Liu Bei

Biodata

Background / History

Early Career and Loss of Territory

Liu Bei began by weaving straw sandals, a humble background Yuan Shao later contrasts with his ability to command Guan Yu and Zhang Fei’s loyalty. The three brothers swore the Peach Garden Oath and participated in the campaign against Dong Zhuo; Yuan Shao remembers their confrontation with Lü Bu 21 29 30.

Before the campaign against Dong Zhuo, Liu Bei earned merit fighting the Yellow Turban rebels. He personally fought alongside Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, gaining extensive battlefield experience rather than serving solely as a political leader 77 584.

Lü Bu and Yuan Shu previously fought Liu Bei for control of Xu Province, with Yuan Shu supplying Lü Bu’s army. Lü Bu defeated Liu Bei, seized Xiapi, and established control over the province. A subsequent surprise attack also cost Liu Bei Pei County and left his wife and children captive 18 40 41.

Seeking Yuan Shao’s Support

Liu Bei travels to Ye City with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei to pay respects to the reported Son of Heaven and borrow troops. He initially worries that, if Yuan Shao’s emperor is false, their departure for Cao Cao’s territory would expose Yuan Shao and make leaving dangerous 17 18.

Yuan Shao welcomes Liu Bei because an acknowledged Han clansman’s visit strengthens the credibility of the emperor in Ye City. His enthusiasm fades when Liu Bei requests military assistance, and he postpones his answer 21.

During the imperial audience, Liu Bei identifies himself as Liu Sheng’s seventeenth-generation descendant. Liu Xie immediately calls him “Imperial Uncle,” giving him recognition that appears to settle longstanding doubts about his lineage. Liu Bei notices that the acknowledgment is unusually hasty but accepts it 22.

Ju Shou proposes that Liu Bei remain in Ji Province to serve the emperor. Liu Bei declines to stay immediately, citing the people of Pei County and his captive family, while promising to return after recovering his territory 22.

The Imperial Edict and Palace Confrontation

After Yuan Shao dismisses Liu Xie from the New Year’s Eve banquet, Liu Bei leaves with his brothers and visits the imperial bedchamber. Hearing Liu Xie describe confinement and coercion, he requests an edict authorizing him to rally the regional lords and rescue the emperor. Liu Xie refuses, citing the danger of discovery, and Liu Bei promises to find another way 26 27.

Liu Xie reports the request to Yuan Shao to protect himself, then secretly sends Zhang He to warn Liu Bei. Rather than flee immediately, Liu Bei returns to negotiate with Yuan Shao, keeping the discussion focused on borrowing troops instead of acknowledging the exposed rescue plan 28 29 30.

With soldiers surrounding him and his unarmed brothers, Liu Bei offers to capture Pei County with five thousand troops and allow Yuan Shao to garrison it afterward. He initially proposes fifteen days, then shortens the pledge to ten and accepts execution under military law if he fails. Yuan Shao agrees, sparing him for the moment 31.

Recovering Pei County

Liu Bei and his brothers drill the borrowed troops before departing. Yuan Shao appoints him vanguard commander, assigns Guan Yu and Zhang Fei as deputies, and gives him the tally for the Mountain Battalion. The supporting fifty-thousand-man army also serves as a threat: failure would leave Liu Bei subject to execution 32.

His first nighttime assault fails against Pei County’s six thousand defenders. Nearly two thousand of his five thousand soldiers are lost, and many survivors are wounded. Yan Liang and Wen Chou monitor his movements and control access to supplies, making escape difficult 40.

An offhand remark from Zhang Fei inspires Liu Bei to seek a diplomatic solution. He writes to Lü Bu about the emperor’s confinement and his own military pledge, presenting himself as secretly entrusted with gathering support for an imperial rescue. He asks Lü Bu to return Pei County so they can later oppose the Yuan brothers together 40 42.

Lü Bu accepts Chen Gong’s recommendation to withdraw the defenders. Before Liu Bei learns of this decision, Yan Liang and Wen Chou surround his tent on the deadline’s final day. Liu Bei persuades them to wait until sunset, but he and his brothers eventually prepare to die together 42 43.

