilion.
Calm leadership
At that time, Zhuge Liang had just died, and people far and near all felt fear.
Jiang Wan was outstanding and stood above the hundred officials, but he showed neither a sad expression nor a happy expression, and his speech and actions were the same as usual.
Therefore, public opinion gradually became convinced.
Grand Marshal
In 238 CE, the first year of Yanxi, Liu Shan issued an edict to Jiang Wan: “The bandits’ rebellion has not been eliminated, and Cao Rui (Emperor Ming of Wei) is also fierce and arrogant. The people of the three commanderies of Liaodong cannot bear the tyranny, so they have joined together and separated from Wei. Cao Rui has also greatly mobilized troops and conscripted men to fight with them. Previously, when Qin perished, Chen Sheng and Wu Guang first raised the rebellion. Now there is this change—this is a gift from Heaven. You should strictly govern the army, command all armies, and station them at Hanzhong. Once Eastern Wu raises troops and advances north, the two states will form a pincer attack from east and west, waiting for an opportunity to strike.”
Liu Shan therefore ordered Jiang Wan to open his office and govern affairs.
In the third month of 239 CE, the second year of Yanxi, Jiang Wan was additionally appointed Grand Marshal.
Naval attack plan
Jiang Wan believed that Zhuge Liang had campaigned many times to Qinchuan during his lifetime, but the roads were dangerous and inconvenient.
He thought it would be better to go east along the Han and Mian Rivers, so Jiang Wan greatly built ships and prepared to attack Wei’s Weiqing and Shangyong commanderies.
However, his old illness recurred, and he was unable to carry out the plan.
Most officials in the court believed that attacking by water was easy, but if it failed, returning would be difficult, so it was not a good strategy.
The court sent Ma Zhong, General Who Pacifies the South, to Hanzhong to announce the edict, and also sent Fei Yi, Director of the Imperial Secretariat, and Jiang Wei, Supervisor of the Army, and others to explain the meaning.
Later years
In 243 CE, the sixth year of Yanxi, Jiang Wan submitted a memorial to Liu Shan: “Eliminating the remnants and removing the filth for the Han dynasty is my duty. Since I received orders and came to Hanzhong, it has been six years. Because I am dull and also have illness, I have made no progress. I am struggling and cannot sleep or eat peacefully. Now Cao Wei spans nine provinces and is deeply rooted. Wanting to eliminate it is not easy. If we join forces with Eastern Wu and form a pincer attack, even if we cannot quickly swallow Wei, we can slowly nibble it away. However, Wu’s timing is uncertain, and we cannot achieve results. We are struggling and cannot sleep or eat. Therefore, I have discussed with Fei Yi and others and believe that Liang Province has dangerous terrain and advantages for advance and retreat. The Qiang and Hu people still remember the Han dynasty. Previously, we sent a partial army into Qiang territory, and Guo Huai was defeated and fled. Calculating the advantages and disadvantages, this should be the primary matter. We should use Jiang Wei as Inspector of Liang Province. Jiang Wei will campaign northwest, and I will lead the army to follow. Fu County has water and land routes, so if there is a change in the northeast, it will not be difficult to respond.”
In the tenth month of winter, Jiang Wan advanced to Fu County, and his illness became increasingly serious.
Death
In 244 CE, the seventh year of Yanxi, Jiang Wan requested to yield the position of Inspector of Yi Province to Fei Yi because of illness.
Liu Shan therefore appointed Fei Yi as Inspector of Yi Province.
In the eleventh month of 246 CE, the ninth year of Yanxi, Jiang Wan died of illness and was posthumously titled Marquis Gong.
His body was buried at Fu County (present-day Xishan, Mianyang, Sichuan).
Personality
Jiang Wan was known for being calm, steady, and dignified.
After Zhuge Liang’s death, when everyone was fearful, Jiang Wan showed neither sadness nor joy, and his speech and actions were the same as usual, showing his composure and steadiness.
He was also known for being tolerant and generous. When Yang Xi, Clerk of the East Section, did not respond when Jiang Wan spoke to him, someone said that Yang Xi was being disrespectful, but Jiang Wan said: “People’s hearts are different, each like their own face. Obeying in front but opposing behind is what the ancients warned against. If Yang Xi intentionally praised me, it would not be his true intention. If he opposed me, it would show my faults. Therefore, he remained silent—this is Yang Xi’s straightforwardness.”
When Yang Min, Supervisor of Agriculture, slandered Jiang Wan, saying he was confused and not as good as his predecessor, Jiang Wan said: “I am indeed not as good as my predecessor, so what Yang Min said is correct.”
Later, when Yang Min was arrested for another crime, everyone thought Jiang Wan would take the opportunity to kill him, but Jiang Wan handled it according to the law and did not add to Yang Min’s crime because of this.
Military achievements
Supporting Zhuge Liang’s Northern Expeditions
Jiang Wan supported Zhuge Liang’s Northern Expeditions by raising grain, organizing transport, and supplementing troops.
Defending against Wei
During the six years that Jiang Wan led troops and stationed them at Hanzhong, Wei armies did not dare to attack.
Jiang Wan also repeatedly ordered Jiang Wei, Major, to lead partial armies and advance west into Qiang territory.
Naval attack plan
Although Jiang Wan’s plan to attack by water was not implemented, it showed his strategic thinking and willingness to try new approaches.
Relationships
With Zhuge Liang
Jiang Wan had a close relationship with Zhuge Liang, who greatly trusted him and recommended him as his successor.
