Xiahou Yuan (died 219)^[1] was a military general serving under the warlord Cao Cao during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. He was killed in the Battle of Mount Dingjun against Liu Bei's general Huang Zhong in 219, and was given the posthumous title of Marquis Min (愍侯), literally meaning "sympathetic marquis".^[2]

Biography[link]

Early life and career[link]

Xiahou Yuan was born in the county of Qiao (譙; present-day Bozhou, Anhui). He was a benefactor to his lord Cao Cao, even during their younger days in the county. Chen Shou's Records of Three Kingdoms recorded an incident where Cao Cao committed a crime, for which Xiahou Yuan took the blame, though the innocent man was eventually acquitted through efforts by Cao.

In 190, Cao Cao started raising an army to join the coalition against Dong Zhuo, the tyrannical warlord who held Emperor Xian hostage in the imperial court. Xiahou Yuan heeded his call together with his older cousin Xiahou Dun, and was promoted to Administrator of Chenliu (陳留) and Yingchuan (穎川). He stayed close with Cao Cao to fight Dong Zhuo's generals Li Jue and Guo Si around the area, but apparently seemed unable to suppress the ferocious Liang Province (涼州) forces there.^[3] For subsequent years, Xiahou Yuan took care of Cao Cao's logistics during his various regional campaigns.

During the End of Han Dynasty, the Chinese population was plagued with hardships due to devastations caused by war and nature, and even the affluent Xiahou family was no exception. Xiahou Yuan's daughter had to go out to gather firewood to help out the family because their family income was not enough to buy firewood from the market. When Liu Bei submitted to Cao Cao after he lost to another warlord, Lu Bu, his subordinate, Zhang Fei, took the opportunity to abduct Xiahou's daughter in her last trip to gather firewood for her family. Xiahou Yuan's daughter was made Zhang's wife, and gave birth to two daughters who were later married to Liu Shan and became the empresses of the state of Shu Han.

Subjugation of Liang Province[link]

Xiahou Yuan was placed in charge of the food supplied to troops in Yan Province (兗州), Yu Province (豫州), and Xu Province (徐州) during the Battle of Red Cliffs. The fact that Cao Cao's army recovered so quick after the defeat at Red Cliffs was partly due to Xiahou Yuan's timely transport of materials. Xiahou Yuan kept his role in logistic management until the end of the Battle of Jiangling, in which Cao Cao ceded southern Jing Province to the allied forces of Sun Quan and Liu Bei.

In 213, Ma Chao besieged the city of Ji (east of present day Gangu, Gansu) in Liang Province. After 8 months of continuous request of reinforcement from the city, Xiahou Yuan finally led a force to its rescue, but Jicheng fell before he could arrive. Ma Chao, aware of his enemy's coming, ambushed Xiahou's force 5.17 miles outside Ji. Xiahou's troops were outmatched on the open field, and were forced to retreat. Two years later, Ma Chao attacked Mount Qi (祁山). Many believed that Cao Cao's order was required before help could be sent, but Xiahou Yuan decided that it would take too long to seek the approval of his lord, who was 51.67 miles away in Ye City. He then took over the initiative and sent out Zhang He with 5,000 troops as the vanguard, while he tailed behind with military supplies. By the time Xiahou Yuan arrived at Mount Qi, Zhang He had already defeated Ma Chao.

After the victory, Xiahou Yuan began to prepare for an offensive against Ma Chao's ally, Han Sui. When Han Sui got wind of Xiahou's plan, he retreated westwards. Xiahou Yuan then chased him all the way to Lueyang (略阳). Understanding that Han Sui's force was largely made up of men from the Qiang tribe in Changli (长离), he decided to attack Changli in order to draw Han Sui out from behind fortifications. Leaving behind most of his supplies, Xiahou Yuan led his cavalry and light infantry to ransack Changli, killing numerous noncombatants there. True to his predictions, Han Sui came to the tribe's rescue. Seeing that they were outnumbered, Xiahou Yuan's men wanted to build defense works before engaging the enemy. However, believing that such construction would further exhaust his troops, who were already worn from the travel, Xiahou Yuan ordered an immediate attack on his just arrived rival, and his army ultimately prevailed.^[4]

Subjugation of the Qiang and Di tribes[link]

With Han Sui removed, Xiahou Yuan went on to put down other oppositions in the region, he forced the Di ruler to flee to Hanzhong, and incorporated surrendered forces into his own. In 214, Xiahou Yuan led his combined forces to invade Song Jian, who established a tiny kingdom 30 years ago. Song Jian's capital was besieged for only a month or so, before it was captured by Xiahou Yuan. Xiahou Yuan beheaded Song Jian and all of his subjects. The Qiang and Di tribesmen were terrified by Song Jian's quick downfall and the massacre that followed. Thus, by 215, most of the Qiang tribes had surrendered to Cao Cao. Cao Cao was full of praise for Xiahou Yuan. Quoting Confucius, he said to Xiahou Yuan, "I cannot do as well as you". Thereafter, Cao Cao always had Xiahou Yuan next to him when he had meetings with the Qiang or Di chieftains.

Death[link]

In 216, Zhang Lu surrendered Hanzhong to Cao Cao. Xiahou Yuan was then left in defense of this strategic commandery that lay between the territories of Cao Cao and Liu Bei. The year after, Liu Bei led a force upon Hanzhong, and faced Xiahou Yuan at Yangping Pass (陽平關).