A scout reports that the defenders have abandoned Pei County and left its gates open. Liu Bei argues that this fulfills his pledge, and Yan Liang releases the brothers rather than violate the agreed terms and damage Yuan Shao’s reputation. Liu Bei credits Lü Bu’s loyalty to the emperor and returns to the county 43 44.

Campaign Against Yuan Shu and the Surrender of Shouchun

Liu Bei subsequently cooperates with Lü Bu in the campaign against Yuan Shu. After the fighting at the Huai River, Chen Gong asks him to monitor Zhang Xiu’s movements and warns that Cao Cao is also advancing toward Shouchun 70 72.

Liu Bei identifies Zhang Xiu as a promising target for negotiation. Zhang Xiu’s feud with Cao Cao makes submission to Cao dangerous, while service to the court in Ye City offers the possibility of reward. Through his longstanding dealings with the Mi Family, Liu Bei also learns that Jia Xu has received the office of Minister of the Imperial Clan, providing a favorable example to place before Zhang Xiu 77.

Volunteering to enter Shouchun alone, Liu Bei tells Lü Bu that he hopes to help him secure Yang Province, build strength, and eventually rescue the Son of Heaven. He leaves Lü Bu a letter for Guan Yu and Zhang Fei and departs at night so that his brothers cannot insist on accompanying him. His willingness to risk his life deeply moves Lü Bu 77.

Inside Shouchun, Liu Bei remains composed before Zhang Xiu’s armed attendants and Hu Che’er’s threats. He exposes the insecurity behind Zhang Xiu’s position and persuades him to negotiate surrender to Lü Bu. Zhang Xiu secretly opens the gates, enabling the capture of Shouchun and Yuan Shu without a further assault. Lü Bu entrusts the recovered Imperial Seal to Liu Bei for safekeeping on behalf of the Son of Heaven 77 78.

News of this mission causes Liu Xie to reconsider his earlier suspicions. He recognizes Liu Bei’s conduct as evidence of genuine loyalty and begins considering him suitable for important responsibilities. Lü Bu also publicly credits Liu Bei’s negotiations when reporting the campaign’s achievements at court 80 84.

Appointment to Jing Province and Imperial Cooperation

After Yuan Shu’s execution, Yuan Shao rewards Liu Bei with a Pavilion Marquis title and the governorship of Jing Province, simultaneously declaring Liu Biao stripped of office. Because Liu Biao still controls the province, the appointment offers Liu Bei no immediate territorial gain and functions as a deliberate humiliation. Liu Bei restrains Lü Bu from protesting and accepts without outward anger 86.

Back at camp, Liu Bei laments the emperor’s inability to reward his servants freely and renews his determination to rescue him. He rejects Zhang Fei’s suggestion of secretly entering the palace and warns Lü Bu that killing Yuan Shao alone would not free Liu Xie and could worsen his situation 86.

During a later private audience, Liu Xie reveals to Liu Bei and Lü Bu that Guo Jia and Jia Xu are secretly serving the Han while outwardly working under Yuan Shao. Liu Bei and Lü Bu subsequently prepare to return to Yang Province to oppose Cao Cao and Sun Ce’s territorial advances 96 97 98.

Secret Mission to Yi Province

Liu Bei warns Liu Xie that Yuan Shao intends to use Gao Gan’s campaign against Zhang Lu as a means of taking Yi Province. Liu Xie privately orders Liu Bei to lead elite troops there and authorizes him to replace Liu Zhang if necessary to preserve the Han realm. Liu Bei initially objects to taking a fellow clansman’s position, but responds with an emotional pledge of loyalty when Liu Xie stresses the dynasty’s survival 140 141.

At court, Liu Bei argues for command of the campaign and gains Liu Zhang’s support. Yuan Shao nevertheless forces the appointment of Gao Gan. Liu Bei resolves to enter Yi Province secretly, while Lü Bu undertakes to continue the struggle in Yang Province 143.

The Mi Family also arranges major warhorse purchases for Liu Bei’s cavalry. After learning the purpose of the purchases, Gongsun Zan offers to supply the horses himself. The agreement grows from five thousand to ten thousand horses, with three thousand to be delivered first and the remainder within six months 174.

