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84-631: Shu Han's founder, Liu Bei (Emperor Zhaolie), had named his dynasty "Han", as he considered it a rump state of the Han dynasty and thus the legitimate successor to the Han throne, while the prefix "Shu" was first used by the rival state of Cao Wei to delegitimize the orthodoxy claims of the Shu Han state. Later on when writing the Records of the Three Kingdoms , the historian, Chen Shou , also used

168-567: A Liu Bei in this world?" Thereafter, he sent troops to rescue Kong Rong and the siege was lifted. At this time, an alliance of Yuan Shu , Tao Qian and Gongsun Zan opposed an alliance of Yuan Shao, Cao Cao and Liu Biao . In 194, Cao Cao attacked Tao Qian, the Governor of Xu Province . In face of strong pressure from Cao Cao, Tao Qian appealed to Tian Kai for help. Tian Kai and Liu Bei led their armies to support Tao Qian. Liu Bei himself led over 5,000 soldiers with mixed barbarian cavalry from

252-745: A bamboo stave. Liu Bei wanted to kill the inspector, but was dissuaded by the latter's pleas for mercy. Afterwards, he vacated his office. He then travelled south with his followers to join another militia. Around this time, the General-in-Chief He Jin sent the Chief Commandant Guanqiu Yi (毌丘毅) to Danyang with the mission to recruit soldiers and Liu Bei joined him in fighting the Yellow Turbans remnants in Xu Province . When they reached Xiapi, they met

336-546: A banquet. Kuai Yue and Cai Mao however wanted to use this as an occasion to kill him. Liu Bei saw through this, pretended to go to the toilet and nimbly escaped. His horse was named Dilu (的盧), and he quickly rode him. However, during the pursuit, he fell into the waters of the Tan Stream west of Xiangyang city. Liu Bei was drowning and couldn't get away from the river. He then cried: "Dilu! Today I'm in dire straits! Give it your all!" Dilu then jumped three zhang (7 meters) in

420-457: A campaign against Sun Quan to retake Jing Province and avenge Guan Yu , culminating in the Battle of Xiaoting . However, due to grave tactical mistakes, Liu Bei suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of Sun Quan's general, Lu Xun , and lost the bulk of his army. He survived the battle and retreated to Baidicheng , where he died from illness a year later. Before Liu Bei's death, he appointed

504-608: A conspiracy with Dong Cheng , Colonel of the Chang River Encampment Zhong Ji (種輯), General Wu Zilan (吳子蘭) and General Wang Zifu (王子服) to assassinate Cao Cao, after Dong Cheng had received a secret edict from within the Emperor Xian's clothing and girdle to kill Cao Cao. Around this time, Cao Cao said brusquely to Liu Bei: "Currently among the heroes of the empire, there is only you and I. The ilk of Benchu are not worth counting.” At this moment, Liu Bei

588-499: A general long-term plan outlining the takeover of Jing Province and Yi Province to set up a two-pronged final strike at the imperial capital. Nanzhong 27°34′00″N 105°18′54″E  /  27.566721°N 105.314941°E  / 27.566721; 105.314941 Nanzhong ( Chinese : 南中 ; pinyin : Nánzhōng ) is the ancient name for a region in southwest China that covers parts of present-day Yunnan , Guizhou and southern Sichuan provinces. During

672-553: A highly risky move: He predicted that Yuan Shao would not make any advances so he secretly left his defensive position along the Yellow River and personally led an army to Xu Province to attack Liu Bei. Under the weight of Cao Cao's attacks, Liu Bei's forces quickly disintegrated and Xu Province fell to Cao Cao. Zhang Fei protected Liu Bei as he fled from Xiaopei after his defeat; Guan Yu, isolated in Xiapi Commandery,

756-402: A lack of food supplies. Liu Bei's army, both soldiers and military officers resorted to cannibalism. Pressed by poverty and hunger, Liu Bei's men wanted to return to Xiapi. Liu Bei eventually had no choice but to send an official request to surrender to Lü Bu who accepted his surrender and ordered Liu Bei to return to the seat of Xu and to combine their strength to defeat Yuan Shu. He then prepared

840-596: A large group of followers. In 184, at the end of the reign of Emperor Ling, the Yellow Turbans rose up and started the Yellow Turban Rebellion . Every province and commandery called for righteous men to defend the country. Liu Bei saw what was happening and became much more politically aware. He called for the assembly of a militia to help government forces suppress the rebellion, rallying a group of loyal followers, including among them Guan Yu , Zhang Fei and Jian Yong . Liu Bei led his militia to join

924-403: A messenger to report to his father, who sent a commander to greet Liu Bei and personally went 200 li from Ye to welcome him. Both Yuan Shao and Yuan Tan greatly esteemed Liu Bei. He stayed a month and a few days; soon his soldiers regrouped under him. He participated in the Battle of Yan Ford alongside Yuan Shao's general Wen Chou against Cao Cao's forces, but they suffered a defeat and Wen Chou

