Biography
Early life and service under Liu Bei
Zhang Yi was born in Wuyang County, Qianwei Commandery (present-day Pengshan, Sichuan). He came from a distinguished family—his tenth-generation ancestor was Zhang Liang, one of the Three Heroes of Early Han, and his great-great-grandfather Zhang Hao had served as Minister over the Masses of Eastern Han.
In 214 CE, when Liu Bei pacified Yi Province and became Governor of Yi Province, Zhang Yi was appointed as a Clerk.
At the end of the Jian’an period, Zhang Yi was recommended as Filial and Incorrupt and appointed Magistrate of Jiangyang.
Service in the Hanzhong Campaign
In 218 CE, when Liu Bei campaigned against Hanzhong, Zhang Yi followed and participated. When Cao Cao personally led troops to rescue Hanzhong, Zhang Yi followed Zhao Yun in the Battle of Hanshui and defeated Cao Cao’s forces.
Afterward, Zhang Yi was transferred to Magistrate of Fuling, then promoted to Administrator of Zitong Commandery, and gradually promoted to Administrator of Guanghan Commandery and Administrator of Shu Commandery.
Inspector of the South
In 231 CE, when Li Hui, Inspector of the South, died, the Shu Han court appointed Zhang Yi as Inspector of the South and General Who Pacifies the South, stationed at Pingyi County in Zangke Commandery, to govern the south.
Zhang Yi enforced laws strictly and did not gain the favour of the southern barbarians. In 233 CE, the barbarian leader Liu Zhou raised troops in rebellion and caused chaos in the various commanderies.
Zhang Yi raised troops to suppress the rebellion but had not yet defeated Liu Zhou when the Shu Han court summoned him back to the capital. All his subordinate generals believed he should rush back to the court to ask for punishment.
Zhang Yi said: “We cannot do this. I am being recalled because the barbarians raised troops in rebellion and I am not competent. However, the person replacing me has not yet arrived, and I am on the battlefield. I should organise the transport and storage of grain to serve as supplies for suppressing the rebels. How can I abandon the state’s affairs because I have been removed from office?”
He continued to manage affairs without slackening until Ma Zhong, the new Inspector of the South, arrived at the front, and only then did he depart for the capital.
Ma Zhong relied on the foundation Zhang Yi had established to kill Liu Zhou and suppress the rebellion. When Zhuge Liang, Chancellor of Shu Han, learned of this, he greatly praised Zhang Yi.
Service under Zhuge Liang
In the second month of 234 CE, Zhuge Liang marched out of Xie Valley to campaign north against Cao Wei, appointing Zhang Yi as Vanguard Commander and Administrator of Fufeng.
In the eighth month, Zhuge Liang died of illness, and the great army withdrew to Chengdu. Zhang Yi was appointed General of the Vanguard, and his previous merit in suppressing Liu Zhou was posthumously recognised, granting him the title Marquis within the Passes.
Later service
In 238 CE, Zhang Yi entered the court as Director of the Imperial Secretariat, participating in court policy decisions. Later, he was promoted to Supervisor of Jianwei, granted credentials, and enfeoffed as Marquis within the Passes, appointed General Who Conquers the West, and stationed at Shu Han’s northern border.
Opposing Jiang Wei’s campaigns
In the spring of 255 CE, Zhang Yi returned to Chengdu together with Jiang Wei, General Who Guards the Army. Jiang Wei proposed in court to again send troops to campaign against Wei. Only Zhang Yi alone argued in court, believing that the state was weak, the people were exhausted, and they should not abuse military force.
Jiang Wei did not listen to Zhang Yi’s opinion. That summer, Jiang Wei led Zhang Yi and others to campaign against Wei and promoted Zhang Yi to General Who Guards the South.
On the second day of the eighth month, the Han army advanced to Didao County in Longxi Commandery and greatly defeated the forces of Wang Jing, Inspector of Yong Province of Wei. Wang Jing retreated to Didao city, and Wei soldiers who died in the Tao River numbered over ten thousand.
Jiang Wei wanted to take advantage of the victory to advance. Zhang Yi remonstrated: “We can stop—we should not continue advancing. If we advance, we may destroy this great achievement.”
Jiang Wei was angry and said: “This is like adding feet to a snake.” He did not listen to the remonstration and besieged Wang Jing in Didao city. Later, Wei generals Chen Tai and Deng Ai came to rescue, and the Han army ultimately did not capture the city.
On the twenty-fifth day of the ninth month, Zhang Yi followed Jiang Wei in withdrawing and retreating.
Continuing opposition
After Zhang Yi raised different opinions in court, Jiang Wei’s heart was not in harmony with Zhang Yi. However, he continued to force Zhang Yi to follow him on campaigns against Wei, and Zhang Yi had no choice but to go along.
Final promotion
In the sixth month of 259 CE, Zhang Yi was promoted to Left Chariot and Cavalry General and Inspector of Ji Province, equal in rank to Liao Hua, Right Chariot and Cavalry General.
