Biography
Early life
Wei Zhen was from Xiangyi, Chenliu (present-day Sui County, Henan).
His courtesy name was Gongzhen.
His father was Wei Zi, who had high moral character.
He had once refused summons from the Three Excellencies.
Early service
When Cao Cao first came to Chenliu, Wei Zi said: “The one who will pacify the realm must be this person.”
Cao Cao also believed Wei Zi was extraordinary.
He went to him several times to discuss important matters.
Later, Wei Zi followed Cao Cao in campaigning against Dong Zhuo.
He died in battle at Xingyang.
Cao Cao, every time he passed Chenliu, would certainly send envoys to offer sacrifices at his tomb.
Service under Xiahou Dun
When Xiahou Dun served as Administrator of Chenliu, he recommended Wei Zhen as Accountant.
He brought his wife to attend a banquet to congratulate him.
Wei Zhen believed this was a corrupt custom of the end of an era.
It did not conform to proper ritual.
Xiahou Dun was angry.
He arrested Wei Zhen.
However, he soon released him.
Service in the Han court
Later, Wei Zhen served as Gentleman of the Yellow Gate in the Han court.
The Zhu Yue incident
When Zhu Yue of Dong Commandery plotted rebellion, he confessed that Wei Zhen had participated.
Cao Cao issued an order: “I and your father jointly raised troops. I especially promoted and employed you. When I first heard Zhu Yue’s confession, I did not believe it at all. When I received Director Xun’s letter, it wrote your loyalty even more clearly.”
Service under Cao Cao
When Cao Cao was ordered by imperial edict to select a noble lady for Emperor Xian, he took this opportunity to memorialize asking Wei Zhen to stay and serve as Army Adviser to the Chancellor.
To remember his father Wei Zi’s merit, he also enfeoffed Wei Zhen as Marquis Within the Passes.
He transferred him to Clerk in the Household Section.
Service under Cao Pi
In 220 CE, the first year of Yankang, after Cao Pi succeeded to the kingship of Wei, Wei Zhen was appointed Gentleman Cavalier Attendant.
After Cao Pi became emperor, Wei Zhen was enfeoffed as Marquis of Anguo.
Praising Han
At that time, the dukes and ministers unanimously praised Wei’s virtue.
Many people criticized and attacked the previous dynasty.
Only Wei Zhen deeply understood the ritual of abdication.
He praised Han’s virtue.
Cao Pi looked at Wei Zhen several times and said: “The treasures of the realm should be shared with Shanyang (referring to Emperor Xian).”
He therefore promoted Wei Zhen to Gentleman of the Masters of Writing.
He transferred him to Palace Attendant and Director of the Left Section of the Masters of Writing.
The Sun Quan intelligence incident
In 224 CE, the fifth year of Huangchu, Cao Pi went on an inspection tour to Guangling.
He had Wei Zhen act as Leader of the Central Army.
He accompanied him.
Cao Xiu, General Who Conquers the East, sent a memorial to Cao Pi.
He said he had obtained intelligence from a surrendered Wu general.
It said: “Sun Quan has already arrived at Ruxukou.”
Wei Zhen said: “Although Sun Quan has the Yangtze River as his reliance, he does not dare to compete with our army. This must be false intelligence spread by the enemy because they are afraid.”
After carefully questioning the surrendered general, they learned that it was indeed false intelligence created by Wu’s defending generals.
Service under Cao Rui
After Cao Rui, Emperor Ming of Wei, succeeded to the throne, Wei Zhen was advanced to Marquis of Kangxiang.
He later transferred to Deputy Director of the Right Section of the Imperial Secretariat.
He managed the selection of officials.
He was also added Palace Attendant.
Discussion with Jiang Ji
Jiang Ji, Protector of the Army, once wrote a letter to Wei Zhen: “Emperor Gao of Han appointed Han Xin, a surrendered prisoner, as great general. King Wu of Zhou raised Jiang Shang, a fisherman, as Grand Tutor. Common people of humble origin, including those who feed horses and cook, can all become dukes and ministers. Why must we stick to the old method and test first before appointing?”
Wei Zhen replied: “The ancients used wisdom to select talent. They also had to test actual achievements before deciding dismissal or promotion. What you say is like requiring King Cheng and King Kang of Zhou to fight at Muye, or Emperor Wen and Emperor Jing of Han to cut the white snake. Once this kind of preference for unreasonable behaviour opens a precedent, people of the realm will rush to follow.”
Campaign against Zhuge Liang
In 228 CE, the second year of Taihe, Zhuge Liang, Chancellor of Shu Han, launched Zhuge Liang’s Northern Expeditions.
Wei Zhen suggested sending troops into Sanguan to intercept Shu’s grain transport routes.
Cao Rui adopted this.
He appointed Wei Zhen as General Who Campaigns against Shu.
He acted with imperial credentials and commanded the various armies.
When he arrived at Chang’an, Zhuge Liang had already withdrawn.
