Khái quát cuộc đời và chiến tích của các danh tướng Thục Hán thời Tam quốc | Hải Stark | Spiderum

Key Concepts

• Ngũ Hổ Tướng (Five Tiger Generals): A popular but historically inaccurate term for Liu Bei's most prominent generals.
• Tam Quốc Diễn Nghĩa (Romance of the Three Kingdoms): A historical novel that heavily influenced the popular perception of Three Kingdoms figures.
• Chính Sử (Official History): Historical records that are considered authoritative.
• Thục Hán (Shu Han): One of the three kingdoms during the Three Kingdoms period.
• Bắc Phạt (Northern Expeditions): Military campaigns launched by Shu Han to conquer the state of Cao Wei.
• Tào Ngụy (Cao Wei): One of the three kingdoms, founded by Cao Pi.
• Đông Ngô (Eastern Wu): One of the three kingdoms, founded by Sun Quan.

Trương Phi (Zhang Fei)

• Background: Born in 163, courtesy name Chide (赤德), though often mistakenly known as Yide (翼德) due to the novel. Hailed from Zhuo Commandery, Hebei. His family was well-off, allowing him to receive both literary and martial education. He was one of the earliest followers of Liu Bei, alongside Guan Yu, forming a brotherhood that inspired the famous Peach Garden Oath in Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Historical records confirm their close bond, with Zhang Fei acknowledging Guan Yu as elder due to a slight age difference.
• Military Career and Achievements:
  • Early Years (184 onwards): Joined Liu Bei in suppressing the Yellow Turban Rebellion. After Liu Bei was appointed as Anxi County Magistrate, Zhang Fei accompanied him when Liu Bei resigned due to conflict with a corrupt official. The novel depicts Zhang Fei as the one who tied up and beat the official, highlighting his hot-tempered and just nature. He remained loyal to Liu Bei for nearly 40 years, enduring hardships and separations.
  • Battle of Changban (208): During Cao Cao's invasion of Jing Province, Liu Bei's forces were routed at Changban. Zhang Fei, with only 20 cavalry, bravely held the bridge at Changban, shouting a challenge that deterred Cao Cao's pursuing army, allowing Liu Bei to escape. He then destroyed the bridge.
  • Campaigns in Jing Province and Yi Province (209-214): After the victory at Red Cliffs, Zhang Fei assisted Liu Bei in securing parts of Jing Province, earning the title Zhenlu General and Administrator of Nidu. In 211, Liu Bei entered Yi Province. Zhang Fei, along with Guan Yu and Zhao Yun, was tasked with defending Jing Province. In 214, during Liu Bei's campaign against Liu Zhang, Zhang Fei led troops into Yi Province. He famously defeated and captured Yan Yan, a skilled general of Liu Zhang, and later treated him with respect, winning over the allegiance of Ba Xi and Deyang commanderies.
  • Campaign against Zhang He (215): When Cao Cao occupied Hanzhong and sent Zhang He south, Zhang Fei engaged Zhang He at Dangqu and Mengtou for 50 days without a decisive outcome. Zhang Fei then led a separate force through a difficult mountain path, ambushing and defeating Zhang He, forcing him to retreat.
  • Hanzhong Campaign (217-219): Liu Bei launched an offensive in Hanzhong. Zhang Fei's contingent initially failed to break through Cao Wei's defenses but eventually contributed to Liu Bei's victory. Liu Bei was proclaimed King of Hanzhong, and Zhang Fei was appointed Right General.
  • Post-Liu Bei's Ascension (221 onwards): After Liu Bei declared himself Emperor and the end of the Han Dynasty, Zhang Fei was promoted to Chariot and Cavalry General and appointed Marquis of Xixiang.
• Literary vs. Historical Portrayal:
  • Romance of the Three Kingdoms and folk tales often portray Zhang Fei as hot-tempered, crude, and lacking strategy.
  • Historical records indicate he was also skilled in calligraphy and painting, particularly of beautiful women. Works like Hui Shui Yuan Quan and Lidai Huazhuan mention his artistic talents. Early records of his calligraphy can be found in Dao Jian Lu. The Yuan Dynasty poet Wu Zhen also praised him as both cultured and martial.
  • While acknowledging his hot temper as a significant flaw, historical accounts suggest he possessed strategic acumen. Liu Bei himself warned Zhang Fei about his excessive killing and mistreatment of subordinates, calling it a path to disaster.
• Death: In 221, while preparing to attack Jiangdong to reclaim Jing Province, Zhang Fei was assassinated by his subordinates, Fan Gang and Zhang Da, who then defected to Wu. He was posthumously honored as Marquis.
• Descendants: His eldest son, Zhang Bao, died young. His second son, Zhang Shao, served as a high-ranking official. His grandson, Zhang Xun, died fighting against Deng Ai during the Wei invasion of Shu. Two daughters married Liu Shan and became empresses.

