Biography
Early life
Sun Li was from Rongcheng, Zhuo Commandery (present-day Rongcheng County, Hebei).
His courtesy name was Deda.
The Ma Tai incident
When Sun Li was young, he encountered chaos in the countryside.
He was separated from his mother.
At that time, Ma Tai of Lai Township rescued his mother.
Mother and son were reunited.
Sun Li gave all his family wealth to Ma Tai to show gratitude.
Service under Cao Cao
After Cao Cao pacified You Province, he recruited Sun Li as Army Adviser to the Minister over the Masses.
Repaying Ma Tai
Later, Ma Tai was implicated in an incident and was about to face execution.
At that time, Sun Li already had official authority.
To repay the old favour, he privately let Ma Tai escape from prison.
He himself did not want to flee.
He went directly to Wen Hui, Master of Records, to surrender.
After Wen Hui learned the whole story, he greatly admired Sun Li’s action of repaying favours.
He therefore told Cao Cao about the matter.
In the end, Sun Li and Ma Tai both had their death sentences pardoned.
Service as Administrator
Not long after, Sun Li was promoted to Assistant to the Administrator of Hejian.
He was transferred to Commandant of Xingyang.
Service as Chancellor of Lu State
At that time, in Lu State, there were several hundred mountain bandits.
They relied on dangerous terrain and harmed the common people.
The court therefore ordered Sun Li to serve as Chancellor of Lu State.
After Sun Li arrived, he immediately rewarded the military officials.
He ordered that those who obtained bandit heads would be rewarded.
On the other hand, he also showed mercy to the bandits.
He recruited and accepted them.
Not long after, he restored local peace.
Service as various Administrators
Afterwards, Sun Li successively served as Administrator of Shanyang, Administrator of Pingyuan, Administrator of Pingchang, and Administrator of Langye.
Campaign with Cao Xiu
He also followed Grand Marshal Cao Xiu in leading troops to attack Eastern Wu (Battle of Shiting).
At that time, the large army reached the area of Jiashi.
Sun Li remonstrated to Cao Xiu, saying they should not go deep into dangerous territory.
However, Cao Xiu did not listen to the remonstration.
He insisted on advancing.
They indeed suffered defeat.
Service as Administrator of Yangping
Later, Sun Li was transferred to Administrator of Yangping.
Finally, he returned to the capital and served as Gentleman of the Masters of Writing.
Service under Cao Rui
During Cao Rui’s reign, he greatly constructed palaces.
This caused the realm to be unsettled.
At that time, Sun Li remonstrated repeatedly.
He finally had some related labour services exempted.
The false edict incident
However, Cao Rui then issued another order to dispatch people for labour service.
Li Hui supervised the work.
They continued building palaces.
Sun Li therefore personally went to the construction site.
Without memorializing, he falsely claimed an imperial edict.
He ordered the labourers to stop work.
After Cao Rui learned of this, he believed Sun Li’s action was out of good intention.
He therefore did not blame him.
The tiger incident
Later, Cao Rui went hunting at Dashishan.
A tiger suddenly appeared and approached the imperial carriage.
Sun Li saw this.
He threw away his horsewhip.
He dismounted from his horse.
He was about to draw his sword and fight the tiger.
Cao Rui was afraid Sun Li would have an accident.
He immediately ordered Sun Li to remount his horse.
Service under Cao Shuang
When Cao Rui was about to die, Cao Shuang served as Grand General.
He received Cao Rui’s edict.
He appointed Sun Li as Long History to the Grand General.
He added Gentleman Cavalier Attendant.
He treated him as a confidant.
However, Sun Li was upright and unyielding.
This made Cao Shuang very dissatisfied.
He therefore sent Sun Li to serve in an external position.
He served as Inspector of Yang Province.
He was promoted to General Who Subdues Waves.
He was enfeoffed as Marquis Within the Passes.
Battle of Shaopo
Afterwards, Eastern Wu general Quan Zong led troops to attack.
In Yang Province, there were not many defending troops.
Some soldiers were on leave.
Some had already been dispatched.
Not many remained.
