| NAME | |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 乐毅, 樂毅, Yuè Yì |
| Nickname | Changguo Jun (Lord of Changguo) |
| Other name | Nhạc Nghị |
| Courtesy name | 永成, 永成, Yǒngchéng, Yong Cheng, tự Vĩnh Thành |
| INFORMATION | |
| Birth Place | Lingshou, State of Zhongshan (中山国灵寿; Linh Thọ, nước Trung Sơn) |
| FAMILY | |
| Father | |
| CAREER | |
| Allegiance | State of Zhao, State of Yan |
| Battles | Battle of Jixi, Siege of Linzi, Campaign against Qi |
Biography & Historical Record
Yue Yi (乐毅, Nhạc Nghị) was a brilliant military strategist and statesman of the Warring States period. Born into a prominent family, he originally served the state of Zhao before moving to the state of Yan. He is most famous for leading the allied forces of Yan, Zhao, Han, Wei, and Qin in a massive campaign against the state of Qi. Under his command, the coalition forces crushed the Qi army, capturing over 70 cities in a very short period, an achievement that solidified his status as one of history’s greatest generals. He is particularly remembered for his magnanimity; instead of destroying Qi, he governed the captured territories with benevolence, winning the hearts of the people. His military principles later influenced legendary figures such as Zhuge Liang (诸葛亮, Gia Cát Lượng), who frequently compared himself to Yue Yi to demonstrate his own humble aspirations and strategic depth.
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
While Yue Yi does not appear as a character in the narrative of the Three Kingdoms, he is frequently cited by strategists. Zhuge Liang (诸葛亮, Gia Cát Lượng), during his life in seclusion at Longzhong, often referred to himself as ‘Zhuge Liang the Dragon’ while likening his potential to that of Guan Zhong (管仲, Quản Trọng) and Yue Yi (乐毅, Nhạc Nghị). This highlights his reverence for Yue Yi as the archetype of the virtuous and capable minister who restores order to chaos.
Yue Yi — Historical & Literary Timeline
Service to Yan
Yue Yi (乐毅, Nhạc Nghị) enters the service of King Zhao of Yan (燕昭王, Yên Chiêu Vương), who was actively recruiting talented individuals to rebuild the state of Yan and seek revenge against Qi.
The Great Invasion of Qi
Appointed as the supreme commander of the coalition, Yue Yi (乐毅, Nhạc Nghị) leads the allied armies to a crushing victory over Qi, forcing King Min of Qi (齐湣王, Tề Mẫn Vương) to flee.
Siege of Jimo
Following the death of King Zhao of Yan, political intrigue leads to the replacement of Yue Yi (乐毅, Nhạc Nghị). He defects to the state of Zhao, where he is granted the title of Lord of Guanjin.
For detailed historical records, archives, and official chronicles, explore Yue Yi on Wikipedia.
Key Relationships
- Monarchs
- King Zhao of Yan (燕昭王, Yên Chiêu Vương): The ruler who recognized his talent, trusted him implicitly, and allowed him to lead the Yan forces to greatness.
- Historical Admirers
- Zhuge Liang (诸葛亮, Gia Cát Lượng): The Shu Han chancellor who frequently idolized Yue Yi (乐毅, Nhạc Nghị) as a personal role model for statecraft and military command.
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