| NAME | |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 张辽, 張遼, Zhāng Liáo |
| Nickname | General of the Five Elite Generals |
| Other name | Trương Liêu |
| Courtesy name | 文远, 文遠, Wényuǎn, Wen Yuan, tự Văn Viễn |
| INFORMATION | |
| Born | 169 |
| Birth Place | Mayi County, Yanmen Commandery (雁门郡马邑县; huyện Mã Ấp, quận Nhạn Môn) |
| Died | 222 |
| Death Reason | Died of illness (222 AD) |
| FAMILY | |
| Children | |
| Relatives | |
| CAREER | |
| Allegiance | Ding Yuan, Lu Bu, Cao Cao, Cao Wei |
| Battles | Battle of Puyang, Battle of Xiapi, Battle of Guandu, Battle of White Wolf Mountain, Battle of Changban, Battle of Red Cliffs, Battle of Hefei, Battle of Xiaoyao Ford, Battle of Ruxu |
Biography & Historical Record
Zhang Liao (169–222 AD), courtesy name Wenyuan (文远, Văn Viễn), was one of the most celebrated generals of the Three Kingdoms era — a commander whose tactical brilliance matched his personal courage. Born in Mayi, Yanmen Commandery, he entered military life under the Inspector Ding Yuan (丁原, Đinh Nguyên) and later served Lu Bu (吕布, Lã Bố) as a premier cavalry leader, fighting at Puyang and skirmishing across Yanzhou against Cao Cao (曹操, Tào Tháo). When Lu Bu fell at Xiapi in 198 AD, Zhang Liao was captured at White Gate Tower; Guan Yu (关羽, Quan Vũ) and Liu Bei (刘备, Lưu Bị) interceded, and Cao Cao welcomed him as a senior commander — beginning one of the great second acts in ROTK.
Under Cao Cao, Zhang Liao fought at Guandu against Yuan Shao (袁绍, Viên Thiệu), speared the Wuhuan chieftain Tadun (蹋顿, Tháp Đ顿) at White Wolf Mountain, pursued Liu Bei to Changban, and held the line during Cao Cao’s retreat through Huarong Trail after Red Cliffs. He became the fixed defender of Hefei on Wei’s eastern frontier against Sun Quan (孙权, Tôn Quyền). Historically in 215 AD he commanded the garrison when Sun Quan brought a massive army — Zhang Liao’s aggressive sortie with a small elite force shattered Wu morale and nearly captured Sun Quan himself. Cao Cao later named him among the Five Elite Generals of Wei. Zhang Liao died of illness in 222 AD on campaign; Cao Pi (曹丕, Tào Phi) mourned him with full state honors.
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
In Luo Guanzhong’s Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Zhang Liao spans Chapters 11–85 as a paragon of loyal generalship. Highlights include his service under Lu Bu at Puyang (Chapter 11), his proud defiance and recruitment at Xiapi (Chapter 19), persuading Guan Yu with the “Three Sins and Three Merits” speech (Chapter 24), fighting at Boma and Yan Ford beside Guan Yu, and defending Hefei against Taishi Ci (太史慈, Thái Sử Từ) in Chapter 53. His immortal feat comes in Chapter 67: with only eight hundred armored horsemen he charges Sun Quan’s host of one hundred thousand at Xiaoyao Ford, routing the Wu vanguard, slaying commander Chen Wu (陈武, Trần Vũ), and pursuing Sun Quan until he fled to a broken bridge — a victory so terrifying that Jiangdong mothers invoked Zhang Liao’s name to quiet infants.
Notable Quotes & Famous Sayings
- “A general who receives command must not think of his family; a man who receives armor must not think of his person.” — Zhang Liao’s reply when urged to rest before the Xiaoyao Ford charge (Chapter 67).
- “If Lord Cao had not trusted me with full authority, how could eight hundred men defeat one hundred thousand?” — Zhang Liao after the Hefei victory, explaining why Li Dian (李典, Lý Điển) and Yue Jin (乐进, Nhạc Tiến) followed his plan.
Zhang Liao (张辽) — Historical & Literary Timeline
Chapter 11 — c. 194 AD
Commander under Lu Bu at Puyang
Serves Lu Bu (吕布, Lã Bố) as a leading cavalry officer during the struggle for Yanzhou against Cao Cao (曹操, Tào Tháo).
