He Zhi (Shu Han)

He Zhi (何祗) (died 263), courtesy name Hongbo (洪伯), was an official of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period of China.

Service Under Liu Bei and Liu Shan:

He Zhi initially served under Liu Bei. Following Liu Bei's conquest of Yi Province (covering present-day Sichuan and Chongqing) around 214, He Zhi was appointed as an assistant officer (功曹) in the government of Guanghan Commandery. He later served as a clerk (書佐) in the central government of Shu.

During the reign of Liu Shan, He Zhi rose through the ranks. He served as a Gentleman of the Yellow Gate (黃門侍郎) and later as a Regular Cavalier Attendant (散騎常侍). He demonstrated his integrity and outspokenness by frequently offering advice and remonstrations to the emperor, even when it was unpopular or potentially dangerous.

Defense of Chengdu:

In 263, when the state of Wei launched a large-scale invasion of Shu, the Wei general Deng Ai bypassed the main Shu forces and led a surprise attack on Chengdu, the Shu capital. Liu Shan, fearing the consequences of resistance, intended to surrender. He Zhi, along with other officials like Qiao Zhou, argued strongly against surrendering without a fight and urged Liu Shan to consider a final stand to defend the imperial ancestral temple. However, their advice was ultimately disregarded, and Liu Shan surrendered to Deng Ai.

Death:

After the surrender of Shu, He Zhi refused to submit to the Wei regime. He died shortly afterwards, presumably due to illness, despair, or possibly suicide. He was remembered for his loyalty to Shu and his principled stance against surrender.