Sima Lang

Sima Lang (171–217),^[1] courtesy name Boda, was a politician who lived in the late Eastern Han Dynasty.

Life

When Luoyang fell under the control of the warlord Dong Zhuo, Sima Lang was able to escape with his entire family. He returned with them to his place of birth and escaped danger.

After this, he entered the service of Cao Cao, and was subsequently given the position of regional governor (太守) and then director of provincial regions (地方官吏). In these positions, it is said that he adopted policies with the common people in mind, and because of this he was greatly admired by them. His accomplishments were recognized by Cao Cao, and he was recalled to the court to take the position of assistant to the Prime Minister (丞相主簿). After this he was further promoted to the rank of governor (刺史) and again showed his administrative abilities. Once again adopting policies with the common people in mind, it is said that he was loved by a great many people.

Despite his accomplishments, however, he never ceased to praise those of his younger brother, Sima Yi. He went so far as to say, "I don't even come close to matching his abilities."

In the year 217, he accompanied Xiahou Dun and Zang Ba on a military expedition against Eastern Wu. During the campaign, a terrible illness broke out among the camp and many soldiers, as well as Sima Lang, fell ill. It is said that Sima Lang chose to distribute his medicine among the soldiers, refusing to take any of it himself. Because of this, he soon succumbed to the illness and died.

Family

See also

• List of people of the Three Kingdoms

References

• Chen Shou. Records of the Three Kingdoms, Volume 15, Biography of Sima Lang.