Source Work: Romance of the Three Kingdoms

Zhou Yu, courtesy name Gongjin, is one of Eastern Wu’s greatest commanders in Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Closely associated with Sun Ce in his youth, he later helps Sun Quan secure the Jiangdong regime. He is portrayed as young, refined, handsome, musically accomplished, and exceptionally talented in military affairs.

When Cao Cao leads a massive army southward, the Wu court is divided between resistance and surrender. Zhou Yu strongly argues for war and joins forces with Liu Bei’s side to confront Cao Cao at Red Cliffs. Through the allied strategy and the decisive use of fire, Cao Cao’s fleet is shattered, making Red Cliffs the defining victory of Zhou Yu’s career.

After the battle, Zhou Yu continues campaigning against Cao Ren for control of Nanjun. At the same time, tensions grow between Eastern Wu and Liu Bei’s expanding power over Jingzhou. Zhou Yu repeatedly seeks ways to contain Liu Bei, only to find his plans countered by Zhuge Liang and others.

In the novel’s dramatic telling, repeated frustration in his rivalry with Zhuge Liang eventually contributes to Zhou Yu’s fatal illness, culminating in his famous lament over why Heaven produced both himself and Zhuge Liang. He remains both the central Wu commander of Red Cliffs and one of the most brilliant young figures in the Three Kingdoms narrative.

Hua Xiong is a formidable general under Dong Zhuo in Romance of the Three Kingdoms. During the coalition campaign against Dong Zhuo, he defends Sishui Pass and quickly establishes himself as a dangerous opponent by defeating a succession of coalition officers.

As the allied lords struggle against the pass, Hua Xiong kills or drives back several challengers, leaving the coalition increasingly alarmed. At this moment Guan Yu, still relatively unknown among the assembled warlords, volunteers to face him.

Cao Cao pours Guan Yu a cup of warm wine, but Guan Yu says he will drink it after killing Hua Xiong. He rides out with his blade and soon returns carrying Hua Xiong’s head, while the wine is said to remain warm. The scene becomes the celebrated episode known as “Slaying Hua Xiong Before the Wine Cools.”

Hua Xiong’s importance lies partly in the reputation he establishes immediately before his death. By presenting him as a fearsome defender whom other warriors cannot overcome, the novel turns Guan Yu’s swift victory into one of the first great demonstrations of his martial power.

Xiahou Yuan, courtesy name Miaocai, is one of Cao Cao’s important commanders in Romance of the Three Kingdoms and a kinsman of Xiahou Dun. He follows Cao Cao through many campaigns and becomes known for rapid movement, sudden attacks, and aggressive field operations.

During Cao Cao’s consolidation of northern China and expansion toward the west, Xiahou Yuan repeatedly receives major military assignments. He fights against regional resistance and campaigns through the Guanzhong and Liangzhou areas, helping secure Cao Cao’s western position.

When Hanzhong becomes a strategic battleground between Cao Cao and Liu Bei, Xiahou Yuan is entrusted with its defense. Liu Bei’s forces advance into the region, and the struggle eventually centers on Mount Dingjun.

At Mount Dingjun, the veteran general Huang Zhong attacks according to Fa Zheng’s plan. Xiahou Yuan is caught in the assault and killed by Huang Zhong. His death becomes a major turning point in the struggle for Hanzhong and creates one of the novel’s most celebrated episodes of an aging warrior winning decisive glory.

Cao Ren, courtesy name Zixiao, is one of the most important commanders from Cao Cao’s own clan in Romance of the Three Kingdoms. He follows Cao Cao from an early stage and repeatedly receives responsibility for major armies, fortified cities, and strategically important defensive positions.

After the Battle of Red Cliffs, Cao Ren is ordered to defend Nanjun against the forces of Eastern Wu. He fights a prolonged struggle with Zhou Yu and demonstrates both determination and personal courage, at one point leading troops to rescue men trapped outside the defenses.

Later, while defending Fancheng, Cao Ren faces Guan Yu’s great northern offensive. After Guan Yu floods the Seven Armies and throws the region into crisis, Cao Ren continues to hold the city while awaiting reinforcements. The arrival and success of Xu Huang eventually helps relieve the siege.

Cao Ren’s role in the story is defined less by flamboyant schemes than by command, endurance, and responsibility for crucial defensive fronts. Across Cao Cao’s expanding realm, he repeatedly appears as one of the clan’s most dependable military leaders.

Ma Dai is a Shu Han general in Romance of the Three Kingdoms and a kinsman of the famed western commander Ma Chao. He first appears within Ma Chao’s military circle and later enters Liu Bei’s service alongside him, becoming an officer of Shu.

Ma Dai participates in Shu military operations and later accompanies Zhuge Liang’s northern expeditions. Although he receives less narrative attention than Ma Chao, he consistently appears as a dependable and capable warrior shaped by the martial tradition of the northwest.

Before his death, Zhuge Liang anticipates that conflict may erupt between Wei Yan and Yang Yi and makes arrangements for the army’s withdrawal. After Zhuge Liang dies, Wei Yan refuses to follow the established retreat and his rivalry with Yang Yi turns into open confrontation.

Ma Dai has secretly remained close to Wei Yan as part of the plan. At the decisive moment, he suddenly turns on Wei Yan and kills him, bringing the internal crisis to an end. This dramatic killing becomes Ma Dai’s best-known episode in the novel.

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