Three Kingdoms History: Officer Names

Neither loved nor despised by Huang Hao. Advised Liu Shan in exile, left family behind.

Recommended by Xun Yu, Xi Zhicai became a valuable officer to Cao Cao.

Authored the Han/Jin historical text, Han Jin chunqiu.

One of the Ten Regular Attendants, greatly favoured by Dowager Dong and Emperor Ling.

* You may also see him referenced as Xia Hui (‘暉’ can be ‘Hui1’). In this case, we have sided with the Moss Roberts and Brewitt-Taylor translations.

Xiahou Yuan’s son. Originally served Wei, betrayed to Shu. Attacked Didao with Jiang ...

In 200, Cao Cao captured him after defeating Liu Bei.

Dismissed Huang Zhong for seeking battle. Slain by Yan Yan at Tiandang mountain.

One of Cao Cao’s original officers, with civil and military talent. Lost an eye ...

* Xia Hou is the double barreled surname, Dun is the given name in this instance.

Carried Cao Cao’s Blue Blade. Cut down by Zhao Yun at Dangyang as he plundered.

Fourth son of Xiahou Yuan. Fought well against Shu’s Zhuge Liang.

Third son of Xiahou Yuan. Fought alongside his brother He on the front lines.

Jin officer. Appointed to do battle with the Qiang tribes.

Friend of Cao Pi, not very good at tactics and enjoyed an easy life. Slandered by family.

Captured at Mt. Dingjun, but traded for Chen Shi. Defended against Wu.

Campaigned against both Shu and Gongsun Yuan. Recognised Yang Hu’s talent.

General who assisted Zhong Hui in taking Shu. One of Cao Shuang’s co regents.

Served Cao Fang. Killed by Sima Shi for plotting against him with Li Fang and Zhang Qi.

Xiahou Dun’s brother. Famed for his attacks against the western barbarians.

* Xia Hou is the double barreled surname, Yuan is the given name in this instance.

Given control of internal military affairs. Died fighting Hanjia barbarians.

Defended rear flank in the northern campaigns. Friend of Ma Su, didn’t report escape ...

Xiang Lang’s son, he was a man of great learning.

A military officer in Wu. Served under Lu Xun during Yiling.

Younger of Wu’s Qiao Sisters. Sister to Da Qiao. Married to Zhou Yu.

* Xiao (小), in this context, translates to ‘Little’, thus ‘Younger’. Rather than refer to her as the ‘Younger Qiao’, the name Xiao 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!]

Duels Zhang Bao for 40 bouts before retreating. Described as brave, killed by Zhang Bao.

An follower of Cao Shuang, his sister warned him to stay loyal.

Sent as envoy to Cao Cao but instead urged Cao Cao to attack the Yuan’s. Hugged ...

An officer of Han Fu, he later served the Yuan’s loyally when Fu fled.

Advised him to go to Cao Shuang’s camp, saving his life. Advised Xin Pi and others.

A hardy commander of Liu Du. Killed in battle with Liu Bei. In the novel, by Zhao Yun.

* His name is incorrectly translated as ‘Xing Darong’ in some Brewitt-Taylor editions.

Raised revolt against the Han but was put down by Zang Min and Sun Jian.

One of Cao Cao’s trusted guards and a commander. Leader of the Tiger Guard.

* His name is frequently written ‘Xu Zhu’, but this is incorrect. Nicknames include ‘Mad Tiger’ and ‘Tiger Lord’.

Expert in teachings of Zheng Xuan. Argued with Hu Qian, controlled Liu Shan’s harem.

Officer of Liu Bei in Xuzhou. Opened the gates for Lü Bu when he attacked Zhang Fei.

Prefect of Wu Territory. Executed by Sun Ce for having relations with Cao Cao.

Served Cao Cao. Famous for breaking the siege of Fancheng against Guan Yu.

Said to be an able critic. Liu Bei didn’t respect him but Liang always bowed to him.

Fought under Sun Jian and Sun Ce, replaced as Administrator as he was seen as a threat.

Dismissed for drinking privatly, a succesful governor noted for finen morality.

A scholarly man of utmost honesty, he refused to serve Yuan Shu and returned the imperial ...