Sun Li personally led the guards to resist.
He fought Quan Zong at Shaopo.
They fought from morning until evening.
The troops suffered more than half casualties.
During the battle, Sun Li’s horse was seriously wounded.
However, he still held the battle drum.
He fought bravely at the front line.
He did not avoid arrows, stones, or blades.
He finally repelled the enemy troops.
Rewarding the dead
After the battle, the court greatly praised Sun Li’s brave performance.
They issued an edict to console him.
They granted seven hundred bolts of silk.
Sun Li held sacrifices for those who died in battle.
He gathered the crowd and mourned.
He could not suppress the sadness in his heart.
He wept bitterly.
He gave all the silk to the families of the dead.
He did not keep any for himself.
Service as Inspector of Ji Province
Afterwards, Sun Li served as Grand Minister of Agriculture.
He then served as Inspector of Jing Province.
He was transferred to Inspector of Ji Province.
The boundary dispute
At that time, Sima Yi, who served as Grand Tutor, said to Sun Li: “Now Qinghe and Pingyuan, two commanderies, have been disputing over boundaries for eight years. During this time, two inspectors have been replaced. None could resolve this dispute. In the past, Yu State and Rui State also disputed over field boundaries. It was only after King Wen of Zhou personally handled it that it was resolved. You now face this problem. You should properly resolve it.”
Sun Li said: “From a legal perspective, commandery boundaries can be determined based on the scope of local cemeteries. On the other hand, the experience and opinions of local elderly residents can also be used as reference. However, those elderly words are difficult to verify. We cannot use punishment to force them to tell the truth. Cemetery talk also cannot be used as evidence, because these cemeteries may have been moved for various reasons. In this situation, even if Gao Yao were reborn, he could not resolve it. If we want to end all disputes, we should use the map from when Liezu (Cao Rui) was first enfeoffed as Prince of Pingyuan as the basis for decision. Why must we seek ancient precedents, making the basis for both sides’ disputes even more confused? In the past, King Cheng of Zhou jokingly gave the land of Tongye to Shu Yu. The Duke of Zhou actually used this as the basis to enfeoff Shu Yu at Tongye. Now the map is in the state’s treasury. We can remotely issue orders to determine the boundary. Why must we wait for someone to personally go to the province to handle it?”
Sima Yi heard this and greatly agreed.
Resolving the boundary dispute
Sun Li arrived at Pingyuan.
According to the map, he handled the commandery boundary.
He divided the disputed land between the two commanderies to Pingyuan Commandery.
Conflict with Cao Shuang
However, Cao Shuang favoured trusting Qinghe Commandery’s words.
He therefore said to Sun Li: “This map is old and cannot be used. We should refer to a newer map to know the differences.”
After Sun Li heard Cao Shuang’s opinion, he directly memorialized the court: “Guan Zhong was a heavy minister of a hegemon. His own capacity was also small. However, he was still able to take away Bo Shi’s city fief and make him not complain. I, since I was appointed as Inspector of Ji Province, now respectfully hold the clear map of the sacred court to verify the boundary. I prove that a certain place indeed belongs to Pingyuan Commandery’s domain. Continuing lawsuits repeatedly is really a waste of court resources. I have heard that many mouths can melt gold. This can make right and wrong reversed. It is like placing wood and stone on water. They can be mistakenly said to be stone floating and wood sinking. Three people make a tiger. A kind mother throws away her shuttle. These are also the same principle. Now the two commanderies have disputed boundaries for eight years. The reason this was resolved in one day is because there is a map as evidence. The matter was already resolved. However, the other side refuses to compromise. This proves that I am really too weak. I cannot serve in this position. I also have no face to continue serving as Inspector of Ji Province.”
After memorializing, Sun Li arranged his clothing.
He mounted his carriage.
He waited for the court to order his dismissal.
Punishment by Cao Shuang
After Cao Shuang saw Sun Li’s memorial, he believed Sun Li was attacking him by retreating to advance.
He was very angry.
He therefore impeached Sun Li for the crime of resenting and slandering a heavy minister.
