Guanqiu Jian

Quick Facts: Who was Guanqiu Jian?

Subject:

Guanqiu Jian

Known for:

Cao Wei general and politician during the Three Kingdoms period of China.

Born:

300

Died:

255

Century / Era:

300s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Guanqiu Jian (died 16 March 255), courtesy name Zhonggong, was a Chinese military general and politician of the state of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms period of China. Guanqiu Jian was from Wenxi County (聞喜縣), Hedong Commandery, which is present-day Wenxi County, Shanxi. His father, Guanqiu Xing (毌丘興; fl.210-220s), served as the Administrator of Anding Commandery under Cao Cao, and of Wuwei Commandery (武威郡) during Cao Pi's reign; he eventually held the peerage "Marquis of Gaoyang District" (高陽鄉侯). After his father's death, Guanqiu Jian inherited his father's peerage and served as a clerk to the Marquis of Pingyuan (平原侯). In the second half of 226, after Cao Rui, the second emperor of Wei, ascended the throne, he appointed Guanqiu Jian as a Gentleman of Writing (尚書郎) and supervisor of the Imperial Guards.

Career & Major Achievements

As Guanqiu Jian was previously an assistant official serving under Cao Rui when the latter was still crown prince, Cao Rui treated him exceptionally well. Guanqiu Jian later rose to the position of Agricultural Officer of Luoyang (洛陽典農). During this time, he wrote to Cao Rui, advising the emperor to scale down on his extravagant palace building projects. Later, he was promoted to Inspector (刺史) of Jing Province. During the Qinglong era (233-237) of Cao Rui's reign, Cao Rui planned to conquer Liaodong.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

As Guanqiu Jian had a strategy in mind, he was appointed Inspector of You Province, General Who Crosses into Liao and Colonel Who Protects the Wuhuan. In 237, Guanqiu Jian led an army to Liaodong to attack the warlord Gongsun Yuan, who had been previously a vassal of the Cao Wei state but decided to rebel against Wei rule. However, the campaign had to be aborted due to heavy flooding. In the following year, Guanqiu Jian and Sima Yi led another campaign against Gongsun Yuan, defeated him, and restored stability in Liaodong. In recognition of his efforts during the campaign, Cao Rui promoted Guanqiu Jian from a district marquis to a county marquis under the title "Marquis of Anyi" (安邑候).

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 255: Passing & Historical Legacy — Guanqiu Jian passed away on 255, leaving an enduring historical legacy.
2. 300: Birth of Guanqiu Jian — Cao Wei general and politician during the Three Kingdoms period of China.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Guanqiu Jian

True or False: “Guanqiu Jian's rebellion in 255 was primarily motivated by a desire to restore the emperor's absolute power.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): He rebelled because he remained loyal to the Wei emperor and was displeased that Sima Shi was controlling the government behind the scenes.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Guanqiu Jian