Liu Shi, Liu Bi (Liu Bei’s elder daughter)

Lưu Thị, Lưu Bích

NAME
Chinese Name刘氏, 劉氏, Liú Shì; 刘碧, 劉碧, Liú Bì
NicknameEldest Princess of Shu
Other nameLưu Thị, Lưu Bích
INFORMATION
Death ReasonUnknown; captured by Cao Chun at Changban in 208 AD
FAMILY
Father
CAREER
AllegianceShu Han / Eastern Han Dynasty
BattlesBattle of Changban (208 AD)

Biography & Historical Record

Liu Shi (Liu Bei’s elder daughter) (刘氏, Lưu Thị) was a noblewoman of the late Eastern Han dynasty and the firstborn daughter of Liu Bei (刘备, Lưu Bị). Born into a turbulent era as her father fought to establish a foothold across Xu, Yu, and Jing provinces, her early life was marked by frequent military displacements and peril.

In the ninth month of 208 AD, as Cao Cao (曹操, Tào Tháo) launched his southern campaign into Jing Province, Liu Bei was forced to flee Changban in Dangyang with thousands of followers. During the chaotic retreat, Cao Cao dispatched his elite Tiger and Leopard Cavalry under Cao Chun (曹纯, Tào Thuần) in rapid pursuit. Cao Chun’s force overtook Liu Bei’s train, capturing Liu Bei’s baggage, two daughters, and numerous troops. Her subsequent fate in Northern Han territory remains unrecorded in historical annals.

Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 41 (Liu Xuande Leads His People Across the River; Zhao Zilong Rescues the Young Lord at Dangyang): As Cao Cao’s cavalry ambushes Liu Bei’s fleeing convoy at Changban in the dead of night, the household is scattered in the dark. While the novel focuses heavily on Zhao Yun (赵云, Triệu Vân) rescuing the young heir Liu Shan (刘禅, Lưu Thiền) and Lady Mi, the historical disaster of Liu Bei’s two daughters—including his Liu Shi (Liu Bei’s elder daughter) (刘氏, Lưu Thị)—being captured by enemy forces forms the dramatic backdrop of the Changban rout.

Liu Shi (Liu Bei’s elder daughter) (刘氏) — Historical & Literary Timeline

Before 208 AD

Early Life

Born as the eldest daughter of Liu Bei amidst his early military campaigns across Eastern Han provinces.

208 AD (9th Month)

Flight from Dangyang

Accompanies her father’s retreat from Xiangyang toward Jiangling alongside thousands of civilian refugees.

208 AD / Ch. 41

Capture at Changban

Captured along with her younger sister and baggage train by Cao Chun’s elite Tiger and Leopard Cavalry.

After 208 AD

Aftermath

Remained in northern territory under Wei control; no further historical records survive.

See Sanguozhi 36 (Biography of Cao Chun) and Battle of Changban.

Key Relationships

Family

Friends

  • Loyal Shu Han retainers and attendants who escorted Liu Bei’s household during the southern migration in Jing Province.

Enemies

Other

In Novel

Chapter 41

  • Liu Shi (Liu Bei's elder daughter) (刘氏, Lưu Thị): Reflected in the chaotic narrative of the Battle of Changban, where Cao Cao (曹操, Tào Tháo)'s army overruns Liu Bei (刘备, Lưu Bị)'s entourage, scattering his family and leading to the loss of his daughters in the nocturnal cavalry charge.

In History

Summary

  • Liu Shi (Liu Bei's elder daughter) (刘氏, Lưu Thị) was captured in the ninth month of 208 AD at Changban by Cao Chun during Cao Cao's southern campaign.

Year: 208 AD

  • Ninth month: Sanguozhi 36 (Biography of Cao Chun) records that Cao Chun pursued Liu Bei to Dangyang with elite cavalry, capturing his two daughters, baggage, and army.

Historical Record

  • Sanguozhi 36 (Wei Book 9, Biography of Cao Chun); Zizhi Tongjian 65. Chen Shou notes her capture during the Changban pursuit.

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