The confrontation dragged on for more than a year. One night, Liu Bei set fire to the barbed fence Xiahou Yuan erected around his camp at the foot of Mount Dingjun. Alarmed by the attack, Xiahou Yuan sent Zhang He to defend the eastern corner of the camp, while he guarded the south. Liu Bei's main force pressed against Zhang He, outmatching the latter. Xiahou Yuan had to dispatch a fraction of his own troops to Zhang He's rescue. Accompanied by thundering drums, a division of Liu Bei's troops led by Huang Zhong suddenly descended upon Xiahou Yuan's dwindling force. The battle became a rout and Xiahou Yuan was killed in action. Hanzhong soon fell to Liu Bei's forces and would not be reclaimed until decades later.

After his death, Xiahou Yuan was given the posthumous title of Marquis Min, literally meaning "sympathetic marquis".^[2] He had seven sons, and was succeeded by his eldest, Xiahou Heng.

Family[link]

• Cousins:
  • Xiahou Dun, served as a general under Cao Cao
  • Xiahou Lian (夏侯廉), Xiahou Dun's younger brother

• Spouse: Lady Ding (丁氏), younger sister of Cao Cao's concubine Lady Ding

• Children:
  • Xiahou Heng (夏侯衡), inherited the title of Marquis Min, later granted title of Marquis of Anning
  • Xiahou Ba, served as Left General-Protector of the Army, defected to Shu Han after Cao Shuang's death
  • Xiahou Cheng (夏侯稱), talented in military arts, once killed a tiger with bow and arrows at the age of 16, favoured by Cao Cao and Cao Pi, died at the age of 18
  • Xiahou Wei, served as Inspector of Jing and Yan provinces
  • Xiahou Rong (夏侯榮), talented in literary arts, possessed a good memory, killed in action in Hanzhong at the age of 13 while attempting to avenge his father
  • Xiahou Hui (夏侯惠), skilled in debating, served as Gentleman of the Yellow Gate, Chancellor of Yan, and Prefect of Le'an, died at the age of 37
  • Xiahou He, skilled in debating, served as Intendant of Henan, and Minister of Ceremonies
  • Lady Xiahou (夏侯氏), personal name unknown, captured by Zhang Fei's troops while out gathering firewood at the age of 13 or 14, married Zhang Fei

• Grandchildren:
  • Xiahou Ji (夏侯績), son of Xiahou Heng, served as Rapid as Tigers General of the Household
  • Xiahou Jun (夏侯駿), oldest son of Xiahou Wei, served as Inspector of Bing Province
  • Xiahou Zhuang (夏侯莊), second son of Xiahou Wei, married Empress Jingyang of Jin's younger sister, served as Prefect of Huainan

• Great-grandchildren:
  • Xiahou Bao (夏侯褒), son of Xiahou Ji
  • Xiahou Zhan (夏侯湛), son of Xiahou Zhuang, served as chancellor of Nanyang, and Intendant of Cavalry
  • Xiahou Guangji (夏侯光姬), daughter of Xiahou Zhuang, married Sima Guan (司馬覲), mother of Emperor Yuan of Jin

In fiction[link]

Romance of the Three Kingdoms, a historical novel by Luo Guanzhong, was a romanticization of the events that occurred before and during the Three Kingdoms era. The Battle of Mount Dingjun, where Xiahou Yuan lost his life, was given a huge dramatic makeup by Luo.

In the novel, Xiahou Yuan stationed his troops on Mount Dingjun and effectively resisted the advance of Huang Zhong, a general serving under Liu Bei. Under the council of advisor Fa Zheng, Huang Zhong occupied Mount Tiandang, a taller peak that lay to the west of Mount Dingjun. From this new vantage point Huang Zhong had an excellent view of Xiahou Yuan's troop movements.

Xiahou Yuan could not tolerate his enemy spying on him and insisted on attacking Mount Tiandang, though Zhang He tried to dissuade him from doing so. Setting out his troops to surround Mount Tiandang, Xiahou Yuan rode forth and challenged his enemy to battle. However, Huang Zhong refused to engage him.

In the afternoon, Fa Zheng saw from his lookout post near the peak that Xiahou Yuan's troops had grown tired and dispirited. He then hoisted a red flag, signalling Huang Zhong to attack. Amid deafening drums and war horns, Huang Zhong's troops rushed downhill with Huang himself galloping in the forefront. Before he could react, Xiahou Yuan was sliced into two below his shoulders by Huang Zhong. With their commander dead, Xiahou Yuan's soldiers were easily defeated and Mount Dingjun was taken.

When Cao Cao heard of Xiahou Yuan's death, he broke down in tears. Only then did he understand the words of the soothsayer Guan Lu (管辂):

Three and eight run criss-cross (The year was the twenty-fourth of Jian'an or AD 219);

A yellow pig meets a tiger (It was the month of the tiger in the year of the pig);

South of the halted army (Actually the south of Mount Dingjun (which means a halted army));

A limb will be lost (Referring to Xiahou Yuan, who was said to be a good, loyal friend and cousin of Cao Cao).

Modern references[link]

• Xiahou Yuan is featured as a playable character in Koei's Dynasty Warriors and Warriors Orochi video game series. In the games he is portrayed as being a bit hapless, but powerful and loyal nonetheless. Furthermore, he refers to Xiahou Dun as his brother even though they were cousins historically. He at first wields a dao similar to Dun's but later it becomes a metal club.

• Xiahou Yuan also appears in all 11 installments of Koei's Romance of the Three Kingdoms series.

• Xiahou Yuan is also featured in the real-time wargame Kessen II, also produced by Koei.

