Three Kingdoms History: Officer Names

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

Served Tao Qian. Known for his selfishness. Later fought against Sun Ce under Liu Yao, ...

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

Zhang Fei’s son and Guan Xing’s blood brother. 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.

Governor of Guangling. Was a member of the anti-Dong Zhuo coalition.

Zhang Zhao’s son. Friend of Zhuge Jin. Sent with Sun Shao to Guangling to capture ...

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

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.

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.

The son of Zhang Liao. Served Wei along with Yue Chen.

Served Huang Zu. Marched out with Huang Zu to oppose Sun Jian. killed by Han Dang.

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

Minister of Sima Yan. Played Go with Sima Yan in the novel.

A general under Dong Zhuo and Zhang Xiu’s father. Killed by a stray arrow.

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

One of the Eight Paragons of Jiangxia, people protected him from the Han.

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

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.

Served Cao Cao but defected to join Lü Bu. Killed by his own men later on.

Served Yuan Xi with Jiao Chu. Betrayed to Cao Cao. Killed by Han Dang at Chi Bi.

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

Officer of Shu. Died fighting at the battle of Yiling.

Served Shu with Zhuge Liang. Wounded by Wang Shuang. Died rescuing Jiang Wei.

* 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.

Served Cao Fang. Executed by Sima Shi for plotting to remove Shi with Cao Fang.

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.

Second son of Zhang Fei. 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.

Served Shu. Zhang Yi (Bogong)’s son.

Han Minister of Exterior. Supressed Han Sui’s revolt in Liang.

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.

Zhang Ji’s nephew. He fought Cao Cao after he took Zhang Ji’s widow as a wife.

Zhang Zhao’s son. Advised Sun Deng with Zhuge Ke, Gu Tan, and Chen Biao.

Officer under Yuan Shu. Fought against Lü Bu. Said to be a friend of Sun Ce

Zhang Fan’s father

Leader of the Black Mountain Bandits. Joined Cao Cao after Yuan Tan’s defeat.

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

Governor of Shangdang. Safely sees Emperor Xian to Luoyang. Killed by Yang Chou.

Fought in the Northern Campaigns. Respected for his kindness.

Served Liu Zhang, then Liu Bei. Once captured by Sun Quan. Father of Zhang Miao.

Served Yuan Shang, and later under Cao Cao. Killed by Gan Ning.

* 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.

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

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.

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.

Administrator of Guiyang. Offered his sister-in-law to Zhao Yun, who refused.

Second son of Zhao Yun. Died during an expedition under Jiang Wei.

Trieu Au’s older brother.

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

Yellow Scarf officer. Fought with Zhu Jun at Wan, but was killed by Sun Jian.

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

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.

One of the Ten Regular Attendants. Killed by Yuan Shao and Cao Cao.

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

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.

Served as one of Liu Bei’s teachers when he turned fifteen with Lu Zhi.

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

Famous calligrapher. Served Wei. Father of Zhong Hui. Imperial Guardian to Cao Rui.

Zhong Hui’s elder brother.

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.

Served Han as Minister of Protocol. 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 ...

Officer of Shu. Rewarded with gifts after Liu Bei gained Yizhou.

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.

Served Liu Yao. Defeated by Wu Jing and Sun Ce. Fled to Wang Lang, and died in battle.

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.

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

Fought against Wu. Ambushes and kills Sun Xin in the novel.

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.

Subordinate of Liu Yao’s. Attacked Yuan Shu but was later killed by Zhai Rong.

Served Wu. Father of Zhu Yi. Highly respected by Sun Quan. Died of illness.

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 ...

Adopted son of Zhuge Liang. Zhuge Jin’s second son.

* 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.

Zhuge Zhan’s eldest son. Died with his father on the battlefield against Deng Ai.

The second son of Zhuge Ke.

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

Zhuge Liang’s uncle. Served Yuan Shu as Grand Administrator of Yuzhang. Later driven ...

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.

Administrator of Yuyang. Killed by Yan Rou.

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.