Zhang Liao, Hero of Hefei

Zhang Liao (169 – 222) was a military general under the powerful warlord Cao Cao during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms era of China. He had participated in many campaigns, including those against Yuan Shao's heirs and the Wuhuan tribes. But he was most noted for his pivotal role in the Battle of Hefei in 208, where he successfully defended the city of Hefei against the advances of Sun Quan's massive army.

Chen Shou, author of the Records of Three Kingdoms, considered Zhang Liao among the five top generals of the Kingdom of Wei, along with Xu Huang, Yue Jin, Zhang He and Yu Jin.

Zhang He, Wei General

          Zhang He (167 – 231) was a distinguished military general under the powerful warlord Cao Cao during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms era of China. He began his military career when the Yellow Turban Rebellion erupted in 184 and subsequently served under Han Fu and Yuan Shao before defecting to Cao Cao during the Battle of Guandu. He participated in many major campaigns, including those against Yuan Tan, Zhang Lu, Ma Chao, and Liu Bei. After Cao Cao's death in 220, Zhang He was primarily engaged with defending Cao Wei against the Northern Expeditions led by Chancellor Zhuge Liang of the Kingdom of Shu. He died from an arrow wound received during an encounter with Zhuge Liang's forces in 231.

         Famed for his resourcefulness that even Zhuge Liang was said to be wary of, Zhang He was considered by Chen Shou, author of the Records of Three Kingdoms, to be one of the five top generals of the Kingdom of Wei, along with Zhang Liao, Xu Huang, Yue Jin and Yu Jin. He was also said to be full of respect for Confucian scholars, and supported the measure to adopt masters of the Five Classics in Cao Pi's court.

Xun Yu, Wei Advisor

"A splendid talent, admired of all men! His folly lay in serving Cao Cao's power."

Xun Yu (163 - 212), styled Wenruo (文若), was a strategist and statesman who served as a key advisor to Cao Cao during the Three Kingdoms era of China.

 

Xun Yu was a native of Yingchuan (modern day Xuchang, Henan), and was born to a renowned family. His grandfather, Xun Shu, served as a local governor and his eight sons were called the "Eight Dragons"; an uncle, Xun Shuang, served as one of the Three Excellencies, while his own father Xun Fan was the chancellor of the feudal principality of Jibei.
Xun Yu proved to be a talented youth, and was evaluated by the scholar He Yong as "someone capable of assisting kings" (王佐之才). In 189 he was nominated as Xiaolian (literally "Fillial and Incorrupt"), beginning his career as an official in the Eastern Han Dynasty, but Dong Zhuo entered the capital of Luoyang soon after, and fearing for his safety Xun Yu fled to Ji Province (modern-day Hebei), resigning his post.
In the subsequent years local warlords quickly rose in each region; Xun Yu first served Yuan Shao, whose power base was in Ji Province, but later left him and went over to Cao Cao in 191; Cao Cao recognised his talent, calling him "my Zifang" (Zifang being the courtesy name of Zhang Liang, a key advisor to Han Gaozu) and appointing him as an army commandant.

Xiahou Dun, the One-Eyed

Xiahou Dun (? – 220) was a military general under the powerful warlord Cao Cao during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms era of China. Cao Cao's original family name was Xiahou, but his father, Song, was adopted by the Cao family, so Dun and Cao share family relations. One of the most trusted men of Cao Cao's, Xiahou Dun aided the warlord in his campaigns against Liu Bei, Sun Quan, and Lü Bu.
Xiahou Dun lost his left eye during a battle in 198 AD, and subsequently became known among the rank and file as "Blind Xiahou", which greatly irked him. His image as a one-eyed warrior was later popularized by the historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, in which he was said to have yanked the arrow fired by enemy general Cao Xing out of his eye and devoured his own eyeball to instill fear in his enemies.
The Records of Three Kingdoms describes Xiahou Dun as a modest and generous man. He personally fetched his teacher to the camp so that he could continue his studies during the midst of battle. He also distributed any excess wealth he had, taking from the treasury only in need, and did not own any property. At his death, he was given the posthumous title of Marquis Zhong (忠侯), literally meaning the loyal marquis.

Sima Yi, Wei Field Marshal

Sima Yi fought for four generations of the Cao family before his own grandson became emperor and united the three kingdoms.