Liu Bei’s subsequent memorial reports that Gao Gan remains occupied fighting Zhang Lu while he steadily gains Liu Zhang’s trust and expands his own influence. Liu Xie regards his foothold in Yi Province as a valuable development for the imperial cause 240.

Establishing Power in Ba Commandery

Liu Bei enters Yi Province with three thousand troops and is assigned to manage Ba Commandery while its original administrator, Yan Yan, is serving elsewhere. He suppresses Five Pecks of Rice Way rebels in the commandery and nearby areas, improves local government, and doubles tax revenues compared with previous years. His forces also rout invading Nanman in less than half a month 323.

Zhang Song proposes formally appointing Liu Bei Administrator of Ba Commandery. Huang Quan, Liu Ba, and Wang Lian object, but Liu Bei professes that he is content merely to manage the territory on Yan Yan’s behalf. Liu Zhang interprets this as modesty and sincerity, appoints Yan Yan Administrator of Baxi Commandery, and grants Liu Bei the Ba post concurrently with his existing position 323.

Afterward, Liu Zhang’s advisers warn that Liu Bei commands twenty thousand well-equipped troops, enjoys popular support, and has formed friendships with influential scholars. They regard him as a power too entrenched to remove safely. Liu Bei, meanwhile, views the appointment as a legitimate basis for consolidating his position and continues preparing to fulfill the emperor’s command to secure Yi Province, with Pang Tong and Xu Shu assisting him 323 324.

As tensions escalate, Liu Zhang allies with Liu Biao against Liu Bei. Liu Xie’s court lacks the financial surplus to provide extensive support, but he orders whatever weapons and equipment remain available to be sent to Liu Bei 372.

Failed Peace Talks and Escape from Chengdu

During the war with Liu Zhang, Liu Bei initially rejects peace but reconsiders when an emissary offers him half of Yi Province. Xu Shu advises that the army needs supplies and rest, persuading him to negotiate despite Guan Yu and Zhang Fei’s preference for continued fighting. Liu Bei attends personally with Guan Yu and five hundred guards, leaving Zhang Fei to hold Ba Commandery 449.

The invitation conceals a plan devised by Huang Quan to assassinate Liu Bei at a banquet. Guan Yu recognizes signs that the dancers are trained soldiers, while Liu Zhang delays discussing the promised division of the province 449 450.

Fa Zheng privately exposes the plot and urges Liu Bei to flee. Liu Bei thanks him, accepts his warning despite Guan Yu’s initial doubts, and promises to recommend him to the Son of Heaven. The brothers escape through Chengdu’s West Gate, prompting Liu Zhang to send Zhang Ren and Wu Lan in pursuit 451.

Guan Yu remains with the five hundred guards to confront the main pursuing force while Liu Bei rides south alone. Wu Lan’s cavalry follows Liu Bei, who becomes trapped when his horse Dilu enters a stream. Dilu leaps across to the opposite bank, allowing him to escape. Liu Bei warns Wu Lan that he will report Liu Zhang’s betrayal to the emperor 451.

Conquest of Yi Province

After the assassination attempt, peace negotiations collapse. With the Son of Heaven’s permission and support, Liu Bei gathers his forces and openly campaigns to take Yi Province. At a victory banquet near Swordland, he accepts Pang Tong’s warning against overconfidence and reminds his officers that Liu Zhang still possesses tens of thousands of troops 475.

Following Xu Shu and Pang Tong’s plan, Liu Bei secretly spreads reports of Yan Yan’s defection in Shu Commandery and Eastern Guanghan Commandery. He also sends Wei Yan with roughly three thousand troops on a flanking movement toward Shu Commandery 476.

After taking Swordland, Liu Bei sends Guan Yu and Zhang Fei toward Chengdu by land and water. Officials along their routes surrender readily because of Liu Bei’s reputation, his army’s discipline, and the authority of the imperial edict under which he campaigns. The armies reach the Pi River in less than five days. Learning that Liu Zhang has fled toward Jing Province and left Yan Yan to defend Chengdu, Liu Bei hastens the campaign and orders an assault after a day’s rest 482.