198 AD — Chapter 19
Capture at Xiapi & Defection to Cao Cao
Taken at White Gate Tower after Lu Bu’s defeat; Guan Yu (关羽, Quan Vũ) and Liu Bei (刘备, Lưu Bị) guarantee his loyalty, and Cao Cao enlists him as a senior general.
200 AD — Chapters 25–30
Guandu & Northern Campaigns
Fights alongside Guan Yu at Boma, pursues Wen Chou (文丑, Văn Sú), commands assault cavalry at Guandu, and later spears Tadun at White Wolf Mountain.
208 AD — Chapters 41–50
Red Cliffs Pursuit & Huarong
Leads cavalry against Liu Bei at Changban and shields Cao Cao’s retreat through Huarong Trail after the fire attack at Red Cliffs.
209 AD — Chapter 53
Hefei — Ambush of Taishi Ci
Anticipates Taishi Ci’s (太史慈, Thái Sử Từ) night infiltration with a counter-ambush, mortally wounding the Wu champion with a volley of arrows.
215 AD — Chapter 67
Xiaoyao Ford — 800 vs 100,000
With Li Dian and Yue Jin, leads eight hundred elite cavalry in a dawn charge against Sun Quan’s vast host at Hefei, routing the Wu army and nearly capturing Sun Quan at the broken bridge.
222 AD — Chapter 85
Death at Dongkou
Struck by Ding Feng’s (丁奉, Đinh Phụng) arrow while rescuing Cao Pi (曹丕, Tào Phi) from a Wu ambush; dies in Xuchang and receives a grand state funeral.
For detailed historical records, archives, and official chronicles, explore Zhang Liao on Wikipedia.
Key Relationships
Family
- Zhang Hu (张虎, Trương Hổ) — Son who inherited his title and served Wei as a frontier general.
Friends
- Guan Yu (关羽, Quan Vũ) — Mutual respect dating from Xiapi; Zhang Liao persuaded Guan Yu to accept Cao Cao’s terms at Tushan and fought beside him at Boma.
- Li Dian (李典, Lý Điển) and Yue Jin (乐进, Nhạc Tiến) — Co-defenders of Hefei who executed the Xiaoyao Ford charge under Zhang Liao’s command (Chapter 67).
- Cao Cao (曹操, Tào Tháo) — Lord who entrusted him with Wei’s eastern marches after Xiapi.
Enemies
- Lu Bu (吕布, Lã Bố) — Former master until Xiapi; Zhang Liao denounced his cowardice at capture.
- Sun Quan (孙权, Tôn Quyền) — Primary rival at Hefei; humiliated twice — at Xiaoyao Ford (Chapter 67) and Ruxu (Chapter 68).
- Taishi Ci (太史慈, Thái Sử Từ) — Wu champion whose night assault Zhang Liao trapped and arrowed at Hefei (Chapter 53).
Other
- Liu Bei (刘备, Lưu Bị) — Former ally at Xiapi who knelt to save Zhang Liao’s life; later pursued by Zhang Liao’s cavalry at Changban.
- Ma Chao (马超, Mã Siêu) — Opponent at Tong Pass and the Wei River (Chapter 58).
- Ding Yuan (丁原, Đinh Nguyên) — Early patron before Zhang Liao entered Lu Bu’s service.
In Novel
Chapter 11
- Zhang Liao (张辽, Trương Liêu): Eminent warrior from Mayi, courtesy name Wenyuan (Văn Viễn); served as one of Lu Bu (吕布, Lã Bố) premier commanders at the Battle of Puyang.
Chapter 12
- Zhang Liao (张辽, Trương Liêu): Command cavalry units skirmishing with Cao Cao (曹操, Tào Tháo) forces in Yanzhou.
Chapter 18
- Zhang Liao (张辽, Trương Liêu): Participated in the siege of Xiaopei against Liu Bei (Lưu Bị, Lưu Bị).
Chapter 19
- Zhang Liao (张辽, Trương Liêu): Captured at White Gate Tower following the flood of Xiapi; stood proudly unyielding and cursed Lu Bu's cowardice, moving Guan Yu (关羽, Quan Vũ) and Liu Bei to kneel and guarantee his loyalty, prompting Cao Cao to cast aside his sword and welcome Zhang Liao as a senior commander.
Chapter 22
- Zhang Liao (张辽, Trương Liêu): Participated in the eastern campaign to reclaim Xuzhou.
