Three Kingdoms History: Popular Officers

Romance of the Three Kingdoms Officer Encyclopedia

You are here: [ Home –> Officer Encyclopedia ]

Welcome to our grand project, the Kongming’s Archives Three Kingdoms Officer Encyclopedia! Here you can review our database information on over one thousand Three Kingdoms officers and characters! Our database has been converted to an open project, and anyone is welcome to participate. For more information please read about the Kongming’s Archives Development Project at our forum, Scholars of Shen Zhou. We hope you enjoy this grand dream of ours.

CREDITS

KMA Public Development Project Page
 This encyclopedia is part of the development project, which means you can
    contribute updates and information. All information in this project comes
        from the Kongming’s Archives Three Kingdoms officer database.

I would like to thank everyone who has participated in our ongoing Kongming’s Archives Development Project at Scholars of Shen Zhou. If it weren’t through you, this encyclopedia could never have been born. In particular I would like to thank Sun Gongli, SlickSlicer, Sam Wrest, and Zhai Rong, our team’s most active members, along with Dong Zhou, Douglas, JamesD, and Jeremy Young, early adopters and participants of this wonderful vision. Thank you so much for growing this beyond a dream!

Officer Encyclopedia Search Tool

Browse our Three Kingdoms encyclopedia by kingdom, category, or custom search.

View or

Search for information on over one thousand officers with the tools above.

Search Result Index

Your search returned entries for the following officers.

Three Kingdoms Encyclopedia Search Results

(Results for the Popular Officers category are listed below.)

Top?

Cao Cao (Mengde)   曹操 (孟德)

Lived: AD 155–220

Biographies:

Served: Han, Wei

Founder of Wei. Built the foundation of what would become the Jin Dynasty.

Officer Details

Wade-Giles: Ts‘ao Ts‘ao (Mêng-tê)
Simplified Chinese: 曹操 (孟德)
Pronunciation: Cao2 Cao1 (Meng4de2)  

Birthplace: Qiao County, Pei County
(Presently Bo Zhou city, An Hui Province)

Name Notes: In Sanguozhi Chen Shou references him with the honorary title, Wu Di (武帝), or ‘Martial Emperor’. Cao Cao appears in other sources under this name. Cao Cao’s infant name was A-Man (阿瞞).

Rank and Titles

Northern Commandant of Luoyang; Prefect of Dunqiu; Gentleman-consultant of the Imperial Court; Chief Commandant of Cavalry; Chancellor of Ji’nan; Grand Administrator of Dongjun; Colonel in Charge of the Army; Colonel of the Resolute Cavalry; General Who Displays Firmness; Grand Administrator of Dongjun; Governor of Yanzhou; General who Establishes Virtue; General who Guards the East; Marquis of Feiting; Intendant of the Affairs of the Masters of Writing; Colonel Director of Retainers; General-in-chief; Marquis of Wuping; Minister of Works; General of Chariots and Cavalry; Lieutenant-Chancellor; Duke of Wei; King of Wei; The Man

Family and Relationships

Cao Jie (Great Grandfather); Cao Teng (Grandfather); Cao Song (Father); Cao De (Brother); Lü Boshe ƒ (Uncle); Cao Pi, Cao Zhang, Cao Zhi, Cao Xiong (Sons with Princess Bian); Cao Ang, Cao Shuo (Sons with Lady Liu); Cao Chong, Cao Ju, Cao Yu (Sons with Lady Huan); Cao Lin, Cao Gun (Sons with Lady Du); Cao Xuan, Cao Jun (Sons with Lady Qin); Cao Ju (Sons from Lady Yin); Cao Gan, Cao Shan, Cao Biao, Cao Qin, Cao Cheng, Cao Zheng, Cao Jing, Cao Jun, Cao Ji, Cao Hui, Cao Mao (Sons with other consorts); Cao Pi, Cao Rui, Cao Fang, Cao Mao, Cao Huan (Descendant Heirs); Cao Ren, Cao Chun, Cao Hong (Younger Cousins); Cao Anmin (Nephew); Cao Xiu, Cao Zhen (Distant Nephews)

Fact vs. Fiction

Differences Between Fact and Common Fiction

  • Never presented Dong Zhuo the “Seven-Star Sword.”
  • Wen Chou was killed in one of Cao Cao’s military plots.
  • There is no historic mention of Cao Cao killing civilians as he marched on Tao Qian, however the massacre he left in departure is recorded.
  • Cao Cao did not execute He Yi. [ZZTJ: 62]
  • View ≈5 Additional Facts?
  • Became Prime Minister on the 6th month of Jian’an (AD 208). Not earlier as presented in the novel.
  • Was not tricked by Pang Tong into tying his ships at Chibi. He did this himself because his soldiers were sick.
  • Did not execute Zuo Ci, nor did Zuo Ci predict his death.
  • Most likely not related to the Xiahou family, since his daughter married Xiahou Mao [ZZTJ]
  • Had 25 sons; far from the five mentioned in the novel.
Literary Appearances

Romance of the Three Kingdoms: 1-6, 10-77, 78, 79-82, 85, 88, 91, 93, 94, 96, 97, 99, 106, 109, 111, 114, 119, 120

Sanguozhi: Wei 1

Popular Quotation

Romance of the Three Kingdoms: Chapter 4
Cao Cao said, “Better that I betray the world than let the world betray me.”
[操曰：宁教我负天下人，休教天下人负我。]

Romance of the Three Kingdoms: Chapter 59
Fighting Ma Chao, Cao Cao said, “You despised me because I had no wall to my camp, but lo! in one single night, God has made me a wall. Do you not think it time to give in?”
[操曰：“汝欺我營寨不成，今一夜天使築就，汝何不早降！”]

Romance of the Three Kingdoms: Chapter 72
Cao Cao said, “I like to kill people in my dreams, so when I fall asleep be sure not to come too close.”