He returned to court and resumed his office.
He was also added Grand Master of Splendid Happiness.
Remonstrating about palace construction
At that time, Cao Rui greatly constructed palaces.
Wei Zhen remonstrated several times with sincere words.
When the Supervisor of the Palace arbitrarily detained the Gentleman of the Masters of Writing, Wei Zhen again reported this to Cao Rui.
Cao Rui issued an edict: “The palace cannot be built. I have already restrained my heart. Why are you managing this matter again?”
Wei Zhen memorialized: “In ancient times, laws for handling officials were established not because they were not diligent, but because the matters they handled had small benefits and great harm. Your servant observes such matters every day. Most are like this. Therefore, I am afraid that in the future, the various offices will gradually exceed their duties and commit great crimes.”
Advice about Zhu Ran
When Zhuge Liang again sent troops out of Xiegu, Cao Wei also received a report: “Zhu Ran of Wu has also led troops and crossed Jingcheng. He has begun campaigning south.”
Wei Zhen said: “Zhu Ran is a fierce general of Eastern Wu. Sun Quan this time is only making a show of campaigning south. He is only using it as a cover.”
Not long after, Sun Quan indeed summoned Zhu Ran to station at Juchao.
He then attacked Hefei.
Advice about Cao Rui’s personal campaign
In 234 CE, the second year of Qinglong, Zhuge Liang launched his fifth Northern Expedition.
Eastern Wu also sent troops together.
Sun Quan attacked Hefei.
Cao Rui planned to campaign personally.
Wei Zhen said: “Sun Quan outwardly responds to Zhuge Liang. However, his heart only wants to observe from the side. Moreover, Hefei’s city walls are strong. There is no need to worry. Your Majesty does not need to campaign personally. This can also save the expenses of a large army campaign.”
However, Cao Rui still insisted on campaigning.
When he reached Xunyang, Sun Quan, because he was resisted by Man Chong and other defending generals, and also because of illness, withdrew his troops.
Advice about Guanqiu Jian
Guanqiu Jian, Inspector of You Province, memorialized Cao Rui: “Since Your Majesty succeeded to the throne, there have been no achievements worthy of being written down. Now Wu and Shu rely on dangerous terrain. They cannot be pacified in a short time. It would be better to temporarily use idle troops in the state to pacify Liaodong.”
Wei Zhen said to Cao Rui: “What Guanqiu Jian says are all trivial strategies used in the Warring States period. They are not great matters that those who accomplish kingly enterprise should do. Eastern Wu raises troops year after year and invades the border. However, our state still keeps troops still and rests generals and soldiers. We have not sought opportunities to campaign against them. This is really because the common people are tired and exhausted. Moreover, Gongsun Yuan, the leader of Liaodong, grew up on the sea since childhood. His rule of Liaodong has already continued for three generations. They pacify the Hu people externally and repair military equipment and practice battle formations internally. However, Guanqiu Jian wants to use part of the army to go deep in one move and achieve success in one step. His idea is too arrogant.”
Later, Guanqiu Jian rashly sent troops and indeed failed.
Service as Minister over the Masses
On the ji-hai day of the sixth month of 237 CE, the first year of Jingchu (13th day of the seventh month), Wei Zhen was transferred to Minister over the Masses.
Service as Minister of Works
On the ren-wu day of the eleventh month of 238 CE, the second year of Jingchu (18th day of the twelfth month), Wei Zhen was transferred to Minister of Works.
Retirement
During the Zhengshi era, Wei Zhen was advanced to Marquis of Changyuan.
He also enfeoffed one son as a marquis.
Later, Wei Zhen repeatedly requested to resign.
He was granted a residence.
He was given the rank of Specially Advanced.
His rank was equal to the Three Excellencies.
Death
Wei Zhen died after 248 CE.
He was posthumously granted Grand Commandant.
He was posthumously titled Marquis Jing.
Personality
Wei Zhen was known for his integrity and loyalty.
He was also known for his ability to recognize success and failure.
He was also known for his strategic insight.
He was also known for not joining cliques.
Military achievements
Campaign against Zhuge Liang
Wei Zhen successfully participated in the defence against Zhuge Liang’s Northern Expeditions.
He suggested intercepting Shu’s grain transport routes.
Relationships
With Wei Zi
Wei Zhen was the son of Wei Zi, who died fighting Dong Zhuo with Cao Cao.
With Xiahou Dun
Wei Zhen served under Xiahou Dun and was recommended by him.
With Cao Cao
Wei Zhen served under Cao Cao and was trusted by him.
With Cao Pi
Wei Zhen served under Cao Pi and praised Han’s virtue.
With Cao Rui
Wei Zhen served under Cao Rui and remonstrated about various matters.
With Cao Fang
Wei Zhen served under Cao Fang and retired.
Anecdotes
The banquet incident
Wei Zhen successfully refused to attend Xiahou Dun’s banquet with his wife.
He believed it was a corrupt custom.
