Biography
Early life
Tian Yu was born in Yongnu, Yuyang Commandery (present-day northeast of Wuqing District, Tianjin).
His courtesy name was Guorang.
Service under Liu Bei
When Tian Yu was young, he attached himself to Liu Bei, who was then serving under Gongsun Zan.
Liu Bei greatly admired him.
In 193 CE, the fourth year of Chuping, Liu Bei was appointed Inspector of Yu Province by Tao Qian.
However, Tian Yu requested to return north because his mother was old.
Liu Bei wept as he bid farewell and said: “I regret that I cannot accomplish great deeds together with you.”
Service under Gongsun Zan
After returning north, Gongsun Zan made Tian Yu Magistrate of Shuzhou.
At that time, Gongsun Zan was fighting with Yuan Shao.
Gongsun Zan’s general Wang Men defected to Yuan Shao and led more than ten thousand troops to attack Shuzhou.
Everyone was afraid and wanted to surrender.
Tian Yu climbed the city wall and said to Wang Men: “You received generous treatment from Gongsun Zan but left him. I thought there must have been unavoidable reasons. But now you have returned as an enemy. I now know you are a rebel. Even someone with only the wisdom of drawing water knows to guard their water jar and not lend it to others. I have already accepted the responsibility for this city. Why don’t you attack quickly?”
Wang Men was ashamed and withdrew.
Although Tian Yu defended Shuzhou for Gongsun Zan, and Gongsun Zan knew Tian Yu had strategic ability, he did not give Tian Yu important responsibilities.
Service under Xianyu Fu
In 199 CE, the fourth year of Jian’an, Gongsun Zan was defeated and died at the Battle of Yijing.
Xianyu Fu, who was friendly with Tian Yu, was recommended by the people to act as Administrator of You Province.
Xianyu Fu appointed Tian Yu as his Chief Clerk.
Facing the many warlords at that time, Xianyu Fu did not know whom to follow.
Tian Yu said to Xianyu Fu: “The one who can ultimately pacify the realm must be Cao Cao. You should quickly submit to him to avoid future disaster.”
Xianyu Fu followed his advice and received Cao Cao’s favour and honours.
Service under Cao Cao
Cao Cao summoned Tian Yu to serve as Army Adviser to the Chancellor.
Tian Yu later served as Magistrate of Yingyin, Magistrate of Langling, and Administrator of Yiyang.
He achieved good governance in all these places.
Campaign against the Wuhuan
In the fourth month of 218 CE, the twenty-third year of Jian’an, the Wuhuan chieftains Wuchenzhi and others in Dai Commandery and Shanggu Commandery rebelled.
Cao Cao ordered his son Cao Zhang, Marquis of Yanling, to campaign against them.
Cao Zhang appointed Tian Yu as Chancellor to the Prince of Yanling.
When Cao Zhang’s army reached the north bank of the Yi River, several thousand Wuhuan cavalry suddenly appeared in ambush.
At that time, the main army had not yet assembled, and Cao Zhang had only one thousand infantry and several hundred cavalry.
In the chaos, Tian Yu used the terrain to order the war chariots to form a circular formation.
Archers with drawn bows were placed inside, and soldiers filled the gaps.
The Wuhuan could not break through and scattered.
Cao Zhang then pursued and attacked, directly pacifying Dai Commandery.
Administrator of Nanyang
Tian Yu was later transferred to Administrator of Nanyang.
Previously, the commandery had just suppressed the rebellion of Hou Yin.
The previous administrator had arrested more than five hundred of Hou Yin’s followers and memorialized to have them all executed.
After Tian Yu took office, he went to see these prisoners, comforted and advised them, and immediately released them, ordering them to reform.
Everyone kowtowed and thanked him, volunteering to serve Tian Yu.
They returned and informed the remaining bandits, causing them all to disperse.
Nanyang Commandery returned to peace.
When Cao Cao received Tian Yu’s report, he praised his methods.
Protector of the Wuhuan
In 221 CE, the second year of Huangchu, because the northern nomadic peoples were strong and harassing the border, Tian Yu was appointed Protector of the Wuhuan with imperial credentials.
Qian Zhao and Xie Jun were also appointed Protectors of the Xianbei.
From Gaoliu in the east to Huimo in the west, there were dozens of Xianbei tribes.
Kebineng, Mijia, and Suli each divided territory and ruled, each with their own boundaries.
They jointly swore not to sell horses to the Central Plains Han people.