Search Results
Cao Cao trust worthy?
Date: 04/08     Replies:  50
Chen Lin's writing on Cao Cao.
Date: 02/08     Replies:  12
Who's better Sun Jian or Cao Cao?
Date: 02/08     Replies:  36
Did Cao Cao want to become Emperor?
Date: 02/08     Replies:  11
Cao Cao's luckiest break.
Date: 02/08     Replies:  13
Cao Cao unites China.
Date: 01/08     Replies:  42
Zhuge Liang and Cao Cao?
Date: 12/07     Replies:  31
Did Cao Cao let Guan Yu leave because of his kindness?
Date: 11/07     Replies:  13
3 Brothers becoming more like Cao Cao the longer they fight
Date: 10/07     Replies:  14
Cao Cao's Failure: Military Mistakes or Lack of Time?
Date: 08/07     Replies: 112
View ≈71 Additional Results?
Cao Cao is so over rated
Date: 08/07     Replies: 142
Was the War between Cao Cao and Yuan Shao to the death?
Date: 07/07     Replies:  13
Could Guo Jia have inadvertently led to Cao Cao's downfall?
Date: 06/07     Replies:  22
Was Cao Cao right to suspect Hua Tuo?
Date: 02/07     Replies:  42
The true reason Cao Cao attacked Wu at Chibi
Date: 09/06     Replies:  46
Cao Cao is not evil..
Date: 07/06     Replies:  12
1786th anniversary of Cao Cao's death
Date: 03/06     Replies:  26
A look into Yuan Shao and Cao Cao’s childhood ‘friendship’
Date: 02/06     Replies:  12
Would the RTK era exist without Cao Cao?
Date: 02/06     Replies:  29
Cao Cao's Revenge
Date: 01/06     Replies:  11
Mengde and Caesar
Date: 11/05     Replies:  14
Without Guan Yu's help, Cao Cao vs. Yuan Shao.
Date: 11/05     Replies:  78
Cao Cao the Merciless
Date: 11/05     Replies:  15
Xiahou Yuan and Cao Cao
Date: 10/05     Replies:  16
Cao Cao and Zhuge Liang
Date: 09/05     Replies:  33
View ≈56 Additional Results?
Sun Ce and Cao Cao
Date: 08/05     Replies:  27
Who hated Cao Cao the most?
Date: 08/05     Replies:  29
Do you think Cao Cao's "evil" or "bad"?
Date: 04/05     Replies: 118
Cao Cao and his people before Guan Du (historical)
Date: 12/04     Replies:  11
Cao Cao's Chi Bi Strategy
Date: 11/04     Replies:  39
Is Cao Cao the TRUE driving force of the novel?
Date: 11/04     Replies:  38
Cao Cao vs. Zhuge Liang
Date: 09/04     Replies:  47
Cao Cao vs. Liu Bei
Date: 09/04     Replies:  57
What would you do if you were Cao Cao
Date: 09/04     Replies:  18
Guo Jia and Cao Cao's biggest mistake...
Date: 08/04     Replies:  32
Cao Cao's laughing after Chi Bi.
Date: 08/04     Replies:  30
SGYY Events? “In a Plum Garden, Cao Cao Discusses Heroes”
Date: 08/04     Replies:  30
Did Cao Cao really attempt to assassinate Dong Zhuo?
Date: 08/04     Replies:  19
Cao Cao's advisers
Date: 07/04     Replies:  11
Cao Cao Chronology (revised)
Date: 07/04     Replies:  10
Cao Cao or Liu Bei: who was the biggest rebel?
Date: 07/04     Replies:  52
If Guan Yu would have taken Cao Cao prisoner
Date: 06/04     Replies:  82
About how many men did Cao Cao have, and lose, at Chibi?
Date: 05/04     Replies:  21
What if Cao Cao was defeated at Guan Du?
Date: 05/04     Replies:  13
How important was Emperor Xian to Cao Cao?
Date: 05/04     Replies:  16
Did Liu Bei value Cao Cao?
Date: 04/04     Replies:  16
Could Cao Cao rule all?
Date: 03/04     Replies:  41
Cao Cao's Greatest Defeat
Date: 03/04     Replies:  22
Why did Cao Cao bury troops alive after Guan Du?
Date: 03/04     Replies:  39
Could cao cao won at Chi bi?
Date: 02/04     Replies:  33
Cao cao or Nobunaga
Date: 02/04     Replies:  16
What if Cao Cao died during Guandu?
Date: 12/03     Replies:  33
If Shan Fu helped Cao Cao
Date: 11/03     Replies:  34
What if Cao Cao was an aristocrat?
Date: 10/03     Replies:  15
Cao Cao, some other tales about him.
Date: 10/03     Replies:  25
If Cao Cao captured Liu Chan before Zhao Yun...
Date: 10/03     Replies:  49
Lu Bu and Cao Cao
Date: 08/03     Replies:  39
Cao Cao, novel and history
Date: 07/03     Replies:  12
If Guan Yu had killed Cao Cao
Date: 07/03     Replies:  19
If Chen Gong Killed Cao Cao
Date: 07/03     Replies:  69
When did Cao Cao changes his mind?
Date: 07/03     Replies:  13
Favorite son of Cao Cao
Date: 06/03     Replies: 112
Cao Cao- China's hero or worst villian
Date: 06/03     Replies:  20
Cao Cao, the keystone of the Three Kingdoms?
Date: 05/03     Replies:  19
Sons of Cao Cao and Cao Pi (updated May 28)
Date: 05/03     Replies:  15
Cao Cao, was he such a bad guy?
Date: 05/03     Replies:  58
Cao Cao the angel
Date: 03/03     Replies:  16
Cao Cao’s greatest foil (SGYY)
Date: 02/03     Replies:  58
What if Yuan Shao had actually beaten Cao Cao?
Date: 02/03     Replies:  34
On Cao Cao and treachery
Date: 12/02     Replies:  37
Differences between Cao Cao and Zhuge Liang
Date: 12/02     Replies:  50
Cao Cao's Life
Date: 11/02     Replies:  66
Aside from Mengde, who was the best of the Caos?
Date: 11/02     Replies:  61
Cao Cao (wonderful lord or dreadful monster)? [historical]
Date: 09/02     Replies:  34
Discussion of Heroes, Cao Cao's desire, Liu Bei's ambition.
Date: 09/02     Replies:  25
Cao Cao...
Date: 08/02     Replies:  53
Would Liu Bei turn to Cao Cao?
Date: 08/02     Replies:  27
Cao Cao's sons
Date: 06/02     Replies:  26
Cao Cao's loss at Chi Bi
Date: 06/02     Replies:  28
Cao Cao and Liu Bei
Date: 06/02     Replies:  12

