Liao Hua
Encyclopedia
Liao Hua originally named Liao Chun (廖淳), style name
Yuanjian (元儉), was a military general serving under the warlord Liu Bei
during the late Han Dynasty
and Three Kingdoms
era of Chinese history
.
's secretary during his middle years. After Guan Yu's failure in the battle of Fancheng
(Liao Hua's role in the battle is unknown), Liao was captured by the forces of Sun Quan
. Determined to return to his former ruler, Liu Bei, Liao Hua staged his own death and led the others to believe it. He then took his mother and escaped westward, traveling night and day. Meanwhile, Liu Bei was marching eastward, and the two met up at Zigui
. Liu Bei was greatly pleased, and made Liao Hua grand administrator of Yidu.
After Liu Bei's death, Liao Hua was made the military adviser to the Shu chancellor, Zhuge Liang
. He later became administrator of the Guangwu region, and was promoted to the position of General of the Chariots and Cavalry of the Right, made designated inspector of Bing Province
, and granted the title of Marquis of Zhong. He was famous for his determination and fiery, and was involved in several Shu's campaigns against the rival state of Wei
. After the surrender of Shu, Liao Hua was relocated to Luoyang
, but he died on the way, at an age above 70.
Liao Hua was very critical of Jiang Wei
and his later campaigns, stating "One who does not put arms away will surely end up having himself burnt [...] His intelligence does not surpass that of the foe, and his forces number less than that of the enemy. Yet he employs the troops without ceasing – how?"
. The following are some significant stories involving Liao Hua from the novel:
in 184. Following the failed uprising, Liao Hua went rogue for some time, leading a force of over 500 bandits that plundered near the lakes and rivers.
After Guan Yu's temporary service with Cao Cao
had ended in 200, he began heading to Gucheng with the two wives of his sworn brother, Liu Bei. At some point during the journey, when Guan Yu was away, a bandit by the name of Du Yuan
approached the carriage and kidnapped the two women. After bringing them to the nearby hills, Du Yuan was confronted by Liao Hua who demanded they be set free, knowing them to be of gentle birth. Du Yuan refused, but offered one of them to Liao Hua as compensation. Liao Hua rejected the offer and slew Du Yuan instead, severing his head and tying it around the neck of his horse. He then rode with the women back to Guan Yu. Here, Liao Hua was impressed by Guan Yu who showed no sign of fear in the face of Liao Hua, who was wielding a spear and riding a horse with a severed head tied around its neck. Guan Yu instead thanked the bandit graciously and Liao Hua requested he join Guan Yu on his journey; but Guan, noticing the yellow scarve around Liao's head, refused and left him behind. At some unspecified time later, Guan Yu reconsidered and allowed Liao Hua to join him. From here, he became one of Guan Yu's most trusted officers, often being placed in charge of the vanguard unit and receiving promotions evenly with Guan Yu's son, Guan Ping
.
, realizing this was a planned maneuver, withdrew back to his castle, but found it to be occupied by Guan Yu who challenged him to a duel. Stricken with fear, Cao Ren retreated. Wang Fu commented on Cao Ren's defeat, but warned Guan Yu that Sun Quan's forces, led by Lü Meng
, could pose a problem. This advice proved correct, as Lü Meng entered the battle with overwhelming troops. Once Guan Yu was besieged in the city of Maicheng, he required an officer to ride on horseback to reach Liu Feng
's castle to request reinforcements, and Liao Hua volunteered. As he made his way out of Maicheng, Ding Feng tried to check him, but was beaten back by Guan Ping; this was the last time Liao Hua would see his comrade. He was then able to travel alone, through the oncoming horde of Sun Quan's soldiers, finally reaching Liu Feng. Liu Feng, however, refused to send reinforcements and supplies, since Guan Yu was besieged by overwhelming enemy troops and it might be too risky for a rescue. Angered, Liao Hua rode to Chengdu
and reported Liu Feng's refusal to help Guan Yu to Liu Bei; Liu Bei, enraged, ordered the execution of Liu Feng.
, he commanded Liao Hua, Wang Ping and Zhang Yi (Boqi)
to slay Wang Shuang
. When the three rode out to Wang Shuang's position, Zhang Yi challenged the Wei general to a duel. During the fight, Wang Shuang hurled a meteor hammer at Zhang Yi and struck him in the back. Zhang Yi fell over his saddle, vomiting blood. Wang Shuang approached to commit the final blow, but was pushed back by Liao Hua and Wang Ping, who rescued Zhang Yi and rode back to Zhuge Liang. After witnessing the three generals returning without a victory, Zhuge Liang commented on Wang Shuang, "no one can stand up to him." Wang Shuang was later defeated by Wei Yan
.
During Zhuge Liang's campaign in Mount Qi, Liao Hua stood with Jiang Wei on a nearby mountaintop, spectating the battle. Upon witnessing the enemy's strength, Liao Hua and Jiang Wei opened a silken bag given to them by Zhuge Liang that outlined a secret plan. It said to travel to Sima Yi
's camp and cause him to retreat, so the two divided the force and started for the enemy's camp. Believing it to be an obscure scheme by Zhuge Liang, Sima Yi did indeed retreat. Later, Liao Hua and Guan Xing
blocked the passages of escape for the Wei army. Upon seeing this, Cao Zhen
's general Qin Liang rode out to duel Liao Hua, but was slain almost immediately by Liao.
At Gourd Valley, Liao Hua caught sight of Sima Yi fleeing the battlefield on horseback. Liao Hua gave chase into a dense forest and, being a proficient horseman, was able to catch up and get close enough to strike the Wei strategist; but when Sima Yi swerved around a tree, Liao Hua missed the shot and his sword became lodged into the tree, allowing Sima Yi to escape. During the chase however, Sima Yi dropped his golden helmet. Liao Hua took the helmet and tied it around his horse's saddle as a reminder for him missing his target. He then traveled back to Zhuge Liang who rewarded him with the first grade of merit for his attempt. This event angered Wei Yan who felt Liao Hua was being unfairly praised. Zhuge Liang noticed this but said nothing, leading to a mild distaste for Wei Yan's jealousy.
Right before Zhuge Liang passed away, he named Liao Hua, along with Ma Dai
, Wang Ping, Zhang Yi (Boqi) and Zhang Yi (Bogong)
, as the loyal generals of Shu who should be retained.
, wielding a mighty splitter-of-mountains axe. Liao Hua accepted, but after several bouts, his age became apparent. Realizing he did not have the endurance to gain the edge on the younger Xu Zhi, Liao Hua took advantage of a feint and allowed Zhang Yi to take his place in the duel; but Zhang Yi was quickly bested and he retreated along with Liao Hua. Later, Jiang Wei made a plan to attack Xu Zhi's force and commanded Liao Hua and Zhang Yi to lead separate armies in opposite directions. The two accepted and committed a successful surprise attack. Although his force was wiped out, Xu Zhi managed to escape unharmed. However, during his getaway, he ran into an ambush party led by Jiang Wei, and was immediately killed. Later, Sima Zhao
fled his camp on horseback, following a surprise attack led by Xiahou Ba
. