Ma Liang (Three Kingdoms)

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Ma Liang (馬良; style name Jichang 季常; sometimes called Bomei 白眉 "White eyebrows") was an advisor to Liu Bei, ruler of the Three Kingdoms state of Shu until his death in 222.

Born the fourth of five sons in Yicheng, near Xiangyang on the Middle Yangtze River, Ma Liang was known in his hometown for his ability. He joined Liu Bei as an aide when he came to the small town of Xinye in the early 3rd century. During this time Ma became good friends with Zhuge Liang and the two swore brothership. When Liu Bei left Jing province to conquer Shu in 215, Ma was left in the province as an advisor to Guan Yu. After the conquest was complete, he was assigned to the department of the General of the Left (左將軍掾).

Like Zhuge Liang, Ma Liang was an advocate for maintenance of the alliance with Wu bordering Liu Bei's territories to the east. He was sent to Wu as diplomat and envoy on numerous occasions and is said to have gained the respect of Sun Quan, ruler of Wu. After Liu Bei declared himself emperor in 222, Ma Liang was made Palace Attendant. He accompanied the Shu expedition against Wu the following year. Ma Liang was sent as envoy to Wuling to seek allies among the barbarians of the Five Streams (五溪蠻夷) against Wu. The mission was initially successful, but when Liu Bei was disastrously defeated at the Battle of Yiling, Ma Liang was executed by the barbarians for revenge, as their leader, Shamoke had been killed in battle. He had his arms cut off and was decapitated.

His son was made Chief Commandant of Cavalry (騎都尉). His younger brother Ma Su continued his career in the Shu army.