Biographies

What's the difference for Cao Cao's SGZ biography?
Date: 11/06     Replies:   3
Why does Cao Cao's bio only mention Liu Bei in Chi Bi?
Date: 07/05     Replies:  21
SGZ Biography of Cao Cao
Date: 03/05     Replies:  55
Cao Cao SGYY Bio part 2
Date: 07/04     Replies:   7
Cao Cao SGYY bio part 1
Date: 04/04     Replies:   1
Premium External Linkage

First class external must-reads. Enjoy!

Top?

Cao Pi (Zihuan)   曹丕 (子桓)

Lived: AD 187–226

Biographies:

Served: Wei

Cao Cao’s second son and successor. Deposed Emperor Xian. First Wei Emperor.

Officer Details

Wade-Giles: Ts‘ao P‘i (Tzŭ-huan)
Simplified Chinese: 曹丕 (子桓)
Pronunciation: Cao2 Pi1 [Zi3huan2]  

Birthplace: Qiao County, Pei County
(Presently Bo Zhou city in An Hui Province)

Rank and Titles

General of the Gentlemen of the Household for All Purposes; Heir-Apparent; King of Wei; Governor of Jizhou; Emperor of Wei

Family and Relationships

Cao Song (Grandfather); Cao Cao (Father); Empress Bian (Mother); Cao Ang (Older Brother); Cao Zhang, Cao Zhi, Cao Xiong and others (Younger brothers); Empress Zhen, Empress Guo (Wives); Cao Rui, Cao Xie, Cao Rui, Cao Jian, Cao Lin, Cao Li, Cao Yong, Cao Gong, Cao Yan (Sons)

Literary Appearances

Romance of the Three Kingdoms: 32-34, 68, 72, 78-82, 84-87, 91, 93, 94, 97, 99, 106, 109, 111, 119, 120

Search Results
Cao pi vs Cao zhi
Date: 11/06     Replies:  17
What if Cao Pi listened to Liu Ye?
Date: 08/03     Replies:  13
Sons of Cao Cao and Cao Pi (updated May 28)
Date: 05/03     Replies:  15
Cao Pi compared to Cao Zhi
Date: 04/03     Replies:  21

Biographies

Cao Pi's autobiography
Date: 09/03     Replies:  27

Top?

Cao Ren (Zixiao)   曹仁 (子孝)

Lived: AD 168–223

Biographies:

Served: Wei

Cao Cao’s cousin. Served as Minister of War for Cao Cao.

Officer Details

Wade-Giles: Ts‘ao Jên (Tzŭ-hsiao)
Simplified Chinese: 曹仁 (子孝)
Pronunciation: Cao2 Ren2 [Zi3xiao4]  

Birthplace: Qiao County, Pei County
(Bozhou City, An Hui Province)

Rank and Titles

Major with a Separate Command; Colonel of Lifeng; Grand Administrator of Guangyang; Imperial Consultant; Marquis of Du Commune; General who Conquers the South; Marquis of Anping Commune; General who Tranquilizes the West; General of the Resolute Cavalry; General who Conquers the South; General of the Chariots and Cavalry; Marquis of Chen; General-in-Chief; Commander-in-Chief

Family and Relationships

Cao Bao (Grandfather); Cao Chi (Father); Cao Cao (Cousin); Cao Tai, Cao Kai, Cao Fan (Sons); Cao Chu (Grandson)

Literary Appearances

Romance of the Three Kingdoms: 5, 6, 11, 12, 14, 17, 19, 22, 23, 29-31, 35, 36, 40-43, 48, 50, 51, 58, 59, 66-68, 73-76, 84-85, 86

Search Results
Cao Ren
Date: 09/05     Replies:  14
Cao Ren's defence of Fan castle.
Date: 01/04     Replies:  18
Why is Cao Ren so revered?
Date: 08/02     Replies:  24

Biographies

Cao Ren's SGZ Biography
Date: 08/03     Replies:   6

Top?

Da Qiao   大喬

Lived: Unknown

Biographies:

Served: Wu

Elder of Wu’s Qiao Sisters. Sister to Xiao Qiao. Married to Sun Ce.