See also[link]

• List of people of the Three Kingdoms
• List of Dynasty Warriors characters

Notes[link]

References[link]

• Chen Shou (2002). Records of Three Kingdoms, Volume 9, Biography of Xiahou Yuan. Yue Lu Shu She. ISBN 978-7-80665-198-8. 
• Luo Guanzhong (1986). Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Yue Lu Shu She. ISBN 978-7-80520-013-2. 
• Lo Kuan-chung; tr. C.H. Brewitt-Taylor (2002). Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Tuttle Publishing. ISBN 978-0-8048-3467-4. 

Huang Gai
Qing Dynasty illustration of Huang Gai
General of Eastern Wu
Born	(Unknown)[1] Yongzhou, Hunan
Died	(Unknown)[1]
Names
Simplified Chinese	黄盖
Traditional Chinese	黃蓋
Pinyin	Huáng Gài
Wade-Giles	Huang Kai
Style name	Gongfu (公覆)

Huang Gai was a military general who served the warlord Sun family of Eastern Wu for three generations during the late Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. Chen Shou's Records of Three Kingdoms described him as a decent looking man with a more serious appearance.

Biography[link]

Huang Gai was born in Quanling County, Lingling Precinct (present-day Yongzhou, Hunan), and first allied himself with Sun Jian during the Yellow Turban Rebellion in the 180s.

At the Battle of Red Cliffs in 208, Huang Gai suggested to Zhou Yu that a fire attack would be the best strategy to use in order to defeat Cao Cao's gigantic fleet and overwhelming numbers. Zhou Yu approved of this method, and Huang Gai sent word to Cao Cao claiming that he wished to defect. Huang Gai had earlier loaded his boats with wax and straw, and when his ships were within proximity of Cao Cao's fleet, he set them ablaze and steered them on a collision course with Cao Cao's lines. This, coupled with the fact that Cao Cao had chained his ships together to prevent their soldiers from being seasick, caused the fire to spread throughout the fleet, causing massive damage and casualties to Cao Cao's army and forcing him into retreat. This plot resulted in a critical victory for both Sun Quan and Liu Bei, who would now be granted more than enough time to rally their armies and further bolster their positions within their respective territories. During the battle, Huang Gai was hit by an arrow and fell from his boat, but was rescued by Han Dang. He is said to have been highly praised and deeply trusted amongst his colleagues, particularly his third lord, Sun Quan. Huang Gai received various titles throughout the years, including: Auxiliary Corps Commander, Acting Colonel of the Firm Attack, Chief Commandant of Danyang, General of the Gentlemen of the Household, and Governor of Wuling.

Appointments and titles held[link]

• Filial and Incorrupt (孝廉) - nominated candidate to be a Gentleman Cadet (郎)
• Senior Major (別部司馬)
• Chief of Chungu (春谷長)
• Prefect of Xunyang (尋陽令)
• Commandant of Danyang (丹楊都尉)
• General of the Household of Martial Edge (武鋒中郎將)
• Lieutenant General (偏將軍)

Modern references[link]

Huang Gai appears as a playable character in Koei's Dynasty Warriors and Warriors Orochi video game series.

See also[link]

• List of people of the Three Kingdoms
• List of Dynasty Warriors characters

References[link]

• Chen Shou. Records of Three Kingdoms, Volume 55, Biography of Huang Gai.

Huang Zhong
Portrait of Huang Zhong from a Qing Dynasty edition of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms
General of Liu Bei
Born	(Unknown)
Died	220[1]
Names
Simplified Chinese	黄忠
Traditional Chinese	黄忠
Pinyin	Huáng Zhōng
Wade-Giles	Huang Chung
Style name	Hansheng (漢升)
Posthumous name	Marquis Gang (剛侯)

Huang Zhong (died 220^[1]) was a military general serving under the warlord Liu Bei during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. He was most noted for his victory in the Battle of Mount Dingjun, in which his force routed that of Xiahou Yuan, who was slain during battle. For his merits, Huang Zhong was ranked among the five leading generals of Shu Han, also known as the Five Tiger Generals in popular culture.

Huang Zhong had always been portrayed in popular literature and arts as an elderly general with youthful vigor and constitution. However, little was documented about him in historical records and it is only known he was older than Guan Yu, when the latter contended "it was a shame to take an equal rank with that old soldier (referring to Huang Zhong)". Largely as a result of the popularity of Luo Guanzhong's historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, his name has become a symbol for those senior people who ignore their old age to still contribute their full efforts to a call of duty. Even now, the spirit to strive for excellence despite old age is often attributed to him.

Biography[link]

Born in Nanyang Commandery (present-day Nanyang, Henan), Huang Zhong initially served as General of the Houshold under Liu Biao, Governor of Jing Province. He was tasked to defend Changsha with Liu Biao's son in the clan, Liu Pan.^[2] However, the prominent warlord Cao Cao conquered Jing Province after Liu Biao's death in 208; Huang Zhong subsequently continued his service under this new lord of the land, specifically under Administrator Han Xuan in Changsha.

Following Cao Cao's defeat at the Battle of Red Cliffs in the same year, the victorious allied force of Liu Bei and Sun Quan was gradually taking over the various commanderies in southern Jing Province, including Changsha. Huang Zhong strongly suggested to Han Xuan to surrender to Liu Bei, who held strong influence in the province. Han Xuan and Huang Zhong then began their service under Liu Bei. He performed extremely well in Liu Bei's campaign on Yi Province from 212 to 214 - his bravery in battles was said to be unmatched by any. After Yi Province was taken, Huang Zhong was promoted to the rank of General Who Attacks Rebels (討虜將軍).