Sima Yi (179 - September 7, 251) was a strategist, general, and politician of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms era of China. He is perhaps best known for defending Cao Wei from Zhuge Liang's Northern Expeditions. His success and subsequent rise in prominence paved the way for his grandson Sima Yan's foundation of the Jin Dynasty, which would eventually bring an end to the Three Kingdoms era. After the founding of the Jin Dynasty, Sima Yi was posthumously honored as Emperor Xuan of Jin with the temple name of Gaozu.

 

Sima Yi was one of eight brothers, all of whom were famous due to their lineage. Each of them had a Chinese style name ending with the character Da (達). Because of this, the brothers were known collectively as the "Eight Da of Sima" (司馬八達). This was a term of respect, as other groups of eight talented administrators in previous eras had been referred to in this way. His family resided in Luoyang when Dong Zhuo occupied the city, destroyed it, and moved the capital to Chang'an. Sima Yi's elder brother, Sima Lang led the family to their ancestral home in the Wen district (温縣), and then, correctly predicting that it would become a battlefield, moved them again to Liyang (黎陽). In 194, as Cao Cao did battle with Lü Bu, Sima Yi accompanied his family back to Wen district.

Cao Ren, Wei Commander

Cao Cao's cousin, Cao Ren was known throughout the three kingdoms as the fiercest of warriors.

Cao Ren (168 – 223) was a military general under the powerful warlord Cao Cao during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms era of China. He played a significant part in the civil wars leading to the disintegration of the Eastern Han Dynasty and the establishment of the Kingdom of Wei.

Born in the county of Qiao (谯 , present day Bozhou, Anhui) , Cao Ren was a younger cousin of Cao Cao. His grandfather and father had both held significant civil and military posts. Cao Ren was fond of hunting on horseback in his youth. During the years of the Yellow Turban Rebellion , he gathered more than a thousand young men under his flag and wandered the area between Huai River and Si River (泗水).

In 190, Cao Cao started raising an army to join the coalition against Dong Zhuo , the tyrannical warlord who was holding the emperor hostage in the imperial court. Cao Ren and his followers then joined Cao Cao. Throughout the early 190s he accompanied Cao Cao on various campaigns around northern China, against Dong Zhuo, Yuan Shu, Tao Qian (陶谦) and Lü Bu. Cao Ren performed very well during these early campaigns , often pitching himself in the forefront of battles.

In 196, after Cao Cao was entrusted with the custody of Emperor Xian in Xuchang , he gave Cao Ren the position of Grand Administrator of Guangyang (广阳太守). However, Cao Cao kept Cao Ren in Xuchang as he had greater use of the brave yet crafty man.

In 197 , Cao Cao's camp was attacked by Zhang Xiu outside Wan. Caught unprepared , Cao Cao lost many troops and several trusted subjects, including his bodyguard Dian Wei and his own son Cao Ang. Zhang Xiu then pursued Cao Cao as the latter retreated north. Under such adverse circumstance, Cao Ren inspired the soldiers through his own bravery in battle and eventually defeated Zhang Xiu in a counterattack.

During the Battle of Guandu in 200 , Yuan Shao incited Liu Bei to harass the rear of Cao Cao's territory. Leading a cavalry force, Cao Ren defeated Liu Bei. Later, Yuan Shao attempted to attack Cao Cao's rear again, which was once more thwarted by Cao Ren. Cao Ren also undertook the task of harassing Yuan Shao's line of supply.

In 208, after he lost the Battle of Red Cliffs , Cao Cao retreated north, leaving Cao Ren to defend the strategic city of Jiangling against the advance of Wu troops. The enemy commander Zhou Yu dispatched a several thousand-strong vanguard force to attack the city. Cao Ren sent his aide Niu Jin (牛金) with 300 men into battle, which soon turned against the defenders. Cao Ren then rode out with dozens of horsemen and successfully rescued Niu Jin. Upon his return, Cao Ren's subjects exclaimed , "Genera , you are truly a man from Heaven!"

Throughout most of the 210s Cao Ren held the position of General who Conquers the South (征南将军) and garrisoned at Fan (樊) , a strategic city on the shores of the Han River that is vital to the defense of Jingzhou (荆州).