Officer Details

Wade-Giles: Ta Ch‘iao
Simplified Chinese: 大乔
Pronunciation: Da4 Qiao2  

Name Notes: Da (大), in this context, translates to ‘Big’, thus ‘Elder’. Rather than refer to her as the ‘Older Qiao’, the name Da Qiao has become a popular alternative. Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao were names first used by Koei in Dynasty Warriors 3 when the characters were introduced. [Note that Da4 and Xiao3 can still be used in context in modern times when used in families, also that it’s usually the surname used after the “Da/Xiao” part] for example someone called Qiao Zhi Lian, and their sister Qiao Zhi Li, may be called in families Da/ Xiao Qiao!]

Literary Appearances

Romance of the Three Kingdoms: 29, 44, 48, 54

Search Results
Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao
Date: 04/04     Replies:  12

Biographies

Qiao Sisters SGYY Biography
Date: 07/04     Replies:   7

Top?

Dian Wei   典韋

Lived: AD 160–197

Biographies:

Served: Wei

Served Wei. One of Cao Cao’s trusted guards. Dian Man’s father.

Officer Details

Wade-Giles: Tien Wei
Simplified Chinese: 典韦
Pronunciation: Dien3 Wei2  

Birthplace: Ji Wu County, Chen Liu Kingdom
(Presently He Sui County in He Nan Province)

Name Notes: We originally listed Dian Wei’s style as Ziman (子曼). As we are no longer able to locate the source, and a few possible causes for error have turned up, we no longer have reason to believe he had the name.

Rank and Titles

Major; Chief Commandant; Colonel

Family and Relationships

Dian Man (Son)

Fact vs. Fiction

Differences Between Fact and Common Fiction

  • Rather than two axes or long polearms Dian Wei used two hand-halberds. These were shortened versions of the ji halberd (as used by Lü Bu).
  • Dian Wei was neither drunk nor had his halberds been stolen during his heroic defense against Zhang Xiu’s attack.
Literary Appearances

Romance of the Three Kingdoms: 10-12, 14, 16, 17-18, 58

Search Results
Dian Wei's Death
Date: 01/04     Replies:  33
Zhao Yun, Dian Wei or Zhou Tai-bravest of the brave
Date: 10/03     Replies: 212
Zhao Yun, Dian Wei or Zhou Tai-bravest of the brave
Date: 10/03     Replies: 201
Is Dian Wei under appreciated?
Date: 09/03     Replies:  43
Brave Stand of Dian Wei
Date: 09/02     Replies:  34

Top?

Diaochan [Sable Cicada]   貂嬋

Fictional

Game Name:
Diao Chan

Lived: AD c.173/6–?

Biographies:

Served: Han, Lü Bu, Dong Zhuo

Wang Yun’s adopted daughter. Helped to kill Dong Zhuo. Fictional.

Officer Details

Wade-Giles: Tiaoch‘an [Sable Cicada]
Simplified Chinese: 貂婵
Pronunciation: Diao1 Chan2  

Name Notes: Also known as Sable Cicada. [Are there Han Zi for this? I can pronounce it if need be -Tongy]

Family and Relationships

Wang Yun ƒ (Adoptive Father)

Fact vs. Fiction

Differences Between Fact and Common Fiction

  • Diaochan, as portrayed in the novel, is fictional. History only mentions a maid over which Dong Zhuo and Lü Bu quarreled. Wang Yun took advantage of this to play Lü Bu against Dong Zhuo, but he did not plan it.
  • The stories in which Lü Bu kills Diaochan for betraying him, Guan Yu beheads her to preserve unity with his brothers (or marries her), and the one in which Cao Cao marries her are all based on Chinese opera.
Literary Appearances

Romance of the Three Kingdoms: 8, 9, 16, 19

Search Results
Who did Diao Chan really love?
Date: 10/04     Replies:  45
Diao Chan: Fact or Fiction?
Date: 12/03     Replies:  19
Diao Chan
Date: 09/03     Replies:  22
Diao Chan: Historical Figure or Ficitional Character?
Date: 02/03     Replies:  62

Biographies

Diao Chan SGYY Bio
Date: 08/03     Replies:   1
Biography

Sanguo Yanyi

Raised as a handmaiden, singer and dancer by Wang Yun who she looked upon as a father, she was concerned when she saw he was upset with Dong Zhuo’s tyranny and offered her services. When Lü Bu came to visit, Wang Yun offered Diaochan as a wife, Lü Bu having become infatuated with her, accepted.

A few days later, Dong Zhuo came with Diaochan as the entertainment and Wang Yun offered her to him as a concubine. Word of Dong Zhuo’s new girl got out and Wang Yun was able to start turning Lü Bu against Lü Bu, helped by Diaochan feigning heart break and begged Lü Bu to rescue her. Lü Bu turned on his adopted father with Wang Yun’s help and killed him.

Diaochan would be with Lü Bu until his surrender and execution by Cao Cao, from that point Diaochan’s fate is unknown.

Historically, Diaochan’s existence is debatable and quite unlikely. Her story comes down to an unnamed maid over which Lü Bu and Dong Zhuo had a conflict, as translated here by Dr. Rafe de Crespigny from the Zizhi Tongjian: “Moreover, Dong Zhuo had ordered [Lü Bu] to guard the palace doors, and he took the opportunity to seduce one of the maid-servants. So now Bu also had a guilty conscience. Wang Yun had always behaved very well towards Bu, and Bu told Yun how Zhuo had nearly killed him. Then Yun told him about the plan against Zhuo and asked him to act as the agent from within.”

View Biography?

Top?

Dong Zhuo (Zhongying)   董卓 (仲穎)

Lived: AD ?–192

Biographies:

Served: Han, Dong Zhuo

Siezed control of Luo Yang and the Han government before being killed by Lü Bu.