In 217, Liu Bei started a campaign to seize control of Hanzhong, which was under the control of Cao Cao. His force met with resistance led by Xiahou Yuan at Yangping Pass. The confrontation dragged on for more than a year until one night in 219, Liu Bei set fire to the barbed fence around Xiahou Yuan's camp at the foot of Mount Dingjun. Alarmed by the attack, Xiahou Yuan sent Zhang He to defend the eastern corner of the camp, while he guarded the south. Liu Bei's main force pressed against Zhang He, outmatching the latter. Xiahou Yuan thus dispatched a fraction of his own troops to Zhang He's rescue. Huang rallied his men, and accompanied by thundering drums, they descended upon Xiahou Yuan's dwindling force. The battle became a rout and Xiahou Yuan was killed in action. The victory at Mount Dingjun was a major stepping stone to the later conquest of Hanzhong. Huang was granted the title of General Who Attacks the West for killing Xiahou.

In the same year, Liu Bei proclaimed himself King of Hanzhong, a symbolic measure comparing himself to the Emperor Gaozu of Han. He then promoted Huang Zhong to General of the Rear (後將軍), placing the latter on the same level as four other generals: Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun and Ma Chao. Hearing the promotion of Huang, Guan Yu initially refused to accept the title of General of the Front as he felt ashamed to take an equal rank with the former, whom he regarded as a mere "old soldier".

Huang Zhong died in the next year, to an unspecified cause. He was given the posthumous title of "Marquis Gang", literally meaning "unyielding marquis". His son, Huang Xu, died earlier, so they had no descendants.^[3]

Appointments and titles held[link]

• General of the Household (中郎將)
• Major General (裨將軍)
• General Who Attacks Barbarians (討虜將軍)
• General Who Attacks the West (征西將軍)
• General of the Rear (後將軍)
• Marquis of Guannei (關內侯)
• Marquis Gang (剛侯) - granted to Huang Zhong posthumously

In fiction[link]

Romance of the Three Kingdoms, a historical novel by Luo Guanzhong, was a romanticization of the events that occurred before and during the Three Kingdoms era. In the novel, Huang Zhong was portrayed as an aged but extremely talented warrior, excelling especially in archery.

Huang Zhong was also credited with the slaying of Xiahou Yuan in 219, a prominent general under the warlord Cao Cao, in the Battle of Mount Dingjun, though in reality the latter was most probably killed in the rush of enemy soldiers.

Surrender to Liu Bei[link]

When Liu Bei attacked Changsha during his campaign to claim southern Jing Province, Huang Zhong had a chance to kill Guan Yu with an arrow, but instead he hit his helmet claiming that such a warrior did not deserve to die. Huang Zhong then dueled Guan Yu, who killed his horse. Impressed by Huang Zhong's vigor, Guan Yu allowed him to return to Han Xuan for another horse. When Han Xuan became suspicious of Huang Zhong's loyalty after this exchange, he ordered Huang's execution, but Huang was saved when Wei Yan killed Han Xuan. Wei Yan and Huang Zhong then surrendered the city to Liu Bei.

Battle outside Luocheng[link]

Before Liu Bei had gained Yi Province, Luo Guanzhong created a fictional battle in which Huang Zhong competed with his colleague Wei Yan for credit. In Chapter 62, Liu Bei's main force was approaching Luocheng (雒城), a strategic city which would allow further advances on Chengdu, capital of Yi Province.

The enemy had established two camps 60 li outside the city, one under Ling Bao and the other under Deng Xian. Huang Zhong had volunteered to lead a vanguard force to vanquish both camps, which Liu Bei approved, when Wei Yan voiced his doubts over the aged Huang's physical ability. This infuriated Huang Zhong, who challenged Wei Yan to a duel. To appease both, Liu Bei then ordered Huang Zhong to attack Ling Bao and Wei Yan to strike Deng Xian.

Wanting all credits for himself, Wei Yan set out his troops early next morning and headed for Ling Bao's camp instead. However, Ling Bao was ready for the attack and used a flanking tactic on the enemy. Wei Yan's troops, exhausted after a long march, were overpowered and began to retreat. Wei Yan's horse stumbled, throwing its rider off. A force led by Deng Xian had by then arrived, and its commander came straight for Wei Yan with his spear held forth.

Just then, an arrow knocked Deng Xian off in mid-gallop. Huang Zhong had come to the rescue. Having slain the fallen Deng Xian, Huang Zhong then went for Ling Bao, brandishing his sword. Ling Bao was no match for his ferocious foe and had to retreat. However, his camp was already taken over by Liu Bei's main force. In his frantic attempt to find an escape, Ling Bao was ambushed and captured by Wei Yan, who had regrouped his force in a bid to redeem himself. For the victory, Huang Zhong was heavily rewarded while Wei Yan was pardoned for defying orders.

Battle of Mount Dingjun[link]

In chapter 71, Xiahou Yuan stationed his troops on Mount Dingjun and effectively resisted the advance of Huang Zhong. Under the council of advisor Fa Zheng, Huang Zhong occupied Mount Tiandang, a taller peak that lied to the west of Mount Dingjun. From this new vantage point Huang Zhong had an excellent view of Xiahou Yuan's troop movements.

Xiahou Yuan could not tolerate his enemy spying on him and insisted on attacking Mount Tiandang. Setting out his troops to surround Mount Tiandang, Xiahou Yuan rode forth and challenged his enemy to battle. However, Huang Zhong kept his troops back and refused to engage.