In 219 , Liu Bei's most trusted general Guan Yu came in force to take Fan. He cut off communications and supply lines to the city and diverted the Han River to flood its walls. The food stock was depleting fast but Cao Ren roused his men and held out until a relief force under Xu Huang arrived. By this time the flood had subsided. Combined with Xu Huang's strength , Cao Ren forced Guan Yu to retreat.

After Cao Pi succeeded Cao Cao , he made Cao Ren General of Chariots and Cavalry (车骑将军), to be in charge of all military affairs of Jingzhou, Yangzhou (扬州) and Yizhou (益州). Cao Ren was later promoted to General-in-Chief (大将军) and subsequently Minister of Defense (大司马). In his last years , Cao Ren defended Hefei against a number of Sun Quan's offensives.

Cao Ren died in 223 and was posthumously enforced as Marquis Zhong, literally meaning the loyal marquis. Indeed this was largely how he was remembered – a steadfastly loyal commander who obeyed and enforced laws and commands strictly.

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Cao Cao, Lord of Wei

Cáo Cāo (Chinese : 曹操 ; pinyin : Cáo Cāo ; 155 – March 15 , 220) was a warlord and the penultimate Chancellor of the Eastern Han Dynasty who rose to great power during its final years in ancient China. As one of the central figures of the Three Kingdoms period , he laid the foundations for what was to become Cao Wei and was posthumously titled Emperor Wu of Wei (魏武帝). Although often portrayed as a cruel and merciless tyrant , Cao Cao has also been praised as a brilliant ruler and military genius who treated his officers like his family. He was also skilled in poetry and the martial arts , and wrote many war journals.

Life

Cao Cao was born in the county of Qiao (譙 , present day Bozhou , Anhui) in 155. His father Cao Song was a foster son of Cao Teng, who in turn was one of the favorite eunuchs of Emperor Huan. Some historical records , including Biography of Cao Man , claim that Cao Song was originally surnamed Xiahou (thus making Cao Cao a cousin of Xiahou Dun and Xiahou Yuan , two of his most prominent generals). In the fictionalized Romance of the Three Kingdoms , Cao Cao's father was originally a Xiahou and was adopted into the Cao family.

Cao Cao was known for his craftiness as a young man. According to the Biography of Cao Man , Cao Cao's uncle often complained to Cao Song regarding Cao Cao's childhood indulgence in hunting and music with Yuan Shao. To counter this, Cao Cao one day feigned a fit before his uncle , who hurriedly informed Cao Song. Cao Song rushed out to see his son, who then acted normally. When asked , Cao Cao replied, "I have never had such illness , but I lost the love of my uncle , and therefore he had deceived you." Henceforth , Cao Song ceased to believe the words of his brother regarding Cao Cao, and thus Cao Cao became even more blatant in his wayward pursuits.

At that time , there was a man living in Runan named Xu Shao who was famed for his ability to evaluate one's potentials and talents. Cao Cao paid him a visit in hopes of receiving the evaluation that will earn him some reputation politically. Originally Xu Shao pondered and refused to make a statement ; however , under persistent questioning , he finally said, "You would be a capable minister in peaceful times and an unscrupulous hero in chaotic times." Cao Cao took this as a compliment and was very pleased as it was recorded that he "laughs and leaves" after receiving said comment. It is worth noting that there are two other versions of the comment in other unofficial historical records: "capable minister in peaceful times, righteous hero in chaotic times" and "sinister foe in peaceful times, great hero in chaotic times."

At twenty, Cao Cao was recommended to be a district captain of Luoyang. Upon taking up the post, Cao Cao placed rows of multicolored staffs outside his office and ordered his deputies to flog those who violated the law , regardless of their status. An uncle of Jian Shuo , one of the most powerful and influential eunuchs under Emperor Ling , was once caught walking in the city beyond the evening curfew hour by Cao Cao and given his fair share of flogging. This prompted Jian Shuo and other higher authorities to "promote" Cao Cao to another position outside the imperial capital (governor of Dunqiu County) to remove his management.

When the Yellow Turban Rebellion broke out in 184 Cao Cao was recalled to Luoyang and promoted to a captain of the cavalry (騎都尉) and sent to Yingchuan to put down the rebels there. He was successful in his military exploits and was further promoted to Governor of Dong Commandery (東郡).