Officer Details

Wade-Giles: Tung Cho (Chung-ying)
Simplified Chinese: 董卓 (仲颖)
Pronunciation: Dong3 Zhou2 [Zhong4ying3]  

Birthplace: Lintao, Longxi

Rank and Titles

Major; Gentleman of the Palace; General of the Gentlemen of the Household of the East; General Who Routs the Caitiffs; General of the Van; Minister of Works; Grand Commandant; Marquis of Mei; Chancellor of State; Grand Master

Family and Relationships

Dong Min (Son); Niu Fu (Son in Law); Dong Huang (Nephew)

Fact vs. Fiction

Differences Between Fact and Common Fiction

  • Dong Zhuo was not historically saved by Liu Bei, Zhang Fei and Guan Yu while fighting the Yellow Turbans.
  • Dong Zhuo was never presented with the “Seven-Star Sword” by Cao Cao after a failed assassination attempt.
Literary Appearances

Romance of the Three Kingdoms: 1-8, 9, 10-11, 13, 15, 20, 22, 30, 33, 38, 44, 56, 73, 93, 109, 120

Search Results
Is Dong Zhuo all that bad???
Date: 01/08     Replies:  24
Did Dong Zhuo’s actions result in good, or bad?
Date: 08/06     Replies:  29
Dong Zhuo, did he have potential?
Date: 10/04     Replies:  69
Did Cao Cao really attempt to assassinate Dong Zhuo?
Date: 08/04     Replies:  19
Dong Zhuo like or hate?
Date: 02/04     Replies: 100
What if Lu Bu never killed Dong Zhuo?
Date: 11/03     Replies:  10
What if Dong Zhuo triumphed over the allieds?
Date: 11/03     Replies:  53
If Dong Zhuo didn't have Lu Bu
Date: 06/03     Replies:  22

Biographies

Dong Zhuo's SGZ Biography (Rough Draft)
Date: 11/07     Replies:   2
Dong Zhuo SGYY Bio
Date: 08/03     Replies:   5
Premium External Linkage

First class external must-reads. Enjoy!

Top?

Empress Zhang [Xingcai]   張皇后[星彩]

Game Name:
Zhang Xingcai

Lived: AD c.206–237

Biographies:
None Available

Served: Shu

Zhang Fei’s daughter. Empress Zhang married to Liu Shan. Zhang Xingcai in Koei games.

Officer Details

Wade-Giles: Empress Chang [Hsingts‘ai]
Simplified Chinese: 张皇后[星彩]
Pronunciation: Huang2hou4 Zhang1 [Xing1cai3]  

Name Notes: ‘Empress Zhang’ or ‘Lady Zhang’ in the novel and other historic sources, she has been given a fictional personality by Koei under the name ‘Zhang Xingcai’ or simply ‘Xing Cai’. Both names refer to the same person, but the story given her in Koei games is fictional. I’ve recorded this as the English translation presents itself (so, Huanghou Zhang (empress Zhang) and Xing1cai3 as her given name)

Rank and Titles

Empress

Family and Relationships

Zhang Fei (Father); Lady Xiahou (Mother); Xiahou Ba (Mother’s Uncle); Liu Shan (Husband); Zhang Bao (Brother)

Fact vs. Fiction

Differences Between Fact and Common Fiction

  • Outside mention of her marriage to Liu Shan, stories of Empress Zhang, particularly those of her fighting, tend to be fictional.
Literary Appearances

Romance of the Three Kingdoms: 85, 115

Sanguozhi: Wei 9, Shu 4

Search Results
Xing Cai
Date: 11/05     Replies:  21
Biography

Collaborative Works

Zhang Fei’s eldest daughter. Became Empress to Liu Shan (Empress Jing’ai). Her mother was Lady Xiahou, cousin to Xiahou Ba. When Liu Shan became Emperor, according to the advice of Zhuge Liang and others, Lady Zhang became his Empress at the age of seventeen. In the year AD 221, Lady Zhang entered the court as the consort of the Crown Prince Liu Shan. In AD 223, she became Empress. She died in AD 237. The title of Empress passed down to her younger sister. (1)

(1) Adapted from Romance of the Three Kingdoms XI.

View Biography?

Top?

Empress Zhen [Zhen Ji]   甄皇后[甄姫]

Game Name:
Zhen Ji

Lived: AD 183–221

Biographies:

Served: Yuan Shao, Wei

Formerly Yuan Xi’s wife. Later married to Cao Pi. Became Empress.

Officer Details

Wade-Giles: Empress Chên [Chên Chi]
Simplified Chinese: 甄皇后[甄姫]
Pronunciation: Huang2hou4 Zhen1 [Ji1]  

Birthplace: Wuji in Zhongshan
(in the vicinity of modern Wuji in Hebei)

Name Notes: Empress Zhen is frequently called Zhen Ji, as she is named by Koei. Referenced elsewhere as Zhen Luo (甄洛) or Empress Wenzhao (文昭皇后). I’ve recorded this as Huang2hou4 Zhen1 (Empress Zhen), with Ji1 as her given name. To say her name as Koei suggests, use Zhen (surname) and Ji1 (given name) together.

Rank and Titles

Illustrious of the Civilizing Emperor; Empress; (also sometimes called Madame Zhen)

Family and Relationships

Zhen Yi (Father); Zhang (Mother); Zhen Yu, Zhen Yan, Zhen Yao (Brothers); Empress Zhenang, Zhen Tuo, Zhen Dao, Zhen Rong (Sisters); Yuan Xi (Ex-husband); Cao Pi (Husband); Cao Rui (Emperor Ming) (Son); Princess Dongxiang (Daughter); Cao Jiong, Cao Mu, Cao Yin, Cao Shu (Grandchildren)

Literary Appearances

Romance of the Three Kingdoms: 33, 91

Search Results
Zhen Ji Relationship/Baby Cao rui
Date: 04/07     Replies:  21
Zhen Ji's Marriage
Date: 12/03     Replies:  10
Zhen Ji's Real Name... (Discussion thread for Lok Sun)
Date: 06/03     Replies:  60
Lady Zhen's Death
Date: 11/02     Replies:  18

Top?