Chengdu falls, but Yan Yan refuses Liu Bei’s offer of surrender and charges with his remaining men. Liu Bei’s crossbowmen kill the defenders, and Liu Bei orders Yan Yan to receive an honorable burial. With Chengdu captured, all of Yi Province comes under his control 486.

Pang Tong then reports that Cao Cao has killed Liu Cong and Cai Mao, while Xu Shu warns that Cao’s control of Jing Province could threaten Yi Province. Liu Bei agrees to report these developments to the Son of Heaven 486.

Defense Against Cao Cao’s Forces

After months of defensive fighting around Swordland, Liu Bei receives reinforcements led by Zhang Liao and Zhang He, accompanied by Sima Yi, at Deyang County. Civilians evacuate under Liu Bei’s orders. He praises the reinforcements’ discipline and explains that he and Pang Tong intend to burn Cao’s camps in the wooded hills. Sima Yi suspects a trap, while Pang Tong argues that the enemy will not expect an offensive after Liu Bei’s prolonged defense 582.

Liu Bei participates personally in the advance through the mountains, using a Zhuge Repeating Crossbow supplied by the imperial forces. He then draws his Male-Female Twin Swords and leads his men into combat alongside Guan Yu and Zhang Fei 583 584.

During the battle, Lu Xun initially forces Liu Bei back by exploiting his spear’s greater reach. Liu Bei closes the distance, overcomes the weapon disadvantage through skilled combinations, and kills Lu Xun with a thrust to the throat. Zhang He’s Mo Dao Army and Zhang Liao’s reinforcements help complete the victory, while Guan Yu kills Cao Xiu and Zhang Fei kills Cao Hong 585.

Zhang Liao promises to report the participants’ achievements to Liu Xie. When Zhang Fei asks whether their deeds might earn places in Lingyun Pavilion, Liu Bei likewise promises to present their contributions to the emperor 585.

Enfeoffment as King of Zhongshan

Following the defeat of Cao Cao and restoration of Han authority, Liu Bei reaches Chang’an as a meritorious subject. Overcome with emotion, he tells Guan Yu and Zhang Fei that their help made his achievements possible and calls taking them as brothers the wisest decision of his life 635.

During the imperial distribution of rewards, Liu Xie restores the Zhongshan royal title to Liu Bei and guarantees that its fief and benefits will pass to his descendants without reduction for three generations. The title is also rendered Prince of Zhongshan 636.

Liu Bei responds with three kneelings and nine kowtows, weeping at having restored his ancestor’s glory. Liu Xie explains that the honor is deserved; privately, he takes account of Liu Bei’s imperial lineage and early support, although he considers Liu Bei’s achievements alone insufficient for royal enfeoffment. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei support Liu Bei as he rises 636.

Appearance

Liu Bei’s unusual proportions make him immediately recognizable to Liu Xie during their first audience 22.

• Exceptionally long earlobes, also noted during his journey to Ye City 17 22.
• Arms reaching past his knees 22.
• Uncommon bearing, which Guo Jia considers evidence that he is no ordinary man 23.

Personality

Liu Bei is patient and outwardly composed, repeatedly restraining Zhang Fei’s bluntness when they need cooperation from others. He accepts the humiliation of seeking help as a practical necessity and reassures Guan Yu that knowing when to bend is not shameful. Guo Jia particularly admires his propriety, emotional restraint, and ability to face unexpected changes without alarm 17 18 21 23.

His attachment to his sworn brothers is deeply emotional. He weeps when they reaffirm their willingness to die with him and later blames himself for drawing them into Yuan Shao’s trap. During the siege, he refuses to send them into a likely fatal assault while another solution might remain 30 40 43.

His loyalty and ambition receive conflicting interpretations. Tian Feng cites his reputation for benevolence and righteousness as part of his political potential. Liu Xie initially distrusts him as an ambitious future rival, while Liu Bei’s own reflections acknowledge that he sought an imperial decree partly for its power to rally supporters 23 32 40.

