The Legendary Tale Between Jie Feiye and Dong Yong: A Timeless Narrative

In the annals of history, there existed a luminary named Fei Yi, hailing from Jiangxia, endowed with both literary and martial prowess, yet his eloquence reigned supreme. When dispatched to the court of Eastern Wu, amidst deliberate obstructions by figures like Sun Quan, Fei Yi stood unyielding as the majestic Tai Shan, exuding grace and composure, neither hasty nor flustered, displaying courtesy and restraint, neither servile nor arrogant. Sun Quan himself lauded in the moment: “This is truly a peerless talent of our time, surely the pillar of Shu.”

Foremost among those who esteemed Fei Yi was Zhuge Liang. He repeatedly petitioned Liu Shan, advocating for Fei Yi’s prominent appointment, asserting that to squander such a virtuous minister would be the greatest regret of Shu. On one occasion when Zhuge Liang returned triumphant from a military campaign, the entire court of Shu, brimming with joy, formed a procession spanning ten miles to greet him. Yet Zhuge Liang deliberately invited Fei Yi to sit beside him. Despite Fei Yi’s modest attempts to decline, citing merit unworthy of reward, Zhuge Liang insisted on his presence, a gesture that drew admiration from all present, causing them to regard Fei Yi in a new light.

Despite the esteem bestowed upon him, Fei Yi remained remarkably humble and steadfast. He partook of simple fare, wore coarse garments, eschewed riding or carriage, comporting himself as a commoner.

In the year 244 AD, when Cao Shuang’s forces encroached, the initial retreat of the Shu army seemed inexorable, resembling a mountain collapsing in defeat. It was then that Fei Yi volunteered, donning armor and taking to the battlefield. Witnessing his resolve, the Shu soldiers were infused with renewed vigor, as if possessed by divine spirits, displaying extraordinary prowess. Within a mere half-day, they turned the tide of battle from defeat to victory. Upon learning of this, Liu Shan was overjoyed and promptly ennobled Fei Yi as the Marquis of Chengxiang.

Yet fate, it seems, harbored envy towards such exceptional talent, for Fei Yi, despite his sterling character, met an untimely end. In the auspicious gathering of the first month of the 253rd year, amidst a jovial atmosphere, Fei Yi, unknowingly, indulged in a few more cups. Little did he expect Guo Xiu to seize the opportunity and thrust a blade towards him. One of the four pillars of Shu Han, an eminent talent in the history of the Three Kingdoms, thus concluded his regretful life.

Fei Yi’s Ascension

Who was Fei Yi? If you are an aficionado of the tales from the Three Kingdoms period, his name must surely resonate with you. Even if you are unfamiliar with the historical events of that era, but have perused Zhuge Liang’s “Memorial of an Offense,” you must have encountered the illustrious name of Fei Yi.

During the Three Kingdoms period, there was a renowned minister of Shu named Fei Yi. Alongside the illustrious Zhuge Liang, Jiang Wan, and Dong Yun, he was collectively hailed as one of the “Four Pillars of Shu Han.” Orphaned at a tender age, he lost his father and guardian, Fei Boren, early in life, subsequently venturing into the political arena of Shu. Fei Yi was known for his fidelity, purity of character, gentle disposition, and magnanimous treatment of others. His clarity of mind, adherence to righteousness, and integrity earned him high praise from Zhuge Liang. From his humble beginnings as a junior attendant to the crown prince, he ascended through the ranks to become a military strategist, Minister of War, and eventually the Grand General, contributing significantly to the establishment of Shu Han by vanquishing Cao Shuang. However, Fei Yi met his demise at the New Year’s assembly of Shu Han, falling victim to Guo Xiu. Initially a military commander of Cao Wei, Guo Xiu, after being captured by Shu Han’s Jiang Wei, pledged allegiance to Shu Han.

Speaking of Fei Yi’s ascension, it bears a subtle connection to the present-day Yellow Crane Tower. In the “Classic of Mountains and Seas,” it is said that the late Fei Yi transformed into a celestial being after his death, once returning on a yellow crane and briefly resting at the present location, thus giving rise to the name Yellow Crane Tower. “Fei Yi’s ascension to immortality” is one of the various legends behind the origin of the name Yellow Crane Tower.

Most people believe in the division of heaven and hell after death, where the virtuous ascend to heaven to become immortals, while the wicked descend to hell. Fei Yi’s ascension to immortality is perhaps a narrative crafted by the masses, unwilling to accept the tragic end of Fei Yi’s life, rewriting a conclusion for him with remorseful hearts.

Fei Yi and Dong Yun were both prominent ministers of the Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period, alongside Zhuge Liang and Jiang Wan, collectively known as the “Four Outstanding Ministers of Shu Han.” In their early years, Fei Yi, having lost his father, traveled with his foster father Fei Boren to the Shu Kingdom, and after Liu Bei pacified the Shu region, he remained in the land of Yi. He was renowned alongside Dong Yun and Xu Shuolong.

There’s a tale about the two: when the son of Xu Jing passed away, they both attended the funeral. Lacking a carriage, Dong Yun sought from his father Dong He a carriage for them, but they were given a very crude deer cart instead. Upon arrival at the funeral, attended by dignitaries such as Zhuge Liang, Dong Yun felt immensely embarrassed by his shabby transportation, while Fei Yi remained composed and unperturbed. Upon learning of this, Dong He remarked to Dong Yun, “I used to have trouble distinguishing who between you and Fei Yi was more outstanding, but today I have become perfectly clear.”

In the year 221, when Liu Bei appointed a crown prince, both Fei Yi and Dong Yun became attendants to the crown prince. In the year 227, Fei Yi, serving as a military officer, frequently undertook missions to the Kingdom of Wu during Zhuge Liang’s northern expeditions. Meanwhile, Dong Yun was left in Hanzhong by Zhuge Liang’s commission to assist Liu Shan in handling certain affairs within the imperial palace. Concerned about the young emperor’s ability to discern right from wrong, Zhuge Liang regarded Dong Yun as a person of integrity and capability, and thus, repeatedly recommended both Fei Yi and Dong Yun to Liu Shan as the pillars of Shu Han.

In 234, following Zhuge Liang’s demise, he entrusted these two individuals with the care of Liu Shan and the welfare of Shu Han. Fei Yi primarily dealt with external military campaigns, while Dong Yun aided Liu Shan in internal palace matters, daring to rectify and advise him on improper conduct. Later, Fei Yi was appointed as Grand General, with Dong Yun serving as his deputy while concurrently holding the position of Palace Attendant. Dong Yun passed away in 246, and in 253, Fei Yi was assassinated by Guo Xiu during the New Year’s assembly.

Fei Yi and Dong Yun, as virtuous statesmen of Shu Han, shared common virtues. Both were modest, gentle, free from avarice, and indifferent to fame and fortune, dedicating themselves solely to the emperor and the welfare of the state. Particularly noteworthy is Dong Yun’s asceticism, as he consistently refused offers of promotions and honors, despite numerous recommendations from Shu Han’s courtiers to Liu Shan. Together, they made significant efforts and contributions to the prosperity and stability of Shu Han’s realm.