Gan Ning (Xingba)   甘寧 (興霸)

Lived: AD 175–c.219

Biographies:

Served: Liu Zhang, Liu Biao, Huang Zu, Wu

Known to be brave and strong. Served Huang Zu, then Wu. Died of illness.

Officer Details

Wade-Giles: Kan Ning (Hsing-pa)
Simplified Chinese: 甘宁 (兴霸)
Pronunciation: Gan1 Ning2 [Xing1ba4]  

Birthplace: Lin Jiang, Ba Prefecture
(Presently Zhong County in Sichuan Province)

Rank and Titles

Chief of the Zhu prefecture; Grand Administrator of Xiling; Rank-breaking General

Family and Relationships

Gan Huai (Son)

Fact vs. Fiction

Differences Between Fact and Common Fiction

  • Gan Ning did not kill Yue Jin in battle.
  • Gan Ning was not killed by Shamoke. Died of illness.
  • Gan Ning is not mentioned in historic documentation as having died of dysentery.
Literary Appearances

Romance of the Three Kingdoms: 38, 39, 45-47, 49-51, 53, 56, 66-68, 82, 83

Sanguozhi: Wu 10

Search Results
Was Guan Yu really afraid of Gan Ning?
Date: 12/07     Replies:  42
Gan Ning to the rescue... but why?
Date: 11/05     Replies:  10
Who was better: Gan Ning or Xu Huang
Date: 09/04     Replies:  34
Zhang Liao, Gan Ning, and Zhu Ran.
Date: 03/04     Replies:  90
Gan Ning's History
Date: 01/04     Replies:  10
Gan Ning
Date: 08/02     Replies:  52
Biography

Historic (Confirmed)

Gan Ning hailed from Nanyang commandery in Jing and became a famous commander of Wu during the Three Kingdoms era. Initially, Gan Ning was a bandit and outlaw. He and a group of armed followers would go around the land terrorizing the citizenry, stealing and eating at lavish parties. Gan Ning’s gang commonly wore silk robes and bells to distinguish themselves from other criminals. Eventually, Gan Ning and his followers entered the service of Liu Zhang, a warlord established in the Riverlands (the Han province of ‘Yizhou’). Along with several other generals, however, Gan Ning revolted against Liu Zhang. When the rebellion failed, Gan Ning went back to Jing province and sought employment with Liu Biao, another lord. At around this time, Gan Ning also decided to reform himself and become a scholar. Because he was not hired by Liu Biao, Gan Ning tried to flee to the Sun family of the Southlands. Before he could make it to Wu, however, Gan Ning was captured by Huang Zu, a leader based in Xiakou.

Huang Zu forced Gan Ning to stay in his service, but from the beginning Huang Zu showed contempt for Gan Ning. Despite the fact that Gan Ning distinguished himself numerous times in battle against Sun Quan (whom Huang Zu was attacked by frequently), Huang Zu treated Gan Ning like a common soldier. In one instance, Gan Ning saved Huang Zu’s life by shooting and killing Ling Cao, who had pursued and nearly managed to slay Huang Zu. Even after this incident though, Gan Ning was still treated poorly. At the urgings of Su Fei, an advisor of Huang Zu’s, Gan Ning was finally promoted to Chief of Zhu. Luckily for Gan Ning, Zhu happened to be located close to Sun Quan’s territories, and so Gan Ning was able to escape from Huang Zu’s clutches and flee to the East. Zhou Yu and Lü Meng, two generals under Sun Quan, entreated Sun Quan to allow Gan Ning into service. Then upon joining Sun Quan’s ranks, Gan Ning advised his new lord to attack Huang Zu immediately.

In AD 208, Xiakou was at last subjugated, and Huang Zu was finally slain. Sun Quan had made two boxes prior to this victory: One for the head of Huang Zu, and one for the head of his strategist, Su Fei. Gan Ning pleaded with Sun Quan to allow Su Fei, who had always been generous to Gan Ning in the past, amnesty, however. Because of this, Su Fei was let off scot-free. Gan Ning then obtained military command, but because Ling Tong, the son of Ling Cao (whom Gan Ning had killed), held a grudge against Gan Ning, Gan Ning was moved to a distant commandery.

After the battle of Chi Bi, where Sun Quan won a victory against the fleets of a warlord named Cao Cao, Gan Ning was ordered to besiege and capture the city of Yiling. Although Gan Ning easily took the city, he was immediately surrounded and hard-pressed by the troops of Cao Ren, a general of Cao Cao’s. Despite the fact that his army was outnumbered and bombarded by siege towers daily, Gan Ning held Yiling long enough for Zhou Yu, an officer of Sun Quan’s, to repulse Cao Ren’s forces (and later defeat Cao Ren decisively). Supposedly, one of Liu Bei’s commanders, Guan Yu, later attempted an attack on the Southlands, yet was so scared of Gan Ning that he aborted his plans.

Gan Ning would later distinguish himself during Sun Quan’s attack on Wan by scaling the walls of Wan city with a silken rope and helping to defeat the governor of that city, Zhu Guang. At the Battle of Ruxu, some time later, Gan Ning raided the camp of Cao Ren and then helped the forces of Sun Quan defeat their enemies. Finally, at Hefei, Gan Ning would defend Sun Quan’s carriage from a general of Cao Cao’s named Zhang Liao. If not for the valiant efforts of Gan Ning, Ling Tong and Lü Meng, Sun Quan would have surely perished during one of his assaults on Hefei.

