Introduction
Qin Mi (simplified: 秦宓, traditional: 秦宓, pinyin: Qín Mì), courtesy name Zichi (子敕), was a Shu Han Grand Minister of Agriculture (大司農) and scholar known for his wit and debate skills. Originally from Guanghan Commandery, Qin Mi was a famous scholar in Yi Province who initially refused to serve Liu Yan and Liu Zhang, claiming illness. After Liu Bei secured Yi Province, Qin Mi was appointed Libationer (從事祭酒) and later served as Chief Clerk, General of the Gentlemen of the Left, Colonel of Changshui, and Grand Minister of Agriculture. He is most famous for his witty conversation with Zhang Wen of Eastern Wu, where he demonstrated his quick wit and extensive knowledge of the classics.
Biography
Early life
Qin Mi was born in Mianzhu (绵竹), Guanghan Commandery (广汉郡), in present-day Mianzhu, Sichuan. From a young age, he was known for his talent and learning, and he was skilled in debate and discussion.
Refusal to serve Liu Yan and Liu Zhang
When Liu Yan ruled Yi Province, he sent people to recruit Qin Mi, but Qin Mi always claimed to be ill and refused to go. Qin Mi once wrote to Liu Yan recommending the scholar Ren An (任安).
In 194, when Liu Zhang succeeded Liu Yan as Governor of Yi Province, Wang Shang (王商) from the same commandery, who served as Chief Clerk, wrote to Qin Mi saying: “Poverty and hardship—when can one finish such a life! Bian He showed his jade to the world. You should come and meet with the Governor.” Qin Mi wrote back refusing.
Later, when Wang Shang built temples for Yan Junping (严君平) and Li Hong (李弘), Qin Mi wrote to him criticising him for building temples for Li Hong instead of Sima Xiangru (司马相如), who had made greater contributions to Shu’s culture.
Service under Liu Bei
In 214, after Liu Bei pacified Yi Province, Xiahou Zuan (夏侯纂), Administrator of Guanghan, invited Qin Mi to serve as Libationer (從事祭酒) and Chief Clerk, honouring him as “Uncle.” Qin Mi pretended to be ill and lay at home. Xiahou Zuan led his Registrar Gu Pu (古朴) and Registrar Wang Pu (王普) to Qin Mi’s home with wine and food to talk, but Qin Mi still lay in bed.
Xiahou Zuan asked Gu Pu: “Speaking of the food and drink of Yi Province, it is indeed far superior to other commanderies. I wonder how the scholars compare?” Gu Pu replied: “Since the Former Han, Yi Province scholars may not have held as high offices as those from other places, but in terms of writing books and being teachers to the world, they are not inferior. Yan Junping read Huang-Lao and wrote the Laozi Zhigui; Yang Xiong read the Book of Changes and wrote the Taixuan, and read the Analects and wrote the Fayan. Sima Xiangru made the Fengshan text for Emperor Wu, which is known throughout the world today.”
Xiahou Zuan asked: “What about Uncle?” Qin Mi tapped his face with his tablet and said: “Please do not think Uncle speaks immodestly. Let me tell you about the origins of this province. Shu has a mountain called Wenfu, and the Yangtze River originates from it. The Heavenly Emperor made it prosperous, and the spirits gave it blessings. Therefore, Shu has fertile fields for a thousand li. Among the four great rivers—Yangtze, Yellow, Huai, and Ji—the Yangtze is first. This is one. Yu the Great was born at Shiniu, which is now in Wen Commandery. When Yao suffered floods, Gun’s water control failed, and Yu dredged the Yangtze and broke the Yellow River, making them flow east to the sea, eliminating disasters for the people. Since the beginning of humanity, no one’s achievements have surpassed his. This is two. The Heavenly Emperor uses the stars of Fang, Xin, Shen, and Fa to decide and implement policies. Shen and Fa are the divisions of Yi Province. The Three Sovereigns rode divine carriages out of the valley mouth, which is now Xiegu. This is the origin and extent of this province. Please judge fairly—how does it compare to other places in the world?” Xiahou Zuan hesitated for a long time and had no reply.
Opposition to the campaign against Eastern Wu
In 221, when Liu Bei declared himself emperor and prepared to campaign against Eastern Wu, Qin Mi argued that the timing was not favourable and that victory would be difficult. Liu Bei was furious and wanted to kill Qin Mi, but Zhuge Liang intervened and Qin Mi was imprisoned instead. Later, Qin Mi was released after paying a fine.
Service under Zhuge Liang
In 223, after Liu Shan succeeded to the throne, Zhuge Liang became Governor of Yi Province and invited Qin Mi to serve as Chief Clerk (別駕). Soon after, Qin Mi was promoted to General of the Gentlemen of the Left (左中郎將) and then Colonel of Changshui (長水校尉).
Conversation with Zhang Wen
In 224, after Shu Han and Eastern Wu restored their alliance, Eastern Wu sent Zhang Wen (张温) as an envoy to Shu Han. When Zhang Wen was about to return, Zhuge Liang led all the officials to see him off. Everyone had arrived except Qin Mi. Zhuge Liang sent people to urge him several times, and Zhang Wen asked: “Who is he?” Zhuge Liang said: “A scholar of Yi Province.”
