| NAME | |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 全怿, 全懌, Quán Yì |
| Nickname | Marquis of Linxiang, General Who Pacifies the East |
| Other name | Toàn Dực |
| INFORMATION | |
| Birth Place | Qiantang County, Wu Commandery (吴郡钱唐县; huyện Tiền Đường, quận Ngô) |
| Death Reason | Unknown; died of natural causes in Cao Wei / Western Jin after surrendering at the Siege of Shouchun in 257 |
| FAMILY | |
| Father | |
| Mother | |
| Relatives | |
| CAREER | |
| Allegiance | Eastern Wu, Cao Wei |
| Battles | Zhuge Dan's Rebellion, Siege of Shouchun |
Life and Defection of Quan Yi
Quan Yi was an influential military commander and hereditary aristocrat of Eastern Wu during the late Three Kingdoms era. As the son of Grand Commander Quan Cong and Princess Sun Luban (daughter of Sun Quan), he inherited the title of Marquis of Linxiang and commanded substantial aristocratic garrisons in Jiangdong.
In 257 AD, Eastern Wu mobilized an expeditionary force to support Zhuge Dan’s rebellion against Cao Wei at Shouchun. Regent Sun Chen deployed Quan Yi to lead the vanguard alongside Wen Qin. Displaying sharp tactical execution, they pierced the Wei encirclement and fortified the citadel. However, severe winter famines and political alienation strained the defenders. Seizing on clan strife in Jianye, Wei strategist Zhong Hui forged clandestine letters from surrendered relatives, falsely claiming regent Sun Chen planned to exterminate their families. Believing doom was imminent, this psychological stratagem panicked Quan Yi into surrendering thousands of elite soldiers to Sima Zhao in late 257 AD. The defection broke Shouchun’s defense, leading to the collapse of the uprising, after which he spent his remaining days peacefully ennobled in Cao Wei.
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
In chapters 111 and 112 of the historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Luo Guanzhong portrays Quan Yi as a pivotal figure whose dramatic defection seals the fate of the southern coalition. Trapped within Shouchun, forged crossbow letters convince the commander that his lineage faces execution at court. Desperate to protect his clan, his midnight surrender illustrates the devastating power of psychological warfare over raw military might.
Historical Timeline
Relief Expedition
Breaks through Wei siege lines to reinforce Zhuge Dan inside Shouchun.
Surrender to Sima Zhao
Capitulates to Wei following Zhong Hui’s forged letters warning of domestic purges.
Nobility in Wei
Confirmed as Marquis of Linxiang and appointed Champion General in the northern court.
Key Relationships
- Quan Cong: Father and legendary Grand Commander of Eastern Wu.
- Sun Luban: Mother, imperial princess and eldest daughter of Sun Quan.
- Quan Duan: Kinsman and co-commander who surrendered at Shouchun.
- Sima Zhao: Regent of Cao Wei who received his submission and awarded him high rank.
- Zhong Hui: Master strategist who orchestrated the psychological deception.
In Novel
Chapter 109
- Quan Yi (全怿, Toàn Dực): Quan Yi belongs to the powerful Quan family of Wu and is involved in the political conflict surrounding Sun Liang and Sun Chen. When the anti-Sun Chen conspiracy collapses, Quan Yi escapes toward Wei and seeks protection there. His defection illustrates the fragmentation of the Wu aristocracy during Sun Chen's rule.
History
Summary
- Quan Yi (全怿, Toàn Dực) was a member of the Quan family and a military officer of Eastern Wu.
Service in Wu
- He held military responsibilities during the later period of the Wu dynasty.
- His career was closely connected with the political fortunes of the Quan clan.
Defection to Wei
- During the final war between Wu and Jin, Quan Yi and members of his family became involved in a major defection from Wu to Wei.
- The defection weakened Wu's position during the final stage of the conflict.
Classification
- Historical.
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