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1008-419: A pleasant face in front of others. Liu Bei was charismatic and all the heroic youth bonded with him. Around this time, two very wealthy great horse merchants from Zhongshan, Zhang Shiping ( 張世平 ) and Su Shuang ( 蘇雙 ), met Liu Bei while passing through Zhuo commandery selling horses. They were so struck by his appearance and personality that they gifted him much money and wealth, allowing Liu Bei to assemble

1092-448: A preemptive attack on Xiaopei. Liu Bei was defeated and fled to the imperial capital, Xuchang , where he took shelter under Cao Cao , the warlord who had been controlling the Han central government since he had brought the figurehead Emperor Xian of Han to Xuchang in 196. Cao Cao welcomed Liu Bei warmly, used Emperor Xian's name to appoint him as the Governor of Yu Province and put him in command of some troops. Liu Bei then returned to

1176-555: A single leap and thus both of them got across. Quickly they found a ferry and crossed the river. While they were at half of the river, the pursuers caught up to them and could only apologize on Liu Biao's behalf. In 207, Cao Cao planned a campaign to conquer the Wuhuan in the north but was apprehensive that Liu Biao might attack his base, however he was assured by Guo Jia that Liu Biao would not do so for fear of Liu Bei being more powerful than he was. Cao Cao agreed, and Guo Jia's point

1260-471: Is concerned, the people will adhere to men of talent and ability. If one does not accept what heaven offers to him then it will be too late if you regret, it later.” Both of them advised him to form an alliance with Yuan Shao . At that time, Chen Deng with Mi Zhu along with the others sent a messenger to call on to Yuan Shao saying: "Heaven has sent down disastrous stench and misfortune has fallen upon our humble and small region. Recently, Tao Qian has died and

1344-557: Is difficult to know what he is going to do and develop relations with him. Soon, you will have to think of a way to take care of him." However, Lü Bu didn't listen to them and even related the matter to Liu Bei. Liu Bei was alarmed and maneuvered to distance himself sending a messenger to Lü Bu with a request to be relocated to Xiaopei. Lü Bu agreed, and Liu Bei was able to safely arrive at Xiaopei where he immediately raised 10 000 troops. Upon seeing Liu Bei's growing power, Lü Bu became worried that Liu Bei would turn against him so he launched

1428-577: Is happening." Chang Ba (昌霸) of Donghai used this occasion to rebel. Also, many commanderies and prefectures joined Liu Bei in rebellion against Cao Cao. Soon, their numbers totaled more than ten thousand. In the meantime, Yuan Shao had defeated Gongsun Zan and was preparing to attack Cao Cao in the Henan region. Liu Bei then sent his adviser Sun Qian to meet Yuan Shao and request that he launch an immediate attack on Cao Cao but Yuan Shao refused. In 200, Cao Cao discovered Dong Cheng's conspiracy and had all

1512-481: Is turning to him. You can give the province to him.” Chen Deng then said: "Gonglu (Yuan Shu's courtesy name) is arrogant. He is not the ruler to bring order out of the chaos. Now, I wish to assemble 100 000 infantry and cavalry for my lord. Above, you can assist our sovereign and bring aid to the common people then you could fulfill the calling of the Five Hegemons . Below you could allocate territory and preserve

1596-477: Is widely seen as the founder of Shu Han, he never claimed to be the founder of a new dynasty; rather, he viewed Shu Han as a continuation of the Han dynasty. To distinguish the state from other historical Chinese states of the same name, historians have added a relevant character to the state's original name: the state that called itself "Han" (漢) is also known as "Shu Han" (蜀漢) or just "Shu" (蜀). Liu Bei ruled as emperor for less than three years. In 222, he launched

1680-543: The Chronicles of Huayang , Liu Bei has been called "Big Ears" (大耳) by both Lü Bu and Cao Cao . Furthermore, an anecdote shared with Zhang Yu mentions that Liu Bei in his fifties was noted to be beardless. According to the third-century historical text Records of the Three Kingdoms , Liu Bei was born in Zhuo County, Zhuo Commandery (present-day Zhuozhou , Hebei ). He was a descendant of Liu Sheng , who

1764-592: The Bieja (別駕; important assistant to the governor of the province) Mi Zhu: "Other than Liu Bei, there is no one who can bring peace to this province." Upon Tao Qian's death in 194, the Mi family backed Liu Bei instead of one of Tao Qian's sons to be the new Governor of Xu Province. Mi Zhu then led the residents of the province to meet Liu Bei however he was still hesitant and apprehensive about taking this post. He then consulted Kong Rong and Chen Deng. Chen Deng told him: "Today

