姜維
Jiang Wei
Allegiances: A Wei officer who came over to Shu in the first campaign
Profile
The Wei officer who crossed to Shu and inherited Zhuge Liang’s mission — the last pillar of the kingdom. Prized by Zhuge Liang as the finest talent of Liangzhou, he took command after his mentor’s death and led more than nine northern campaigns. Even after Shu surrendered he would not stop, staging a false defection to resurrect the state before dying in the chaos. His final scheme, men said, killed three heroes with one stroke.
Key events
- 227
The Chu Shi Biao — the Northern Campaigns Begin
Zhuge Liang submits his memorial to the young emperor and marches north to restore the Han. Around this time Jiang Wei came over to Shu.
- 234
Wuzhang Plains — the Death of Zhuge Liang
After a hundred days facing Sima Yi, Zhuge Liang dies in camp. The orderly Shu withdrawal left the saying: "Dead Kongming routed living Zhongda."
- 234
The End of Wei Yan
In the power struggle after Zhuge Liang’s death, Wei Yan is branded a traitor and killed — though the histories hint the charge was unjust.
- 253
Jiang Wei’s Northern Campaigns
Heir to Zhuge Liang’s mission, Jiang Wei launches campaign after campaign north — trading blows with Wei while draining Shu’s strength, critics said.
- 263
The Fall of Shu-Han
Wei columns cross the mountain trails and descend on Chengdu; Liu Shan surrenders. Jiang Wei, holding Jiange, schemed for a restoration to his dying breath.
History vs. the novelHistoryvsNovel
The novel dramatizes a master-disciple bond complete with a duel. In the histories he is contested ground: criticized in his own day for bleeding the state dry, honored ever after for loyalty that outlived the kingdom itself.