In the afternoon, Fa Zheng saw from his lookout post near the peak that Xiahou Yuan's troops had grown tired and dispirited. He then hoisted a red flag, signalling Huang Zhong to attack. Amid deafening drums and war horns, Huang Zhong's troops rushed downhill with Huang himself galloping in the forefront. Before he could react, Xiahou Yuan was cleft in two below his shoulders by Huang Zhong. With their commander dead, Xiahou Yuan's soldiers were easily defeated and Mount Dingjun was taken.

Death[link]

The events leading up to Huang Zhong's death in chapter 83 were probably fictitious as well. Luo Guanzhong wrote that in 222, Huang Zhong followed Liu Bei on a campaign against Sun Quan. One day, hearing that Liu Bei commented on aged and incapable generals, Huang Zhong mounted his horse and rode straight to the forward camp.

Just at this time, an enemy vanguard force had arrived. Huang Zhong insisted on meeting the enemies. Holding his sword ready, the old general challenged for a duel with the enemy commander Pan Zhang. Pan Zhang sent his aide Shi Ji (史跡), who was slain by Huang Zhong within three bouts.

Brandishing the slain Guan Yu's Green Dragon Crescent Blade, Pan Zhang then rode forward to meet Huang Zhong. Neither could establish a clear advantage but Huang Zhong was fighting with all his might. Not expecting to win the battle, Pan Zhang then retreated.

The next day, Pan Zhang rode out to issue challenge for another duel, which Huang Zhong eagerly took up. Within bouts, however, Pan Zhang turned to escape. Huang Zhong gave pursuit without hesitation. It was in fact a plot by the enemy, who had ambushed in wait for Huang. Running right into the trap, Huang Zhong was struck beneath the collar bone by an arrow fired by Ma Zhong and almost fell off his horse.

Fortunately, a friendly force led by Guan Xing and Zhang Bao came to the rescue and brought back Huang Zhong. Liu Bei came personally to the forward camp to see the injured general, but Huang Zhong was too old and weak to survive the arrow wound. Liu Bei apologized, stating that it was his own fault that the general was injured in battle. In response, Huang Zhong relieved Liu Bei of his guilt, saying "I am a soldier, I am glad that I could serve Your Majesty. But now I am seventy-five, and I have lived long enough." These were his last words. After them, Huang Zhong became unconscious and died later that night. In response, Liu Bei ordered an honorable burial for him in Chengdu.

Modern references[link]

Huang Zhong is featured as a playable character in Koei's Dynasty Warriors, Kessen II and Warriors Orochi video game series.

A fraternal organization and martial arts club, the Hon Hsing Athletic Association of Vancouver, British Columbia, established in 1939 under the patronage of the Wongs' Family Society of Canada, is named after the famous general's style name. This is the only known organization in the world to bear the name attributable to Huang Zhong.^{[citation needed]}

See also[link]

• List of people of the Three Kingdoms
• List of Dynasty Warriors characters

References[link]

• Chen Shou (2002). Records of Three Kingdoms, Volume 36, Biography of Huang Zhong. Yue Lu Shu She. ISBN 978-7-80665-198-8. 
• Luo Guanzhong (1986). Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Yue Lu Shu She. ISBN 978-7-80520-013-2. 
• Lo Kuan-chung; tr. C.H. Brewitt-Taylor (2002). Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Tuttle Publishing. ISBN 978-0-8048-3467-4. 

Dong Zhuo
Portrait of Dong Zhuo from a Qing Dynasty edition of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Chancellor of State, Senior Grand Tutor of Han Dynasty
Born	(Unknown)
Died	May 22, 192
Names
Simplified Chinese	董卓
Traditional Chinese	董卓
Pinyin	Dǒng Zhuó
Wade-Giles	Tung Cho
Style name	Zhongying (仲穎)

Dong Zhuo (died May 22, 192)^[1] was a politician and warlord during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. He seized control of the capital city Luoyang in 189 when it was in a state of turmoil following the death of Emperor Ling and a clash between the eunuch faction and some court officials led by General-In-Chief He Jin. Dong Zhuo subsequently deposed Emperor Shao and instated Emperor Xian.

Dong Zhuo rose to power in the Imperial Court and ruled the nation with tyranny and cruelty for a brief period of time. The following year, a coalition of regional officials and warlords launched a punitive campaign against Dong, forcing him to move the capital city to Chang'an. Dong Zhuo was assassinated in 192 by his foster son Lü Bu as part of a plot orchestrated by Interior Minister Wang Yun.

Biography[link]

Early life[link]

Dong Zhuo was born in Lintao, Longxi Commandery (present-day Min County, Gansu) and was said to be a chivalrous youth who was excellent in horseback archery in his early days. He travelled around the Qiang region and befriended many men of gallantry. When he grew up, he returned and started farming in the countryside, where he incidentally excavated a blade, which had obscure inscription fading from it which said "slash the kings like logging." When he took the sabre to the famed scholar Cai Yong for appraisal, the latter asserted to him that it was the blade of the Hegemon-King of Western Chu, Xiang Yu.^[2] As a physically adept man with a good background, Dong became an imperial guard, and joined Zhang Huan's campaign against Qiang rebels in Bing Province as a Major. He was rewarded with 9,000 rolls of fine silk for his performance, all of which he distributed to his colleagues and subordinates.

