Deng Zhi (simplified: 邓芝, traditional: 鄧芝, pinyin: Dèng Zhī), courtesy name Bomiao (伯苗 Bómiáo), was a general of Shu Han. He served as envoy to Sun Quan after Liu Bei’s death and helped restore the Shu–Wu alliance. In the Northern Expeditions, Zhuge Liang had Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi lead a decoy force in the Xiegu Valley to draw Cao Zhen’s Wei army while the main Shu force attacked Qishan. Deng Zhi rose to General Who Spreads Martial Might and later General of the Guard (車騎將軍). He died in 251.
Biography
Envoy to Wu
After Liu Bei’s death and the Battle of Yiling, relations between Shu and Wu were strained. Zhuge Liang sent Deng Zhi to Sun Quan to renew the alliance. Deng Zhi argued that the two states depended on each other against Wei and that Sun Quan’s submission to Wei was only nominal. Sun Quan agreed to maintain the alliance with Shu.
Northern Expeditions and later career
Deng Zhi took part in Zhuge Liang’s campaigns. In one expedition, Zhuge Liang had Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi occupy Jigu in the Xiegu Valley as a decoy to draw Cao Zhen’s main Wei force, while he led the main army to Qishan. Deng Zhi held senior military posts and died in 251.
Legacy
Deng Zhi is remembered as the diplomat who restored the Shu–Wu alliance after Liu Bei’s death and as a reliable general in the Northern Expeditions.