* Also Xu Jiu. Styled Mengyu (孟玉), Mengben (孟本), or Mengping (孟平). Sometimes found as Xu Liu.

Defeated Cao Cao and Sun Jian in battle, but never able to press it home.

A specialist of personalities living in Runan. Praised Cao Cao. Later served Liu Yao.

* Appears in Destiny of an Emperor by the name of Xu Shou. If you say this person’s surname followed by style name it would become “Xu2 Zi3jiang1” because of the third tone after the Xu3.

Served in Chibi and Wu’s invasions into Wei. Tricked Cao Pi with a fake wall.

One of Sima Hui’s students. Served Liu Bei, then later, through trickery, Cao Cao.

* Also went by the name Shan Fu (單福).

Refused Sun Ce, handled all state affairs for Cao Rui. Held a number of posts

Led the attack on Nanzheng, but was defeated by Shu’s Lu Xun. Executed by Zhong Hui.

An officer of Sun Ce. Participated in battle against Chen Yu.

Slandered by Ding Yi but Huan Jie called him a man of loyalty. Took part against Ma Chao.

Childhood friend of Cao Cao. Betrayed Yuan Shao to Cao, but was killed by Xu Chu.

Son of Xu Chang. Killed by Sun Jian along with his father.

* Xu Hao in some Brewitt-Taylor translations. Xu Zhao’s name is a bit of a mystery. Xu Chang (probably Xu Zhao’s) staged a rebellion in Kuaiji (or Xu Zhao did) and Xu Zhao was either leader (HHS 102), sole son by the name of Xu Shao, associated leader by the name of Xu Shao (SGZ Wu 1), or two sons named Zhao and Shao. In any case, Xu Zhao 昭 seems most likely as Shao 韶 may have been used in Sanguozhi to avoid a taboo on Sima Zhao’s name.

Close friend of Sun Jian, married Jian’s younger sister.

Minister of Wei. Reccomended Guan Lu to Cao Cao. Later convinced Cao Pi to take the throne.

Served Liu Yao with Zhang Ying. Killed by his former ally Ze Rong.

Wu official who served as an envoy to Shu. Warned Sun Xiu that Shu was on verge of collapse.

One of the collaborative authors behind the Wu shu (Wu History).

Took part in conquering Vietnam, skilled in debate and composition.

Younger brother of Xun Yu. Advised Han Fu on administration. Later served Yuan Shao.

* Xun Chen’s name is misrepresented in numerous sources, including: Pinyin Brewitt-Taylor chapter 7 as Xun Chang, chapters 22 and 26 as Xun Shen; Moss Roberts chapter 7 as Xun Chan, chapters 22 and 26 as Xun Shen; Zizhi Tongjian as Xun Shen. And in hoards of sites and games. You will see these mistakes wherever you see the 諶 character.

Served Yuan Shao then Cao. Son of Xun Shu, father of Xun Yu. One of the ‘Eight Dragons’.

Son of Xun Shu, uncle to Xun Yu, one of the ‘Eight Dragons’

Son of Xun Shu, uncle to Xun Yu, one of the ‘Eight Dragons’

Saved Zhong Hui at Nanzheng by shooting Lu Xun. Popular with the Sima’s.

Son of Xun Shu, uncle to Xun Yu, one of the ‘Eight Dragons’

Grandfather of Xun Yu.

Fast tracked by Dong Zhuo, he calmed Zhuo down when Yang Biao angered him.

* Also known as Xun Xu.

Son of Xun Shu, uncle to Xun Yu, one of the ‘Eight Dragons’

Son of Xun Shu, uncle to Xun Yu, one of the ‘Eight Dragons’

Inspector of the Palace Writers. Chen Shou’s nemesis in the Jin court.

Brother of Xun Yu, he defeated Gao Gan’s surprise attack.

Was sent by Sima Zhao to fetch Chen Tai after Cao Mao’s death. Senior minister.

Advisor of Cao Cao. Xun Yu’s cousin. Died grieving Cao Cao’s interest in being ...

* His name is pronounced differently from Xun Yu’s.

Cousin of Xun You, a very talented advisor under Cao Cao. Commited suicide.