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1848-730: The Three Kingdoms period (220–280) of China, the Nanzhong region was part of the territory of the state of Shu Han (or simply Shu). In 225, some local governors rebelled against Shu rule while the Nanman tribes made intrusions into Nanzhong. In response, the Shu regent Zhuge Liang led imperial forces on a campaign in Nanzhong and succeeded in quelling the rebellions and pacifying the Nanman tribes. In legend, Zhuge Liang captured and released

1932-539: The chancellor Zhuge Liang and the general Li Yan as regents to his son, Liu Shan . The young Liu Shan was only 16 years old, making him the youngest of the rulers of the Three Kingdom states, and Liu Bei expected the two regents to assist Liu Shan in managing state affairs. Zhuge Liang was the de facto head of the Shu government throughout Liu Shan's reign, and was responsible for most of Shu's policies during his regency. When Liu Shan succeeded his father, Shu

2016-584: The Eastern front to keep an eye on Lü Bu. During the year 197, Yang Feng and Han Xian were brigands who raided the area between Yang and Xu provinces and were ordered by Lü Bu to lead their troops to raid Liu Bei's supplies. However, Liu Bei successfully lured them into a trap. Yang Feng was killed while Han Xian managed to escape. In 198, Lü Bu renewed his alliance with Yuan Shu to counter Cao Cao's growing influence. Lü Bu ordered his soldiers to gather gold and money to buy some military hores however along

2100-479: The Grand Instructor Dong Zhuo ?" At this remark, Cao Cao nodded while Lü Bu was glaring at Liu Bei and told him: "Big Ears (大耳), you are the most untrustworthy of all." Liu Bei recovered his wife and children and followed Cao Cao back to Xu. Cao Cao sent a memorial to have Liu Bei promoted as General Of The Left. Cao Cao treated him with great sympathy. When they went out, they would ride in

2184-523: The Han central government appointed Liu Bei as the Commandant ( 都尉 ) of Gaotang County before promoting him to Prefect ( 令 ). When Emperor Ling died in 189, the land fell into chaos. Therefore, Liu Bei raised an army and joined the Campaign against Dong Zhuo . Later, when he returned to Gaotang County , the commandery was overwhelmed by rebels, so he opted to move north to join an old friend,

2268-463: The House of Han is in decline and the empire is in chaos. It is the moment to establish merit and to accomplish affairs. This province is rich with a population of one million. We wish to impose on you the post of the inspector and have you assume charge of the affairs of the province." Liu Bei answered: "Yuan Shu is nearby at Shouchun . That man is from a line of four dukes in five generations. The empire

2352-416: The Shu Han state's authority in the remote southern region of Nanzhong , Zhuge Liang also launched an expeditionary force there in 225 to quell local rebellions, and the growing influence of the Nanman (literal: southern barbarians) in the region. Zhuge Liang advocated an aggressive foreign policy towards Wei, because he strongly believed it was critical to the survival of Shu and its sovereignty. Between

2436-449: The Wei generals Deng Ai and Zhong Hui attacked Shu, and conquered its capital, Chengdu , without much struggle — the state having been exhausted by Jiang Wei's ill-fated campaigns. In the same year, Liu Shan surrendered to Deng Ai outside Chengdu, marking the end of Shu. In spite of this, Jiang Wei attempted to incite conflict between Deng Ai and Zhong Hui, in the hope of taking advantage of

2520-433: The Wei regent, Cao Shuang , launched an invasion of Hanzhong. Despite being outnumbered 2-to-1, the Shu forces defeated the invading combatants at the Battle of Xingshi , with the humiliated Wei forces fleeing. Between 247 and 262, the Shu general, Jiang Wei , resumed Zhuge Liang's legacy by leading a series of military campaigns against Wei, but also failed to make any significant territorial gains. In 263, armies led by

2604-699: The Wuhuan of You province. He also conscripted several thousand commoners. Despite initial success in the invasion, Cao Cao's subordinate Zhang Miao rebelled and allowed Lü Bu to take over Cao Cao's base in Yan Province , forcing Cao Cao to retreat from Xu Province. Tao Qian asked Liu Bei to station his army in nearby Xiaopei and gave him 4,000 more troops from Danyang in addition to the troops and Wuhuan cavalry already under his command. Thus, Liu Bei broke with his superior Tian Kai for Tao Qian. Tao Qian became Liu Bei's mentor and Liu Bei benefited greatly under

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2688-452: The assassin's intention, treating him so generously that the assassin could not bring himself to kill him. The assassin informed Liu Bei about Liu Ping's plot before he left. Such was the extent to which Liu Bei had won the hearts of the people. Pingyuan was poor and its people starving, so some banded together to commit robbery. Liu Bei guarded against such bandits while carrying out generous economic measures. He had elites and commoners sit on

