| NAME | |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 赵云, 趙雲, Zhào Yún |
| Nickname | Tiger of Changban; Peerless General |
| Other name | Triệu Vân |
| Courtesy name | 子龙, 子龍, Zǐlóng, Zi Long, tự Tử Long |
| INFORMATION | |
| Birth Place | Zhending County, Changshan Commandery (常山郡真定县; huyện Chân Định, quận Thường Sơn) |
| Died | 229 |
| Death Reason | Died of illness and natural causes (229 AD) |
| FAMILY | |
| Spouse | |
| Children | |
| CAREER | |
| Allegiance | Shu Han |
| Battles | Battle of Changban, Battle of Red Cliffs, Conquest of Yi Province, Hanzhong Campaign, Northern Expeditions |
| Items |    |
Biography & Historical Record
Zhao Yun (赵云, Triệu Vân), courtesy name Zilong (子龙, Tử Long), was a legendary military general of Shu Han during the late Eastern Han dynasty and Three Kingdoms period. Hailing from Zhending in Changshan Commandery, he was famed for peerless martial prowess, striking appearance, unwavering loyalty, and sound tactical judgment. He first served Gongsun Zan (公孙瓒, Công Tôn Toản), met Liu Bei (刘备, Lưu Bị) during campaigns against the Yellow Turbans and Cao Cao (曹操, Tào Tháo), and eventually pledged lifelong allegiance to Liu Bei as one of Shu’s premier pillars alongside Guan Yu (关羽, Quan Vũ) and Zhang Fei (张飞, Trương Phi).
Chen Shou’s Sanguozhi praises Zhao Yun for prudence and integrity. At the Battle of Changban in 208 AD, when Cao Cao’s elite cavalry routed Liu Bei’s fleeing forces, Zhao Yun charged back into enemy lines to rescue infant Liu Shan (刘禅, Lưu Thiện) and protect Lady Gan (甘夫人, Cam phu nhân). Liu Bei later named him among the Five Tiger Generals. He famously opposed distributing captured Chengdu property to officers and warned Liu Bei against the punitive war on Eastern Wu after Guan Yu’s death. Under Zhuge Liang (诸葛亮, Gia Cát Lượng) during the Northern Expeditions, Zhao Yun commanded the rearguard after the defeat at Jieting, withdrawing without losing supplies or men. He died peacefully in Chengdu in 229 AD and was posthumously honored by the Shu court.
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Chapter 7 (Unworthy Son Offends Dead Father’s Ghost): Zhao Yun debuts as a Changshan warrior who rescues Gongsun Zan at the Pan River, duels Wen Chou (文丑, Văn Sú) for sixty bouts, and slays Qu Yi (麴义, Khúc Nghĩa) — establishing his reputation before he joins Liu Bei permanently.
Chapter 41 (Zhao Zilong Fights Alone at Changban): The novel’s supreme Zhao Yun chapter. When Cao Cao’s host crushes Liu Bei’s retreat at Changban Slope, Zhao Yun rides alone through the enemy army in the legendary seven entries and seven exits (七进七出), cutting down more than fifty commanders, seizing the Qinggang Sword from Xiahou En (夏侯恩, Hạ Hầu Ân), and rescuing the infant prince Liu Shan and Lady Gan while Liu Bei mistakenly mourns him as dead — then presents the child and declares: “I am Zhao Zilong of Changshan! Who dares face me?”
Chapters 52–55: Pacifies Guiyang while refusing marriage to Fan Yufeng (樊氏, Phàn Ngọc Phượng) for propriety; escorts Liu Bei to Eastern Wu and executes Zhuge Liang’s three silk-bag stratagems so Liu Bei and Lady Sun return safely to Jingzhou.
Chapter 71 (Huang Zhong Defeats Xiahou Yuan / Hanzhong): Zhao Yun rescues Huang Zhong (黄忠, Hoàng Trung) at the Han River, then employs the “solitary camp stratagem” — opening his camp gates and beating drums while Cao Cao’s army hesitates, suspecting an ambush. Liu Bei praises him as a man of pure courage and names him General of Tiger Might among the Five Tigers in Chapter 73.
Chapters 91–96 (Northern Expeditions): Though aged, Zhao Yun serves as vanguard in Zhuge Liang’s first Northern Expedition, slaying five Han clan commanders in a day at Mount Fengming (Chapter 92). After Ma Su’s loss at Jieting, he holds the rear at Ji Valley (Chapter 96) with such discipline that not one soldier or piece of equipment is lost — his final great feat before dying peacefully in Chengdu (Chapter 97).
Notable Quotes & Famous Sayings
- “I am Zhao Zilong of Changshan! Who dares to face me?!” — Zhao Yun’s iconic battle cry when charging into enemy ranks at Changban (Chapter 41).
- “A true soldier serves with loyalty and righteousness. I follow my lord Liu Bei because his heart is for the people.” — Zhao Yun expressing his core philosophy.