Dong was sent to quell the Yellow Turban Rebellion in the early 180s after a few subsequent promotions but he was defeated by the rebels and demoted. When the tribes of Qiang and Hu rebelled with local gentries Han Sui and Bian Zhang in Liang Province, Dong was reinstated as Knight General and sent to suppress the rebels. During a battle with the Qiang tribes, who were the strongest participants amongst the rebels, Dong Zhuo's army was outnumbered and a river sealed his retreat route. To prevent his army from being routed by the enemy, Dong ordered his troops to dam the river and pretend to fish in the reservoir formed. He sent his men to cross the drained lower stream and break the dam in order to thwart any subsequent pursuits by the enemy. Despite failing the campaign, Dong's unit was the only unscathed unit of the Han forces.

Dong Zhuo was henceforth promoted to General of the Van and Inspector of Bing Province. However, he refused to accept his new post as he was unwilling to leave his troops and subordinates back in Liang Province. Realizing the Han authority was declining from its failure in subjugating the Qiang tribe, Dong focused on building his power in Liang. At the time, a Han military officer, Sun Jian, suggested to his superior that Dong's arrogance and insubordination to the court warranted a death sentence, but his advice was not heeded.

Rise to power[link]

A Qing Dynasty illustration of Dong Zhuo's plan to depose Emperor Shao of Han during his rise to power.

Following the death of Emperor Ling in 189, General-in-Chief He Jin ordered Dong Zhuo to lead his troops into Luoyang to aid him in eliminating the eunuch faction. Before Dong's arrival, He Jin was assassinated by the eunuchs and the capital city fell into a state of turmoil. The eunuchs took Emperor Shao hostage and fled from Luoyang. Dong Zhuo's army intercepted the eunuchs and brought the emperor back to the palace.

At the same time, He Jin's half brother, General of Chariots and Cavalry He Miao (何苗), was killed by his subordinates after they accused him of colluding with the eunuchs. He Jin and He Miao's forces were without a leader and came under Dong Zhuo's command when the latter led his ferocious Liang Province troops into the city. Dong also instigated Lü Bu to kill his foster father and Imperial Commandant of Capital Guards, Ding Yuan, when the latter disagreed on his proposal to replace Emperor Shao with a younger Liu Xie. Lü then became Dong's adopted son and trusted aide, and assisted Dong to take total control of the imperial capital of Luoyang. At the onset of his arrival to Luoyang, the powerful gentries and eastern warlords did not wish to see Dong becoming influential, and Dong was aware of that and told his generals to lead troops out of the city at night and re-enter through the front-gate at noon. Thus, the lords perceived Dong as possessing a sizeable army and dared not make a move, and Dong was able to grab power using a series of plots deemed injustice in most Confucians' eyes.

In 190, Dong deposed Emperor Shao and replaced him with the Prince of Chenliu, who became known as Emperor Xian. Dong declared himself Chancellor and monopolized state power. He was given special permission to carry his sword to the Imperial Court while others were forbidden to do so. This privilege had not been granted to any state official since Xiao He in Emperor Gaozu's time. Dong Zhuo was also allowed to enter the court without removing his footwear. Records of the Three Kingdoms recorded an incident in which Dong Zhuo led his troops to Luoyang (洛陽城) and ordered them to kill all the male inhabitants and loot the city, under the pretext of eliminating a rebel army. It was said that Dong Zhuo even slept on the emperor's bed and had sex with palace maids.

Coalition against Dong Zhuo[link]

Initial stage[link]

In the same year, regional officials and warlords around the country formed a coalition force and launched a punitive campaign against Dong Zhuo. In response, he sent a detachment to intercept the coalition vanguard led by Sun Jian, and ordered his son-in-law, Niu Fu to develop the fortress of Mei, where Niu stored 30 years of food supply. After his subordinates Hua Xiong, Hu Zhen, and Lu Bu were defeated by Sun at Yangren, Dong sent the eloquent Li Jue to propose a marriage between Sun's son and Dong's daughter, and promised Sun that the country could be split between them. But Sun rebutted Li strongly and made further preparation to attack Luoyang. Thus, Dong evacuated everyone in Luoyang and moved them to the new capital city of Chang'an (present-day Xi'an) in the west. Before the relocation, Dong ordered his troops to excavate the tombs of the late Han emperors for treasures and sent his men to seize valuables from the wealthier residents in Luoyang, as well as burn down the palaces and anything that might be useful to the allied forces. Then, Dong assembled his forces in the city and personally led them to ambush the approaching army. When Sun advanced to the imperial graveyard, he was intercepted by Dong, who had been awaiting him. However, Dong was unable to suppress his archrival, and was routed.^[3] He then ordered Lu Bu to lead his cavalry back to the city to halt Sun's progress before he fled to Frog Pond (黽池). Lu got back to Luoyang before Sun did but was unable to hold the eastern third gate (宣陽城門) when the latter attacked, and was forced to fight inside the city, where he was defeated.^[4]

Final stage[link]

After their capture of Luoyang, the allied forces found nothing but a scene of ruins, so they retreated back and awaited further development. Dong Zhuo then sent his skilled generals, Li Jue, Guo Si, and Zhang Ji to the frontline against the eastern warlords. At the time the alliance was having internal conflicts and did not focus on fighting them, so the senior imperial officer, Zhu Jun could only ask his old friend, Tao Qian to give him a hand in a futile effort to fight the forces of Dong.^[5] Tao, despite having a general alliance with Dong, indeed sent 3,000 elite danyang troops to Zhu to battle Dong forces at Zhongmu, where Zhu was totally crushed. Li and his comrades then performed raids around area of Chenliu and Yingchuan, wherein Cao Cao and the likes were unable to stop them, and many residents there were hijacked and enslaved.^[6] The soldiers of the coalition were quite terrified by the creative and insane treatment Dong designed for them, if captured: he would have the captives tied up with fat-soaked clothes, and started a fire from their foot; as the captives' heads were unbound, he could enjoy the scream and facial expressions from them, however, such hobby was not shared by most of the educated imperial officials.^[7]

