Contents
Biography & Historical Record
Pei Qian (Bùi Tiềm), courtesy name Wenxing, was a prominent official of the Cao Wei state. Born in Hedong, he was the son of Pei Mao. During the chaos at the end of the Han Dynasty, he took refuge in Jingzhou. Cao Cao eventually recruited him, and he served in various capacities including Administrator of Daidun and Inspector of Jingzhou. He was known for his administrative competence, integrity, and insight. He was a trusted official of Cao Cao, Cao Pi, and Cao Rui, eventually reaching the rank of Minister of Justice (Tingwei).
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
In the narrative of Luo Guanzhong, Pei Qian is portrayed as a capable administrator who advised Cao Cao on matters of governance and military logistics. While not a primary field general, he represents the backbone of the Wei bureaucracy that sustained the state through its expansion and consolidation periods.
Pei Qian — Historical & Literary Timeline
Refuge in Jingzhou
Pei Qian resides in Jingzhou under Liu Biao, gaining a reputation for his talents among local scholars.
Passing
Pei Qian passes away while holding the office of Minister of Justice under Emperor Cao Fang.
Key Relationships
Family
- Pei Mao (裴茂, Bùi Mậu): Father. Senior Han official who served as Imperial Left Corps Commander and led the punitive expedition against Li Jue in 198 AD.
- Pei Hui (裴徽, Bùi Huy): Younger brother. Eminent scholar and Commandery Administrator of Cao Wei.
- Pei Xiu (裴秀, Bùi Tú): Son. Illustrious Minister of Works in Western Jin and celebrated “Father of Chinese Cartography”.
- Pei Songzhi (裴松之, Bùi Tùng Chi): Great-great-grandson. Master historian who authored the monumental commentary on the *Records of the Three Kingdoms*.
Friends
- Cao Cao (曹操, Tào Tháo): Paramount warlord and Chancellor of Han. Recruited Pei Qian in 208 AD upon taking Jingzhou, appointing him Administrator of Daidun and Inspector of Jingzhou for his exceptional incorruptibility and administrative skill.
- Cao Pi (曹丕, Tào Phi): Founding Emperor of Cao Wei (Emperor Wen). Elevated Pei Qian to Grand Administrator of Wei Commandery and Minister of Justice (Tingwei).
- Cao Rui (曹叡, Tào Duệ): Second Emperor of Cao Wei (Emperor Ming) who promoted Pei Qian to Minister of the Household (Guangluxun) and Marquis of Qingxiang.
- Sima Yi (司马懿, Tư Mã Ý): Grand Commander of Cao Wei who admired Pei Qian’s austere frugality and administrative wisdom.
Enemies
- Northern Nomadic Raiders (代郡乌桓鲜卑叛军, Quân nổi loạn Ô Hoàn Tiên Ty ở Đại Quận): Border nomadic tribes whose raids in Daidun Pei Qian pacified through clear laws, agricultural colonization, and strict frontier vigilance (210s AD).
- Liu Biao (刘表, Lưu Biểu): Governor of Jing Province. Pei Qian took refuge under him in 190s AD, but quickly realized Liu Biao was an indecisive warlord unfit to establish lasting hegemony.
Others
- No information
In Novel
Chapter 69
- Pei Qian (裴潜, Bùi Tiềm): Pei Qian is a Wei official serving in the administration after Cao Cao establishes control over the northern territories. He is associated with civil administration rather than a major battlefield command.
In History
Wei Official
- Pei Qian (裴潜, Bùi Tiềm), courtesy name Wenxing, was a prominent official who served under Cao Cao (曹操, Tào Tháo) and the Cao Wei emperors.
Administration
- Pei Qian was known for capable administration and for governing territories with relative moderation. Cao Cao entrusted him with important provincial responsibilities.
Service under Cao Pi
- After the establishment of Wei, Pei Qian continued to receive senior appointments. He was respected as an experienced administrator and was involved in the central and provincial government.
Later Career
- He remained active during the reign of Cao Rui (曹叡, Tào Duệ) and became one of the established officials of the early Wei state.
Legacy
- Pei Qian is remembered for his administrative ability, integrity, and long service during the transition from Han rule to the Cao Wei dynasty.