His later actions strengthen Liu Xie’s confidence in him. By entering Shouchun alone, Liu Bei risks his life for a campaign whose territorial gains primarily benefit Lü Bu, explaining that strengthening Lü Bu will help rescue the emperor. This leads Liu Xie to reassess his earlier belief that Liu Bei merely uses Han legitimacy to pursue personal power 77 80.

Liu Bei’s composure is particularly evident when Yuan Shao grants him an effectively empty governorship. He shows no anger, restrains Lü Bu’s protest, and afterward focuses on the emperor’s humiliation rather than simply his own treatment. He also accepts unwelcome advice, agreeing with Pang Tong’s warning against complacency even when it spoils a victory celebration 86 475.

He nevertheless desires recognition for his lineage and the restoration of his family’s standing. The possibility of royal enfeoffment briefly excites him while consolidating Ba Commandery, though he suppresses the thought to focus on his immediate duties. Receiving the Zhongshan title later overwhelms his usual self-control and brings him to tears 324 636.

Abilities & Skills

Diplomacy and Political Judgment

Liu Bei uses legitimacy, careful wording, and an opponent’s interests to secure cooperation 22 30 31.

• Frames his request for troops as obedience to the emperor’s call to punish rebels and rescue the people 22.
• Recognizes that Yuan Shao’s delays are driven partly by his desire to recruit Guan Yu and Zhang Fei 30.
• Preserves room for negotiation by avoiding open discussion of the discovered edict request 30.
• Makes Pei County attractive to Yuan Shao by offering him garrison rights after its capture 31.
• Identifies Zhang Xiu’s fear of Cao Cao, weak attachment to Yuan Shu, and prospects of imperial reward as grounds for surrender 77 78.
• Uses apparent reluctance to accept the Ba Commandery post to reinforce Liu Zhang’s favorable impression and obtain the appointment despite opposition 323.
• Recognizes Gao Gan’s proposed campaign as a threat to imperial interests in Yi Province and seeks a countermeasure before Yuan Shao can consolidate control there 141 143.

Leadership and Personal Loyalty

Guan Yu and Zhang Fei’s devotion makes Liu Bei difficult to isolate politically. Yuan Shao’s advisers conclude that killing him would not allow them to win over his brothers 29.

• Reassures and encourages his brothers despite their loss of territory 18.
• Commands the five-thousand-man vanguard with both brothers as deputies 32.
• Maintains their shared commitment to the Peach Garden Oath through threats of execution 30 43.
• Enforces discipline during the advance on Chengdu: his soldiers do not burn, kill, loot, or pillage, and surrendering officials can expect safety 482.
• Orders civilian evacuation at Deyang County ahead of the fighting against Cao’s forces 582.
• Credits his brothers for his rise and undertakes to report their military contributions to the emperor 585 635.

Military Command and Improvisation

Liu Bei personally directs the opening assault on Pei County, then changes strategy when force proves insufficient 40.

• Conducts a nighttime attack intended to surprise the defenders; the attempt incurs severe losses 40.
• Identifies Lü Bu’s regard for the emperor as a possible basis for cooperation despite their rivalry 40.
• Secures the defenders’ withdrawal through a letter rather than another assault 42 43.
• Expands his original three-thousand-man force in Yi Province into a twenty-thousand-strong, well-equipped army and defeats Nanman incursions 323.
• Coordinates deception and maneuver on the advice of Xu Shu and Pang Tong, including rumors about Yan Yan and Wei Yan’s flanking march 476.
• Directs the converging land and water advance on Chengdu and completes the conquest of Yi Province 482 486.
• Plans a fire attack with Pang Tong against Cao’s wooded camps and personally participates in the ensuing offensive 582 583 584.

Governance and Consolidation

Liu Bei proves an effective administrator in Ba Commandery, combining military security with local prosperity 323.

• Suppresses Five Pecks of Rice Way rebels in Ba Commandery and surrounding areas 323.
• Doubles tax revenues compared with previous years while the population lives and works peacefully 323.
• Gains popular support and builds relationships with scholars, giving his position a foundation beyond military strength alone 323.
• Uses his formal appointment as administrator to establish a legitimate base for further recruitment and consolidation 324.