People of the time said: “Before there were Wang Ping and Ju Fu, after there are Zhang Yi and Liao Hua.”
The Wei conquest of Shu
In the eighth month of 263 CE, Sima Zhao raised troops to attack Shu Han. Liu Shan, the Later Ruler, sent Liao Hua to Tazhong to support Jiang Wei, while Zhang Yi and Dong Jue went to Yang’an Pass to serve as external support for the various defensive positions.
In the ninth month, Zhong Hui’s army captured Yang’an Pass and advanced unopposed. Jiang Wei was also pressed by Deng Ai, so he joined forces with Liao Hua, Zhang Yi, and Dong Jue and together retreated to Jiange to resist Zhong Hui’s attack.
In the eleventh month of that year, Zhuge Zhan, General Who Guards the Army of Shu Han, was defeated by Deng Ai at Mianzhu, and the Later Ruler Liu Shan’s whereabouts were unknown.
Zhang Yi and others then followed Jiang Wei east into Baxi Commandery, detoured and retreated to the area around Qi County in Guanghan Commandery to observe the situation. Soon after, they received the Later Ruler Liu Shan’s edict to surrender, so they went with Jiang Wei and others to Fu County and surrendered to Zhong Hui.
Death in Zhong Hui’s rebellion
In the first month of 264 CE, Zhang Yi followed Zhong Hui back to Chengdu. Later, Zhong Hui plotted rebellion, and Chengdu was thrown into chaos. Zhang Yi was killed by mutinous soldiers in the chaos.
Personality
Zhang Yi was known for his principled opposition to policies he believed were harmful to the state. He was willing to speak out against Jiang Wei’s campaigns, believing that the state was weak and the people exhausted and that they should not abuse military force.
He was also known for his dedication to duty. When he was recalled from his post as Inspector of the South, he continued to manage affairs and prepare supplies until his replacement arrived, demonstrating his commitment to the state’s interests over personal concerns.
He was described as having “resisted Jiang Wei’s sharpness,” showing his willingness to stand up to powerful figures when he believed they were wrong.
Military achievements
Battle of Hanshui
Zhang Yi followed Zhao Yun in the Battle of Hanshui during the Hanzhong Campaign and participated in defeating Cao Cao’s forces.
Suppressing Liu Zhou’s rebellion
Although Zhang Yi did not complete the suppression of Liu Zhou’s rebellion before being recalled, he established the foundation that allowed Ma Zhong to succeed. His continued management of affairs and preparation of supplies after being recalled demonstrated his dedication to duty.
Service in northern campaigns
Zhang Yi served in multiple northern campaigns under Zhuge Liang and Jiang Wei, though he opposed Jiang Wei’s aggressive strategy. His remonstration at Didao showed his tactical judgment, as Jiang Wei’s continued advance ultimately failed.
Defence of Jiange
During the Wei conquest of Shu, Zhang Yi defended Jiange together with Jiang Wei, Liao Hua, and Dong Jue, resisting Zhong Hui’s attack until Liu Shan’s surrender.
Relationships
With Zhuge Liang
Zhang Yi served under Zhuge Liang in the northern campaign of 234 and was praised by Zhuge Liang for his dedication to duty when he continued managing affairs after being recalled from the south.
With Jiang Wei
Zhang Yi opposed Jiang Wei’s aggressive campaign strategy, believing it was harmful to the state. After he raised different opinions in court, Jiang Wei’s heart was not in harmony with him, but Jiang Wei continued to force him to follow on campaigns. Despite their differences, Zhang Yi served loyally.
With Ma Zhong
Zhang Yi’s foundation work in the south allowed Ma Zhong to successfully suppress Liu Zhou’s rebellion, demonstrating effective cooperation between the two administrators.
With Liao Hua
Zhang Yi and Liao Hua were both promoted to Chariot and Cavalry General (Left and Right respectively) and were mentioned together in the saying: “Before there were Wang Ping and Ju Fu, after there are Zhang Yi and Liao Hua.”
Anecdotes
Continuing duty after recall
When Zhang Yi was recalled from his post as Inspector of the South, he continued to manage affairs and prepare supplies until his replacement arrived, saying: “How can I abandon the state’s affairs because I have been removed from office?” This dedication earned Zhuge Liang’s praise.
Opposing Jiang Wei in court
Zhang Yi was the only person to oppose Jiang Wei’s proposal for another campaign in 255, arguing that the state was weak and the people exhausted. His opposition showed his principled stance, though Jiang Wei did not listen.
Remonstrating at Didao
After the victory at Didao, Jiang Wei wanted to continue advancing, but Zhang Yi remonstrated: “We can stop—we should not continue advancing. If we advance, we may destroy this great achievement.” Jiang Wei compared this to “adding feet to a snake” and did not listen, ultimately failing to capture Didao.
”Before Wang Ping and Ju Fu, after Zhang Yi and Liao Hua”
This saying reflects the recognition of Zhang Yi and Liao Hua as capable generals who served Shu Han in its later years, comparable to Wang Ping and Ju Fu in earlier times.