As a result, Sun Li was sentenced to five years of penal servitude.
He remained idle at home.
At that time, many people spoke on Sun Li’s behalf.
The court therefore again appointed Sun Li as Colonel of the City Gates.
Service as Inspector of Bing Province
At that time, Liu Jing, King of the Xiongnu, gradually became stronger.
The Xianbei people repeatedly invaded the border.
The court therefore again sent Sun Li as Inspector of Bing Province.
He was added General Who Inspires Awe.
He acted with imperial credentials.
He was also enfeoffed as Protector of the Xiongnu.
Discussion with Sima Yi
After Sun Li received the order, he went to see Sima Yi.
He showed an angry expression.
He did not say a word.
Sima Yi saw this and asked: “You have become Inspector of Bing Province. Are you dissatisfied? Or are you still angry about the boundary division matter? Now we are about to part far away. Why are you so unhappy?”
Sun Li said: “How can you say such words? Although I am not a person of virtue, how would I care about these official position matters and old grudges? I originally thought you could follow the footsteps of Yi Yin and Lü Wang. You could properly assist the Wei house. You could both repay Emperor Ming’s (referring to Cao Rui) entrustment and establish your own eternal achievements. Now the state is very unstable. The realm is still very chaotic. This is the real reason I am unhappy now.”
After saying this, tears flowed down his face.
After Sima Yi heard Sun Li’s explanation, he said: “Don’t cry. Temporarily endure the current situation.”
Service after Gaopingling Incident
In 249 CE, the first year of Jiaping, after the Gaopingling Incident occurred, Cao Shuang was executed by Sima Yi.
Sun Li was able to again serve as a central official.
He entered as Colonel Director of Retainers.
Service as Minister over the Masses
Sun Li, in the seven commanderies and five provinces he governed, was able to establish authority.
He had notable governance achievements.
Afterwards, on the geng-zi day of the twelfth month of 250 CE, the second year of Jiaping (6th day of the first month of 251), Sun Li was transferred to Minister over the Masses.
He was enfeoffed as Marquis of Dali.
He was granted one hundred households.
Death
In the eleventh month of 250 CE, the second year of Jiaping, Sun Li died.
He was posthumously titled Marquis Jing.
His grandson Sun Yuan succeeded to the marquisate.
Personality
Sun Li was known for his integrity and bravery.
He was also known for his uprightness and unyielding character.
He was also known for repaying favours.
Military achievements
Battle of Shiting
Sun Li successfully participated in the campaign with Cao Xiu against Wu.
He remonstrated against going deep into dangerous territory.
Battle of Shaopo
Sun Li successfully defended against Quan Zong at Shaopo.
He fought bravely and repelled the enemy.
Relationships
With Ma Tai
Sun Li was rescued by Ma Tai and repaid the favour.
With Cao Cao
Sun Li served under Cao Cao and was recruited by him.
With Cao Pi
Sun Li served under Cao Pi and served as Administrator.
With Cao Rui
Sun Li served under Cao Rui and remonstrated about palace construction.
With Cao Shuang
Sun Li served under Cao Shuang and had conflicts with him.
With Sima Yi
Sun Li discussed matters with Sima Yi and expressed concern about the state.
Anecdotes
The Ma Tai incident
Sun Li successfully repaid Ma Tai’s favour by helping him escape.
Both were pardoned.
The false edict incident
Sun Li successfully stopped palace construction using a false edict.
Cao Rui did not blame him.
The tiger incident
Sun Li successfully prepared to fight a tiger.
Cao Rui ordered him to remount.
Battle of Shaopo
Sun Li successfully defended against Quan Zong.
He fought bravely and gave all rewards to the families of the dead.
The boundary dispute
Sun Li successfully resolved the boundary dispute using a map.
However, Cao Shuang favoured Qinghe.
Conflict with Cao Shuang
Sun Li successfully memorialized about the boundary dispute.
However, Cao Shuang punished him.
Discussion with Sima Yi
Sun Li successfully expressed concern about the state to Sima Yi.
Sima Yi told him to endure.
