Li Mi (224–287), courtesy name Lingbo, was an official and scholar of the state of Shu Han in the Three Kingdoms period of China. After the fall of Shu in 263, he continued serving under the Jin dynasty, that succeeded Cao Wei state in 266.
Life Li Mi was born in Wuyang, Qianwei Commandery (), which is present-day Pengshan County, Sichuan.() Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 09. His grandfather, Li Guang () was the administrator of Zhuti ().() Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 09. His father died just after his birth.() Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 09. His mother remarried thereafter and as a child, he was left under the care of his grandmother.() Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 09.() Jin Shu vol. 88. Li Mi deeply loved and missed his parents, so much so that he became severely sick.() Jin Shu vol. 88. However, his grandmother whose surname was Liu () would console him and raised him well.() Jin Shu vol. 88. Although, he grew up in complicated circumstances. Li Mi was eager to learn, he was a student under Qiao Zhou who provided him with good instruction.() Jin Shu vol. 88. Li Mi studied the Zuo zhuan and had extensive knowledge in the Four Books and Five Classics. Furthermore, he was well-read in classical text. He was quick witted, discerning and eloquent in his speech.() Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 09.
Li Mi was known for his filial piety towards his grandmother. When she was ill, he would shed tears and hold his breath in grief, never removing his mourning attire day or night. He personally tasted all her meals and medicines before giving them to her.() Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 09.() Jin Shu vol. 88. He was offered a position in his hometown but declined. Later, he was appointed in Shu Han as Assistant Officer (), Gentleman of the Masters of Writing (), Registrar () to the Chief-General () and a Xima (; master of the stable) to the Crown Prince.() Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 09.
Later, Li Mi was sent on a diplomatic mission to the state of Wu. The ruler of Wu asked him about the number of horses in Shu to which Li Mi replied: "There are enough for official use and the people have plenty for their own needs."() Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 09. He assisted to a discussion on morality and principles with the ruler and his ministers. Most of the officials wished to be a younger brother. However, Li Mi expressed his desire to be an elder brother. The ruler of Wu asked him: "Why do you wish to be an elder brother?"() Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 09. Li Mi replied: "Because the days of providing and nurturing as an elder brother are longer." Those present praised him for his response.() Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 09. Li Mi would often serve as envoy for Shu and was commended by the officials of Wu.() Jin Shu vol. 88.
Following the Conquest of Shu by Wei, Deng Ai who was in charge of the western campaign heard of his reputation and invited him to serve as his Registrar ().() Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 09. However, Li Mi refused all invitations and declined official positions from both the state of Cao Wei and the provincial government due to his devotion to caring for his elderly grandmother. He focused on his scholarly pursuits, establishing a school and mentoring students.() Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 09.
