| NAME | |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 赵胜, 趙勝, Zhào Shèng |
| Nickname | Lord Pingyuan (平原君, Píngyuán Jūn) |
| Other name | Triệu Thắng |
| INFORMATION | |
| Birth Place | Handan, State of Zhao (赵国邯郸; Hàm Đan, nước Triệu) |
| Died | 251 BC |
| Death Reason | Natural causes |
| FAMILY | |
| Father | |
| Relatives | |
| CAREER | |
| Allegiance | State of Zhao |
| Battles | Siege of Handan |
Biography & Historical Record
Zhao Sheng (赵胜, Triệu Thắng), better known as Lord Pingyuan, was one of the ‘Four Lords of the Warring States’ and a prominent member of the royal family of the State of Zhao. He served as the Chancellor of Zhao three times and was renowned for his hospitality, famously keeping thousands of retainers (shike) under his roof. He is most celebrated for his diplomatic maneuvering, particularly his efforts to secure an alliance with the State of Chu (楚, Sở) during the critical Siege of Handan. Despite the immense military pressure from the State of Qin (秦, Tần), his ability to utilize talent—demonstrated by the inclusion of the strategist Mao Sui (毛遂, Mao Toại) in his mission to Chu—saved his state from imminent destruction. His legacy is one of a quintessential aristocrat-patron who navigated the treacherous political landscape of the late Warring States period.
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
As an individual from the Warring States period, Zhao Sheng does not appear as a character in the narrative of Luo Guanzhong’s Romance of the Three Kingdoms. However, his historical prestige as a diplomat and patron is frequently alluded to by historical figures when discussing the importance of recruiting talented retainers.
Zhao Sheng — Historical & Literary Timeline
257 BC
The Siege of Handan
Following the Zhao defeat at the Battle of Changping against Bai Qi (白起, Bạch Khởi), Qin forces besieged the Zhao capital, Handan. Zhao Sheng successfully negotiated a rescue alliance with Lord Chunshen (春申君, Xuân Thân quân) of Chu, leading to the lifting of the siege.
251 BC
Death
Lord Pingyuan passes away, marking the end of a significant era of Zhao state influence.
For detailed historical records, archives, and official chronicles, explore Zhao Sheng on Wikipedia.
Key Relationships
- Allies and Retainers
- Mao Sui (毛遂, Mao Toại): The retainer whose eloquence secured the military aid of the State of Chu.
- Lord Chunshen (春申君, Xuân Thân quân): The Chu noble who led the forces that relieved the siege of Handan.
- Political Rivals
- Bai Qi (白起, Bạch Khởi): The Qin commander responsible for the devastation of Zhao forces at Changping.
- King Zhaoxiang of Qin (秦昭襄王, Tần Chiêu Tương Vương): The primary adversary whose expansionist policies threatened the State of Zhao.
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