Sun Quan dearly loved Gan Ning and praised him multiple times for his ability. On one occasion, Sun Quan said, “Cao Cao may have Zhang Liao but I have Gan Ning! Thus we are evenly matched.” Gan Ning fell ill, however, shorly after one of Sun Quan’s attacks on Hefei. His son, Gan Huai, sadly, inherited his father’s affinity for mischief, and was exiled from the Southlands for committing a crime (soon after being exiled, he perished as well). Nevertheless, Gan Ning was generally remembered fondly by the Southland.

View Biography?

Top?

Guan Ping   關平

Lived: AD 182–219

Biographies:

Served: Shu

Served Shu. Guan Yu’s son (adopted in novel). Executed with Guan Yu by Sun Quan.

Officer Details

Wade-Giles: Kuan P‘ing
Simplified Chinese: 关平
Pronunciation: Guan1 Ping2  

Family and Relationships

Guan Yu (Father)

Fact vs. Fiction

Differences Between Fact and Common Fiction

  • Guan Ping was Guan Yu’s biological child, and not an adopted son.
Literary Appearances

Romance of the Three Kingdoms: 28, 31, 39, 49, 57, 60, 62, 63, 65, 66, 73-76, 77, 78

Search Results
Guan ping and his achievements
Date: 03/08     Replies:  44
Guan Ping
Date: 06/05     Replies:  12

Biographies

Guan Ping SGYY Biography
Date: 07/05     Replies:  13

Top?

Guan Yu (Yunchang)   關羽 (雲長)

Lived: AD 162–219

Biographies:

Served: Han, Shu

Sworn brother of Liu Bei and Zhang Fei. First of the Five Tiger Generals.

Officer Details

Wade-Giles: Kuan Yü (Yün-ch‘ang)
Simplified Chinese: 关羽 (云长)
Pronunciation: Guan1 Yu3 [Yun2chang2]  

Birthplace: Xie County, He Dong
(Presently Yun Cheng in Shan Xi Province)

Name Notes: Originally styled Changsheng (長生). He is frequently referenced by the honorary title, Guan Gong (關公), or ‘Lord Guan’. Guan Yu appears as Guan Gong or Lord Guan in most novel translations, many historic texts, and modern conversation outside the Three Kingdoms community, and on most merchandise. In religion he is called Saintly Emperor Guan (關聖帝君) or in Buddhism, Sangharama Bodhisattva (伽藍菩薩) (more).

Rank and Titles

Major; Lieutenant General (AD 200); Marquis of Hanshou (AD 200); Governor of Xiangyang; General Who Terrifies Criminals; General of the Front (AD 219); Marquis of Zhuangchou (posthumous); One of the ‘Five Tiger Generals’

Family and Relationships

Guan Ping, Guan Xing, Guan Suo ƒ (Sons); Guan Ping ƒ (Adopted Son); Guan Tong (Grandchildren); Guan Yi (Great Grandchildren); Liu Bei ƒ, Zhang Fei ƒ (Sworn Brothers)

Fact vs. Fiction

Differences Between Fact and Common Fiction

  • The Peach Tree Garden oath did not actually take place but Sanguozhi states that Liu, Guan and Zhang ‘slept in the same bed and were as close as brothers.’
  • Did not kill Hua Xiong. Hua Xiong was killed in battle with Sun Jian by Jian’s troops.
  • Did not give specific terms of surrender to Cao Cao at Xiapi.
  • Never killed Wen Chou, who actually died in battle with Cao Cao after falling for a plot.
  • View ≈7 Additional Facts?
  • Guan Yu did not ‘traverse five passes’ and ‘slay five generals’. Cao Cao admired his honor and sense of duty, and allowed him to leave. In majority, the characters that appeared in this novel event were fictional.
  • Did not ‘fight with and release’ Huang Zhong. Han Xuan and Huang Zhong surrendered of their own accord.
  • In the events following Chibi, Guan Yu did not meet with and spare Cao Cao at Huarong.
  • Was not healed by Hua Tuo, though the story did take place at the hands of an unnamed doctor.
  • Did not plan to duel Ma Chao when he was promoted. Simply sent a letter asking how they compared.
  • In the novel Lü Meng feigned illness to trick Guan Yu. Historically, Lü Meng was truly ill.
  • The flooding of Fan Castle was not Guan Yu’s stratagem. It was a natural occurrence.
Literary Appearances

Romance of the Three Kingdoms: 1, 2, 5-7, 11-22, 24-28, 34-43, 45, 49-53, 55, 56, 60, 63, 65-67, 70, 73-76, 77, 78-83, 85, 94, 97, 110, 120

Sanguozhi: Shu 6

Zizhi tongjian: 60, 63, 65-68

Popular Quotation

Romance of the Three Kingdoms: Chapter 25
Speaking to Cao Cao about Yuan Shao’s army, Guan Yu said, “I regard them as so many clay fowls and mud dogs.”
[關公曰：“以吾觀之，如土雞瓦犬耳！”]

Romance of the Three Kingdoms: Chapter 73
Speaking to Zhuge Jin of Sun Quan, Guan Yu said, “How can my tiger-lass marry a dog’s whelp of a son? Were it not for your brother, I would take your head. Say no more!”
[“吾虎女安肯犬子乎！不看汝弟之面，力斬汝首！再休多言！”]

Romance of the Three Kingdoms: Chapter 77
Having possessed Lü Meng, to Sun Quan, Guan Yu said, “O green-eyed boy! O purple-bearded rat! Do you know me?”
[“碧眼小兒！紫髯鼠輩，還識我否？”]