* The reason we have Xun Yu and Xun “You” is because, though the sounds are the same (both Yu), they’re pronounced Yu4 and Yu1, the You idea, I suppose, comes in for foreign readers who cannot see the tones.

Son of Xun Shu, uncle to Xun Yu, one of the ‘Eight Dragons’

Fictional. Prime Minister to King Cheliji of the Western Qiang.

* Frequently written ‘Ya Dan’.

Fought with Sun Ce, but was defeated. Killed by Dong Xi.

* ‘白虎’ translates to ‘White Tiger’, thus his alleged Chinese name of Yan Baihu actually reads ‘White Tiger of Yan’, as he appears in several English books. Yan Baihu was recorded in history by his nickname. His real name, if he actually had one, is unknown.

Officer of Gongsun Zan. Led Zan’s army at Jieqiao, but was killed by Qu Yi.

* Some versions of novel call him Yan Guang.

Refused appointment as Lu Su’s successor. He was unable to ride a horse.

A fierce general in service under Yuan Shao. Beheaded by Guan Yu.

Advised Zhang Lu on the defence against Cao Cao, stopped Lu becoming King.

* Also called Yan Fu.

Lived among the tribes as a child. Campaigned with Cao Cao against the Wuwan.

Captured by Ma Chao, when dragged before the walls, he urged the defenders to fight on.

Advised Yuan Shu not to attack Sun Ce, but rather to defend against Lü Bu.

Served Liu Zhang, but surrendered to Zhang Fei after being defeated by him.

Killed by an enraged Sun Ce after suggesting that Sun Ce join Yan Baihu.

* Also said to be Yan Xing in Dynasty Tactics 2.

Given rank by Huang Hao. Talentless. Disbanded Jiang Wei’s defense of Qishan Hills.

* Yan Yu’s name is incorrectly translated in the Brewitt-Taylor as ‘Yan Yun’.

Officer of Zhang Bao. Killed Bao when defeat was inevitable.

Reinforced Liu Bei after Yiling, died at Hanzhong when at service with Zhuge Liang.

Fought under Ma Chao and aided Zhang Wei in building strong defences against Cao Cao.

Jealous of Ma Chao, prevented marriage alliance between Zhang Lu and Ma Chao.

Killed his former lord Zhang Yang, for Cao Cao, but in turn was killed by Sui Gu.

Helped Cai Yong escape the eunuchs and find safety in the south-east.

Betrayed Li Jue to help Emperor Xian. Served Yuan Shu then Lü Bu. Killed by Bei’s ...

Man chieftain. Ally of Meng Huo, who later betrayed to help Zhuge Liang.

* Referenced incorrectly as ‘Yang Fang’ in Brewitt-Taylor’s translation and other sources.

Helped defeat Ma Chao. Criticized Cao Rui’s extravagance in clothing, buildings ...

Argued with Li Yan, urged Zhuge Liang to follow orders and raise all forces for Hanzhong.

A talented Jin officer. Held Xiang Yang. Formed a friendship with Lu Kang of Wu.

Officer of Liu Zhang. Executed after an attempt to assassinate Liu Bei.

Champion General under Jin. Controlled the field armies during the invasion of Wu.

Close offical of Cao Rui, respected Liu Ye. Opposed camapign against Shu.

A widely admired offical, he established schools in area’s he governed and helped ...

Served Shu. Yang Yi’s brother, died at 17 but was known for virtue.

Imperial Corps Commander. Persuaded Guo Si not to kill Yang Biao.

Advised through Li Jue and Guo Si’s abuse, recommended Jia Xu. Plotted against Li ...

Sent by Han Sui to Cao Cao as an envoy of peace. Surrendered when under siege.

Shu officer. Died in the year following Kongming’s occupation of Hanzhong.

Fought well against Cao Cao’s forces at Yang Ping, lured out and killed in battle.

* He is called Yan Ren in the online version of the novel and possibly in other sources.

Vassal of Zhang Lu. Known to be greedy, he betrayed Zhang Lu.

Military advisor to Cao Shuang. During Cao Shuang’s campaign in 244, he urged retreat, ...

Respected for his honesty but was sacked and died a commoner. Wrote the Ji-Han fuchen zan.