Triệu Vân (Zhao Yun)

• Background: Born in 169, courtesy name Zilong (子龍), from Zhen Ding County, Changshan Commandery, Hebei. Described in historical texts as tall and imposing. Romance of the Three Kingdoms embellishes his appearance and often depicts him in white armor on a white horse, a detail borrowed from Chen Dao, commander of Liu Bei's White Horse Guard.
• Early Career: Initially joined Gongsun Zan's forces. He met Liu Bei, who was a former acquaintance of Gongsun Zan, and they formed a strong bond. He left Gongsun Zan to mourn his brother's death, promising to return.
• Rejoining Liu Bei (200 onwards): After Liu Bei's defeat by Cao Cao, Zhao Yun found him in Ye. Liu Bei was overjoyed and treated him with great familiarity. Zhao Yun secretly recruited troops for Liu Bei. He later reunited with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei and they all sought refuge with Liu Biao.
• Military Career and Achievements:
  • Early Campaigns with Liu Bei: Participated in Liu Bei's campaigns from Xinye, including the Battle of Bowang, where he helped set an ambush for Xiahou Dun. He also captured Xiahou Lan.
  • Battle of Changban (208): During Liu Bei's retreat from Cao Cao's invasion, Zhao Yun was tasked with protecting Liu Bei's family. His unit was scattered by Cao Cao's cavalry. He bravely entered the fray to rescue Liu Bei's wife and son, Liu Shan (A Dou). While the novel's depiction of him killing 50 Cao Wei generals is likely an exaggeration, his successful rescue of Liu Shan and Lady Gan is historically recorded, earning him the title Nha Mon General.
  • Campaigns in Jing and Yi Provinces: After the Battle of Red Cliffs, he participated in the conquest of Jing Province and was appointed Administrator of Guiyang. He later accompanied Liu Bei into Yi Province and was appointed Guard General.
  • Hanzhong Campaign (219): During the Hanzhong campaign, when Huang Zhong was in danger while raiding Cao Cao's supplies, Zhao Yun led a small cavalry force to rescue him. Faced with Cao Cao's overwhelming army, Zhao Yun bravely charged out, scattering the enemy. In a famous tactic, he ordered the camp gates to be opened and the soldiers to remain silent. When Cao Cao's troops approached, suspecting an ambush, they retreated in panic. Zhao Yun then ordered his soldiers to beat drums and fire arrows, causing chaos and heavy casualties among the retreating Cao Wei forces. Liu Bei praised him as "Zilong is all courage," and soldiers called him "Tiger Might General."
  • Advising Liu Bei against Attacking Wu (221): Zhao Yun strongly advised Liu Bei against attacking Eastern Wu, arguing that Cao Wei was the primary threat. Liu Bei ignored his advice.
  • Northern Expeditions (228-234): Zhao Yun participated in Zhuge Liang's Northern Expeditions. In the first expedition (228), he and Deng Zhi were sent to Xiegu. Despite the overall defeat at Jieting, Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi managed to withdraw their forces safely. He was demoted to Dingjun General but was later commended by Zhuge Liang for his prudence and refusal of rewards for a failed campaign.
• Later Career and Death: After Liu Bei's death and Liu Shan's ascension, Zhao Yun was appointed Zhong Hu General and Zhen Dong General. In 227, at the age of 58, he requested to join Zhuge Liang's Northern Expeditions. He died of illness in Hanzhong in 229 at the age of 60 and was posthumously honored as Marquis Shunping.
• Descendants: His sons, Zhao Tong and Zhao Guang, served in the Shu Han army. Zhao Guang died fighting alongside Jiang Wei.

