Li Zheng
Biography & Historical Record
Li Zheng (李整, Lý Chỉnh) was a courageous military commander, cavalry general, and provincial inspector under Cao Cao during the late Eastern Han Dynasty. He was the son of the powerful Shanyang clan leader Li Qian (李乾, Lý Càn — who rallied thousands of private retainers to support Cao Cao) and the elder cousin of the legendary founding general Li Dian (李典, Lý Điển — Marquis of Bocheng).
In 194 AD, when Lü Bu and Zhang Miao betrayed Cao Cao and seized Yan Province, Lü Bu sent Xue Lan and Li Feng to coerce Li Qian into rebelling. When Li Qian steadfastly refused and was murdered, Li Zheng immediately assumed command of his father’s loyal troops. Burning with a desire for filial vengeance, Li Zheng joined Cao Cao’s counter-offensive, leading fierce cavalry charges at the Battle of Juye, where he decisively routed the traitors, slew Xue Lan, and avenged his father. In recognition of his bravery and battlefield merit, Cao Cao promoted him to General Who Strikes Traitors and Inspector of Qingzhou (青州刺史). Following Li Zheng’s untimely death a few years later, his troops were transferred to his brilliant cousin Li Dian.
Role in Romance & Historical Chronicles
“Li Qian met his death with unyielding loyalty; his son Li Zheng inherited his command, crushed Xue Lan at Juye, and avenged his father’s blood with peerless ferocity.”
— Records of the Three Kingdoms (Sanguozhi), Biography of Li Dian
In historical and fictional narratives, Li Zheng is immortalized as a fearless warrior and devoted son whose martial vengeance restored Cao Cao’s hold over Yan Province at its most perilous hour.
Li Zheng (李整) — Historical Timeline
Martyrdom of Li Qian & Succession
Lü Bu’s generals assassinate Li Qian; Li Zheng rallies the Shanyang clan army under Cao Cao’s banner to seek vengeance.
Triumph at the Battle of Juye
Leads the assault against Xue Lan and Li Feng; slays the traitors in combat and recaptures Shanyang Commandery.
Inspector of Qingzhou
Elevated to Inspector of Qingzhou by Cao Cao; pacifies remnants of the Yellow Turbans before his untimely passing.
Key Relationships
Family
- Father: Li Qian (李乾, Lý Càn) — Patriarch of Shanyang warriors who died for Cao Cao.
- Cousin: Li Dian (李典, Lý Điển) — Legendary Wei general and hero of Hefei.
- Nephew: Li Zhen (李祯, Lý Chân) — Marquis of Bocheng.
Friends / Allies
- Sovereign: Cao Cao (曹操, Tào Tháo) — Trusted Li Zheng as one of his fiercest early cavalry captains.
- Comrades-in-Arms: Yue Jin and Xiahou Dun, who fought alongside Li Zheng in the liberation of Yan Province.
Enemies / Rivals
- Warlord Rebel: Lü Bu (吕布, Lữ Bố) — Instigator of the Yan Province rebellion.
- Traitorous Officers: Xue Lan (薛兰) and Li Feng (李封), slain by Li Zheng in battle.
Other
- Military Command: Commanded thousands of private elite infantry and cavalry of the Shanyang Li clan.
In Chronicles
Records of the Three Kingdoms (Sanguozhi)
- Li Zheng (李整, Lý Chỉnh): Detailed in Volume 18 (Biography of Li Dian), documenting his vengeance at Juye, his appointment as Qingzhou Inspector, and his martial merit.
In History
Summary
- Li Zheng (李整) was Inspector of Qingzhou under Cao Cao, famed for avenging his father Li Qian and defeating Lü Bu's forces.
Historical Record
- Records of the Three Kingdoms (三国志), Volume 18: Full historical account of his military exploits.
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