Served Wei. District Governor of Jincheng before helping Deng Ai’s invasion of Shu.

A talented scholar and friend of Cao Zhi, helped Zhi cheat Cao Cao’s tests.

Grand Administrator of Jiaozhi of Jin Dynasty.

Opposed old enemy Wei Yan. Later later stripped of rank for dissensitoius words.

Sent to rescue Bu Chan, suffered horrendous defeat, retreat was a disaster. Sacked.

Goes with Bei Yan and makes strong camp, suggests waiting for Sima Yi to retreat.

Received favour comparable to Mi Zhu, helped compile the administrative code.

* Rafe calls him Yin Ji.

Tried to stop Wen Qin during Guanqiu Jian’s rebellion, but failed.

Mantained supplies for Yuan Shang. Killed by Xu Chu in the novel.

A bandit leader, he later helped Zang Ba against the Yuan’s. Called Black Boy.

* Lu’er, which translates to ‘Black Boy’, was his nickname.

Learnt from Sima Hui, had great knowledge of the classics, appointed tutor of Liu Shan.

Friend of Jiang Wei in Tianshui. Surrendered Tianshui to Shu, made Prefect of Jicheng.

Along with Gao Ding and Zhu Bao, rebelled in Southern Yizhou.

A leader of the Black Mountain Bandits, he was defeated by Cao Cao then later by Yuan ...

* Commonly displayed as Yu Du. His name, a title, is properly displayed as Poison Yu.

Advisor to Wang Lang. Surrendered to Sun Ce. Convinced Mi Fang, Fu Shiren to defect to Wu.

Served Cao Cao. Surrendered to Guan Yu. Shamed by Cao Pi into suicide.

An officer of Liu Yao. Defeated in a duel with Sun Ce and died.

Served as commander in Wu during Sun Liang’s reign. Helped support Zhuge Dan.

Served as a commander under Yuan Shu. Killed by Hua Xiong.

Son of Yu Fan.

Father of Yuan Shu and possibly Yuan Shao. Minister of Agriculture in service to Han.

A man of courtesy, generosity and restraint, he refused to rebuke Liu Bei.

Father of Yuan Huan, who served Wei.

A handsome man, won his father’s favour but lost to Cao Cao.Executed by Gongsun ...

Guard of Deng Ai. Versed in the Book of Changes, he predicts Deng Ai’s success ...

* Called Shao Yuan in some translations. Dispite the fact that they are different Han Zi, Yuan Shao of Wei’s name is pronounced exactly the same as the more commonly known Yuan2 Shao4 [Benchu]

Childhood friend, and later enemy of, Cao Cao. Defeated at Guan Du.

Yuan Shao’s younger brother. Declared himself Emperor, but soon after died.

A famed general but a poor governor, fought against Shang for the succession.

A famed minister, aided He Jin’s avengers. Killed by a vengeful Dong Zhuo.

Eventually took in Shang, driven out by revolt. Executed by Gongsun Kang.

Fled south to Liu Xun, later to Sun Ce.

Admired by Zhang Chao and Cao Cao. Defeated by Yuan Shu and killed by his own men.

Defended Yuan Shu’s belongings after Shu’s death, but was killed by Cao Cao.

Served Wei. Son of Yue Jin. Campaigned against Shu with Cao Zhen. Executed by Zhuge Dan.

* Mistranslated as ‘Yue Shen’ in some Koei games, and on rare occasion referenced as ‘Yue Lin’.

Served Cao Cao from the beginning. Shot from his horse by Gan Ning.

* His name is incorrectly translated as Yue Jing’ in some Brewitt-Taylor editions. Yue Jin is also sometimes translated as Le Jin (and in Destiny of an Emperor they somehow botched it up further to Le Xin).

Served Yuan Shu guarding Shouchun, but died after his defeat there by Cao Cao.

Fictional. Marshal under King Cheliji of the Western Qiang. Killed by Guan Xing.

* Frequently written ‘Yue Ji’.

Concubine of Dong Cheng. Her interactions with Qin Qingtong got Cheng killed.

Originally served Tao Qian, then Lü Bu. Later joined Cao Cao.

A loyal man, he was much admired and was the one that proclaimed the oath of the alliance.