When Emperor Wu established his son Sima Zhong as the Crown Prince in 267, he summoned Li Mi to serve as a Xima (master of the stable). Despite numerous imperial edicts and pressure from the commandery and county, Li Mi did not change his opinion as he wanted to look after his grandmother.() Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 09.() Jin Shu vol. 88. Therefore, he submitted a memorial explaining his devotion to his grandmother. The text which have been preserved is called Chen Qing Biao ().(乃上疏曰：臣以險釁，夙遭閔凶，生孩六月，慈父見背，行年四歲，舅奪母志。祖母劉湣臣孤弱，躬親撫養。臣少多疾病，九歲不行，零丁辛苦，至於成立。既無伯叔，終鮮兄弟，門衰祚薄，晚有兒息。外無期功強近之親，內無應門五尺之童，煢煢孑立，形影相弔。而劉早嬰疾病，常在床蓐。臣侍湯藥，未嘗廢離。自奉聖朝，沐浴清化，前太守臣逵，察臣孝廉，後刺史臣榮，舉臣秀才。臣以供養無主，辭不赴命。明詔特下，拜臣郎中，尋蒙國恩，除臣洗馬。猥以微賤，當侍東宮，非臣隕首所能上報。臣具以表聞，辭不就職。詔書切峻，責臣逋慢，郡縣逼迫，催臣上道，州司臨門，急於星火。臣欲奉詔賓士，則劉病日篤；苟徇私情，則告訴不許。臣之進退，實為狼狽。伏惟聖朝以孝治天下，凡在故老，猶蒙矜恤，況臣孤苦尪羸之極。且臣少仕偽朝，曆職郎署，本圖宦達，不矜名節。今臣亡國賤俘，至微至陋，猥蒙拔擢，寵命殊私，豈敢盤桓，有所希冀！但以劉日薄西山，氣息奄奄，人命危淺，朝不慮夕。臣無祖母，無以至今日；祖母無臣，無以終餘年。母孫二人，更相為命，是以私情區區不敢棄遠。臣密今年四十有四，祖母劉今年九十有六，是臣盡節于陛下之日長，而報養劉之日短也。烏鳥私情，願乞終養。臣之辛苦，非但蜀之人士及二州牧伯之所明知，皇天后土，實所鑒見。伏願陛下矜湣愚誠，聽臣微志，庶劉僥倖，保卒餘年。臣生當隕身，死當結草。}}) Jin Shu vol. 88. Sima Yan read it and said: "Li Mi is not a man of empty reputation." He appreciated Li Mi's sincerity and loyalty granting him two servants and ordering the commandery and county to provide for the expenses of his grandmother.() Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 09.() Jin Shu vol. 88.
After his grandmother's death and the end of his mourning period, Li Mi was again submitted to serve as a Xima (master of the stable) at the capital Luoyang.() Jin Shu vol. 88. When he met Zhang Hua, he asked him to who he would compare Liu Shan. Li Mi answered to Duke Huan of Qi comparing Huan's employment of Guan Zhong, resistance to the foreign threats and later loss of his power to factionalism with Liu Shan's employment of Zhuge Liang, resistance to the Wei court and loss of his power to Huang Hao.() Jin Shu vol. 88. Zhang Hua then asked him if Zhuge Liang's principles are fragmented. Li Mi compared Zhuge Liang's teaching to the discussions between Yu the Great and Gao Yao saying that their speech were refined yet fragmented to be accessible to all. Zhuge Liang had no match in his exchange therefore it is natural for his lessons to be fragmented and accessible to everyone. Zhang Hua approved his answers.() Jin Shu vol. 88.
Li Mi was transferred from his position as Gentleman of the Masters of Writing () to the Magistrate of Wen County () in Henan.() Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 09. He implemented virtuous policies and was known for his strict and clear governance.() Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 09. When the Marquis of Juping (), Yang Hu died without an heir, Sima Yan ordered a relative to succeed him but did not attend the funeral in a timely manner. Li Mi sent an official to deliver the notice and arranged for the funeral procession.() Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 09.
Wen County, Henan was the ancestral home of the Sima clan therefore whenever the members of the imperial family passed throughout it, they would demand provisions causing distress among the officials and the people. When Li Mi was transferred as the new prefect and a Sima relative requested supplies. Li Mi wrote a letter citing the example of Emperor Gaozu of Han's visit to Pei County, his birthplace where he treated everyone with courtesy without causing any trouble or expense. Afterward, the princes did not dare to bother the county with their demands.() Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 09.
Bandits in other counties of the region did not dare to approach the territory under Li Mi's jurisdiction and even those pursuing the bandits did not dare to cross the county borders.() Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 09. The King of Longxi (), Sima Tai () deeply admired him therefore befriended Li Mi. However, other powerful and influential families feared his impartiality and integrity.() Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 09. Li Mi accepted his position as Prefect and completed his duties but hated his work. He wrote to others complaining that his talent was wasted on such a minor task. His words were reported to his supervisor but since he diligently resolved the affairs in Wen county. His speech was overlooked.() Jin Shu vol. 88.