Zhao Yun (赵云) — Historical & Literary Timeline
c. 191 AD — Chapter 7
First Encounter with Liu Bei
Meets Liu Bei while serving Gongsun Zan against Yuan Shao (袁绍, Viên Thiệu); displays exceptional martial skill and mutual respect.
208 AD — Chapter 41
Seven In & Out at Changban
Charges seven times through Cao Cao’s host; rescues Liu Shan, protects Lady Gan, and captures the Qinggang Sword.
211–214 AD — Chapters 60–65
Conquest of Yi Province
Advances through the Yangtze valley, reinforces Liu Bei at Luocheng, and helps encircle Chengdu until Liu Zhang (刘璋, Lưu Chương) surrenders.
219 AD — Chapter 71
Solitary Camp at Hanzhong
Rescues Huang Zhong at the Han River and defends an open camp against Cao Cao — the Hanzhong “solitary camp stratagem.”
228 AD — Chapter 96
Northern Expeditions Rearguard
Commands the rearguard after Jieting; withdraws Zhuge Liang’s army without losing men or supplies.
229 AD — Chapter 97
Death in Chengdu
Passes away peacefully of illness; mourned by Liu Shan and Zhuge Liang.
For detailed historical records, archives, and official chronicles, explore Zhao Yun on Wikipedia.
Key Relationships
Family
- Zhao Tong (赵统, Triệu Thống): Eldest son who served as an official in the Shu Han military.
- Zhao Guang (赵广, Triệu Quảng): Younger son who served as a commander and died defending the Shu border.
- Lady Ma (马氏, Mã thị): Wife of Zhao Yun, mentioned in later historical accounts and folklore.
Friends
- Guan Yu (关羽, Quan Vũ): Fellow Five Tiger General and senior pillar of Shu Han.
- Zhang Fei (张飞, Trương Phi): Fellow Five Tiger General and Liu Bei’s sworn brother; fought beside Zhao Yun in major campaigns.
- Huang Zhong (黄忠, Hoàng Trung): Fellow Five Tiger General whom Zhao Yun rescued at Hanzhong in 219 AD.
- Gongsun Zan (公孙瓒, Công Tôn Toản): Zhao Yun’s first lord before he pledged allegiance to Liu Bei.
Enemies
- Cao Cao (曹操, Tào Tháo): Primary antagonist whose forces Zhao Yun defied throughout his career, especially at Changban in 208 AD.
- Cao Chun (曹纯, Tào Thuần): Commander of the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry faced during the Changban retreat.
- Xiahou En (夏侯恩, Hạ Hầu Ân): Wei officer slain at Changban; Zhao Yun seized the Qinggang Sword from him.
Other
- Liu Bei (刘备, Lưu Bị): Sovereign of Shu Han; Zhao Yun served him with unwavering loyalty for decades.
- Zhuge Liang (诸葛亮, Gia Cát Lượng): Chancellor under whom Zhao Yun served as trusted vanguard during the Northern Expeditions.
- Liu Shan (刘禅, Lưu Thiện): Infant prince rescued at Changban in the novel’s defining act of loyalty.
In Novel
Chapter 7
- Zhao Yun (赵云, Triệu Vân): Valiant warrior from Changshan, courtesy name Zilong (子龙), who rescued Gongsun Zan (公孙瓒, Công Tôn Toản) at the Battle of the Pan River, dueled Wen Chou (文丑, Văn Sú) for sixty bouts, and slew Qu Yi (麴义, Khúc Nghĩa).
Chapter 11
- Zhao Yun (赵云, Triệu Vân): Assisted Liu Bei (刘备, Lưu Bị) with Gongsun Zan's cavalry in lifting the siege of Xuzhou, forming an unbreakable bond with Liu Bei.
Chapter 28
- Zhao Yun (赵云, Triệu Vân): Reunited with Liu Bei (刘备, Lưu Bị) at Mount Wolong, formally entering his lifelong service as a devoted general.
Chapter 31
- Zhao Yun (赵云, Triệu Vân): Slew Gao Lan (高览, Cao Lãm) and rescued Liu Bei (刘备, Lưu Bị) from surrounding enemies during the retreat from Runan.
Chapter 35
- Zhao Yun (赵云, Triệu Vân): Slew the bandit leader Lu Kuang at Xinye, securing the local frontier.
Chapter 36
- Zhao Yun (赵云, Triệu Vân): Captured Fancheng by leading the charge across the river under Xu Shu's (徐庶, Từ Thứ) tactical direction.
Chapter 39
- Zhao Yun (赵云, Triệu Vân): Led the vanguard feigned retreat at the Battle of Bowang Slope to lure Xiahou Dun (夏侯惇, Hạ Hầu Đôn) into Zhuge Liang's fire trap.
Chapter 41
- Zhao Yun (赵云, Triệu Vân): Rode alone through Cao Cao's (曹操, Tào Tháo) massive host at Changban Slope in seven entries and seven exits (七进七出), killing over fifty commanders, seizing the Qinggang Sword, and rescuing the infant prince Liu Shan (刘禅, Lưu Thiện) and Lady Gan.
Chapter 42
- Zhao Yun (赵云, Triệu Vân): Escorted Liu Bei (刘备, Lưu Bị) safely to Hanjin after surviving the ordeal at Changban.