Since the warlords were far from able to stop him separately, Dong's regime started to stabilize in the new capital, and Dong appointed his younger brother Dong Min as General of the Left and several of his kin became court officials as well. Dong also constantly built up his personal castle in Mei county near Chang'an, where he thought he could outlive the coalition even if the latter worked together again and insisted on fighting him. He also threw lavish banquets, during which savage tortures would be performed on betrayers as entertainment:he would first cut their tongue so they wouldn't make much noise for the following operations, which were the severing of limbs and removal of eyeballs. The operations required professional skill because the betrayers would remain conscious when they were thrown into boiling oil. Now, a literal "meat-ball" would be rolling around the center of the banquet for all to observe. Dong was quite comfortable with his "masterpiece" and enjoyed his meal as usual, while the other audience was said to have experienced a high degree of discomfort.^[8] Dong would also dish out cruel punishments to his political enemies; when he was in Luoyang, he wiped out the entire Yuan clan within the city, because Yuan Shao was the leader of the coalition against him. Within two years, thousands of public servants were wrongly accused and executed, and numerous commoners were kidnapped or killed under his tyrannical rule. In order to purchase materials for further development of his invincible Mei citadel, he also had bronze statues and bells melted and recast into coins, which flooded the market and caused serious inflation, rendering the coin currency useless. His venomous policies had greatly reduced Han authority and raised resentment among most gentries and commoners of the time (while the Liang armies adored him like a god).

Downfall and death[link]

Dong Zhuo was fully aware that his provocative actions and reckless behavior had aroused the anger of many, and he was at a high risk of being assassinated by enemies, so he ordered his strongest warrior and adopted son, Lü Bu as a personal bodyguard, who shadowed him most of the time. When Dong throws a temper, he would hurl a halberd at Lü Bu whereins Lü dodged the weapon every time and Dong's anger subsided quickly. Nonetheless, Lü bore a furtive displeasure for his adoptive father for that. Besides, as Lü had access to Dong's residence, he had an amorous affair with one of Dong's chambermaids and was constantly in fear of being discovered.

In 192, with encouragement from Interior Minister Wang Yun, Lü Bu made his decision to kill Dong Zhuo. One morning, Lü greeted Dong at the palace gate with a dozen trusted men led by Cavalry Captain Li Su. Li stepped forward and stabbed Dong. Dong cried out for Lü Bu to save him, but Lü merely answered, "This is an imperial order," after which he delivered a fatal blow to Dong. It was recorded that Dong's corpse was left on the streets for people to enjoy the sight of a lit corpse: The official guarding the corpse lit a wick on Dong's navel (belly) and it burned for days with the corpse's fats as fuel.^[9] But a special provision stating anyone who went forth to collect the body would be killed. However, three officials including the famous Cai Yong still challenged the order and were executed. Meanwhile, all the affiliates of Dong clan were put to death, including Dong's 90-year-old mother, who screamed for her amnesty.^[10]

Legacy[link]

After Dong Zhuo's death, several of his loyalists, such as Li Jue, Guo Si, Zhang Ji and Fan Chou, escaped on the belief that their allegiance to him would be considered as treason. Wang Yun, who had taken control of the government, heard their appeal for pardon and said, "Of all those who should be forgiven, they are the exceptions." The four then planned to relinquish their positions and go into hiding. However, an advisor named Jia Xu suggested they should take this opportunity to launch a strike at Chang'an since the Liang faction was actually unscathed. The four then roused several-thousand hardcore followers to attack Chang'an. Wang sent Xu Rong and Hu Zhen(former members of the Liang faction) to fight the Liang force en route, but Xu was killed in the first encounter and Hu led his troops to join the rebels and the size of the rebel force was inflated to 100,000 when they surrounded the capital. Lu Bu attempted to break the siege, but was defeated outside the city gate, thus Chang'an fell into the hands of Dong Zhuo's followers and Emperor Xian was taken hostage. State power fell into the hands of the Liang faction once again.

Family[link]

• Father: Dong Junya (died 181)
• Mother: Lady Dong (102-192), titled Lady of Chiyang, executed
• Younger brother: Dong Min (died 192) - After Dong Zhuo backed Emperor Xian, Dong Min was appointed to the rank of Left General. After Lü Bu killed Dong Zhuo, Dong Min was labeled an accomplice and executed, and his head was put on public display
• Nephew: Dong Huang (died 192) - born in Lintao County, Gansu, fathered by Dong Zhuó (董擢, note different character than his own) elder brother of Dong Zhuo, executed
• Sons: Dong Zhuo had some infant sons who were enfeoffed and later presumably executed, and at least one son of his was born 171 but died earlier than 190
  • Granddaughter: Dong Bai (董白), titled Lady of Weiyang, executed
• Daughter: married Niu Fu
• Foster Son: Lü Bu

Appointments and titles held[link]

• Infantry and Cavalry Officer (兵馬掾)
• Inspector of Bing Province (并州刺史)
• Administrator of Hedong (河東太守)
• East General of the Household (東中郎將)
• General Who Defeats Barbarians (破虜將軍)
• Marquis of Li (斄鄉侯)
• General of the Vanguard (前將軍)
• Excellency of Works (司空)
• Grand Commandant (太尉)
• Marquis of Mei (郿侯)
• Chancellor of State (相國)
• Imperial Tutor (太師)

In fiction[link]

Romance of the Three Kingdoms, a 14th century historical novel by Luo Guanzhong, was a romanticization of the events that occurred before and during the Three Kingdoms era. Because the real-life Dong Zhuo was already much of a cruel and treacherous character, the novel probably could do little more to accentuate that treachery and cruelty. It did, however, on two occasions deviate from the history.

