Sima Lang

Sima Lang (司馬朗) (c. 171 – 217), courtesy name Boda (伯達), was a politician who lived during the late Eastern Han dynasty and the early Three Kingdoms period of China. He was the eldest son of Sima Fang and the elder brother of Sima Yi, the founder of the Jin dynasty (266–420).

Born in Wen County, Henei Commandery (present-day Wen County, Henan), Sima Lang began his career as a minor official under Cao Cao, who was then a warlord controlling the Han central government. He served in various administrative roles, demonstrating his competence in governance and his ability to maintain social order.

Throughout his career, Sima Lang was known for his dedication to public service and his compassion for the people. He actively promoted agriculture, improved irrigation systems, and implemented policies to alleviate poverty. He also focused on maintaining law and order and ensuring justice was served.

During a time of widespread epidemics, Sima Lang was appointed to oversee disease control and prevention measures in his region. He worked tirelessly to distribute medicine, implement quarantine protocols, and educate the populace about hygiene. It is said that he personally attended to the sick and dying, demonstrating his commitment to the well-being of the people under his charge. He eventually succumbed to disease himself while on this assignment, dying in 217.

Sima Lang was respected for his integrity, diligence, and commitment to serving the people. While he did not achieve the same level of political or military prominence as his younger brother Sima Yi, his contributions to governance and his humanitarian efforts were highly regarded in his time. His actions helped to stabilize the regions under his control and earned him the respect of both officials and ordinary citizens. He left behind a reputation as a capable administrator and a compassionate leader.