Governor of Kuaiji. Recommended Sun Jian to the court after Jian quelled Xu Chang’s ...

Buddhist, fought against Sun Ce, had a record of betrayal and murder.

* Also referred to as Zhai Rong in Generals of the South. As well as To Esablish Peace.

Opposed Cao Pi’s love of hunting and marriage of love to Empress Guo.

Turned on Li Jue and launched a surprise attack, he failed to get a fire going.

Fought against Wei and Wu, killing many generals. Died in the Northern Campaigns.

* Sometimes ‘苞’ is translated as Pao, thus Zhang Pao. We continue to use Bao.

Yellow Scarves leader and Zhang Jue’s brother. Self-titled ‘Lord of Earth’.

* In the online version of the novel and possibly some other sources he is called Zhang Ba.

With Puyang Xing, enthroned Sun Hao over Wen. Executed Sun Chen with Ding Feng.

A man of great literary ability, he assisted Zhu Jun against the Turbans.

Was a member of the anti-Dong Zhuo coalition, held out for months against Cao Cao.

Warned Yuan Shu about declaring himself Son of Heaven, served in many ranks.

Friend of Zhuge Jin among others. Sent with Sun Shao to Guangling to capture Huaiyang.

A bandit based in Taoshan, he was defeated by Li Tong.

Took part in Wei Feng’s conspiracy and executed when it failed.

* Rafe calls him Zhang Quan

Wife of Sima Yi, she killed their only maid to protect her husband.

Officer of Zhang Fei, he was beaten harshly so murdered Zhang Fei then fled to Wu.

Enfeoffed as marquis by Cao Pi in honour of Zhang Liao’s achievements.

His generosity got family members returned by bandits, he was a frugal man.

Sworn brother of Liu Bei and Guan Yu. Second of the Five Tiger Generals.

* Sanguozhi records Zhang Fei’s style as 益 (yi4: ‘benefit’ or ‘increase’) rather than 翼 (yi4: ‘wing’), as used in the novel, games, and most literature.

Great-grandfather of Zhang Yi (Bogong), who served Shu.

Refused to work with tribes despite his son being held hostage.

Great-great-grandfather of Zhang Yi (Bogong), who served Shu.

Originally under Yuan Shao, defected to Wei. Died battling Zhuge Liang.

* Apparently, Zhang He is misspelled ‘Zhang Yue’ in Romance of the Three Kingdoms XI.

One of Han Sui’s Eight Knights.

* For some reason poor Zhang Heng is listed incorrectly in several sources. Some Chinese versions of the novel have him as ‘長橫’ (‘長’ chang2 instead of ‘張’ zhang1). As if that isn’t enough, some Brewitt-Taylor translations list him as Zhang Han—no idea why.

Minister who served Wu. Suggested changing the capital to Sun Quan.

Served in northern Campaigns along with Yue Chen.

Marched out with Huang Zu to oppose Sun Jian. killed by Han Dang after 30 bouts.

* Appears in Brewitt-Taylor edition as Zhang Hui to avoid confusion.

Played Go with Sima Yan, approved invasion of Wu. Talented poet, became Prime Minister.

Junior partner under Li Jue, attacks Liu Biao in bid for supplies but dies due to arrow.

Persuaded Ma Teng to help Cao Cao, he was a major part in the pacification of Liang.

Much admired, thousands of people died helping him flee. Aware of Cao Cao’s ambitions.

Minister of Wei who was executed by Sima Yan when he usurped the throne.

Led a failed rebellion against Wei in AD 220.

Practised magic, sent to oppose Liu Biao, he was killed by his officer Ou Jing.

Kidnapped by rebels in AD 220. He bravely held out until reinforcements came.

Founder of the Yellow Scarves. Self-titled ‘Lord of Heaven’.

* Written ‘Zhang Jiao’ (角 can be pronounced as both jue and jiao) at times (particularly by Koei) and as Zhang Jao in Destiny of an Emperor. The audio file says “Zhang Zue”, followed by “Jiao3”

Blamed the Yellow Turban revolt on the eunuchs. Arrested and flogged on false charges.

Entered Tao Qian’s service after the Yellow Scarf uprising. Killed Cao Cao’s ...