Achievements
- Successfully served four generations of Cao rulers
- Successfully remonstrated about various matters
- Successfully defended against Quan Zong at Shaopo
- Successfully resolved boundary disputes
- Known for integrity and bravery
- Known for uprightness and unyielding character
Behind the scenes
Historical sources
Sun Li’s biography appears in the Records of the Three Kingdoms by Chen Shou, grouped with Han Ji, Cui Lin, Gao Rou, and Wang Guan.
Governance achievements
Sun Li, in the seven commanderies and five provinces he governed, was able to establish authority.
He had notable governance achievements.
Historical evaluations
Contemporary
Cui Yan said: “Sun is bright and resolute, firm and decisive. Lu (Yu) is clear and alert, understanding principles. After a hundred refinements, he does not disappear. Both are talents for dukes.”
Later historians
Chen Shou wrote: “Sun Li was firm, decisive, and resolute. Wang Guan was pure, strong, upright, and white. Both were able to reach the position of duke.”
Legacy
Sun Li is remembered as a key official who served four generations of Cao rulers.
His integrity and bravery are praised.
His uprightness and unyielding character are also praised.
Timeline
- Unknown: Born in Rongcheng, Zhuo Commandery; encountered chaos in countryside when young; separated from mother; Ma Tai of Lai Township rescued mother; reunited; gave all family wealth to Ma Tai
- ?: Cao Cao pacified You Province; recruited Sun Li as Army Adviser to the Minister over the Masses; Ma Tai implicated in incident; about to face execution; Sun Li let Ma Tai escape; surrendered to Wen Hui; both pardoned; promoted to Assistant to the Administrator of Hejian; transferred to Commandant of Xingyang; served as Chancellor of Lu State; pacified bandits; successively served as Administrator of Shanyang, Administrator of Pingyuan, Administrator of Pingchang, Administrator of Langye; followed Cao Xiu to attack Wu; remonstrated against going deep; Cao Xiu did not listen; defeated; transferred to Administrator of Yangping; returned to capital; served as Gentleman of the Masters of Writing
- 226-239 CE: Cao Rui greatly constructed palaces; Sun Li remonstrated repeatedly; exempted some labour services; Cao Rui issued another order; Li Hui supervised; Sun Li went to construction site; falsely claimed imperial edict; stopped labourers; Cao Rui did not blame; Cao Rui hunted at Dashishan; tiger appeared; Sun Li prepared to fight; Cao Rui ordered to remount; Cao Rui about to die; Cao Shuang appointed Sun Li as Long History to the Grand General; added Gentleman Cavalier Attendant; Cao Shuang dissatisfied; sent Sun Li as Inspector of Yang Province; promoted to General Who Subdues Waves; enfeoffed as Marquis Within the Passes; Quan Zong attacked; Sun Li defended at Shaopo; fought from morning until evening; more than half casualties; horse wounded; held battle drum; fought bravely; repelled enemy; granted seven hundred bolts of silk; gave all to families of dead; served as Grand Minister of Agriculture; served as Inspector of Jing Province; transferred to Inspector of Ji Province; Sima Yi asked to resolve boundary dispute; Sun Li used map; resolved dispute; Cao Shuang favoured Qinghe; Sun Li memorialized; Cao Shuang punished; sentenced to five years; idle at home; many spoke on behalf; appointed Colonel of the City Gates; sent as Inspector of Bing Province; added General Who Inspires Awe; acted with imperial credentials; enfeoffed as Protector of the Xiongnu; went to see Sima Yi; showed angry expression; expressed concern about state; Sima Yi told to endure
- 249 CE: Gaopingling Incident occurred; Cao Shuang executed; Sun Li entered as Colonel Director of Retainers; established authority in seven commanderies and five provinces
- 250 CE: Transferred to Minister over the Masses; enfeoffed as Marquis of Dali; one hundred households; died in eleventh month; posthumous Marquis Jing; grandson Sun Yuan succeeded
See also
References
- Chen Shou. Records of the Three Kingdoms, Volume 24, Biography of Han, Cui, Gao, Sun, Wang.