Tian Yu believed that if the Hu people united, it would be disadvantageous to Cao Wei.
He therefore first divided them, making them hate and attack each other, then mediated peace.
Campaign against Kebineng
In 224 CE, the fifth year of Huangchu, Suli violated the alliance and sold one thousand horses to the government.
He was therefore attacked by Kebineng.
Suli asked Tian Yu for help.
Tian Yu worried that if he allowed the various forces to merge, it would cause greater harm.
He decided to intervene militarily to establish a trustworthy image among the foreign tribes.
Tian Yu led elite troops deep into Hu territory.
Kebineng sent his general Suonu to resist.
At that time, the superior Hu forces attacked Tian Yu’s army from front and rear and cut off his retreat.
Tian Yu continued advancing and camped more than ten li from the enemy.
He collected many cattle and horse droppings and burned them, then took another route and left.
The enemy saw the continuous smoke and fire and thought Tian Yu was still there.
They left and travelled several dozen li before realizing they had been deceived.
They pursued Tian Yu to Macheng and surrounded him in ten layers.
Tian Yu secretly prepared and had his Major set up banners and play drums and horns.
He had infantry and cavalry exit from the south gate.
The Hu people all focused their attention there.
Tian Yu then led elite troops out from the north gate, beating drums and shouting.
Both sides attacked simultaneously, catching the enemy by surprise.
The enemy forces scattered in chaos, all abandoning their bows and horses and fleeing on foot.
Tian Yu pursued and attacked for more than twenty li, and corpses covered the ground.
Execution of Gujin
Later, the Wuhuan chieftain Gujin was fierce and cunning and did not show respect.
Tian Yu took advantage of an inspection tour beyond the border to lead only a hundred cavalry into Gujin’s tribe.
Gujin came out to greet and pay respects.
Tian Yu ordered his men to execute Gujin and announced his crimes to the crowd.
Everyone was terrified and did not dare to move.
Tian Yu then made Gujin’s younger brother succeed as Wuhuan chieftain.
From then on, the Hu people were terrified, and Tian Yu’s name shook the desert.
Suppression of bandits
The bandit Gao Ai had several thousand followers and raided and plundered, causing harm in You and Ji Provinces.
Tian Yu induced the Xianbei tribe of Suli to kill Gao Ai and send his head to the capital.
Tian Yu was enfeoffed as Marquis of Changle.
Nine years as Protector
Tian Yu served as Protector of the Wuhuan for nine years.
In governing the foreign tribes, he consistently suppressed mergers and scattered the powerful and cunning.
Whenever there were fugitive criminals who plotted against the government for the Hu people, Tian Yu would sow discord and disrupt them, preventing their evil schemes from succeeding and making them unable to live peacefully together.
Transfer to Runan
Before Tian Yu’s plans were fully realized, the faction of Wang Xiong, Inspector of You Province, wanted Wang Xiong to concurrently serve as Protector of the Wuhuan.
They therefore slandered Tian Yu for disturbing the border and causing trouble for the state.
Tian Yu was transferred to Administrator of Runan and promoted to General Who Exterminates Barbarians.
Ambush of Zhou He
In 232 CE, the sixth year of Taihe, Gongsun Yuan in Liaodong rebelled.
Emperor Ming of Wei wanted to campaign against him but could not find a suitable person.
Zhonglingjun Yang Ji recommended Tian Yu.
Tian Yu was therefore ordered to lead the armies of Qing Province with his current office and imperial credentials to campaign against Gongsun Yuan.
At that time, Wu sent the envoy Zhou He and others to form an alliance with Gongsun Yuan.
Emperor Ming considered the enemy numerous and the crossing of the sea difficult, so he ordered Tian Yu to stop the campaign.
Tian Yu estimated that the enemy ships would return and that it was late in the year with strong winds.
They would certainly fear drifting and waves, and there was no shore to the east.
They would certainly go to Chengshan.
Chengshan had no place to hide ships, so they would have to travel along the coast.
Tian Yu observed the terrain and stationed troops at strategic points on various islands.
He personally went to Chengshan and climbed the observation tower built by Emperor Wu of Han.
When the enemy returned, they indeed encountered strong winds.
The ships all hit the mountains and sank, drifting to the shore with nowhere to hide.
They were all captured by Tian Yu’s troops.
Initially, the various generals laughed at Tian Yu for waiting in an empty place.
After the enemy was defeated, they all competed to execute his plan and requested to enter the sea to seize the drifting enemy ships.
