Deng Ai



Deng Ai is one of the generals of Wei and one of the major protagonists in the later parts of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

Bio
He began his service in the army under Cao Cao. As a young officer, he was known for spotting the best places to station troops and supplies on the battlefield. He was promoted by Sima Yi and charged with the defense of Jiang Wei's raids on the southern border to Shu. He conquered the kingdom of Shu together with General Zhong Hui. Jiang Wei beat her back in Hanzhong. Deng Ai advised the army to pass through the Yinpin pass, but Zhong Hui refused.

Deng Ai set out alone with his troops and had great success. He conquered Shu capital Chengdu and forced Emperor Liu Shan to abdicate. Jiang Wei tried to save the kingdom of Shu after all. He teamed with his remaining forces with Zhong Hui to pull against Deng Ai. Before that, however, they instructed officer Wei Guan to assassinate Deng Ai. Jiang Wei's plan did not work and Deng Ai killed him and Zhong Hui. Wei Guan's soldiers fled to Deng Ai, but Wei Guan feared Deng Ai's revenge and murdered him by night and fog.