Achievements
- Served in the Hanzhong Campaign under Liu Bei
- Participated in the Battle of Hanshui with Zhao Yun
- Served as Administrator of multiple commanderies (Zitong, Guanghan, Shu)
- Served as Inspector of the South and suppressed Liu Zhou’s rebellion
- Continued managing affairs after recall, earning Zhuge Liang’s praise
- Served in northern campaigns under Zhuge Liang and Jiang Wei
- Opposed Jiang Wei’s aggressive campaign strategy
- Defended Jiange during the Wei conquest of Shu
- Achieved rank of Left Chariot and Cavalry General
Behind the scenes
Historical sources
Zhang Yi’s biography appears in Records of the Three Kingdoms by Chen Shou, where he is grouped with Deng Zhi, Zong Yu, and Yang Xi. Chen Shou wrote: “Zhang Yi resisted Jiang Wei’s sharpness.”
Opposition to Jiang Wei
Zhang Yi’s opposition to Jiang Wei’s campaigns reflects a division within Shu Han’s leadership about military strategy. While Jiang Wei believed in aggressive campaigns to restore Han, Zhang Yi believed the state was too weak and the people too exhausted for such campaigns.
The saying about generals
The saying “Before there were Wang Ping and Ju Fu, after there are Zhang Yi and Liao Hua” reflects recognition of these generals’ service and the continuity of capable military leadership in Shu Han’s later years.
Death in rebellion
Zhang Yi’s death in Zhong Hui’s rebellion was part of the tragic end of Shu Han. After surrendering to Wei, he was caught up in Zhong Hui’s failed rebellion and killed by mutinous soldiers.
Historical evaluations
Contemporary
People of the time said: “Before there were Wang Ping and Ju Fu, after there are Zhang Yi and Liao Hua,” recognising Zhang Yi as one of Shu Han’s capable generals.
Zhuge Liang praised Zhang Yi for continuing to manage affairs after being recalled, saying he “put public affairs first.”
Later historians
Chen Shou wrote: “Deng Zhi was firm and upright, simple and bright, forgetting his family when serving in office. Zhang Yi resisted Jiang Wei’s sharpness. Zong Yu resisted Sun Quan’s severity. All had praiseworthy qualities.”
Chang Qu wrote: “The Chariot and Cavalry General was discontented, sharing the state’s safety and danger.”
Legacy
Zhang Yi is remembered as a principled general who opposed policies he believed were harmful to the state. His opposition to Jiang Wei’s aggressive campaigns, while not preventing them, demonstrated his commitment to the state’s welfare over personal relationships.
His dedication to duty, shown by continuing to manage affairs after being recalled, earned him praise from Zhuge Liang and serves as an example of putting public service first.
His death in Zhong Hui’s rebellion was part of the tragic end of Shu Han, caught up in the chaos that followed the state’s surrender to Wei.
The saying “Before there were Wang Ping and Ju Fu, after there are Zhang Yi and Liao Hua” reflects his recognition as one of Shu Han’s capable generals in its later years.
Timeline
- 214 CE: Appointed Clerk when Liu Bei pacified Yi Province
- c. 218 CE: Recommended as Filial and Incorrupt; appointed Magistrate of Jiangyang
- 218 CE: Participated in Hanzhong Campaign; followed Zhao Yun in Battle of Hanshui
- c. 219–220 CE: Transferred to Magistrate of Fuling
- c. 220–225 CE: Promoted to Administrator of Zitong Commandery
- c. 225–228 CE: Promoted to Administrator of Guanghan Commandery
- c. 228–231 CE: Promoted to Administrator of Shu Commandery
- 231 CE: Appointed Inspector of the South and General Who Pacifies the South
- 233 CE: Liu Zhou rebelled; Zhang Yi suppressed rebellion; recalled but continued managing affairs until Ma Zhong arrived
- 234 CE: Served as Vanguard Commander under Zhuge Liang; Zhuge Liang died; appointed General of the Vanguard; posthumously granted Marquis within the Passes
- 238 CE: Appointed Director of the Imperial Secretariat; promoted to Supervisor of Jianwei and General Who Conquers the West; enfeoffed as Marquis within the Passes
- 255 CE: Opposed Jiang Wei’s campaign proposal in court; promoted to General Who Guards the South; remonstrated at Didao; Jiang Wei did not listen
- 259 CE: Promoted to Left Chariot and Cavalry General and Inspector of Ji Province
- 263 CE: Defended Jiange during Wei conquest of Shu; surrendered to Zhong Hui with Jiang Wei
- 264 CE: Killed in mutiny during Zhong Hui’s rebellion
See also
References
- Chen Shou. Records of the Three Kingdoms, Volume 45, Biography of Zhang Yi.
- Pei Songzhi. Annotations to Records of the Three Kingdoms.
- Chang Qu. Huayang Guo Zhi.
- Sima Guang. Zizhi Tongjian, various volumes.