Advised Sun Quan to move the capital to Jianye. He served Sun Jiao, Sun Huan, Zhang Huan ...

* He has the same name as Zhang Liang of the Yellow Turbans.

Yellow Scarves leader and Zhang Jue’s brother. Self-titled ‘Lord of Man’.

Served in Wei after Cao Cao defeated Lü Bu. Close friend of Guan Yu.

Controller of Hanzhong before surrendering to Cao Cao in 215.

Friend of Yuan Shao and Cao Cao, rebelled against Cao Cao. Killed by his own men later on.

Claimed ability on the waters, but was just a braggart. Killed by Zhou Tai

* Incorrectly translated ‘Zhang Neng’ in some Brewitt-Taylor editions.

Commander of the vanguard against Wu, killed in the defeat that followed.

Wounded by Wang Shuang. Died rescuing Jiang Wei, suffered from arthritis.

* 張嶷 is commonly translated as both Zhang Yi and Zhang Ni. Zhang Ni is perhaps the most common translation, likely to disambiguate from other Zhang Yis, but both are accepted.

Served under Cao Xiu. Defeated by Xu Sheng, killed by Zhu Huan.

Sent by Han Fu and Yuan Shao to get Liu Yu to take up the throne.

Executed by Sima Shi for plotting to remove Shi with Cao Fang. Predicted Zhuge Ke would ...

Wei general who dealt a heavy defeat to Wu’s troops under Zhang Ti.

Served Cao Rui, sent to set a fire trap against Wu, burning many ships.

Most influential of the Ten Regular Attendants. Drowned himself to avoid capture.

Remained loyal to Liu Zhang. Executed by Liu Bei. In novel, Pang Tong died in his ambush.

General of Jin who killed Lu Jing.

Surrendered to Wei after Shu’s collapse.

Horse trader from Zhongshan with Su Shuang. Supplied Liu Bei’s first armed force.

Officer of Liu Zhang and Shu. Aided Liu Bei in Ba-Shu. Angered Cao Cao in Sanguo Yanyi.

Commanded the defence of Xincheng when it was under attack by Zhuge Ke.

Wu’s last Prime Minister. Refused surrender to Jin and marched out to die on the ...

Zhang Lu’s younger brother. Beheaded after a brilliant battle with Xu Chu.

Of firm character and keen to learn.

First ever Han Excellency appointed when out of the capital, struggled to deal with Han ...

Began pillaging the people of Jiangxia. Zhao Yun killed him with a spear thrust.

Wu Leader of the Van who surrendered to Jin.

Zhang Fan’s grandfather.

He fought Cao Cao after he took Zhang Ji’s widow as a wife. Served Wei with distinction.

Advised Sun Deng with Zhuge Ke, Gu Tan, and Chen Biao. Lost faction struggle.

Fought against Lü Bu but was betrayed by Yang Feng. Escorts Yuan family south.

Zhang Fan’s father

Leader of the Black Mountain Bandits. Tried but failed to aid Gongsun Zan.

* Many Black Mountain Bandits had nicknames. Zhang Yan‘s was ’Flying Swallow Zan.’

A good and generous man, attempted to aid Emperor Xian but wasn’t trusted by other ...

Urged Jiang Wei to concentrate on internal affairs. Strict governor, it caused revolt.

Looked after affairs when Zhuge Liang was at war. Held hostage by Wu.

Killed by Gan Ning as he cleared the road ahead for Cao Cao. Historically not at Chi Bi.

* His name is presented as ‘Zhang Zi’ in some Brewitt-Taylor editions.

Served Liu Yao with Xue Li. Lost in battle to Sun Ce twice. Killed by Chen Wu.

Divined Shu’s fall nine years after taking Hanzhong. Executed by Liu Bei.

Officer who served in Zhuge Ke’s personal police force. Killed by Sun Jun.

Surrendered to Cao Cao with Cai Mao. Served as Cao’s Vice Admiral at Chibi.

Officer under He Jin. Led troops to slaughter the eunuchs after his death.

Served Wu. Highly trusted internal administrator.

* Sometimes written Zhang Zao.

Also known as Zhang Ji. Famous physician from the Eastern Han Dynasty.