Zhuge Liang often praised Jiang Wan’s loyalty and ability and entrusted him with important responsibilities.
With Fei Yi
Jiang Wan worked closely with Fei Yi, who succeeded him as Inspector of Yi Province.
They discussed military strategy together and worked to maintain Shu Han’s stability.
With Jiang Wei
Jiang Wan appointed Jiang Wei as Inspector of Liang Province and ordered him to campaign northwest, showing his trust in Jiang Wei’s ability.
Anecdotes
The dream of the ox head
After Jiang Wan was dismissed from office, he dreamed one night of an ox head at the door, bleeding profusely.
Jiang Wan was very disgusted by this dream and asked Zhao Zhi to interpret it.
Zhao Zhi said: “Seeing blood means the matter is already clear. The ox’s horns and nose are the image of the character ‘gong’ (公, duke). Your position will certainly reach that of a duke or minister. This is a very auspicious omen.”
Later, Jiang Wan indeed reached the position of Grand Marshal and Marquis of Anyang Pavilion.
The ten people, ten colours
When Yang Xi, Clerk of the East Section, did not respond when Jiang Wan spoke to him, someone said to Jiang Wan: “When you speak to Yang Xi, he does not respond and is disrespectful. Is this not too much?”
Jiang Wan replied: “People’s hearts are different, each like their own face. Obeying in front but opposing behind is what the ancients warned against. If Yang Xi intentionally praised me, it would not be his true intention. If he opposed me, it would show my faults. Therefore, he remained silent—this is Yang Xi’s straightforwardness.”
This became the origin of the Japanese idiom “ten people, ten colours” (十人十色).
Tolerance of criticism
When Yang Min slandered Jiang Wan, saying he was confused and not as good as his predecessor, Jiang Wan said: “I am indeed not as good as my predecessor, so what Yang Min said is correct.”
Later, when Yang Min was arrested for another crime, Jiang Wan handled it according to the law and did not add to Yang Min’s crime, showing his tolerance and fairness.
Achievements
- Succeeded Zhuge Liang as Chancellor
- Maintained stability after Zhuge Liang’s death
- Proposed naval attack strategy
- Defended against Wei attacks
- Supported Jiang Wei’s campaigns in the northwest
- One of the Four Excellencies of Shu Han
Behind the scenes
Historical sources
Jiang Wan’s biography appears in the Records of the Three Kingdoms by Chen Shou, where he is grouped with Fei Yi and Jiang Wei.
The biography records his achievements and his role in maintaining Shu Han’s stability after Zhuge Liang’s death.
The Four Excellencies
Jiang Wan was one of the “Four Excellencies” (四英) of Shu Han, along with Zhuge Liang, Fei Yi, and Dong Yun.
These four men were considered the pillars of Shu Han’s government.
The naval attack plan
Jiang Wan’s plan to attack by water was innovative but was not implemented due to his illness and opposition from court officials.
Some historians, such as Wang Fuzhi, criticized this plan as impractical.
Historical evaluations
Contemporary
Zhuge Liang said: “Jiang Wan is a pillar of the state, not a talent for a small area.”
Zhuge Liang also said: “Jiang Gongyan is loyal and upright, elegant and generous. He should work with me to restore the Han dynasty.”
Zhuge Liang secretly submitted a memorial to Liu Shan: “If I meet with misfortune, all military and state affairs can be entrusted to Jiang Wan.”
Later historians
Chen Shou wrote: “Jiang Wan was dignified and had authority. Fei Yi was broad-minded and benevolent. Both inherited Zhuge Liang’s established regulations and followed them without change. Therefore, the borders had no worries, and the state was harmonious. However, they still did not fully achieve the appropriateness of governing a small state and the principle of remaining quiet.”
Pei Songzhi wrote: “Jiang Wan and Fei Yi as chancellors strictly followed the established plan and never acted recklessly for merit. They had no losses. They 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
Jiang Wan is remembered as one of the Four Excellencies of Shu Han and as the chancellor who successfully maintained stability after Zhuge Liang’s death.
His calm and steady leadership, tolerance of criticism, and strategic thinking show his ability as a statesman.
His story represents continuity and stability—a chancellor who successfully maintained Shu Han’s stability during a difficult transition period.
Timeline
- c. 214 CE: Followed Liu Bei to Shu; appointed Chief of Guangdu; dismissed for drunkenness; Zhuge Liang interceded
- c. 214–219 CE: Served as Magistrate of Shifang
- 219 CE: Transferred to central government as Gentleman of the Secretariat
- 223 CE: Appointed Clerk of the East Section under Zhuge Liang; recommended as man of outstanding ability but declined
- 227 CE: Served as Army Advisor; remained in Chengdu to oversee Chancellor’s office affairs
- 230 CE: Succeeded Zhang Yi as Chief Clerk; appointed General Who Assists the Army
- 234 CE: Zhuge Liang died; appointed Director of the Imperial Secretariat; additionally Protector General, Inspector of Yi Province
- 235 CE: Promoted to Grand General, Director of the Imperial Secretariat; enfeoffed as Marquis of Anyang Pavilion
- 238 CE: Ordered to open office and govern affairs; stationed at Hanzhong
- 239 CE: Appointed Grand Marshal
- 241 CE: Proposed naval attack plan; opposed by court officials
- 243 CE: Advanced to Fu County; illness became serious
- 244 CE: Yielded position of Inspector of Yi Province to Fei Yi
- 246 CE: Died in eleventh month; posthumously titled Marquis Gong
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.