Yang Yi (simplified: 杨仪, traditional: 楊儀, pinyin: Yáng Yí), courtesy name Weigong (威公 Wēigōng), was a general of Shu Han and Chief Clerk (長史) to Zhuge Liang. He was capable at logistics and planning but had a long-standing rivalry with Wei Yan; the two often clashed, and Fei Yi sometimes had to sit between them. When Zhuge Liang died at Wuzhangyuan in 234, he entrusted the retreat to Yang Yi; Wei Yan was to cover the rear but refused to serve under Yang Yi and argued the army should keep fighting. Wei Yan burned the plank roads and confronted Yang Yi; Wang Ping rebuked Wei Yan and the troops sided with Yang Yi. Ma Dai pursued and killed Wei Yan. Yang Yi then had Wei Yan’s three clans executed. The court did not give Yang Yi the high position he expected (Zhuge Liang’s role went to Jiang Wan); Yang Yi complained and was exiled, and he committed suicide in 235.
Biography
Service under Zhuge Liang
Yang Yi joined Liu Bei and later served Zhuge Liang as Chief Clerk. He was skilled at organisation and supply. His relationship with Wei Yan was hostile; at meetings Wei Yan sometimes drew his blade on Yang Yi, and Fei Yi mediated. Zhuge Liang valued both men but was aware of the tension.
Retreat from Wuzhangyuan and fall of Wei Yan
When Zhuge Liang was dying, he discussed the retreat with Yang Yi, Fei Yi, and Jiang Wei. The plan was for Wei Yan to bring up the rear; if Wei Yan refused, the army would withdraw without him. After Zhuge Liang’s death Yang Yi kept it secret and had the army withdraw. Wei Yan refused to obey and marched north; he and Yang Yi exchanged accusations of rebellion. Wang Ping’s shout turned the rank and file against Wei Yan; Ma Dai killed him. Yang Yi had Wei Yan’s three clans executed and led the army back to Shu.
Disappointment and suicide
Yang Yi expected to succeed Zhuge Liang as the leading military figure, but Liu Shan and the court chose Jiang Wan. Yang Yi felt wronged and spoke bitterly; he was demoted and sent to Hanjia. In 235 he wrote a seditious-sounding letter and was further punished; he committed suicide in prison.
Legacy
Yang Yi is remembered for his role in the orderly retreat after Zhuge Liang’s death and for the elimination of Wei Yan, but also for his ambition and his suicide after being passed over for Jiang Wan.