When Qin Mi arrived, Zhang Wen asked: “Do you study?” Qin Mi said: “Even a child of five chi studies. Why do you look down on people?” Zhang Wen asked: “Does Heaven have a head?” Qin Mi said: “Yes, it has a head.” Zhang Wen asked: “Where is the head?” Qin Mi said: “In the west. The Book of Songs says ‘thus gazing westward with longing.’ From this we can deduce that the head is in the west.”
Zhang Wen asked: “Does Heaven have ears?” Qin Mi said: “Heaven is high above but can hear sounds from below. The Book of Songs says ‘the crane calls in the marsh, its sound is heard in Heaven.’ If Heaven had no ears, how could it hear?”
Zhang Wen asked: “Does Heaven have feet?” Qin Mi said: “Yes. The Book of Songs says ‘Heaven’s steps are so difficult, that man is no longer reliable.’ If Heaven had no feet, how could it walk?”
Zhang Wen asked: “Does Heaven have a surname?” Qin Mi said: “Yes, it has a surname.” Zhang Wen asked: “What is the surname?” Qin Mi said: “Liu.” Zhang Wen asked: “How do you know?” Qin Mi replied: “The Son of Heaven today is surnamed Liu, therefore I know Heaven is surnamed Liu.”
Zhang Wen asked: “Does the sun rise in the east?” Qin Mi said: “Although it is born in the east, it ultimately sets in the west.”
Question and answer came like echoes from the mountains, responding immediately. Zhang Wen greatly admired Qin Mi. Qin Mi’s literary talent and eloquence were mostly like this.
Later years and death
Qin Mi was later promoted to Grand Minister of Agriculture (大司農). He died in 226, the fourth year of Jianxing.
Qin Mi once saw records of imperial genealogies stating that the Five Emperors all came from the same clan, and Qin Mi fundamentally demonstrated the error of this record. He also discussed the legend of the Yellow Emperor, Kings, and Hegemons raising dragons, and his arguments were very reasonable. Qiao Zhou (谯周), when young, once visited Qin Mi to seek instruction, and recorded Qin Mi’s words in the Chunqiu Ranfou Lun (春秋然否论).
Personality and traits
Virtues and abilities
Qin Mi was known for his talent and learning from a young age, and he was skilled in debate and discussion. His quick wit and extensive knowledge of the classics were demonstrated in his conversation with Zhang Wen, where he answered difficult questions with clever references to classical texts. He was also known for his integrity and refusal to serve lords he did not respect.
Temperament
Qin Mi was known for his pride and his refusal to compromise his principles. He initially refused to serve Liu Yan and Liu Zhang, claiming illness, and he was not afraid to speak his mind, even when it meant opposing Liu Bei’s campaign against Eastern Wu.
Political achievements
Administrative record
Qin Mi served in various positions under Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang, including Libationer, Chief Clerk, General of the Gentlemen of the Left, Colonel of Changshui, and Grand Minister of Agriculture. However, his most significant contributions were his scholarly work and his diplomatic skills.
Diplomatic contributions
Qin Mi’s conversation with Zhang Wen of Eastern Wu demonstrated Shu Han’s cultural sophistication and helped maintain good relations between the two states. His quick wit and extensive knowledge impressed Zhang Wen and reflected well on Shu Han.
Relationships
Lord and vassals
Qin Mi initially refused to serve Liu Yan and Liu Zhang, claiming illness. After Liu Bei secured Yi Province, Qin Mi was appointed Libationer and later served in various positions under Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang. His relationship with Liu Bei was complex—he opposed Liu Bei’s campaign against Eastern Wu and was imprisoned, but he was later released and continued to serve.
Qin Mi worked under Zhuge Liang when Zhuge Liang became Governor of Yi Province, and Zhuge Liang recognised Qin Mi’s talents and promoted him.
Allies and rivals
Qin Mi had a good relationship with Peng Yang (彭羕), who recommended Qin Mi to Xu Jing. Peng Yang, who was known for being proud and dismissive, only respected Qin Mi from the same commandery.
Qin Mi’s conversation with Zhang Wen of Eastern Wu demonstrated mutual respect between the two scholars, despite their different allegiances.
Anecdotes and allusions
The conversation with Zhang Wen
In 224, when Zhang Wen of Eastern Wu was about to return home, Qin Mi arrived late. Zhang Wen tried to test Qin Mi with difficult questions about Heaven, but Qin Mi answered each question cleverly using references from the classics. When Zhang Wen asked if Heaven had a surname, Qin Mi said “Liu,” cleverly connecting it to the Liu family’s rule. Zhang Wen was greatly impressed by Qin Mi’s wit and knowledge.
Source: Records of the Three Kingdoms
Type: Historical
Refusal to serve Liu Yan and Liu Zhang
Qin Mi initially refused to serve Liu Yan and Liu Zhang, always claiming to be ill. This demonstrated his pride and his unwillingness to serve lords he did not respect. However, after Liu Bei secured Yi Province, Qin Mi was willing to serve.
