Contents
Biography & Historical Record
Jin Midi (金日磾, Kim Nhật Đê; 134–86 BC), courtesy name Wengshu (翁叔), was one of the most revered statesmen and regents in Chinese imperial history, serving during the Western Han dynasty.
Originally the crown prince of the Xiongnu King of Xiutu, he was captured by general Huo Qubing and brought to Chang’an. His incorruptible integrity, extraordinary dignity, and meticulous diligence captured the deep admiration of Emperor Wu of Han, who elevated him to Minister of the Household (Guangluxun).
Jin Midi famously foiled an assassination attempt against Emperor Wu by Ma Heluo. On his deathbed, Emperor Wu appointed Jin Midi alongside Huo Guang as joint regents for the young Emperor Zhao. His lineage became one of the grandest clans of China, directly descending to Three Kingdoms figure Jin Xuan.
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Chapter 53: Wuling administrator Jin Xuan proudly traced his lineage to the legendary regent Jin Midi, whose integrity had safeguarded the Han throne for centuries.
Jin Midi — Historical & Literary Timeline
134 BC
Birth in the Steppe
Born as heir prince of the Xiongnu Xiutu Kingdom.
121 BC
Arrival in Chang’an
Captured during Huo Qubing’s western campaign, entering imperial service with utmost humility.
87 BC
Co-Regent of Han
Appointed co-regent alongside Huo Guang by Emperor Wu to guide Emperor Zhao.
Key Relationships
Family
- Father King of Xiutu (休屠王, Hưu Đồ Vương): Father; Xiongnu King of Xiutu who ruled the Hexi Corridor until his death in 121 BC.
- Descendant Jin Xuan (金旋, Kim Toàn): Descendant; Governor of Wuling in the Three Kingdoms era who opposed Liu Bei’s conquest.
Friends
- Emperor Wu of Han (汉武帝, Hán Vũ Đế): Sovereign who recognized Jin Midi’s peerless integrity and appointed him regent on his deathbed.
- Huo Guang (霍光, Hoắc Quang): Co-regent and supreme statesman who governed the Western Han empire harmoniously alongside Jin Midi.
Enemies
- Ma Heluo (马何罗, Mã Hà La): Traitorous assassin who attempted to murder Emperor Wu in his bedchamber; tackled and bound single-handedly by Jin Midi.
Other
- Huo Qubing (霍去病, Hoắc Khứ Bệnh): Supreme Han cavalry general who defeated the Xiongnu in Hexi and brought Jin Midi to the Han court.
In Novel
Chapter 20 (Imperial Ennoblement & Virtues of Loyalty)
- Jin Midi (金日磾, Kim Nhật Đê): Held up across generations as the supreme paragon of unswerving loyalty, proving that true devotion to the Han throne transcended ethnic origin and borderlands.
Chapter 119 (Barbarian Alliances & Frontier Pacification)
- Jin Midi (金日磾, Kim Nhật Đê): Cited as the historical model for integrating valiant non-Han commanders into the high imperial leadership of the central realm.
In History
Summary
- Jin Midi (金日磾, Kim Nhật Đê) (134–86 BC), courtesy name Wengshu (翁叔, Ông Thúc), was a Xiongnu prince of the Xiutu kingdom who rose to become one of the most revered Co-Regents and Chancellors of the Western Han dynasty under Emperor Wu and Emperor Zhao.
Year: 121 BC
- Captured by general Huo Qubing following the defeat of the Xiutu king; served with immaculate discipline in the imperial stables, catching the eye of Emperor Wu who elevated him to Supervisor of Imperial Steeds.
Year: 87 BC
- Appointed Co-Regent alongside Huo Guang on Emperor Wu’s deathbed; personally thwarted Ma Heluo’s assassination attempt, saving the young Emperor Zhao and ennobled as Marquis of Du.
Historical Record
- Book of Han (汉书), Volume 68 (Biography of Jin Midi): Praises his unmatched incorruptibility, filial devotion, and protection of the infant emperor.
- Records of the Grand Historian (史记), Volume 111: Documents his northern origins and swift rise to supreme imperial trust.