Ngụy Diên (Wei Yan)

• Background: Born in 177, courtesy name Wenchang (文長), from Yiyang Commandery, Henan. His exact entry into Liu Bei's service is unclear, but he was present during the campaign into Yi Province in 211.
• Historical vs. Fictional Portrayal:
  • Romance of the Three Kingdoms falsely depicts Wei Yan as a former subordinate of Liu Biao who defected to Liu Bei after killing Han Xuan. It also portrays Zhuge Liang as suspicious of him.
  • Historical records show Wei Yan was loyal to Liu Bei from the beginning and was highly trusted by Zhuge Liang, holding significant military commands.
• Military Career and Achievements:
  • Yi Province Campaign: Distinguished himself in the campaign to conquer Yi Province and was appointed Nha Mon General. He was known for his good treatment of soldiers and his bravery, but also for his arrogance, which made him unpopular with some colleagues. He had a significant rivalry with Yang Yi.
  • Defense of Hanzhong (219): After Liu Bei became King of Hanzhong, Wei Yan was surprisingly appointed to defend this crucial territory, demonstrating Liu Bei's trust in his abilities.
  • Post-Liu Bei's Ascension (221 onwards): Appointed Zhenbei General. After Liu Shan's succession, he was granted the title Marquis of Duting.
  • Northern Expeditions (227 onwards): Served as commander of the vanguard and concurrently as Assistant Chancellor and Governor of Liang Province.
  • Qi Nu Gu Strategy (227): Proposed a daring plan to Zhuge Liang: to march 5,000 elite troops and 5,000 supply troops through the Qi Nu Gu pass to capture Chang'an within ten days, exploiting the perceived weakness of Cao Rui's son-in-law, Xiahou Mao. Zhuge Liang rejected this plan as too risky, citing the difficult terrain, potential for Wei reinforcements (like Guo Huai), and the uncertainty of enemy reactions. The video argues Zhuge Liang's caution was justified, as Wei Yan's plan relied heavily on assumptions and the terrain was indeed treacherous, as evidenced by Cao Zhen's later failed expedition through the same route.
  • Later Campaigns: Participated in subsequent Northern Expeditions. In 230, he achieved a significant victory against Fei Yao and Guo Huai, earning him the title Front Army Commander, General Who Pacifies the West, and Marquis of Nanzheng. He often proposed independent flanking maneuvers, which were not approved, leading him to criticize Zhuge Liang's perceived timidity.
• Tragic End:
  • After Zhuge Liang's Death (234): Following Zhuge Liang's death during the final Northern Expedition, Zhuge Liang's will stipulated that Yang Yi should lead the retreat, with Jiang Wei and Wei Yan as rear guards. If Wei Yan refused, the army should retreat regardless.
  • Conflict with Yang Yi: Wei Yan disagreed with the retreat and wished to continue the campaign. He detained Fei Yi and planned his next steps. Yang Yi, following Zhuge Liang's orders, proceeded with the retreat.
  • Rebellion and Death: Enraged, Wei Yan initiated a rebellion, blocking the southern route and destroying the roads to Hanzhong to prevent Yang Yi's retreat. Yang Yi and Fei Yi reported Wei Yan's rebellion to the court. Due to his poor relationships and the court's existing distrust, Wei Yan was deemed the rebel. Yang Yi's forces engaged Wei Yan's troops, who, realizing their commander had defied orders, largely abandoned him. Wei Yan, with his son and a few loyal followers, fled towards Hanzhong but was pursued and killed by Ma Dai on Yang Yi's orders. His head was brought back to Yang Yi.
  • Analysis of his Downfall: While accused of rebellion, the video suggests Wei Yan might have primarily sought to eliminate Yang Yi and seize command, driven by ambition and a desire to continue the Northern Expeditions. His arrogance, lack of allies, and poor interpersonal skills ultimately led to his demise.