Tian Yu feared that the enemy, in desperate straits, would fight to the death, but the generals did not listen.
Conflict with Cheng Xi
Initially, Tian Yu led the armies of Qing Province as Administrator.
Cheng Xi, Inspector of Qing Province, was secretly dissatisfied.
During military operations, they often disagreed.
Cheng Xi knew that Emperor Ming treasured pearls, so he secretly memorialized: “Although Tian Yu achieved military merit, his military discipline was lax. He obtained many weapons, pearls, and gold, but distributed them all and did not submit them to the government.”
Therefore, Tian Yu’s merit was not recorded.
Defence against Wu
In the sixth month of 234 CE, the second year of Qinglong, Sun Quan claimed to lead one hundred thousand troops to attack Hefei New City.
Man Chong, General Who Conquers the East, wanted to lead troops to rescue it.
Tian Yu said: “The enemy has exhausted all their strength in this great campaign. They are not just seeking small gains. They want to use New City as bait to lure our main army. We should let them attack the city to blunt their edge, not compete with them. If they cannot capture the city, the troops will certainly become tired and slack. After they are tired and slack, we can attack and achieve a great victory. If the enemy sees our plan, they will certainly not attack the city and will retreat on their own. If we advance now, we will fall into their trap. Moreover, when a great army moves, its direction should be difficult to predict. We should not limit ourselves.”
Tian Yu memorialized his opinion, and the emperor agreed.
The enemy then withdrew.
Later campaigns
Later, Wu troops came to attack again.
Tian Yu went to resist them, and the enemy immediately withdrew.
One night, the army was alarmed, and someone claimed the enemy had come again.
Tian Yu lay down and did not get up, ordering: “Anyone who moves will be executed.”
After a while, there was no enemy.
Later honours
At the end of the Jingchu era (237-239), Tian Yu’s fief was increased by three hundred households, making a total of five hundred households.
Protector of the Xiongnu
In the early Zhengshi era (240-249), Tian Yu was promoted to Protector of the Xiongnu with Imperial Credentials and promoted to General Who Inspires Awe.
He concurrently served as Inspector of Bing Province.
Foreign Hu people heard of his reputation and came one after another to present tribute.
The province was peaceful and orderly, and the people were content.
Retirement
Later, Tian Yu was summoned to court to serve as Commandant of the Palace Guard.
Tian Yu repeatedly requested to retire.
Sima Yi, Grand Tutor, believed Tian Yu was still strong and healthy and sent a letter refusing his request.
Tian Yu replied: “To be over seventy years old and still occupy a position is like the bell has already sounded and the water clock has run out, yet still walking at night without stopping. This is a crime.”
He therefore firmly claimed to be seriously ill and requested retirement.
Tian Yu was eventually changed to Grand Master of Palace Leisure, still receiving the salary of a minister.
Death
Tian Yu died at the age of eighty-two.
His son Tian Pengzu succeeded to his marquis title.
Personality
Tian Yu was described as pure, frugal, and simple.
He distributed all rewards and gifts to his officers and soldiers.
Every time Hu people sent him gifts personally, he recorded them all and deposited them in the government treasury, never taking them home.
His household was often impoverished.
Even the foreign tribes admired his integrity.
The story of the hidden gold
According to the Wei Lue, the Xianbei chieftain Suli and others came to visit Tian Yu several times.
They repeatedly sent cattle and horses, but Tian Yu always sent them to the government.
The Hu people thought Tian Yu did not accept them because they were visible when given.
A Hu person therefore secretly carried thirty jin of gold to see Tian Yu and specifically asked Tian Yu to dismiss his attendants before giving it to him.
Tian Yu accepted it at the time.
But after the Hu person left, Tian Yu gave all the gold to the government treasury and reported the matter.
The court therefore issued an edict praising Tian Yu and granted him five hundred bolts of silk.
Tian Yu received the grant and gave half to the small treasury.
When the Hu person came again later, Tian Yu gave him the other half.
Military achievements
Defence against northern tribes
Tian Yu successfully defended against the Wuhuan and Xianbei for many years.
He defeated Kebineng, executed Gujin, and suppressed bandits.
His name shook the desert.
Ambush of Zhou He
Tian Yu successfully ambushed and captured Wu’s envoy Zhou He and his party at Chengshan.
Defence against Wu
Tian Yu advised against rushing to rescue Hefei New City and successfully defended against Wu attacks.
