Jiang Ji

Jiang Ji (onyomi: Shō Sai) is a minister of Wei who served Cao Cao and his descendants. He was famed for the ability to tell a person's character with a single glance and for his love of wine. He later joined the Sima family in their rise to power.

Historical Information
Well-known throughout the region of Huai River, Jiang Ji offered his services to Wei and became an official. He was dubbed "Marquis of Guannei" during Cao Rui's reign. When Cao Xiu sought to attack Wu after falling for Zhou Fang's ruse, Jiang Ji opposed the plan on account of Zhu Ran's forces potentially cutting them off from the rear. His words fell on deaf ears resulting in Cao Xiu's defeat at Shiting.

Jiang Ji was soon promoted after Cao Fang became emperor. But by 249, he participated in Sima Yi's coup d'état to expel Cao Shuang and his brothers from their positions. He also helped ensure Cao Shuang's surrender by sending him a letter promising that he and his family would be spared. Unfortunately, he failed to convince Sima Yi from pardoning them, thus ending their lives. A few months after this incident, Jiang Ji passed away. Several passages in the Shiyu reveal that he felt guilty for not keeping his promise to Cao Shuang, causing his health to deteriorate completely.