Chapter 49
- Zhao Yun (赵云, Triệu Vân): Stationed along the Yangtze River to intercept Cao Cao's (曹操, Tào Tháo) retreating forces after the fire at Red Cliffs.
Chapter 52
- Zhao Yun (赵云, Triệu Vân): Pacified Guiyang Commandery through tactical brilliance, refusing marriage to Fan Yufeng (樊氏, Phàn Ngọc Phượng) to preserve moral decorum.
Chapter 54
- Zhao Yun (赵云, Triệu Vân): Escorted Liu Bei (刘备, Lưu Bị) to Eastern Wu for his marriage to Lady Sun, strictly executing Zhuge Liang's (诸葛亮, Gia Cát Lượng) three silk-bag stratagems.
Chapter 55
- Zhao Yun (赵云, Triệu Vân): Safely escorted Liu Bei (刘备, Lưu Bị) and Lady Sun back to Jingzhou, outwitting Wu pursuit commanders.
Chapter 61
- Zhao Yun (赵云, Triệu Vân): Intercepted Eastern Wu's naval vessel alongside Zhang Fei (张飞, Trương Phi) to rescue prince Liu Shan (刘禅, Lưu Thiện) from being taken to Wu.
Chapter 64
- Zhao Yun (赵云, Triệu Vân): Marched through the Riverlands along the northern route, capturing cities and reinforcing Liu Bei (刘备, Lưu Bị) at Luocheng.
Chapter 65
- Zhao Yun (赵云, Triệu Vân): Commanded Shu divisions encircling Chengdu until Liu Zhang (刘璋, Lưu Chương) surrendered.
Chapter 71
- Zhao Yun (赵云, Triệu Vân): Rescued Huang Zhong (黄忠, Hoàng Trung) at the Han River, charged through Cao Cao's (曹操, Tào Tháo) army, and defended his camp with open gates — Liu Bei praised him as 'a man of pure courage'.
Chapter 73
- Zhao Yun (赵云, Triệu Vân): Elevated to the Five Tiger Generals of Shu Han upon Liu Bei's accession as King of Hanzhong.
Chapter 81
- Zhao Yun (赵云, Triệu Vân): Candidly admonished Liu Bei (刘备, Lưu Bị) against attacking Eastern Wu, arguing that Cao Wei was the primary enemy rather than Sun Quan (孙权, Tôn Quyền).
Chapter 84
- Zhao Yun (赵云, Triệu Vân): Brought reinforcements to Xiaoting, rescued Emperor Liu Bei (刘备, Lưu Bị) from Lu Xun's pursuit, and speared Wu commander Zhu Ran (朱然, Chu Nhiên) to death.
Chapter 87
- Zhao Yun (赵云, Triệu Vân): Served as chief vanguard during Zhuge Liang's (诸葛亮, Gia Cát Lượng) southern expedition, capturing tribal leaders Jinhuan Sanjie (金环三结, Kim Hoàn Tam Kết) and Meng Huo (孟获, Mạnh Hoạch).
Chapter 91
- Zhao Yun (赵云, Triệu Vân): Appointed vanguard commander during the first Northern Expedition despite his advanced age.
Chapter 92
- Zhao Yun (赵云, Triệu Vân): Slew five enemy commanders of the Han clan in a single day at Mount Fengming.
Chapter 96
- Zhao Yun (赵云, Triệu Vân): Maintained a completely disciplined rear guard during the retreat from Ji Valley, ensuring not a single soldier or piece of equipment was lost.
Chapter 97
- Zhao Yun (赵云, Triệu Vân): Passed away peacefully of old age in Chengdu in 229 AD, deeply mourned by Emperor Liu Shan and Chancellor Zhuge Liang.
In History
Summary
- Zhao Yun (赵云, Triệu Vân), courtesy name Zilong, was a real historical general who served Liu Bei (刘备, Lưu Bị) and Shu Han — praised in Sanguozhi for loyalty, prudence, and battlefield judgment.
Year: c. 191 AD
- Served Gongsun Zan in Hebei; met Liu Bei during joint campaigns and formed a lasting bond.
Year: 208 AD
- Participated in Liu Bei's retreat from Jing Province; historical records credit Zhao Yun with protecting Liu Bei's household during the Changban crisis — the novel's seven-in-seven-out rescue magnifies this episode.
Year: 214 AD
- Fought in the conquest of Yi Province; rewarded when Liu Bei took Chengdu.
Year: 219 AD
- Served in the Hanzhong campaign; Liu Bei praised Zhao Yun after he successfully held his position against Cao Cao's forces at the Han River.
Year: 229 AD
- Died in Chengdu; later granted a posthumous title by Shu.
Historical Record
- Sanguozhi, Shu 6 (赵云传): biography, Changban household protection, Hanzhong defense, integrity in Chengdu governance debates.
- The novel greatly expands battlefield exploits — classify the seven-in-seven-out Changban charge, solitary camp, and Mount Fengming slayings as literary unless cross-checked with history.
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