* Also commonly known as Zhang Ji (張機).

Occupied River Si Pass for Dong Zhuo. Retreated when Dong Zhuo abandoned Luoyang.

Pang Yu’s mother. Killed Li Shou to avenge her father, Zhao Jun’an, then turned ...

* Zhao E 趙娥 usually appears by the name Zhao Eqin 趙娥親. Zhao E is most appropriate.

Offered his sister-in-law to Zhao Yun, who refused as Yun doubted Fan’s loyalty.

Died during an expedition under Jiang Wei.

Trieu Au’s older brother.

* Known to the Vietnamese as Trieu Quoc Dat (Triệu Quốc Đạt).

Fought with Zhu Jun at Wan, held out for eight months but was killed by Sun Jian.

Said to be loyal and trust-worthy, he died fighting Wu with Guan Yu and Guan Ping.

Eldest son of Zhao Yun. Inherited his father’s title.

Trieu Au, female warrior of the Nanyue tribe. Rebelled against Wu. Defeated by Lu Yin.

* Known to the Vietnamese as Trieu Thi Trinh (Triệu Thị Trinh) or Trieu Au (Triệu Ẩu; Lady Trieu). I have pronounced the Chinese Zhao Yu, but dont know how to pronounce the Viet.

Served Shu. Highly trusted by Liu Bei. Fourth of the Five Tiger Generals.

Emperor Ling considered him as a mother, slandered Huangfu Song, Lu Qiang and Fu Xie.

Father of Empress Zhen, but died while she was young. Commandery Governor.

Devoted to scholarship, first served under Cao Pi, became Grand Tutor to Sima Yan.

Encouraged parents not to abandon infants, isolated and defeated Liang Xing.

Officer under Sima Yi. Falsesly surrendered to Kongming. Executed by Kongming.

* Commonly listed as Deng Wen 邓文. Confusion may be the cause: zheng4 鄭/郑 vs deng4 鄧/邓.

Loved wine, a leading scholar of his day but hated court life. Had many students.

Son of Zhong Yao. Plotted with Jiang Wei to rebel against Sima Zhao, but failed and executed.

Famous calligrapher. Stirred up quarrel between Han Sui and Ma Teng, close to Cao Pi.

Taken to court, sweated a lot out of nerves.

Yellow Scarves leader turned subordinate of Guan Yu. Fictional.

With Guo Shi, Ravaged Lingling, Guiyang, and Changsha until destroyed by Sun Jian.

Son of Zhou Fang. After Wu’s defeat, he joins Jin and fights against the Qiang tribe, ...

Trapped Cao Xiu, allowing the Wu army to score a great victory.

Part of Wang Yun’s government, killed by Li Jue and Guo Si’s troops.

A nephew of Zhou Yu. Was a trusted and capable subordinate of Lu Xun. Captured Shiyang ...

Predicted the Han’s fall, Liu Biao’s death, success with pain at Hanzhong ...

Wei governor in Yue territory. Helped to secure victory against Zhuge Dan.

Wu officer who Saved Sun Quan’s life, and was loved dearly in return.

Well read, he resigned his position rather then have Yuan Shu to harm his people.

Interpretor of dreams, right nine times out of ten. Warned about female rebels.

The eldest son of Zhou Yu. He was said to have inherited his father’s ability, but ...

The second son of Zhou Yu. Exiled for misdeeds, later pardoned.

Skilled war commander of Wu. Commanded Wu forces at the Battle of Chibi.

Fought against Wu. Ambushes and kills Sun Xin then kills Shen Rong in a raid.

Killed by Li Tong at a meeting whilst drunk. His followers were added to Li Tong’s ...

Rebelled against Shu with Yong Kai and Gao Ding. Killed when Gao Ding defected.

Officer who served in Zhuge Ke’s personal police force.

Established excellent Government. Attacked Yuan Shu but was later killed by Zhai Rong.

Possibly a little mad, murdered the servants of Quan Yi. Destroyed Cao Ren at Ruxu.

Zhu Zhi’s third son. Married to a daughter of Sun Ce.

Wu Scholar. Demoted after supporting Sun He. Tricked into committing suicide.

