Ma Dai (simplified: 马岱, traditional: 馬岱, pinyin: Mǎ Dài) was a general of Shu Han and cousin of Ma Chao. He followed Ma Chao when Ma Chao joined Liu Bei after his defeat by Cao Cao in the west. Ma Dai served in Zhuge Liang’s Northern Expeditions and was present at Wuzhangyuan when Zhuge Liang died. When Wei Yan refused to serve as rearguard under Yang Yi and instead marched north, Wang Ping rebuked him and the troops scattered; Ma Dai pursued Wei Yan, caught him, and killed him on Yang Yi’s authority. Wei Yan’s three clans were then executed.
Biography
With Ma Chao and entry into Shu
Ma Dai was Ma Teng’s nephew and Ma Chao’s cousin. When Ma Chao rebelled in 211 and was defeated by Cao Cao, Ma Chao fled and eventually went to Liu Bei in Yi Province. Ma Dai accompanied him and entered Shu service with Ma Chao.
Northern Expeditions and killing of Wei Yan
Ma Dai took part in Zhuge Liang’s Northern Expeditions. When Zhuge Liang died at Wuzhangyuan in 234, the plan was for Wei Yan to cover the retreat; Wei Yan refused to accept Yang Yi’s command and argued that the army should continue the campaign. He burned the plank roads and clashed with Yang Yi’s party. Wang Ping’s shout turned the rank and file against Wei Yan; Wei Yan fled with a few followers. Ma Dai was sent in pursuit, caught Wei Yan, and beheaded him. Yang Yi then had Wei Yan’s three clans executed. Ma Dai was later enfeoffed as Marquis of Chencang and promoted to General of the Pingbei.
Legacy
Ma Dai is remembered mainly for his role in the suppression of Wei Yan after Zhuge Liang’s death, which secured an orderly retreat and prevented further conflict within the Shu army.