| Li Yan | |
 | |
| Force(s): | Liu Biao's Forces Liu Zhang's Forces Shu |
|---|---|
| Significant Battle(s): | Battle of Chengdu
Battle of Wu Zhang Plains |
| Real name: | Li Yan |
| Chinese name: | 李嚴 |
| Style name: | Zhengfang
|
| Chinese name: | 正方
|
| Born: | ? |
| Died: | 234 |
Li Yan was a Shu general.
Biography[]
Li Yan was a general of Liu Biao, the Governor of Jing Province, but became a commander under Liu Zhang following the former's death in AD 208. Li Yan defended the Mian Zhu Forest from Liu Bei's invading forces, but Zhuge Liang instructed Zhang Fei to lure him straight into his ambush parties. Li Yan was captured, and became a Shu general. In AD 221, Ma Qin and Gao Shang rebelled in Zizhong County, Yi Province, so Li Yan led an army to supress the rebellion. Li Yan smote both of them, and the bandit units disintegrated. Two years later, while Liu Bei was on his deathbed, he entrusted Liu Shan into the protection of Zhuge Liang and Li Yan. He was made Superintendent of the Imperial Household after he died. In AD 231, Zhuge Liang attacked Qishan; Li Yan stayed behind and took charge of transporting food supplies. As it was the transition period between autumn and summer, the rain fell heavily, and Li Yan feared that he could not transport the supplies successfully. He sent Hu Zhong and Cheng Fan to order Zhuge Liang to retreat in the name of the Sovereign; Zhuge Liang withdrew complying with the order. When Li Yan heard of the withdrawal, he pretended to be surprise and said to Zhuge Liang “the provisions are abundant, why have the troops withdrawn?” His intent was to avoid the blame that may be placed on him for not executing his duties, and to show Zhuge Liang’s fault in not advancing his troops. Li Yan also said to the emperor: “The troop has made a false retreat, in order to draw out the enemies and battle them.” Zhuge Liang presented all the letters and memorials written by Li Yan, which were self-contradicting from beginning to end. Li Yan could not explain himself, and he confessed to his doings. Li Yan was demoted for dereliction of duty, and was reduced to a commoner. In AD 234, after Zhuge Liang died, Li Yan also died. He had one son, Li Feng.