2772-417: The attendant official. Liu Bei accepted and joined him. When they met the rebels in the field, Liu Bei was gravely wounded and had to feign being dead. After the rebels left, Bei's friend loaded him onto a cart, carrying him away to safety. In recognition of his contributions, the Han central government appointed Liu Bei as the Commandant (尉) of Anxi County (安喜縣; northwest of present-day Anguo , Hebei ), one of

2856-577: The battlefields in the east and under Liu Biao's efficient rule, Jing Province was prosperous and a popular destination for literati fleeing from the destruction of war. Liu Bei asked Sima Hui , a revered recluse, about scholars. Sima Hui's friend Pan Degong named Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong as exceptional talents who could comprehend important events of their time well. Xu Shu also urged Liu Bei to call on Zhuge Liang. Liu Bei went to see Zhuge Liang and finally had an audience with him after three visits . Zhuge Liang presented Liu Bei with his Longzhong Plan ,

2940-419: The boundaries. Finally, you could write your achievements on bamboo and silk to be recorded for the posterity. If the inspector does not assent then I also dare not to obey the inspector." The chancellor of Beihai, Kong Rong also told him: "Is Yuan Gonglu someone who will be concerned about the state and forget his family? In what way are dried bones in the grave worthy of our attention? As far as today's matter

3024-493: The combined forces of Cao Cao and Liu Bei defeated Lü Bu at the Battle of Xiapi ; Lü Bu was captured and executed after his defeat. Before his execution, Lü Bu tried to convince Cao Cao to let him live. He told him: "Let me serve under you and you would be unopposed in the realm." Cao Cao still had some doubts. Then, Liu Bei said: "Will you have Lü Bu treat you the same way as he treated the General Ding Yuan and

3108-521: The counties in Zhongshan Commandery ( 中山郡 ). Later, the Han central government decreed that any official who had gained a post as a reward for military contributions was to be dismissed, yet Liu Bei doubted that he would be dismissed. When he saw an inspector sent to his prefecture, he wanted to meet him. The inspector, however, refused to see him, claiming illness. Liu Bei was furious; he returned to his office, led clerks and soldiers to

3192-400: The five expeditions. During his final campaign where he fought against the Wei general, Sima Yi , an already taxed and ill Zhuge Liang died under the strain of the long stalemate with the Wei forces at the Battle of Wuzhang Plains . After Zhuge Liang's death, the Shu government was then headed by Jiang Wan , Fei Yi , and others, and Shu temporarily ceased its aggression towards Wei. In 244,

3276-518: The general guarding Liu Bei's assets in Jing Province, was captured and subsequently executed by Sun Quan's forces. Cao Cao died in 220, and was succeeded by his son, Cao Pi , who forced the last Han ruler, Emperor Xian , to abdicate the throne in his favour. Cao Pi then established the state of Cao Wei , and declared himself emperor. Liu Bei contested Cao Pi's claim to the throne, and proclaimed himself "Emperor of Han" in 221. Although Liu Bei

3360-469: The governor of Ji province, Yuan Shao he fought many battles with distinction. Therefore, he was appointed probationary Prefect (令) of Pingyuan and later was made the concurrent Chancellor (相). While he was in Pingyuan, a resident named Liu Ping (劉平), who had long held Liu Bei in low esteem and who was ashamed of having to serve under him, hired an assassin to kill Liu Bei. Liu Bei, however, didn't realize

3444-480: The local government forces led by Colonel Zou Jing , participating in battles against the rebels with distinction. Around this time, Liu Ziping of Pingyuan heard of Liu Bei's reputation as a brave man. When Zhang Chun (張純) rebelled, the Qing Province was ordered by imperial decree to send an attendant official to lead an army to defeat Zhang Chun. As they passed through Pingyuan, Ziping recommended Liu Bei to

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3528-484: The material resources and social status his rivals commanded, he gathered support among disheartened Han loyalists who opposed Cao Cao , the warlord who controlled the Han central government and the figurehead Emperor Xian and led a popular movement to restore the Han dynasty. Liu Bei overcame a number of setbacks to carve out his own realm, which at its peak spanned present-day Sichuan , Chongqing , Guizhou , Hunan , and parts of Hubei and Gansu . Culturally, due to

3612-757: The officials in charge." Yuan Shao answered: "Liu Xuande is liberal and refined. He is also known as a man of trust and righteousness. Now, (the people of) Xu region happily accepts him; this matches my own desires." Liu Bei finally took over Xu Province after Yuan Shao recognised the legitimacy of his governorship. In 195, Lü Bu was defeated by Cao Cao and sought shelter under Liu Bei. In the next year, Yuan Shu led an army to invade Xu Province . In response, Liu Bei led his troops to counter Yuan Shu's advances near present-day Xuyi County and stopped him at Xuyi and Huaiyin (淮陰). Around this time, Cao Cao memorialized to appoint Liu Bei as General Who Subdues The East (鎮東將軍) and enfeoffed him as marquis of Yicheng Village (宜城亭侯). This