Chapter 24
- Zhang Liao (张辽, Trương Liêu): Persuaded Guan Yu (关羽, Quan Vũ) at Tushan with the 'Three Sins and Three Merits' to accept Cao Cao's three conditions to protect Liu Bei's wives.
Chapter 25
- Zhang Liao (张辽, Trương Liêu): Fought alongside Guan Yu (关羽, Quan Vũ) at the Battle of Boma against Yan Liang.
Chapter 26
- Zhang Liao (张辽, Trương Liêu): Intercepted Wen Chou (Văn Sú, Văn Sú) at Yanford, having his horse shot dead beneath him before Guan Yu intervened.
Chapter 28
- Zhang Liao (张辽, Trương Liêu): Stopped Xiahou Dun (Hạ Hầu Đôn, Hạ Hầu Đôn) at the Yellow River by delivering Cao Cao's clearance pass for Guan Yu.
Chapter 30
- Zhang Liao (张辽, Trương Liêu): Command assault cavalry during the Battle of Guandu.
Chapter 33
- Zhang Liao (张辽, Trương Liêu): Speared Wuhuan chieftain Tadun (Tadun, Tadun) to death in single combat at the Battle of White Wolf Mountain.
Chapter 38
- Zhang Liao (张辽, Trương Liêu): Participated in the southern expedition into Jingzhou.
Chapter 41
- Zhang Liao (张辽, Trương Liêu): Command cavalry forces pursuing Liu Bei to Changban Slope.
Chapter 48
- Zhang Liao (张辽, Trương Liêu): Shot Wu commander Huang Gai (Hoàng Cái, Hoàng Cái) with an arrow during the naval clash at Red Cliffs.
Chapter 50
- Zhang Liao (张辽, Trương Liêu): Protected Cao Cao (曹操, Tào Tháo) during the desperate retreat through Huarong Trail.
Chapter 53
- Zhang Liao (张辽, Trương Liêu): Defended Hefei against Sun Quan (孙权, Tôn Quyền), using a counter-espionage stratagem to lure and kill Wu commander Taishi Ci (太史慈, Thái Sử Từ).
Chapter 58
- Zhang Liao (张辽, Trương Liêu): Fought Ma Chao (马超, Mã Siêu) at Tong Pass and the Wei River.
Chapter 67
- Zhang Liao (张辽, Trương Liêu): Led eight hundred elite cavalry at Xiaoyao Ford to charge into Sun Quan's army of one hundred thousand, routing Wu forces, nearly capturing Sun Quan, and striking terror throughout Jiangdong such that 'infants ceased crying upon hearing Zhang Liao's name'.
Chapter 68
- Zhang Liao (张辽, Trương Liêu): Slew Wu general Chen Wu and routed Sun Quan at Ruxu.
Chapter 85
- Zhang Liao (张辽, Trương Liêu): Command Wei naval defenses against Eastern Wu at Dongkou during Cao Pi's southern campaign; while rescuing Cao Pi from an ambush, Zhang Liao was struck in the waist by an arrow fired by Wu commander Ding Feng (Đinh Phụng, Đinh Phụng) and died of the wound in Xuchang, receiving a grand state funeral.
In History
Summary
- Zhang Liao (张辽, Trương Liêu), courtesy name Wenyuan, was one of Cao Wei's most celebrated generals — famed above all for the 215 AD defense of Hefei against Sun Quan (孙权, Tôn Quyền).
Year: c. 198 AD
- Entered Cao Cao's (曹操, Tào Tháo) service after previously serving Lu Bu (吕布, Lã Bố); quickly promoted for battlefield merit.
Year: 207 AD
- Participated in the White Wolf Mountain campaign against the Wuhuan, sharing in the destruction of Tadun's coalition.
Year: 214–215 AD — Hefei
- Commanded the Hefei garrison when Sun Quan besieged with superior numbers. Zhang Liao led a bold counterattack with a small picked force, inflicting heavy casualties and becoming a byword for courage on both sides.
Year: 222 AD
- Died of illness while on campaign against Wu. Cao Pi (曹丕, Tào Phi) posthumously honored him; the novel assigns death by Ding Feng's arrow at Dongkou (Chapter 85).
Historical Record
- Biography in Sanguozhi, Wei Book 17. The Hefei victory is among the best-documented engagements of the period; Chen Shou groups Zhang Liao among Wei's foremost commanders. The "800 vs 100,000" charge and infant-quieting legend are novel amplifications of a real sortie.
COMMENTS (0)