Wei Gai

Life Wei Gai originated from Yinpan county (陰盤縣; northwest of present-day Changwu County, Shaanxi), Jingzhao Commandery. In 301, when the Prince of Hejian, Sima Yong raised an army to suppress the usurper, Sima Lun, Wei Gai joined his staff as a military commander.

In July 311, when the Han-Zhao dynasty attacked the Jin capital, Luoyang, Wei Gai followed his elder kinsman, Wei Jun to rescue the city and led troops to defend Jinyong city (金墉城; near Luoyang, Henan). As a result, Jinyong was spared from disaster that befell Luoyang, and after the Han forces withdrew, many of the survivors sought refuge with Wei Gai.

In 326, when the Later Zhao generals, Huang Xiu (黃秀) and Bo Cheng (帛成) attacked Zancheng (酇城; in present-day Laohekou, Hubei), Wei Gai led his followers to retreat to Xiangyang. Afterwards, he was appointed the Inspector of Yong province.

In 327, the general, Su Jun began his rebellion against the imperial court. Wei Gai sided with the loyalists and brought his army to reinforce Jiankang. In 328, Wei Gai marched to Shitou City under the command of the Inspector of Jing province. However, before Su Jun's defeat, Wei Gai became ill and decided to return to Xiangyang. He died en route and was buried in Wuling, while his nephew, Wei Xiong (魏雄) succeeded him.