3696-504: The other officers at Bowang. Liu Bei led his army and set up an ambush. Eventually, he set fire to his own camp and faked a retreat. When Xiahou Dun led his soldiers to the pursuit, they were crushed by the troops lying in ambush at Battle of Bowang . Liu Bei stayed in Jing Province for about seven years. When he was talking with Liu Biao, he rose up to go to the toilet. Then, he noticed that the flesh in his thighs had increased, he sighed heavily and wept. When he returned to his seat, Liu Biao

3780-686: The participants rounded up and executed along with their families. Liu Bei survived the purge because he was not in Xuchang. Having achieved stability in Xuchang, Cao Cao turned his attention towards preparing for a battle with Yuan Shao. He fortified many key crossing points along the south banks of the Yellow River and set up a main camp at Guandu. At the same time, he sent his subordinates Liu Dai ( 劉岱 ) and Wang Zhong to attack Liu Bei in Xu Province but they were defeated. Cao Cao then made

3864-474: The people are without a ruler. They fear that greedy rapace will one day take advantage of the opening to extend themselves therefore are very anxious. However, they will embrace the former Administrator of Pingyuan Liu Bei as their rightful leader. Hence allowing the people to know that they have someone to rely on. Just now rebel are around all the regions; there's not a moment of peace to remove his armor. Hence we respectfully send lower officials to report this to

3948-484: The popularity of the 14th-century historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms , Liu Bei is widely regarded as the ideal benevolent and humane ruler who cared for his people and selected good advisers for his government. His fictional counterpart in the novel was a salutary example of a ruler who adhered to the Confucian set of moral values, such as loyalty and compassion. Historically, Liu Bei, like many Han rulers,

4032-410: The postal relay station, and forced his way through the door, proclaiming: "I have been secretly instructed by the commandery administrator to arrest the inspector!" Thereupon he bound the inspector, took him to the outskirts of the district, and tied him to a tree. Liu Bei undid his ribbon of office and hung it on the inspector's neck, whereupon he had the inspector lashed more than one hundred times with

4116-668: The prefix "Shu" to describe Liu Bei's state of Han as a historiographical prefix to differentiate it from the many other states officially named " Han " throughout Chinese history. Towards the end of the Eastern Han dynasty , Liu Bei , a warlord and distant relative of the Han imperial clan, rallied the support of many capable followers. Following the counsel of his advisor, Zhuge Liang , and Zhuge's Longzhong Plan , Liu Bei conquered parts of Jing Province (covering present-day Hubei and Hunan ) in 208 and 209, took over Yi Province (covering present-day Sichuan and Chongqing ) from

4200-495: The provincial governor appointed by Cao Cao. Liu Bei then moved to Xiaopei while leaving Guan Yu in charge of Xu Province's capital, Xiapi. According to the Wu Li (吳歷) written by Hu Chong , Cao Cao sent loyal men acting as spy to his commanders during entertainments then on some pretext have them killed. Liu Bei often close his gates and concentrate his time to gardening. While Cao Cao would send someone to keep an eye on him. After

4284-599: The rebel army and Liu Bei fought hard with talent. As a reward for his contributions, he was appointed as Assistant (下密丞) in the commandery office. Again, he resigned from his post. According to the Records of Heroes written by Wang Can , Liu Bei then visited the imperial capital where he met Cao Cao . He joined him as they returned to Cao Cao's ancestral home in Pei State , which is present-day Bozhou, Anhui . where they recruited and gathered many people. Thereafter,

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4368-465: The regional inspector's chariot and returned his family to the bank of the Si River as an act of good faith. Before Liu Bei left, there was a farewell banquet and everyone seemed happy. Lü Bu, fearing that Yuan Shu would turn on him after eliminating Liu Bei obstructed Yuan Shu's attempts to destroy Liu Bei. At this time, Lü Bu's commanders said to him: "Liu Bei has changed his allegiance too often. It

4452-570: The same as his son, Liu Deran. Yuanqi's wife wasn't happy about this and told him: “Each has his own family. How can you regularly do this?” Yuanqi answered: “This boy is in our clan, and he is an extraordinary person.” The adolescent Liu Bei was said to be unenthusiastic about studying. However he was fond of dogs and horses; he also displayed interest in hunting, music and dressing in fine clothing. He enjoyed associating with braves ( haoxia ), and in his youth he fought and hung out with them. He would not manifest his anger or happiness and always showed

4536-491: The same chariot and when they sat, it was on the same mat. Cao Cao's advisors Cheng Yu and Guo Jia urged Cao Cao to have Liu Bei killed however Cao Cao refused to follow their advice because he feared that in doing so he would lose the respect of the heroes and scholars in the realm. By 199, Cao Cao enjoyed a strong political advantage over his rivals because he had Emperor Xian and the Han central government firmly under his control. During this time, Liu Bei participated in

