Li Mi (Shu Han)

Li Mi was born in Wuyang, Qianwei Commandery (犍為郡), which is present-day Pengshan County, Sichuan.[1] His grandfather, Li Guang (李光) was the Administator of Zhuti Commandery (朱提太守).[2] His father died just after his birth.[3] His mother remaried thereafter and as a child, he was left under the care of his grandmother.[4] Li Mi studied the Zuo zhuan and had extensive knowledge in the Four Books and Five Classics. He was quick witted, discerning and eloquent in his speech.[5]

He was known for his filial piety towards his grandmother. When she was ill, he would shed tears and hold his breath in grief, never removing his mourning attire day or night. He personally tasted all her meals and medicines before giving them to her.[6] He was offered a position in his hometown but declined. Later, he was appointed in Shu Han as Assistant Officer (從事), Gentleman of the Masters of Writing (尚書郎), Registar (主簿) to the Chief-General (大將軍) and a Xima (洗馬; master of the stable) to the Crown Prince.[7]

As Li Mi was sent on a diplomatic mission to the state of Wu. The ruler of Wu asked him about the number of horses in Shu to which Li Mi replied: "There are enough for official use and the people have plenty for their own needs."[8] During a discussion on morality and principles with the ruler and his ministers. Most of the officials wished to be a younger brother. However, Li Mi expressed his desire to be an elder brother. The ruler of Wu asked him: "Why do you wish to be an elder brother?"[9] Li Mi replied: "Because the days of providing and nurturing as an elder brother are longer." The attendance praised him for his response.[10]

Following the Conquest of Shu by Wei, Deng Ai who was in charge of the western campaign heard of his reputation and invited him to serve as his Registar (主簿).[11] However, Li Mi refused all invitations and declined official positions from both the State and the Province due to his devotion to caring for his elderly grandmother. He focused on his scholarly pursuits, establishing a school and mentoring students.[12]

When Emperor Wu established his son Sima Zhong as the Crown Prince in 267, he summoned Li Mi to serve as a Xima (洗馬; master of the stable). Despite numerous imperial edicts and pressure from the commandery and county, Li Mi did not change his opinion as he wanted to care for his grandmother.[13] Therefore, he submitted a memorial explaining his devotion to his grandmother. The text which have been preserved is called Chen Qing Biao (陳情表).[14] Sima Yan read it and said: "Li Mi is not a man of empty reputation." He appreciated Li Mi's sincerity and loyalty granting him two servants and ordering the commandery and county to provide for the expenses of his grandmother.[15]

After his grandmother's death and the end of his mourning period, Li Mi was transferred from his position as Gentleman of the Masters of Writing (尚書郎) to the Prefect of Wen County (溫縣令) in Henan.[16] He implemented virtuous policies and was known for his strict and clear governance.[17] When the Marquis of Juping (鉅平侯), Yang Hu died without an heir, Sima Yan ordered a relative to succeed him but did not attend the funeral in a timely manner. Li Mi sent an official to deliver the notice and arranged for the funeral procession.[18]

Whenever the members of the imperial family visited Wen County (溫縣), they would demand provisions causing distress among the officials and the people. When Li Mi was transferred in Wen County as the Prefect (令) and a member of the imperial family requested supplies. Li Mi wrote a letter citing the example of Emperor Gaozu of Han's visit to Pei where he treated everyone with courtesy without causing any trouble or expense. Afterward, the princes did not dare to bother Wen County with their demands.[19]

Bandits in other counties of Henan did not dare to approach Wen County and even those pursuing the bandits did not dare to cross the county borders.[20] Wang Shu (王舒) deeply admired him therefore befriended Li Mi. However, other powerful and influential families feared his impartiality and integrity.[21] Li Mi left his position and became a zhongzheng (中正; Impartial and Just) of the State. Due to his upright and candid nature, he did not yield to those with power or status causing him to lose the support of influential clans like Xun (荀) and Zhang (張). As a result, he was demoted to the position of Administrator of Hanzhong Commandery (漢中太守). Many members of the Sima family regarded this as an injustice. After one year in office, Li Mi died at the age of 64 (by East Asian age reckoning).[22]

Chang Qu, who wrote Li Mi's biography in the Chronicles of Huayang (Huayang Guo Zhi),[lower-alpha 1] appraised Li Mi as follows: "Brilliant talent, whose ability overshadow others."[23]

Li Mi wrote the "Shu Li Lun" (述理論; Shu theory) which discussed moderation, benevolence, righteousness and the doctrines of Confucianism and Taoism.[24] It consisted of ten chapters. It received praises and was deeply appreciated.[25] Li Mi also debated with others on various topics whether philosical or political. In their discussions with him on interpreting classics, many were impressed with his logical reasoning.[26] Moreover, he wrote over twenty poems and essays in response to a satirical funeral eulogies.[27]

When Shou Liang, Li Xiang, and Chen Shou debated their relative merits and faults. Li Mi would openly evaluate and state their successes and failures. He would often say: "I stand alone in the world considering the landscape as my field, without fear because my heart is impartial towards others."[28]

Li Mi had six famous and outstanding sons who were called the "Six Dragons" (六龍).[29] His eldest son, Li Ci (李賜), whose courtesy name, was Zongshuo (宗碩) served as Bieja (別駕; important assistant to the governor of the province), was recommended as a xiucai (秀才; person who passed the county level imperial exam) and the Administrator of Wenshan Commandery (汶山太守).[30] He had a close friendship with Sima Yue, the Prince of Donghai (東海王) and they often exchanged poetry with a fresh and innovative style.[31] Li Mi's younger son, Li Xing (李興), whose courtesy name, was Jueshuo (雋碩), served as an aide to the Grand Tutor (太傅).[32] Another of his younger son, Li Shengshuo (李盛碩) was the Administrator of Ningpu (寧浦太守).[33]

Around the same time as Li Mi, Gao Wan (高玩) was born in Shu Commandery (蜀郡; present-day Chengdu, Sichuan) and his courtesy name was Bozhen (伯珍). He studied under the Minister of Ceremonies (太常) Du Qiong when he was young. He was known for his subtle skills and profound knowledge as well as his adherence to simplicity and purity. Gao Wan and Li Mi were considered equals in reputation and held similar positions in the Shu Han government.[34]

After Cao Wei's abdication to Jin, Gao Wan was nominated as a xiaolian (civil service candidate) and appointed as the Prefect of Quyang County (曲陽縣令). He traveled to his new post alone and without extravagant expenses, not allowing the county to send a welcoming party. Thereafter, he was summoned by the imperial court to serve as the Court Astronomer (太史令). When he left, he asked the farewell party to not cross the county border and the imperial court praised him for this. Just when the court was discussing how to make good use of him, Gao Wan suddenly died.[35]

• Lists of people of the Three Kingdoms

• Chang Qu (4th century). Chronicles of Huayang (Huayang Guo Zhi).
• Fang, Xuanling (ed.) (648). Book of Jin (Jin Shu).