Khương Duy (Jiang Wei)

• Background: Born in 202, courtesy name Boyue (伯約), from Ji County, Tian Shui Commandery. He was originally a subject of Cao Wei. His father died early, and he was raised by his mother. He was learned in Zheng Xuan's classics and served as a clerk and later as a Zhong Lang, participating in military affairs.
• Defection to Shu Han (228): During Zhuge Liang's first Northern Expedition, while on reconnaissance with Tian Shui's Administrator Ma Xun, Khương Duy and others were suspected of defecting. When Ma Xun returned to the city, the gates were closed to Khương Duy. Unable to re-enter, he surrendered to Shu Han.
• Early Career under Zhuge Liang: Zhuge Liang recognized Khương Duy's talent and appointed him as Shang Cao Yuan and General of Fu Yi, granting him the title Marquis of Dangyang. Zhuge Liang praised him as an outstanding individual from Liang Province, diligent, thoughtful, and possessing both courage and righteousness, with a strong desire to serve the Han dynasty. He served under Zhuge Liang until his death in 234, without major accomplishments.
• Rise to Power: After Zhuge Liang's death, Khương Duy was promoted to Right Supervisor General and General of Fu Han, Marquis of Pingxiang. He served under Jiang Wan and later rose through the ranks, becoming Commander of the Western Regions, concurrently Governor of Liang Province, and eventually General of the Guards. He also served as one of the Six Ministers of the Imperial Secretariat.
• Military Campaigns and Northern Expeditions:
  • Suppression of Minority Uprisings (247): Led troops to quell rebellions.
  • Conflicts with Wei: Engaged in several campaigns against Cao Wei, often facing generals like Xiahou Ba and Guo Huai. He experienced both successes and setbacks, including a retreat due to unfavorable conditions and a failed attempt to relieve besieged forts.
  • Limited Resources: For a long time, he was given limited troops (less than 10,000) by Fei Yi, who was cautious about his ambitious plans.
  • Gaining Full Command (253): After Fei Yi's assassination, Khương Duy gained full military authority. He launched several large-scale Northern Expeditions, but often faced logistical challenges and was forced to withdraw.
  • Campaigns in Longxi (254-256): Achieved some initial successes, capturing surrendered cities and defeating Wei forces. However, he often withdrew without consolidating gains. He suffered a significant defeat at Duancao against Deng Ai, losing over 10,000 men, which led to unrest in Longxi and his self-demotion.
  • Exploiting Wei's Internal Strife (257): Attempted to attack Wei during Zhuge Dan's rebellion, but the Wei forces under Sima Wang and Deng Ai adopted a defensive strategy, forcing Khương Duy to retreat.
  • Final Northern Expedition (262): Despite warnings from Liao Hua about the risks of continuous warfare, Khương Duy launched another expedition, which ended in defeat by Deng Ai and a retreat to Dazhong.
• The Fall of Shu Han (263):
  • Misinformation and Neglect: Khương Duy warned the Shu court of an impending Wei invasion but was ignored due to the influence of the eunuch Huang Hao.
  • Wei Invasion: Wei launched a massive invasion with three prongs led by Zhong Hui, Deng Ai, and Zhuge Xu.
  • Defensive Failures: Shu's defenses crumbled. Yang An Pass fell quickly. Khương Duy, lacking reinforcements, was defeated by Deng Ai at Dazhong and retreated to Yinping.
  • Surrender of Liu Shan: Despite the efforts of generals like Zhuge Zhan (who was defeated and killed), Liu Shan surrendered Shu Han to Deng Ai.
  • Khương Duy's Final Gambit: Khương Duy feigned surrender to Zhong Hui, who harbored ambitions of rebellion. Khương Duy encouraged Zhong Hui to eliminate Deng Ai and seize control of Wei. His plan was to then eliminate Zhong Hui and restore Shu.
  • Failure and Death: Sima Zhao, anticipating Zhong Hui's move, sent troops to secure the region. Zhong Hui's rebellion was exposed, and he was killed by his own troops. Deng Ai also perished. Khương Duy, his plan thwarted, fought against the Wei forces and was killed in the ensuing chaos. His entire family was also executed.
• Legacy: His death marked the end of Shu Han's last attempt to restore the Han dynasty. The book Shi Yu mentions that upon his death, his gall bladder was found to be as large as a peck, symbolizing his immense ambition and determination.