Swordsmanship and Personal Combat

Liu Bei is an experienced frontline fighter whose skill is sometimes overshadowed by Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. His battlefield experience extends back to the Yellow Turban campaign 584.

• Paired-sword technique — Uses one long sword and one short sword for complementary offense and defense, combining fluid movements with precise attacks on throats, joints, and other vulnerable points 584.
• Close-range combinations — Overcomes Lu Xun’s spear advantage by pressing inside its effective reach, threatening his grip, and chaining attacks with both blades before delivering a fatal throat thrust 585.
• Effectiveness against ordinary troops — Cuts down successive Cao soldiers who cannot withstand a single exchange with him during the mountain offensive 584.
• Weapon limitations — His swords lack the reach and armor-breaking capacity of heavier battlefield weapons. During the escape from Chengdu, Guan Yu judges that Liu Bei’s swordsmanship is poorly suited to breaking free from a large pursuing force; Lu Xun also initially gains an advantage through his spear’s length 451 584 585.
• Crossbow use — Carries and uses a Zhuge Repeating Crossbow during the approach to Cao’s mountain camps 583.

Power Progression

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Male-Female Twin Swords — His paired swords, taken up when preparing to escape the encampment with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. One blade is long and the other short; he later uses them to lead an assault and kill Lu Xun 42 584 585.
• Iron military tally — Issued by Yuan Shao to authorize command of the Mountain Battalion 32.
• Armor — Worn at the military review; he is instead dressed in plain cloth during the final confrontation outside his tent 32 43.
• Imperial Seal — Recovered during the fall of Shouchun and entrusted to Liu Bei by Lü Bu for safekeeping on behalf of the Son of Heaven, rather than as Liu Bei’s personal possession 78.
• Dilu — His horse during the escape from Chengdu. Carries him across a stream in a leap that saves him from Wu Lan’s pursuing cavalry 451.
• Zhuge Repeating Crossbow — Imperial equipment used during the advance through the wooded hills against Cao’s army 583.