Dong Zhuo and the three sworn brothers[link]

Dong Zhuo first appeared as early as late in Chapter 1. Being sent to quell the Yellow Turban Rebellion, Dong Zhuo was defeated by the rebel leader Zhang Jiao and the battle was turning into a rout.

The three newly sworn brothers, Liu Bei, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, happened to be nearby. They then led their forces out to Dong Zhuo's rescue. Suddenly met with this new opposition, the rebels were swept off their feet and had to retreat.

After returning to camp, Dong Zhuo asked the three brothers what offices they currently held. And they replied that they held none. Dong Zhuo harrumphed and then ignored them. This angered Zhang Fei so much that he grabbed his sword and wanted to kill Dong Zhuo. He was however stopped by his two brothers, who suggested taking their service elsewhere. Thus was Dong Zhuo's life spared and the three brothers went their own way.

Dong Zhuo and Diaochan[link]

Perhaps the most popular story about Dong Zhuo was the fictional love triangle involving Dong Zhuo, Lü Bu and Diaochan, which eventually led to the death of Dong Zhuo in the hands of his own adoptive son, Lü Bu.

After Dong Zhuo moved the capital to the more strategically sound Chang'an, Interior Minister Wang Yun started to contemplate a plot to assassinate the tyrant by using the petite Diaochan, a song girl who was brought up in his household but whom he had been treating like his own daughter, to plant the seed of dissension between Dong Zhuo and Lü Bu.

Inviting Lü Bu over one night, Wang Yun asked Diaochan to serve wine to the guest. Lü Bu was immediately seized by the girl's beauty. Well aware of this, Wang Yun then promised to marry Diaochan to the mighty warrior.

A few days later, however, Wang Yun laid a feast for Dong Zhuo and repeated the feat. Like Lü Bu, Dong Zhuo could not lift his eyes off Diaochan, who also displayed her prowess in song and dance. Dong Zhuo then brought Diaochan home and made her his concubine.

When Lü Bu heard about this early the next morning, he headed for Dong Zhuo's bedroom and peeped in through the window. There he saw Diaochan sitting up grooming her hair while Dong Zhuo was still asleep. Aware of Lü Bu's presence, Diaochan put up a sorrowful expression and pretended to wipe tears off her eyes with a handkerchief.

A similar incident recurred about a month later, but this time Dong Zhuo woke up in time to see Lü Bu staring fixedly at Diaochan. Lü Bu was then thrown out and forbidden to come into the house.

Then one day, while Dong Zhuo was holding a conversation with Emperor Xian, Lü Bu stole to his foster father's residence and met with Diaochan in the Fengyi Pavilion (鳳儀亭). Weeping, Diaochan pled with Lü Bu to rescue her from Dong Zhuo. Placing his halberd aside, Lü Bu held Diaochan in his arms and comforted her with words.

Right then, Dong Zhuo returned to find the duo in the pavilion. The startled Lü Bu turned to flee. Dong Zhuo grabbed the halberd and gave chase. Being too slow, Dong Zhuo could not catch up with the agile Lü Bu. He then hurled the halberd at Lü Bu but the latter fended it off and got away.

After the incident, Lü Bu became increasingly displeased with Dong Zhuo. The displeasure was further inflamed by Wang Yun, who suggested subtly that Lü Bu kill Dong Zhuo. Lü Bu was eventually persuaded.

The conspirators sent Li Su to fetch Dong Zhuo from his castle in Meiwu (郿塢) under the pretense that the emperor intended to abdicate the throne to the warlord. The overjoyed Dong Zhuo then came to the palace gate, where his troops were barred from entering. As Dong Zhuo's carriage neared the palace building, soldiers loyal to Wang Yun escorted Dong Zhuo to the trap they set. Then suddenly a general stabbed Dong Zhuo.

Injured only in the arms, Dong Zhuo then cried out for Lü Bu to save him. Lü Bu walked over and impaled Dong Zhuo's throat with his halberd, proclaiming, "I have an imperial decree to slay the rebel!"

Modern references[link]

• Dong Zhuo is featured as a playable character in Koei's Dynasty Warriors and Warriors Orochi video game series.

• The character Toutaku Chuuei of the anime short series, Ikki Tousen, is based roughly on Dong Zhuo.

• In the collectible card game Magic the Gathering there is a card named Dong Zhou, the Tyrant, in the Portal: Three Kingdoms set.

See also[link]

• List of people of the Three Kingdoms
• List of Dynasty Warriors characters

Notes[link]

References[link]

• Chen Shou (2002). Records of Three Kingdoms, Volume 6, Biography of Dong Zhuo. Yue Lu Shu She. ISBN 978-7-80665-198-8. 
• Luo Guanzhong (1986). Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Yue Lu Shu She. ISBN 978-7-80520-013-2. 
• Lo Kuan-chung; tr. C.H. Brewitt-Taylor (2002). Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Tuttle Publishing. ISBN 978-0-8048-3467-4.