Search Results
The Unexpected Side Effect of Konming's letter to Yunchang
Date: 05/08     Replies:  43
Guan Yu and Zhang Fei!!!
Date: 04/08     Replies:  94
The slaugther of Guan Yu's family
Date: 03/08     Replies:  26
Zhuge Liang's Relationship With Guan Yu
Date: 03/08     Replies:  31
Guan Yu was a target.
Date: 03/08     Replies:  10
Guan Yu..your opinion on him
Date: 12/07     Replies: 289
Guan Yu..your opinion on him
Date: 12/07     Replies: 229
Was Guan Yu really afraid of Gan Ning?
Date: 12/07     Replies:  42
Did Cao Cao let Guan Yu leave because of his kindness?
Date: 11/07     Replies:  13
Who was with Guan Yu in Jing Zhou?
Date: 08/07     Replies:  76
View ≈31 Additional Results?
What would have happened if Guan Yu stayed with Wei?
Date: 06/07     Replies:  13
Lu Bu or Guan Yu?
Date: 04/07     Replies:  62
Guan Yu's death a planned excuse for Liu Bei to attack Wu?
Date: 02/07     Replies:  10
Was Guan Yu really impatient?
Date: 11/06     Replies: 107
Guan Yu's Second Name
Date: 10/06     Replies:  11
Rediscovering Guan Yu
Date: 01/06     Replies:  29
Without Guan Yu's help, Cao Cao vs. Yuan Shao.
Date: 11/05     Replies:  78
Zhao Yun, equal of Guan Yu and Zhang Fei?
Date: 06/05     Replies: 277
Why was Guan Yu respected?
Date: 06/05     Replies: 180
Was it wrong of Sun Quan to execute Guan Yu?
Date: 03/05     Replies: 119
Guan Yu's jealousness
Date: 10/04     Replies:  59
Should Guan Yu have been entrusted with Jing? (SGYY or SGZ)
Date: 10/04     Replies:  72
Why was Guan Yu feared (history only no novel or folk tales)
Date: 09/04     Replies:  46
Guan Yu's surgery: Believable?
Date: 07/04     Replies:  54
Guan Yu's sons.. who is most dutiful?
Date: 07/04     Replies:  27
View ≈16 Additional Results?
If Guan Yu would have taken Cao Cao prisoner
Date: 06/04     Replies:  82
Huang Zhong and Guan Yu
Date: 05/04     Replies:  11
Were Liu Bei, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei suitable to become Gods?
Date: 03/04     Replies:  56
Pang De, Yu Jin and Guan Yu.
Date: 02/04     Replies:  16
Guan Yu's Red Hare
Date: 12/03     Replies:  19
Guan Yu, Zhang Liao and Xu Huang
Date: 10/03     Replies:  19
Guan Di and Guan Yu
Date: 09/03     Replies:  10
Guan Yu: Good or Bad
Date: 07/03     Replies: 188
If Guan Yu didn’t aid Liu Bei, would he have succeeded?
Date: 07/03     Replies:  31
If Guan Yu had killed Cao Cao
Date: 07/03     Replies:  19
Guan Yu and Chibi (Red Cliff)
Date: 05/03     Replies:  21
Would Guan Yu Have won at Fan?
Date: 02/03     Replies:  56
The evolution of the God, Guan Gong
Date: 02/03     Replies:  10
Guan Yu's weapon
Date: 01/03     Replies:  55
Guan Yu With Wei
Date: 01/03     Replies:  21
Friendly Discussion about Guan Yu
Date: 01/03     Replies:  63
If Guan Yu had not died
Date: 12/02     Replies:  58
Kuan Kung, the God of Wealth, or Kuan Yü, the God of War?
Date: 11/02     Replies: 135
Guan Yu
Date: 07/02     Replies: 257
Guan Yu's children
Date: 06/02     Replies:  17

Top?

Huang Gai (Gongfu)   黄蓋 (公覆)

Lived: AD 145–?

Biographies:

Served: Yuan Shu, Wu

Veteran general in Wu. Came up with the “Bitter Meat Plan” for Chibi.

Officer Details

Wade-Giles: Huang Kai (Kung-fu)
Simplified Chinese: 黄盖 (公覆)
Pronunciation: Huang2 Gai4 (Gong1fu4)  

Birthplace: Quan Ling County, Ling Ling Precinct
(Presently Ling Ling in Hunan Province)

Rank and Titles

Major with a Separate Command; Chief of Chunju; Prefect of Xunyang; Colonel of Danyang; General of the Interior; Grand Administrator; Lieutenant-General

Family and Relationships

Huang Bing (Son)

Fact vs. Fiction

Differences Between Fact and Common Fiction

  • Huang Gai did surrender to Cao Cao with intention of betraying him during the Battle of Red Cliffs, but he was not beaten or punished to make it more believable.
Literary Appearances

Romance of the Three Kingdoms: 5-7, 15, 43, 44, 46, 47, 49, 50, 55, 67

Search Results
Huang Gai: important at Chi Bi? (Was there another way?)
Date: 03/04     Replies:  14

Biographies

Huang Gai's bio -- preview and translation help request
Date: 12/03     Replies:  10

Top?

Huang Yueying   黄月英

Game Name:
Yue Ying

Lived: AD ?–c.234

Biographies:
None Available

Served: Shu

Zhuge Liang’s wife. Huang Chengyan’s daughter. Was very smart, but not beautiful.

Officer Details

Wade-Giles: Huang Yüehying
Simplified Chinese: 黃月英
Pronunciation: Huang2 Yue4ying1