Praising Han
Wei Zhen successfully praised Han’s virtue when others criticized it.
The Sun Quan intelligence incident
Wei Zhen successfully recognized that Sun Quan’s intelligence was false.
Advice about Zhu Ran
Wei Zhen successfully recognized that Sun Quan was only making a show.
Advice about Cao Rui’s personal campaign
Wei Zhen successfully advised Cao Rui not to campaign personally.
Advice about Guanqiu Jian
Wei Zhen successfully advised Cao Rui against Guanqiu Jian’s plan.
Guanqiu Jian’s campaign failed.
Achievements
- Successfully served three generations of Cao rulers
- Successfully remonstrated about various matters
- Successfully participated in defence against Zhuge Liang
- Known for integrity and loyalty
- Known for ability to recognize success and failure
Behind the scenes
Historical sources
Wei Zhen’s biography appears in the Records of the Three Kingdoms by Chen Shou, grouped with Huan Jie, Chen Qun, Chen Jiao, Xu Xuan, and Lu Yu.
Not joining cliques
Wei Zhen was known for not joining cliques.
When Ding Yi, who supported Cao Zhi, invited him to associate, he refused based on righteousness.
When Cao Shuang monopolized power, he sent Xiahou Xuan to persuade Wei Zhen to serve as Director of the Imperial Secretariat and to request marriage for his younger brother.
Wei Zhen refused both.
Historical evaluations
Contemporary
Cao Pi said: “The treasures of the realm should be shared with Shanyang.”
Later historians
Chen Shou wrote: “Chen, Xu, Wei, and Lu long occupied these positions. Jiao and Xuan were resolute and outspoken. Zhen and Yu provided regulations and clear principles. None failed in their duties.”
Legacy
Wei Zhen is remembered as a key official who served three generations of Cao rulers.
His integrity and loyalty are praised.
His ability to recognize success and failure is also praised.
Timeline
- Unknown: Born in Xiangyi, Chenliu; father Wei Zi friend of Cao Cao; Wei Zi died fighting Dong Zhuo at Xingyang; Cao Cao sent envoys to offer sacrifices
- ?: Recommended by Xiahou Dun Administrator of Chenliu as Accountant; Xiahou Dun brought wife to banquet; Wei Zhen refused; believed corrupt custom; Xiahou Dun angry; arrested; soon released; served as Gentleman of the Yellow Gate in Han court
- ?: Zhu Yue of Dong Commandery plotted rebellion; confessed Wei Zhen participated; Cao Cao did not believe; received Xun Yu’s letter; loyalty clear; Cao Cao ordered to select noble lady; memorialized asking Wei Zhen to stay; served as Army Adviser to the Chancellor; enfeoffed as Marquis Within the Passes; transferred to Clerk in the Household Section
- 220 CE: Cao Pi succeeded to kingship; appointed Gentleman Cavalier Attendant; Cao Pi became emperor; enfeoffed as Marquis of Anguo; dukes and ministers praised Wei; many criticized Han; Wei Zhen praised Han; Cao Pi said treasures should be shared with Shanyang; promoted to Gentleman of the Masters of Writing; transferred to Palace Attendant and Director of the Left Section of the Masters of Writing
- 224 CE: Cao Pi went on inspection tour to Guangling; Wei Zhen acted as Leader of the Central Army; Cao Xiu sent memorial about Sun Quan intelligence; Wei Zhen recognized false; questioned surrendered general; confirmed false
- 226 CE: Cao Rui succeeded to throne; advanced to Marquis of Kangxiang; transferred to Deputy Director of the Right Section of the Imperial Secretariat; managed selection of officials; added Palace Attendant; discussed with Jiang Ji about selection methods
- 228 CE: Zhuge Liang launched Northern Expeditions; Wei Zhen suggested intercepting grain routes; Cao Rui adopted; appointed General Who Campaigns against Shu; acted with imperial credentials; arrived at Chang’an; Zhuge Liang withdrew; returned to court; added Grand Master of Splendid Happiness; remonstrated about palace construction; reported Supervisor of Palace detaining Gentleman
- 234 CE: Zhuge Liang launched fifth Northern Expedition; Wu also sent troops; Sun Quan attacked Hefei; Cao Rui planned to campaign personally; Wei Zhen advised against; Cao Rui insisted; reached Xunyang; Sun Quan withdrew; Guanqiu Jian memorialized about Liaodong; Wei Zhen advised against; Guanqiu Jian failed
- 237 CE: Transferred to Minister over the Masses
- 238 CE: Transferred to Minister of Works
- ?: Advanced to Marquis of Changyuan during Zhengshi era; enfeoffed one son as marquis; repeatedly requested to resign; granted residence; rank Specially Advanced; rank equal to Three Excellencies
- After 248 CE: Died; posthumously granted Grand Commandant; posthumous Marquis Jing
See also
References
- Chen Shou. Records of the Three Kingdoms, Volume 22, Biography of Huan, Two Chen, Xu, Wei, Lu.