Cheng Xi

Cheng Xi, courtesy name Shenbo, was an official of Cao Wei who served as Inspector of Qing Province and General Who Conquers the North. He does not appear in the Romance.

Deeds

From the Huangchu to Qinglong eras, the Wei court repeatedly summoned Guan Ning. By imperial order, Cheng Xi submitted a memorial recounting what Guan Gong had observed of Guan Ning’s daily life, and argued that Guan Ning’s withdrawal from public life was meant to preserve his resolve and conduct, not to make a show of lofty principles. (According to historical records.)^[1]

When Du Shu served as Inspector of You Province, Cheng Xi was stationed in Ji. Du Shu failed to report that he had executed a Xianbei attendant, so Cheng Xi impeached him. Du Shu was brought before the廷尉 and sentenced to death, but because his father, Du Ji, had died while diligently attending to waterworks, Du Shu was spared and reduced to commoner status, then exiled to Zhangwu. (According to historical records.)^[2]

When Tian Yu commanded the forces in Qing Province, Cheng Xi, displeased with him, frequently clashed with him over military affairs. He also secretly memorialized that Tian Yu had failed to turn over to the government the weapons, pearls, and gold he had obtained, and as a result Tian Yu’s military achievements were not reported for official recognition. (According to historical records.)^[3]

While Cheng Xi was serving as General Who Conquers the North, Zhu Jianping once read his fate. The account says that, as with Wang Chang and Wang Su, Zhu Jianping’s predictions about Cheng Xi proved inaccurate. (According to historical records.)^[4]

Relationships

• Guan Ning: By imperial order, Cheng Xi submitted a memorial describing his steadfast conduct.^[1]
• Du Shu: Cheng Xi impeached Du Shu.^[2]
• Tian Yu: They were both involved in military affairs in Qing Province; Cheng Xi was at odds with Tian Yu and secretly memorialized against him.^[3]
• Zhu Jianping: He once read Cheng Xi’s fate.^[4]