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Biography and Career of Li Heng
Li Heng, courtesy name Shuping, was an astute statesman of the Eastern Wu state during the turbulent Three Kingdoms era. Born as a commoner in Xiangyang, he possessed formidable intellect, eloquence, and administrative ability. His extraordinary talents were discovered by the scholar Yang Xi, who recommended him to the prominent regent Zhuge Ke. This introduction propelled him into public office, eventually leading to his appointment as the Grand Administrator of Danyang.
Although an effective governor, his direct demeanor occasionally strained court relations. During the dictatorial regime of the regent Sun Chen in 257 AD, political tensions escalated sharply. Fearing execution due to previous friction with the tyrant, he contemplated defecting to Cao Wei. However, his wife, Lady Xi, provided crucial counsel, arguing that defection would permanently ruin his honor while Sun Chen’s tyrannical rule would soon crumble. Following her advice, he sent a diplomatic tribute of fresh fruit to appease the regent, successfully preserving both his life and standing until his peaceful retirement under Emperor Sun Xiu.
The Legacy of the “Wooden Slaves”
Known for his long-term foresight, Li Heng created a famous agricultural legacy recorded in ancient texts like the Xiangyang Ji. Anticipating economic instability, he acquired land along the Yangtze River in Wuling and planted one thousand orange trees. On his deathbed, he informed his son that he had prepared one thousand “wooden slaves” who would labor continuously to provide shelter and sustenance without ever demanding food or wages.
Following his demise, the citrus orchard thrived, yielding significant harvest and enduring prosperity for his descendants. In classical Chinese literature, the story became an enduring idiom symbolizing prudent wealth creation and sustainable estate management.
Historical & Literary Timeline
- c. 235 AD: Discovered by Yang Xi and subsequently promoted to government service under Zhuge Ke.
- c. 250 AD: Serves diligently as the Grand Administrator of Danyang.
- 257 AD: Navigates political danger under Sun Chen through the strategic counsel of Lady Xi.
- Post-258 AD: Retires peacefully, establishing the celebrated thousand-tree citrus legacy for his family.
In Novel
Chapter 112
- Li Heng (李衡, Lý Hành): Li Heng serves Wu during the late Three Kingdoms period. He is associated with the Wu court and the administration of Jingzhou during the final decades of the kingdom. His appearance is political and administrative rather than a major battlefield episode.
In History
Eastern Wu
- Li Heng (李衡, Lý Hành) was an official of Eastern Wu during the later Three Kingdoms period. He is remembered as a capable administrator and for his connection with the government of Sun Quan (孙权, Tôn Quyền).
Public Service
- Li Heng held important administrative responsibilities in Wu and became known for his practical approach to government. His career was part of the development of Wu’s civil administration as the state consolidated its territories in the south.
Later Years
- His family continued to have a place in the political society of the lower Yangtze. The historical tradition preserves Li Heng as an official whose career combined administrative ability with the cultivation of a substantial family estate.