Zhao Yun

Japanese silk painting of Zhao Yun, from Edo period.

Zhao Yun (趙雲; styled Zilong 子龍) was an important commander of the civil wars of the late Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period of China. For most of his career, Zhao Yun served the warlord Liu Bei, playing an part in the establishment of Shu Han. In literature and folklore he is heralded as the third member of the Five Tiger Generals.

Zhao Yun was born in Zhending (真定) county of Changshan (常山) commandery (now in Shaanxi, northern China). He joined Gongsun Zan probably in the late 180s or early 190s as commander of a small group of volunteers. In 192 he was placed under the authority of Liu Bei, who at the time had only the rank of a Major under Gongsun. Liu Bei had a contingent of several thousand Wuhuan cavalry and Zhao Yun probably served or was an officer within this force. Evidently he had an extremely close relationship with Liu Bei. The Sanguo Zhi says that they slept in the same bed and Zhao Yun seems to have followed Liu Bei throughout his sojourns around north China.

In 208, Zhao Yun distinguished himself at the Battle of Changban. He saved Liu Bei's son Liu Shan, his wife the Lady Gan (甘夫人) and his mother. After the Battle of Red Cliffs he played a role in conquering the commanderies of Jiangnan (江南) was recognised as one of Liu Bei's leading lieutenants, being awarded the position of Major-General (偏將軍); Grand Administrator of Guiyang (桂陽太守) and eventually the title "General of the Standard" (牙門將軍).

Later, Zhao Yun accompanied Zhuge Liang into Shu. He held separate command, marching via Jiangzhou (江州) to Chengdu (成都). Upon Liu Bei's accession to the throne in 222, Zhao Yun was given the title of General Who Maintains Peace in the East (鎮東將軍) and enfeoffment as Marquis of Yongchangting (永昌亭侯).

In 227, Zhao Yun - now a venerable commander - accompanied Zhuge Liang to Hanzhong on the first of the Northern Expeditions. Zhao was given the operation of marching through the Yegu (斜谷) as a decoy to the main force, which would look left through Qishan (祁山). He was opposed in the pass in force by the great Wei commander Cao Zhen (曹真). After a worthy defense, Zhao Yun was able to lead a relatively orderly retreat. He was made General Who Maintains Peace in the Army (鎮軍將軍).

In 229, Zhao Yun died at Hanzhong and was much grieved in the Shu army. He received the posthumous appellation of Shunping Marquis (順平侯) from Liu Shan.

Zhao was often recognised not only by his outragous courage, but also his clear mind, wisdom and morality. For example, he distinguish rights and wrongs very well, and won't take anything he didn't deserve. He also attempted to stop Liu Bei from invading Kingdom of Wu for revenge, with clear and reasonable reasons.

However, historically he was only a bit more than a body guard of Liu Bei and was only later made as a general. In actual his merits were not as great as the ones in the novel; Luo Guanzhong's Romance of the Three Kingdoms. In the novel, Zilong's character would be best described as that of a Western knight.