Cao Cao's most celebrated poems

《龜雖壽》	Though the Tortoise Lives Long
神龜雖壽，猶有竟時。	Though the tortoise blessed with magic powers lives long, Its days have their allotted span;
騰蛇乘霧，終為土灰。	Though winged serpents ride high on the mist, They turn to dust and ashes at the last;
老驥伏櫪，志在千里；	An old war-horse may be stabled, Yet still it longs to gallop a thousand li;
烈士暮年，壯心不已。	And a noble-hearted man though advanced in years Never abandons his proud aspirations.
盈縮之期，不但在天；	Man's span of life, whether long or short, Depends not on Heaven alone;
養怡之福，可得永年。	One who eats well and keeps cheerful Can live to a great old age.
幸甚至哉！歌以咏志。	And so, with joy in my heart, I hum this song.

Pang Tong, "Young Phoenix"

"...It was Pang Tong's boat-connecting scheme That let Zhou Yu accomplish his great deed."

Páng Tǒng (龐統, 178 - 214) , courtesy name Shiyuan (士元) , was an advisor to Liu Bei during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and during the Three Kingdoms era of China. He was nicknamed "Young Phoenix" (鳯雛; Fèngchú) by his uncle and a famous scholar , Pang De. He was not well known until he met another famous scholar at the time, Sima Hui, who claimed Pang Tong to be the most talented among the scholars in the southern Jing Province after a whole day's discussion.

Life

Pang Tong started as a secretary in Nan Commandery (南郡) , and was promoted to the administrator of Nan Commandery after Zhou Yu annexed Jing Province. Following the death of Zhou Yu , Pang Tong went to the Sun court to offer condolences, where he met and made friends with famous Jiangdong When Liu Bei led an army to Yi Province to help Liu Zhang defend from Zhang Lu , Pang Tong suggested that Liu Bei take Liu Zhang captive when they meet in order to gain control of the province without bloodshed. Liu Bei, reasoning that it was too big of a risk to take at that stage , given his own unfamiliarity with the province, declined and let Liu Zhang return to Chengdu, the capital of Yi Province. Later, when relations soured between Liu Bei and Liu Zhang , Pang Tong offered him three strategies , the upper plan, the middle plan, and the lower plan:

• Upper : choose a few elites from the camp and hurry to Chengdu by night , this can force the unprepared Liu Zhang to surrender immediately ;
• Middle : fake the news that Liu Bei was retreating to Jing Province , hence lure Liu Zhang's two generals , Yang Huai and Gao Pei , away from their posts when they come to say farewell , then Liu Bei can kill them, take over their castles and armies, and advance to Chengdu;
• Lower : retreat to Jing Province and wait for assistance for a fighting return to Yi Province.

Out of these three policies, Liu Bei approved the middle one and then requested reinforcements from Liu Zhang. When Liu Zhang only sent a paltry sum of troops and supplies , Liu Bei pretended to be enraged and rallied his troops to turn against Liu Zhang. Liu Bei summoned Gao Pei and Yang Huai of Boshui and had them arrested and murdered. He then combined their forces with his own and rushed forward to assault the city of Luo , which at that time was held by Liu Zhang. Liu Bei besieged the city for over a year.

At a party in Fucheng (涪城) , celebrating his victory over Liu Zhang so far, Liu Bei expressed joy at the banquet. Pang Tong , however , replied, "celebrating the invasion of other's territory is not what a person of ren (仁, see Confucianism) would do." The drunken Liu Bei retorted angrily , "King Wu of Zhou also danced and sang after he defeated King Zhou of Shang, is he not he a model of ren then ? You are wrong, so get out now!" After Pang Tong left his seat , Liu Bei felt regretful and invited him back. Pang Tong returned to his seat and started eating , without any apology to Liu Bei. Liu Bei asked, "When that happened, whose fault did you think it was ?" Pang Tong replied, "It's both yours and mine." Liu Bei then laughed and continued with the party.

When leading the siege of Luocheng (雒城) , Pang Tong was shot by arrows and died at the age of 36. Liu Bei wept whenever the grief was mentioned and Zhuge Liang came personally to his funeral. Pang Tong was conferred a posthumous title of Marquis of Guannei (關內侯) and the posthumous name Marquis Jing (靖侯).

Pang Tong’s son , Pang Hong , would later become the governor of Fu. Pang Tong’s brother, Pang Lin , however , would sometime later surrender to Wei.

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