Source: Records of the Three Kingdoms
Type: Historical
Opposition to the campaign against Eastern Wu
In 221, when Liu Bei prepared to campaign against Eastern Wu, Qin Mi argued that the timing was not favourable. Liu Bei was furious and wanted to kill Qin Mi, but Zhuge Liang intervened and Qin Mi was imprisoned instead. Later, he was released after paying a fine.
Source: Records of the Three Kingdoms
Type: Historical
Discussion with Xiahou Zuan
When Xiahou Zuan asked Qin Mi about Yi Province’s scholars, Qin Mi gave a long and detailed explanation about Yi Province’s cultural heritage, mentioning Yu the Great, Sima Xiangru, and the Three Sovereigns. Xiahou Zuan had no reply, demonstrating Qin Mi’s extensive knowledge and eloquence.
Source: Records of the Three Kingdoms
Type: Historical
Achievements
Qin Mi’s major accomplishments include:
- Demonstrating Shu Han’s cultural sophistication through his conversation with Zhang Wen of Eastern Wu
- Serving in various important positions under Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang, including Grand Minister of Agriculture
- Contributing to scholarly work, including discussions about imperial genealogies and legends
- Maintaining his integrity by refusing to serve lords he did not respect
Behind the scenes
Historical sources
Qin Mi is documented in the Records of the Three Kingdoms (三国志) by Chen Shou, specifically in the “Biography of Xu Jing, Mi Zhu, Sun Qian, Jian Yong, Yi Ji, and Qin Mi” (許糜孫簡伊秦傳). Additional information comes from Pei Songzhi’s annotations and Qiao Zhou’s Chunqiu Ranfou Lun (春秋然否论).
Historical vs literary portrayal
In the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Qin Mi’s portrayal is similar to the historical record. He is depicted as a scholar who initially served Liu Zhang and opposed Liu Bei’s campaign against Eastern Wu. His conversation with Zhang Wen is included, showing his wit and knowledge. However, the novel adds some dramatic elements, such as Qin Mi being drunk during the conversation.
Scholarly debates
There is some debate about Qin Mi’s exact role in Shu Han’s administration and the extent of his contributions. However, his conversation with Zhang Wen is consistently praised as demonstrating his wit and extensive knowledge of the classics.
Personality analysis
Modern scholars have noted Qin Mi’s pride and his refusal to compromise his principles. His initial refusal to serve Liu Yan and Liu Zhang, and his later opposition to Liu Bei’s campaign against Eastern Wu, demonstrate his integrity and his willingness to speak his mind, even at personal risk.
Historical evaluations
Contemporary assessments
Peng Yang: “I have seen the scholar Qin Zichi of Mianzhu, who has the virtue of Shanfu and the integrity of Juansheng. He sleeps on stones and drinks from streams, chants in coarse robes, rests in the paths of benevolence and righteousness, and is tranquil in the realm of the vast. His high principles and integrity are maintained without loss. Even the recluses of ancient times could not surpass him.”
Zhuge Liang: “He is a scholar of Yi Province.”
Yang Xi: “The Grand Minister of Agriculture had talent, and his expositions were appropriate. His literary elegance and reasoning were brilliant and shining.”
Chen Shou’s evaluation
Chen Shou wrote: “Qin Mi initially admired the high reputation of recluses but did not have the reality of appearing foolish. However, he had more than enough skill in diplomatic responses, and his literary elegance was magnificent. He can be called a talented scholar of his time.”
Pei Songzhi’s commentary
Pei Songzhi’s annotations provide additional context about Qin Mi’s conversation with Zhang Wen and his scholarly contributions.
Later dynasty evaluations
Later historians have generally praised Qin Mi for his wit and knowledge, while noting his pride and his refusal to serve lords he did not respect. His conversation with Zhang Wen is seen as a highlight of his career.
Modern scholarship
Modern scholars have emphasised Qin Mi’s importance as a representative of Shu Han’s cultural sophistication. His conversation with Zhang Wen demonstrates not only his personal wit and knowledge but also the high level of scholarship in Shu Han. His integrity and his willingness to speak his mind are also recognised as important qualities.
Legacy
Cultural significance
Qin Mi is remembered as a talented scholar who demonstrated Shu Han’s cultural sophistication through his wit and knowledge. His conversation with Zhang Wen is seen as a classic example of diplomatic wit and scholarly debate.
Symbolism and folklore
Qin Mi is sometimes used as an example of someone who used wit and knowledge to defend their state’s honour and demonstrate cultural superiority. His ability to answer difficult questions with clever references to the classics is seen as exemplary.
Memorial sites
In present-day Deyang, Sichuan, there is a tomb and shrine for Qin Mi. The tomb is high like a hill and is called “Wuxingdui” (五星堆). In front of the tomb is a large stele eight meters high with the inscription “Tomb of Qin Mi, courtesy name Zichi, Grand Minister of Agriculture of Han” (漢司農秦宓字子敕墓). The stele’s top is carved with the four characters “通天地人” (understanding Heaven, Earth, and Man).