Encyclopedia: Yadan

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. Guan Xing retired, but was surrounded. Yueji gave chase but was not able to capture him.

Guan Xing and Zhang Bao’s forces withdrew and prepared a new stratagem with Zhuge Liang. Late in the year, in full winter, Shu’s forces went out to give battle again. When Yueji’s iron chariots advanced they retired, leading Yueji to the camp gate. Upon inspection the camp was empty with only the strumming of a lute carrying through the air. Yueji consulted Yadan who suspected Shu was trying to ward them off. They advanced.

At several points the enemy, be it Zhuge Liang alone or Jiang Wei in command of a division, appeared and then withdrew. Yadan suspected an ambush but they were not concerned given their strength and numbers. They pursued into the hills where the snow beneath their feet gave way to great pits, consuming man and chariot alike. Yueji fled into the mountains where he encountered Guan Xing, and was slain in the first encounter.

Yadan was captured and delivered to Zhuge Liang who released his bonds and said, “My master, the Emperor of the Great Han, sent me to destroy those who are in revolt. Why are you helping them? But I will release you, and you will return to your master and say that we are neighbors and we will swear an oath of everlasting friendship, and tell him to listen no more to the words of those rebels.” Yadan returned with the remnants of his army to the Western Qiang and did not trouble Shu further.