4620-459: The same mat and eat from the same pot. He felt no cause to be disdainful, so people attached themselves to him in droves. During his tenure at Pingyuan, Kong Rong worked as the Chancellor of Beihai State (北海國) and was besieged by an army led by Yellow Turbans. He sent Taishi Ci to ask for reinforcement from Liu Bei. When he learned of this, Liu Bei said: "So, Kong Wenju knows that there is

4704-472: The situation to revive Shu. Zhong Hui captured Deng Ai, and openly rebelled against the Wei regent, Sima Zhao , but the revolt was suppressed by Wei forces. Jiang Wei, Zhong Hui, and Deng Ai were killed in the struggle. Liu Shan was brought to Luoyang , where he met with Sima Zhao, and was awarded the title of "Duke of Anle." He lived a comfortable and peaceful life in Luoyang until the end of his days. Shu

4788-581: The spy left, Liu Bei told Guan Yu and Zhang Fei: "How could I become a gardener? Cao Cao is really suspicious. We cannot stay with him." At night, he opened the rear gate and along with his followers left on light horseback. All the clothing he previously received was sealed and left behind. Then he headed for Xiaopei to raise his army. Pei Songzhi about this commented: "Cao Cao had Liu Bei lead an army to attack Yuan Shu, Guo Jia along with others were against his decision however he refused to listen to them. The matter should be clear. Liu Bei didn't escape because he

4872-743: The support of the two most powerful families in Xu Province: the Mi family led by Mi Zhu and Mi Fang and the Chen family led by Chen Gui and Chen Deng . The previously mentioned Chen Deng was a man of great talent and enjoyed giving appraisal of well known people. He once said to the scholar Chen Jiao (陳矯) about Liu Bei: "When It comes to those of bold character that are destined to be heroes, those who lay great plan to become hegemon-kings, I respect Liu Bei." Then he grouped him along with Chen Ji , Hua Xin and Kong Rong as outstanding individuals. Soon Tao Qian's illness became serious and he told to

4956-418: The tutelage of Tao Qian who governed like a Confucian populist which influenced Liu Bei's future governance. Then, Tao Qian memorialized the court to have Liu Bei appointed as the inspector of Yu province. Liu Bei led his army to Xiaopei, then proceeded to raise troops around the area, and actively built-up connections with influential clans and people of the region. In a rather short period of time, he had gained

5040-437: The warlord Gongsun Zan . In 191, they scored a major victory against another warlord Yuan Shao (the leader of the former alliance against Dong Zhuo ) in their struggle for control of Ji Province and Qing Province . Gongsun Zan nominated Liu Bei to be the Chancellor ( 相 ) of Pingyuan State and sent him to join his subordinate Tian Kai in fighting Yuan Shao's eldest son Yuan Tan in Qing Province. In defending against

5124-572: The warlord Liu Zhang between 212 and 214, and wrestled control of Hanzhong from his rival, Cao Cao , in 219. Afterwards, Liu Bei proclaimed himself King of Hanzhong . From the territories he gained, Liu Bei established a position for himself in China during the final years of the Han dynasty. However, in 219, the alliance between Liu Bei and his ally, Sun Quan , was broken when Sun sent his general, Lü Meng , to invade Jing Province . Liu Bei lost his territories in Jing Province to Sun Quan. Guan Yu ,

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5208-558: The warlord Lü Bu an opportunity to link up with defectors from Liu Bei's side to seize control of Xiapi Commandery and capture Liu Bei's family. Upon receiving news of Lü Bu's intrusion, Liu Bei immediately headed back to Xiapi Commandery but most of his troops scattered along the way. With his remaining men, Liu Bei moved eastward to take Guangling Commandery where Yuan Shu's forces defeated him. Liu Bei then retreated to Haixi County (海西縣; southeast of present-day Guannan County , Jiangsu). However, surrounded by hostile forces and facing

5292-499: The way Liu Bei led his troops and managed to capture the gold and money. In response, Lü Bu sent Gao Shun and Zhang Liao to attack Liu Bei at Peicheng. Cao Cao sent Xiahou Dun to support Liu Bei but he was unable to rescue Liu Bei and they were defeated by Gao Shun again he had his family captured by Gao Shun who sent them to Lü Bu. Liu Bei fled to Xuchang to take shelter under Cao Cao who brought Liu Bei along as he personally led an army to attack Lü Bu in Xu Province. Later that year,

5376-409: The years of 228 and 234, he launched a series of five military campaigns against Wei, with the aim of conquering Chang'an , a strategic city located on the road to the Wei capital, Luoyang . Most of the battles were fought around present-day Gansu and Shaanxi provinces. However, aside from gaining Jiang Wei as an officer in 228, Shu failed to achieve any significant victories or lasting gains in