Relationships

• Guan Yu — Second sworn brother and deputy commander. Protects Liu Bei even while unarmed and rejects any possibility of abandoning him for Yuan Shao. Accompanies him to the peace talks with Liu Zhang and later holds off the main pursuing force so Liu Bei can escape. Liu Bei credits Guan Yu and Zhang Fei with making his eventual rise possible 30 31 32 449 451 635.
• Zhang Fei — Third sworn brother and deputy commander. Fiercely protective but impulsive; his remark about Lü Bu returning Pei County inspires Liu Bei’s successful alternative strategy. Liu Bei leaves him to guard Ba Commandery during the peace talks and repeatedly restrains his impatience or disrespect toward advisers 17 21 32 40 449 475.
• Liu Xie — Acknowledges Liu Bei as Imperial Uncle and secretly warns him of Yuan Shao’s knowledge. Initially regards him as useful but unreliable because of his perceived ambitions, then reconsiders after his dangerous mission to Shouchun. Entrusts him with securing Yi Province and ultimately grants him the Zhongshan royal title with protected succession for three generations 22 23 27 28 80 141 636.
• Yuan Shao — Source of borrowed troops and a growing threat. Covets Liu Bei’s brothers, considers killing him, and uses the Pei County pledge to place him under threat of military execution. Later targets him through the nominal governorship of an already-occupied Jing Province, while Liu Bei opposes his attempt to gain Yi Province through Gao Gan 29 31 32 86 141 143.
• Lü Bu — Rival responsible for taking his territory and capturing his family. Later withdraws from Pei County after Liu Bei’s appeal, leading Liu Bei to reassess him as a loyal imperial subject. Their cooperation against Yuan Shu develops into a shared commitment to support Liu Xie; Lü Bu is deeply moved by Liu Bei’s mission to Shouchun, publicly credits his contribution, and entrusts him with the Imperial Seal 18 42 43 77 78 84 86.
• Zhang He — Delivers Liu Xie’s secret warning, allowing Liu Bei to respond before Yuan Shao acts against him. Later arrives with reinforcements and leads the Mo Dao Army into the battle against Cao Hong’s forces 29 32 582 585.
• Guo Jia — Recognizes Liu Bei’s composure and potential, later naming him and Cao Cao as the only heroes deserving Liu Xie’s particular vigilance. Liu Bei is subsequently informed that Guo Jia secretly serves the emperor 23 37 96.
• Tian Feng — Urges Yuan Shao to execute Liu Bei, predicting that his lineage, reputation, and followers will make him a major enemy 29 31 32.
• Yan Liang and Wen Chou — Monitor Liu Bei during the campaign and attempt to enforce his execution. Yan Liang ultimately releases him once Pei County falls, over Wen Chou’s objections 40 43.
• Wife and children — Captured when Lü Bu takes Pei County; their captivity is one of Liu Bei’s stated reasons for seeking troops 18 21 22.
• Zhang Xiu — Target of Liu Bei’s successful negotiations at Shouchun. Liu Bei persuades him that surrender to Lü Bu offers greater safety and opportunity than continued resistance or reliance on Cao Cao 77 78.
• Mi Family — Longstanding contacts who provide Liu Bei with information about Jia Xu’s appointment and arrange substantial warhorse purchases for his cavalry 77 174.
• Gongsun Zan — Agrees to supply the Mi Family with warhorses intended for Liu Bei’s cavalry, replacing purchases from foreign tribes 174.
• Jia Xu — Initially prompts caution when Liu Bei encounters him at a private imperial audience. Liu Xie explains that Jia Xu is a trusted servant of the Han working undercover within Yuan Shao’s circle 96.
• Liu Zhang — Fellow Han clansman who initially trusts Liu Bei and gives him responsibility in Ba Commandery. Their relationship deteriorates as Liu Bei’s independent strength grows. Liu Zhang attempts to assassinate him during peace talks, after which Liu Bei openly campaigns against him and takes Yi Province 143 240 323 324 449 451 475 486.
• Pang Tong and Xu Shu — Principal advisers assisting Liu Bei’s administration and campaigns in Yi Province. Xu Shu recommends accepting peace talks to obtain rest and supplies; both devise the deception and flanking operation during the renewed campaign. Pang Tong also helps plan the attack on Cao’s wooded camps 324 449 475 476 582.
• Fa Zheng — Saves Liu Bei by exposing Liu Zhang’s assassination plot. Liu Bei trusts his warning, expresses lasting gratitude, and promises to recommend him to the Son of Heaven 451.
• Yan Yan — Original administrator of Ba Commandery, later reassigned to Baxi as Liu Bei gains the Ba appointment. Defends Chengdu against Liu Bei, refuses surrender after its fall, and dies fighting. Liu Bei honors his resistance with a proper burial 323 482 486.
• Wei Yan — Subordinate entrusted with roughly three thousand troops for a flanking march toward Shu Commandery during the conquest of Yi Province 476.
• Zhang Liao — Brings imperial reinforcements to Liu Bei and helps secure victory against Cao’s army. Praises Liu Bei’s contribution and promises to report the achievements of his brothers and adviser to Liu Xie 582 585.
• Sima Yi — Accompanies the imperial reinforcements and warns that Cao’s wooded encampments may be bait, offering a more cautious assessment than Pang Tong 582.
• Cao Cao — Rival whom Liu Bei condemns for controlling the emperor. His seizure of Jing Province becomes a strategic threat to Liu Bei’s newly conquered Yi Province, and their armies subsequently fight around Swordland and Deyang 77 486 582.
• Lu Xun — Opposing officer whom Liu Bei faces during the battle against Cao Hong’s army. After initially yielding ground to Lu Xun’s spear, Liu Bei defeats and kills him with his twin swords 585.

Notable Quotes

“A true man knows when to bend and when to stand tall. There’s no shame in asking for help. Haven’t I spent my whole life doing just that?” 18

“Then punish me under military law. I will willingly accept death!” 31

“With you two as my brothers in this life, I can die without regret!” 43

“How could I dare not devote all my strength as your right-hand man, uphold steadfast loyalty, and follow it even unto death!” 141

“The wisest thing I have ever done in my life was to take you two as my brothers.” 635

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