Wang Yi (Han Dynasty)

Wang Yi (?-?) was the wife of Zhao Ang, during the later days of the Han Dynasty, aligned with the faction which would later become Cao Wei. She is best known for joining her husband's struggle against Ma Chao. Historically, she is the only woman who is noted to have actually fought in battle^[1] during the early formations of the Three Kingdoms period.

Family

• Spouse: Zhao Ang, rebelled against Ma Chao at his wife's request.
• Children:
  • Zhao Yue, an officer in Ma Chao's army who was executed as retaliation for his father's rebellion.^[2]
  • Zhao Ying, a daughter.^[3]

Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms

She briefly appears in Romance of the Three Kingdoms under the name Lady Wang (王氏).^[2] The narrative depicts Zhao Yue as a member of Ma Chao's army. Wei Kang, Zhao Ang's lord, is killed by Ma Chao and the retainer wants to avenge him. However, his son's presence in Ma Chao's force causes him to pause, so he consulted his wife about the situation. Lady Wang scolds him for his hesitation and insists that he stay true to his obligations to avenge his lord. She threatens to kill herself if Zhao Ang stalls the attack due to his son. Ma Chao, enraged, executes Zhao Yue and later seeks revenge for his losses, angrily massacring several men, women, and children in the area. Lady Wang is the lone survivor, since she fled with her husband.^[2]

Modern references

Wang Yi appears as a playable character in Koei's Dynasty Warriors 7: Xtreme Legends^[4] (her debut as a playable character). She is set to appear in Warriors Orochi 3.^[5] She also appears in Koei's Romance of the Three Kingdoms video game series.

References