5460-512: Was 14, his mother sent him to study with Lu Zhi , a distinguished man and former grand administrator of Jiujiang Commandery . Lu Zhi was from Zhuo Commandery, the same as Liu Bei. One of his fellow-students was Gongsun Zan of Liaodong , with whom he became friends. Since Gongsun Zan was older, Liu Bei treated him as an elder brother. Another fellow-student was his kinsman Liu Deran ( 劉德然 ). Liu Deran's father, Yuanqi (元起), often gave Liu Bei material support to help him and his mother and treated him

5544-825: Was away at Guandu; however Cao Ren foresaw that most of them were new recruits or Yuan Shao's soldiers not yet ready to follow Liu Bei's orders, therefore he quickly assembled his cavalry and defeated them. Liu Bei then returned to Yuan Shao and urged him to ally with Liu Biao , the Governor of Jing Province . Yuan Shao sent Liu Bei with some troops to Runan Commandery to assist another rebel leader, Gong Du ( 共都/龔都 ). Liu Bei and Gong Du defeated and killed Cai Yang ( 蔡陽 ), one of Cao Cao's officers who led troops to attack them. Before killing Cai Yong, Liu Bei proclaimed: "I may be lacking in power but even if you were ten thousand still you couldn't defeat me. Only Cao Mengde would force me to flee." Indeed, Liu Bei defeated and killed Cai Yong along with others and fled when he learned that Cao Cao

5628-475: Was captured by Cao Cao's forces and decided to surrender and temporarily serve under Cao Cao. Liu Bei headed north to join Yuan Shao. Liu Bei first went to Qing province which was under Yuan Tan's supervision. Liu Bei had formerly recommended Yuan Tan as a maocai (茂才), therefore they had good relations. Yuan Tan himself led infantry and cavalry to welcome him. Both of them then left for Pingyuan. Yuan Tan sent

5712-434: Was greatly influenced by Laozi . He was a brilliant politician and leader whose skill was a remarkable demonstration of " Confucian in appearance but Legalist in substance". The historical text Records of the Three Kingdoms described Liu Bei as a man seven chi and five cun tall (approximately 1.74 metres), with long arms that "extended beyond his knees" and ears so large that "he could see them". According to

5796-403: Was growing vegetables. All of this is absurd!" However the Chronicles of Huayang also gave a similar account with other information such as Guo Jia and Cheng Yu warning Cao Cao that Liu Bei had left, and Cao Cao sending riders to stop him but they failed to do so. It also stated that when he learned about Liu Bei doing trivial things, Cao Cao said: "Old Big Ears (大耳) is really oblivious to what

5880-478: Was in the first year of the Jian'an period (196). Liu Bei and Yuan Shu had a standoff for about a month without any decisive result. In the meantime, Zhang Fei whom Liu Bei left in charge of Xiapi Commandery (下邳郡; around present-day Pizhou , Jiangsu ), the capital of Xu Province, murdered Cao Bao , the Chancellor of Xiapi after an intense quarrel. Cao Bao's death stirred up unrest in Xiapi Commandery which provided

5964-475: Was killed in battle. As Liu Pi , a former Yellow Turban rebel, started a revolt in Runan Commandery (southeastern Henan), Liu Bei convinced Yuan Shao to provide him troops to assist Liu Pi. At the same time, Guan Yu rejoined Liu Bei. When Liu Bei arrived, many among the commandery joined and supported him. Along with Liu Pi then led their forces from Runan Commandery to attack Xuchang while Cao Cao

6048-762: Was leading an army. In 201, Cao Cao led his army to attack Liu Bei in Runan Commandery after his victory over Yuan Shao at the Battle of Guandu . Liu Bei sent Mi Zhu and Sun Qian as ambassadors to Liu Biao. Liu Biao himself came to the outskirts to greet Liu Bei and his followers and treated them with utmost courtesy due an honoured guest. He gave him some troops and sent him to station at Xinye County in northern Jing Province to guard against Cao Cao's advances. Soon many men of talents joined Liu Bei and his rank greatly increased. Liu Biao didn't trust him completely and secretly guarded against Liu Bei. In 202, Liu Biao ordered Liu Bei to fend off Xiahou Dun , Yu Jin and

6132-416: Was not considered different from commoners. To support themselves, Liu Bei and his mother sold shoes and woven straw mats. Despite this, Liu Bei was full of ambition from childhood. In the southeast of his house, there was a mulberry tree that was very tall (11,5 meters high). When looked from far away, the tree's shade was similar to a small cart therefore people from all around the village felt that this tree

