Encyclopedia: King Cheliji

Sanguo Yanyi

While Wei was preparing their defense against Zhuge Liang during his first northern campaign, Guo Huai proposed that a messenger be sent to the Western Qiang, with a letter accompanied by gold and pearls, requesting aid. The King of the Western Qiang was named Cheliji. He had rendered yearly tribute since the days of Cao Cao. He had two ministers, one for civil and the other for military affairs, named, respectively, Prime Minister Yadan and one of his marshals, Yueji.

Yadan received the letter positively and suggested to King Cheliji that they should march in defense of Wei. King Cheliji approved and dispatched an army of two-hundred fifth thousand trained soldiers, archers, and warriors who flung maces and hammers, all under the command of Prime Minister Yadan and marshal Yueji. They brought plenty of supplies and spare weapons stored on iron chariots.

At Xiping Pass they met up with Han Zhen who sent a messenger to Zhuge Liang. Zhuge Liang dispatched Guan Xing and Zhang Bao in command of fifty-thousand veterans to oppose them with Ma Dai serving as a guide. During their first encounter, Guan Xing advanced in three divisions but was defeated by Yueji and his iron chariots. Yueji attempted to capture him but was unsuccessful.

Guan Xing retired to meet with Zhuge Liang who prepared a new stratagem. Later in the year, in full winter, Shu marched on the Qiang but when Yueji’s iron chariots advanced they retreated. Yueji and Yadan gave chase. Though they suspected an ambush they where not concerned. In a valley their army was consumed by pit traps which were concealed by the snow. Yueji fled but was cut down by Guan Xing. Yadan was captured but later released by Zhuge Liang on favorable terms. The Western Qiang did not oppose Shu again.