Relationships
With Liu Bei
Tian Yu served under Liu Bei when Liu Bei was with Gongsun Zan.
Liu Bei greatly admired him and regretted that they could not accomplish great deeds together.
With Gongsun Zan
Tian Yu served as Magistrate of Shuzhou under Gongsun Zan.
He successfully defended Shuzhou against Wang Men’s attack.
With Cao Cao
Tian Yu joined Cao Cao after advising Xianyu Fu to submit.
He served in various administrative positions and achieved good governance.
With Cao Zhang
Tian Yu served as Chancellor to Cao Zhang during the campaign against the Wuhuan.
He helped Cao Zhang defeat the Wuhuan ambush.
Anecdotes
The farewell with Liu Bei
When Tian Yu requested to return north because his mother was old, Liu Bei wept and said: “I regret that I cannot accomplish great deeds together with you.”
The defence of Shuzhou
When Wang Men attacked Shuzhou, Tian Yu climbed the city wall and shamed him into withdrawing.
The hidden gold
A Hu person secretly gave Tian Yu thirty jin of gold, but Tian Yu deposited it all in the government treasury.
The court praised him and granted him silk, which Tian Yu shared with the Hu person.
The retirement request
When Tian Yu was over seventy, he repeatedly requested retirement, saying: “To be over seventy years old and still occupy a position is like the bell has already sounded and the water clock has run out, yet still walking at night without stopping. This is a crime.”
Achievements
- Successfully defended against northern tribes for many years
- Defeated Kebineng and executed Gujin
- Suppressed bandits
- Ambushed and captured Wu’s envoy Zhou He
- Advised on defence against Wu
- Known for integrity and frugality
Behind the scenes
Historical sources
Tian Yu’s biography appears in the Records of the Three Kingdoms by Chen Shou, grouped with Man Chong, Qian Zhao, and Guo Huai.
The retirement
Tian Yu’s retirement request shows his integrity and sense of responsibility.
His saying about “the bell has already sounded and the water clock has run out” became famous.
Long service
Tian Yu served in border regions for many years, showing the importance of stable commandership.
Historical evaluations
Contemporary
Liu Bei said: “I regret that I cannot accomplish great deeds together with you.”
Later historians
Chen Shou wrote: “Tian Yu was pure and frugal. Tian Yu maintained personal integrity and had clear and practiced strategy. Qian Zhao maintained righteousness with bravery and fierceness, and his achievements were prominent. … However, Tian Yu’s position stopped at a small province, and Qian Zhao ended as a commandery administrator. Their talents were not fully utilized.”
Cao Fang, Emperor Shao of Wei, said: “The former Minister over the Masses Xu Miao, General Who Conquers the East Hu Zhi, and Commandant of the Palace Guard Tian Yu all served in the previous dynasty and served four generations. They led troops externally and assisted in government internally. They were loyal and pure in public service, concerned for the state and forgetting personal interests, not managing private property. After their deaths, their households had no surplus wealth. I greatly praise them.”
Legacy
Tian Yu is remembered as a capable general who successfully defended against northern tribes for many years.
His integrity and frugality are praised.
His retirement request shows his sense of responsibility.
Timeline
- c. 171 CE: Born in Yongnu, Yuyang Commandery
- ?-193 CE: Served under Liu Bei; requested to return north because his mother was old
- 193-199 CE: Served as Magistrate of Shuzhou under Gongsun Zan; defended Shuzhou against Wang Men
- 199 CE: Served as Chief Clerk under Xianyu Fu; advised Xianyu Fu to submit to Cao Cao
- ?-218 CE: Served in various administrative positions under Cao Cao; achieved good governance
- 218 CE: Served as Chancellor to Cao Zhang; helped defeat Wuhuan ambush; pacified Dai Commandery
- 221 CE: Appointed Protector of the Wuhuan with imperial credentials
- 224 CE: Defeated Kebineng; executed Gujin; name shook the desert
- 232 CE: Ambushed and captured Wu’s envoy Zhou He at Chengshan
- 234 CE: Advised on defence against Wu at Hefei New City
- 240 CE: Promoted to Protector of the Xiongnu with Imperial Credentials and General Who Inspires Awe; concurrently Inspector of Bing Province
- ?: Retired as Grand Master of Palace Leisure
- 252 CE: Died at age eighty-two
See also
References
- Chen Shou. Records of the Three Kingdoms, Volume 26, Biography of Man, Tian, Qian, Guo.
- Luo Guanzhong. Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Chapter 103.