Jiang Wei's Inherited War

This flow traces Jiang Wei’s effort to continue Kong Ming’s Northern Expeditions, from his recruitment to his final attempt to restore Shu.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

A Wei Officer at Tianshui

The Opponent Who Becomes an Heir A Capable Defender Jiang Wei recognizes Kong Ming’s feints and helps defend Tianshui. His military insight makes him a formidable opponent to the Shu. A Change of Allegiance Through a sequence of stratagems, Kong Ming isolates Jiang Wei and persuades him to surrender. He becomes a trusted officer and learns the methods of the man he once opposed.

A Charge Passed Down

The Successor’s Burden Inherited Knowledge Kong Ming gives Jiang Wei his military methods and names him as a successor in the work of restoring the Han. A Difficult Inheritance Jiang Wei has the skill and commitment but not Kong Ming’s political authority or stable support. He must continue the war while navigating a weakening court.

Repeated Invasions

Persistence Against Decline Renewed Campaigns Jiang Wei repeatedly crosses into Wei, sometimes winning local victories but never converting them into lasting gains. Growing Opposition Each campaign consumes men and supplies. Advisers and commanders increasingly oppose him, while the court’s corruption makes his strategic task harder.

Huang Hao’s Interference

A General Undermined at Court Rumors and Recall Huang Hao spreads doubts about Jiang Wei’s loyalty. The second ruler repeatedly recalls him just as a campaign approaches a decisive moment. A Defensive Retreat Unable to challenge the court openly, Jiang Wei establishes military colonies at Tazhong. The measure preserves troops and supplies but also removes him from the political center.

The Last Plot

Resistance After Surrender Alliance with Zhong Hui After Shu submits, Jiang Wei persuades Zhong Hui that he can help overthrow Sima Zhao. The plan briefly offers a way to restore the Han. Death in Chengdu The rebellion collapses amid mutiny and confusion. Jiang Wei dies by suicide after his plan fails, and his family is killed, ending his effort to continue Kong Ming’s mission.

During Kong Ming’s first Northern Expedition

After Kong Ming’s death

From AD 253 through the later Shu campaigns

During Jiang Wei’s later campaigns

AD 263–264