Mi Fang (simplified: 糜芳, traditional: 糜芳, pinyin: Mí Fāng) was the younger brother of Mi Zhu and a general of Shu Han who defected to Eastern Wu in 219. He was serving as Administrator of Nan Commandery (南郡) when Lü Meng led Wu’s attack on Jing Province. Mi Fang surrendered his base, which helped cut Guan Yu’s retreat and contributed to Guan Yu’s defeat and capture. He then served Wu; his later fate is poorly recorded.
Biography
Service under Liu Bei
Mi Fang and his brother Mi Zhu had supported Liu Bei with wealth and service from early on. Mi Zhu became one of Shu’s most trusted officials; Mi Fang held military and administrative posts, including Administrator of Nan Commandery in Jing Province, where he guarded the rear while Guan Yu campaigned north at Fancheng.
Defection and Guan Yu’s fall
In 219 Sun Quan and Lü Meng decided to take Jing Province while Guan Yu was engaged against Cao Cao. Lü Meng crossed the river and approached the Nan Commandery seat. Mi Fang surrendered, opening the city to Wu. The loss of the base and supplies undermined Guan Yu’s position; he was unable to hold the line and was eventually captured and executed by Wu. Mi Fang’s defection is often cited as a key factor in the fall of Jing and Guan Yu’s death. Yu Fan later criticised Mi Fang in a famous encounter (boat and camp gate); Mi Fang was shamed but continued in Wu service.
Legacy
Mi Fang is remembered as the defector whose surrender of Nan Commandery helped Wu conquer Jing Province and led to Guan Yu’s capture. His betrayal is contrasted with his brother Mi Zhu’s loyalty to Liu Bei.