Jiang Wei

Jiang Wei, born in Ji County during the early years of the third century, emerged as a prominent military general and politician in the state of Shu Han amidst the tumultuous Three Kingdoms period of China. His early career began in Tianshui Commandery, a territory under Wei, where he initially served as a military officer. However, in the year two hundred twenty-eight, during an invasion led by the renowned Zhuge Liang, Jiang Wei faced distrust from the local administrator, Ma Zun, prompting his defection to Shu.

Upon joining Shu, Jiang Wei quickly gained the respect of Zhuge Liang, who appointed him as a general. Following Zhuge Liang's death in two hundred thirty-four, Jiang Wei continued to serve under the regencies of Jiang Wan and Fei Yi, ultimately achieving the esteemed rank of General-In-Chief in two hundred fifty-three after Fei Yi's passing. Throughout the years two hundred forty to two hundred sixty-two, he carried on Zhuge Liang's legacy, leading eleven military campaigns against Wei, albeit constrained by Shu's limited resources and internal political challenges.

The year two hundred sixty-three marked a pivotal moment when Wei launched a significant invasion of Shu. Jiang Wei valiantly led Shu forces in defense at Tazhong, Yinping, and Jiange, where he personally defended Jiange against Zhong Hui's assault. Despite his efforts to stall Wei's main force, the unexpected arrival of Deng Ai at Chengdu led to Liu Shan's surrender, effectively sealing Shu's fate. In the subsequent year, Jiang Wei attempted to instigate a rebellion against the Wei regent Sima Zhao, hoping to restore Shu's power. Tragically, this endeavor ended in mutiny, resulting in the deaths of both Jiang Wei and Zhong Hui.