Li Mi left his position and became a zhongzheng (; Impartial and Just) of the State. Due to his upright and candid nature, he did not yield to those with power or status causing him to lose the support of influential clans like Xun () and Zhang (). Therefore although talented, he was isolated from the assistance of others. As a result, he was demoted to the position of Administrator of Hanzhong (). Many members of the Sima family regarded this as an injustice. From this, Li Mi harbored ressentment believing he lost the opportunity to become a major official.() Jin Shu vol. 88. Sima Yan hold a farewell banquet for him however during the feast, Li Mi wrote a poem where in the last chapter he harshly criticized the decision of his "superiors". Sima Yan was furious and relieved him of his appointment. After one year, Li Mi died at his home at the age of 64 (by East Asian age reckoning).() Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 09.() Jin Shu vol. 88.
Appraisal and anecdote Chang Qu, who wrote Li Mi's biography in the Chronicles of Huayang (Huayang Guo Zhi), appraised Li Mi as follows: "Brilliant talent, whose ability overshadow others."() Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 01.
Li Mi wrote the Shu Li Lun (; Shu theory) which discussed moderation, benevolence and righteousness along with the doctrines of Confucianism and Taoism.() Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 09. It consisted of ten chapters. It received praises and was deeply appreciated.() Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 09. Li Mi also debated with others on various topics whether philosical or political. In their discussions with him on interpreting classics, many were impressed with his logical reasoning.() Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 09. Moreover, he wrote over twenty poems and essays in response to a satirical funeral eulogies.() Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 09.
When Shou Liang, Li Xiang, and Chen Shou debated their relative merits and faults. Li Mi would openly state and evaluate their achievements and failures. He would often say: "I stand alone in the world considering the landscape as my field, without fear because my heart is impartial towards others."() Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 09.
Family Li Mi had six famous and outstanding sons who were called the "Six Dragons" ().() Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 09. His eldest son, Li Ci (), whose courtesy name, was Zongshuo () served as Bieja (; important assistant to the governor of the province), was recommended as a xiucai (; person who passed the county level imperial exam) and the Administrator of Wenshan () but died before he could complete his appointment.() Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 09. He had a close friendship with Sima Yue, the Prince of Donghai () and they often exchanged poetry with a fresh and innovative style.() Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 09.() Jin Shu vol. 88.
Li Mi's younger son, Li Xing (), whose courtesy name, was Jueshuo (), was also known for his poetry talents and served as an aide to the Grand Tutor ().() Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 09. Later, he joined the army and accompanied Liu Hong as he travelled to Longzhong (), they arrived to the former residence of Zhuge Liang in Jing province before he joined Liu Bei, Liu Hong ordered a stele to be built and had Li Xing write the content in Zhuge Liang's honor. The content has been praised and is still preserved today.() Jin Shu vol. 88.
Another of his younger son, Li Shengshuo () was the Administrator of Ningpu ().() Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 09.
Gao Wan Around the same time as Li Mi, Gao Wan () was born in Shu Commandery (; present-day Chengdu, Sichuan) and his courtesy name was Bozhen (). He studied under the Minister of Ceremonies () Du Qiong when he was young. He was known for his subtle skills and profound knowledge as well as his adherence to simplicity and purity. Gao Wan and Li Mi were considered equals in reputation and held similar positions in the Shu Han government.() Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 09.
After Cao Wei's abdication to Western Jin, Gao Wan was nominated as a xiaolian (civil service candidate) and appointed as the Magistrate of Quyang (). He traveled to his new post alone and without extravagant expenses, not allowing the county to send a welcoming party. Thereafter, he was summoned by the imperial court to serve as the Court Astronomer (). When he left, he asked the farewell party to not cross the county border and the imperial court praised him for this conduct. Just when the court was discussing how to make good use of him, Gao Wan suddenly died.() Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 09.
See also Lists of people of the Three Kingdoms
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