Wei Kang
| Wei Kang | |
|---|---|
| Official of the Han dynasty | |
| Born | (Unknown) |
| Died | 213 |
| Names | |
| Traditional Chinese | 韋康 |
| Simplified Chinese | 韦康 |
| Pinyin | Wéi Kāng |
| Wade–Giles | Wei K'ang |
| Courtesy name | Yuanjiang (traditional Chinese: 元將; simplified Chinese: 元将; pinyin: Yuánjiàng; Wade–Giles: Yüan-chiang) |
Wei Kang (died 213), courtesy name Yuanjiang, was an official who lived in the late Eastern Han dynasty.
Wei Kang was from Jingzhao Commandery (京兆郡), which is around present-day Xi'an, Shaanxi. His father, Wei Duan (韋端), initially served as the Governor (牧) of Liang Province (涼州), but was later recalled to the imperial capital to serve as Minister Coachman (太僕). Kong Rong once told Wei Duan, "Two days ago, Yuanjiang visited me. He is knowledgeable, talented, bright, elegant and resilient. He will become a great man." Wei Kang also had a younger brother, Wei Dan (韋誕), who served as a Household Counsellor (光祿大夫) in the Han imperial court. The Sanfu Juelu recorded that Wei Kang was already eight chi and five cun tall when he was just 14 years old.
Wei Kang was recommended by Xun Yu to join the Han civil service. He initially served as a Registrar (主簿) in Jingzhao Commandery. After Wei Duan was recalled to the imperial capital, Wei Kang took over his father's duties and served as the Inspector (刺史) of Liang Province. The people in Liang Province regarded him highly.
In 211, a coalition of warlords from northwestern China, under the leadership of Ma Chao and Han Sui, started a rebellion in Liang Province against the Han central government, which was headed by Cao Cao. Cao Cao's forces defeated Ma Chao and the coalition at the Battle of Tong Pass.
In the subsequent years, Ma Chao, with support from the Qiang tribes and the warlord Zhang Lu, constantly raided and attacked the lands in Liang Province. At the time, Wei Kang was stationed in Liang Province's capital, Ji (兾; also called Jicheng, in present-day Gangu County, Gansu), which came under siege by Ma Chao. When reinforcements did not show up, Wei Kang sent his subordinate Yan Wen (閻溫) to report the situation to the general Xiahou Yuan and seek help, but Yan Wen was caught and executed by Ma Chao after refusing to surrender. Wei Kang and the defenders continued to put up a firm defence.
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