6216-486: Was not large enough to stand against the rival state of Wei. This greatly limited Shu in terms of resources and manpower; although the country could efficiently defend itself, Shu could not easily launch successful campaigns. As such, Zhuge Liang parleyed for peace with Wu, and reaffirmed the alliance between Sun Quan and Shu — with the former even recognising Sun Quan's legitimacy when the latter broke with Wei, and declared himself "Emperor of Wu" in 229. In order to strengthen

6300-574: Was not merely a nation at war. During peacetime, the Shu state began many irrigation and road-building projects designed to improve the economy. Many of these public works still exist and are widely used. For example, the Zipingpu Dam is still present near Chengdu , Sichuan . These works helped improve the economy of southwestern China, and can be seen as the beginning of economic activity in Sichuan. It also promoted trade with southern China, which

6384-607: Was on his way to join Yuan Shao after his defeat , Liu Bei requested permission from Cao Cao to lead an army to stop Yuan Shu. Cao Cao agreed and sent Liu Bei and Zhu Ling to lead an army to block Yuan Shu, who couldn't pass through them and was forced to retreat back to his base in Shouchun and died there later that year. While Zhu Ling returned to Xu, Liu Bei remained in command of the army and led them to attack and seize control of Xu Province after murdering Che Zhou ( 車冑 ),

6468-453: Was proven later, when Liu Biao refused to attack Xu when Liu Bei advised him to do so. When Cao Cao returned from Liucheng. Liu Biao told to Liu Bei: "I didn't adopt your proposal and now I lost this great opportunity." Liu Bei answered: “Now the empire is in chaos and every day there are battles. What seem to be a good opportunity may present himself later. If you are able to respond to them accordingly then this isn't worth regret." Away from

6552-624: Was recommended as a candidate for civil office in the xiaolian process. Then, he rose to become prefect of Fan (范) in Dong Commandery . Liu Bei's father, Liu Hong, didn't live long, so Liu Bei grew up poor, as, even if Liu Bei's claim to royal lineage was genuine, he did not inherit much wealth from his royal ancestors since Han law decreed that each generation of royals must divide their inheritance among all male children, with Liu Bei's generation too far removed from his illustrious ancestors' to provide substantial wealth. As such, Liu Bei

6636-500: Was surprised and asked him about it. Liu Bei replied: "When I was younger, I've never left the saddle. My thighs were thin. Now I do not ride anymore, they have grown. The days and months pass like a stream, and old age will come, but I have achieved nothing. That's why I am sad." Once, Liu Bei camped at Fancheng with his soldiers. Liu Biao was friendly to him however he was also anxious about Liu Bei's conduct and did not place much trust in him. One day, had asked Liu Bei to join him for

6720-463: Was taking a bite and from the shock dropped his chopstick and spoon. He excused himself on account of a clap of thunder and told Cao Cao: "When the wise said, “If there is a sudden clap of thunder and a fierce wind, I must change my countenance” it was truly with reason. The awesomeness of a single clap can cause this!" However, at the same time, Liu Bei was anxious to leave Xuchang and be free of Cao Cao's control. Thus, upon hearing news that Yuan Shu

6804-662: Was the ninth son of Emperor Jing and the first King of Zhongshan in Han dynasty. However, Pei Songzhi 's fifth-century commentary , based on the Dianlue ( 典略 ), said that Liu Bei was a descendant of the Marquis of Linyi ( 臨邑侯 ). As the title "Marquis of Linyi" was held by: It was possible that Liu Bei descended from either of those two patrilineal lines rather than Liu Sheng's line. Liu Bei's grandfather Liu Xiong ( 劉雄 ) and father Liu Hong ( 劉弘 ) both served in provincial and commandery offices. Liu Bei's grandfather, Liu Xiong

6888-403: Was the weakest of the three major powers. Following his father's defeat in 221, the portion of Jing Province previously held by Shu was now firmly under the control of Wu. Shu only included the western lands of Yi Province , while Wei controlled all of the northern lands, and Wu controlled all the lands from the east of Yi Province to the southern and eastern coastlines. Meanwhile, Shu's population

6972-433: Was then ruled by Eastern Wu. Liu Bei Liu Bei ( Chinese : 劉備 , pronunciation ; Mandarin pronunciation:  [ljǒʊ pêɪ] ; 161 – 10 June 223), courtesy name Xuande ( 玄德 ), was a Chinese warlord in the late Eastern Han dynasty who later became the founding emperor of Shu Han , one of the Three Kingdoms of China. Despite early failings and lacking both

7056-500: Was unique with some saying that the house would produce a person of nobility. A fortune teller named Li Ding (李定) of Zhuo stated: "This family will certainly produce an estimable man." When he was a kid, Liu Bei would play beneath the tree with other children from the village. He would often say: "I must ride in this feather covered chariot (emperor chariot)." Liu Bei's uncle Zijing (子敬) thought of Liu Bei's dream as foolish and that he would bring destruction to his house. In 175, when he

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