Yi Ji

Yi Ji is a friend and adviser to Xuande whose recommendation brings Ma Liang into the discussion of how to protect Xuande’s recent gains. His brief appearance links a personal debt of gratitude to the practical business of securing territory: Yi Ji had saved Xuande from Cai Mao’s plot, and he now directs Xuande toward a capable local adviser.

Identity and Role

The account identifies Yi Ji as Xuande’s friend. It does not give further biographical details or describe his formal office. His significance in the episode comes instead from his place in Xuande’s circle: he has already helped Xuande survive a threat, and he can point him toward people with the knowledge needed to consolidate power.

Recommendation of Ma Liang

After Xuande’s recent gains, the question is how to retain them. Yi Ji suggests that the area contains highly regarded scholars whose advice could help. He directs Xuande to the five Ma brothers, renowned for their skill and wisdom, and singles out Ma Liang as the foremost. Xuande acts on the recommendation and sends for him.

Ma Liang then offers a concrete political and military plan. He advises Xuande to strengthen Jingzhou by raising Liu Qi’s status, seeking an imperial appointment for him as governor, and surrounding him with former provincial leaders. With Liu Qi’s family reputation helping to maintain local support, Xuande could turn his attention south and seek a more secure base, with greater resources and food. Yi Ji does not devise or endorse the details of that plan in the account; his contribution is to identify the adviser who supplies it.

Relationships and Significance

Yi Ji’s actions show two connected forms of assistance to Xuande. In the earlier crisis, he saved Xuande from Cai Mao’s plot; later, he helps address the political problem created by Xuande’s territorial gains by recommending Ma Liang. The narrative therefore presents friendship not only as personal loyalty in a moment of danger but also as the circulation of useful counsel through a trusted network.

The account gives no subsequent action or ending for Yi Ji. Within this episode, his role is concise but consequential: by directing Xuande to Ma Liang, he helps set in motion the advice on securing Jingzhou and extending Xuande’s position into the southern commanderies.