Yan Fei

Yan Fei (顏斐), courtesy name Wenlin (文林), native of Jibei, was the Grand Administrator of Jingzhao during the Three Kingdoms Period.

Background

He was the 23rd generation descendant of Yan Hui.

Life

Long-term planning

During the reign of Emperor Wen of Wei (Cao Pi), he served as the Grand Administrator of Jingzhao. After Ma Chao was defeated, most people were not focused on doing agriculture and livestock breeding. In the past, several county governors only cared about their immediate interests and did not make long-term plans for the people. When Yan Fei took office, he ordered the counties to mobilize the people to manage farmlands, build water conservancy and extensively plant mulberry trees. At that time, most people did not own carts and oxen. He ordered the people to prepare the materials to build carts during the non-farming season, sent craftsmen to teach them how to build carts and shared the skills among themselves. Those who did not own oxen were urged to raise pigs and dogs first, then waited until its worth selling before buying oxen. Within one to two years, most households owned carts and oxen.

Built School

Yan Fei also ran a school in Guanzhong. Officials or common people might study in the school while doing some labour work. He built a vegetable farm in the county and allowed officials to work in the vegetable farm. When the common people paid their rents, they could carry two bundles of firewood using ox carts, to keep themselves warm during the winter while studying. Under the governance of Yan Fei, the people in the county lived in harmony, did not disturb each other; and Jingzhao county became the wealthiest county in Guanzhong. Yan Fei did not serve the Duke and depended on his salary to support himself; the common people were happy to have such an official but at the same time were afraid that he would be transferred by the Imperial Court.

Military camp

During the reign of Cao Rui, when Sima Yi led his troops into Chang'an and set up a military city, many soldiers abused and humiliated local residents. Yan Fei told Sima Yi about this incident; Sima Yi was furious and punished the soldiers in front of Yan Fei with 100 canes. Diannong from Chang'an thought Yan Fei should thank Sima Yi; Diannong pushed him a little, although Yan Fei understood, he did not do it right away. Later, Yan Fei said, "I understood Sima Yi's intention to treat everyone equally, just now Diannong pushed me a little, [he] wanted me to thank Sima Gong; if I thanked Sima Gong then I wouldn't let you all know about it." After that, Sima Yi placed the soldiers under strict control, and the military camp and county were separated.

Death

A few years later, Yan Fei was appointed as Grand Administrator of Pingyuan. Officials and common people blocked the road and cried, not wanting to let Yan Fei go. It took more than ten days for Yan Fei's carriage to leave Jingzhao. When he reached Xiao (now north of Luoning County, Henan), he became seriously ill; his family and entourages comforted him saying, "It will be better after arriving at Pingyuan". He said, "Seriously, I didn't want to go to Pingyuan, as you are persuading me, why didn't you say return to Jingzhao?" After his death, the people of Jingzhao were very sad when they heard the news of his death and erected a memorial for him.

See also

• Lists of people of the Three Kingdoms