Han minister who fought against the Yellow Scarves with Liu Bei and Sun Jian.

Said to be disliked by Cao Cao, his reputation was equal that of Xu Huang’s.

Served Wu. Was the son of Zhu Zhi’s sister. Studied together with Sun Quan.

Using the Zizhi tongjian and other sources, wrote the Tongjian gangmu.

A general of Wu and the son of Zhu Huan. Executed by Sun Chen for numerous defeats.

Officer of Cao Zhen, sent to raid the Shu camp but failed. Killed by Zhao Yun.

Served through three generations of the Sun family. Magistrate in Wu County.

Old Taoist Sage from Mt. Hua that gave Zhang Jue the Way of Peace (太平要術).

* Though frequently presented under the proper name, Zhuang Zi (莊子), the literal text presents his name as “The Nanhua Immortal” (南華真人). This is sometimes simplified to ‘Nanhua’ or ‘Nan Hua’ (南華), which is not correct. Zhuang Zi is none other than the famous Taoist sage from the Warring States period, and with this in mind, you may also see him listed, of course, as Chang Tzu (Wade-Giles), Zhuang Zhou (莊周) (his given name), Meng Official (蒙吏), Meng Zhuang (蒙莊), and Meng Elder (蒙叟). He also appears in some Koei games as ‘Nan Hua’.

Zhuge Liang’s cousin. Tried to rebel against Sima Zhao, but was executed.

Commander in the Western Han Dynasty. Ancestor of Zhuge Liang.

Zhuge Liang’s father. Descended from Zhuge Feng. Governor’s deputy in Taishan.

* His style is entered in the Sanguozhi as Jungong (君貢) but in Sanguo Yanyi as Zigong (子貢). Jungong is likely correct as it stems from Sanguozhi. We are looking into this.

Third son of Zhuge Ke.

Zhuge Liang’s older brother in service to Wu. Highly trusted by Sun Quan.

Zhuge Zhan’s second son. Served Jin following the collapse of Shu.

Served Sun Hao in Wu. Failed to aid his father, Zhuge Dan. Retired in shame.

Zhuge Liang’s younger brother, worked his way up in Shu.

Served Wu as Imperial Guardian. Son of Zhuge Jin. Murdered by Sun Jun.

Mastermind of Shu’s rise as a great power. Also known as ‘Sleeping Dragon’.

* Also known by his nickname, ‘Sleeping Dragon’ or ‘Wo Long’ (臥龍). His original novel introduction, with Pang Tong, comes under this title. In this case, Zhuge is his surname, Liang his given name.

The son of Zhuge Qiao. After Zhuge Ke’s death, was restored as Zhuge Jin’s ...

Famed in his own time, lacked brother’s talent but had superior disposition.

* Originally styled Zhongshen (仲慎), but after adopting him Zhuge Liang changed it to Bosong (伯松).

The third son of Zhuge Jin. Served Wu.

Died with his father on the battlefield against Deng Ai at only nineteen years old.

The second son of Zhuge Ke.

Imperial Inspector of Yongzhou before helping Deng Ai’s invasion of Shu.

Served Yuan Shu as Grand Administrator of Yuzhang. Later driven out by Zhu Hao.

The grandson of Zhuge Dan and son of Zhuge Jing.

Zhuge Liang’s son. Died along with his son defending Shu from Deng Ai.

Shu minister sent to Wu to ask why their guard increased after Liang’s death.

Killed by the rebelling Yan Rou, 4,000 of his men are killed as well.

Served as Commandant under Liu Yan. Fought the Yellow Scarves with Liu Bei.

* His name is incorrectly translated as ‘Zhou Jing’ in some Brewitt-Taylor editions.

Chieftain of Danyang. Defeated Sun Ce but later joined his army.

One of Sun Jian’s first four commanders. Tricked Hua Xiong in order to save Sun ...

Taoist named ‘Master Black Horn’. Trained in the occult at Emei Mountain.

* Rafe de Crespigny calls him Zuo Ce.

Eunuch of Han. Sent to evaluate Lu Zhi. Demanded a bribe, then lied about his merit.

* His name is incorrectly translated as ‘Zhuo Feng’ in some Brewitt-Taylor editions.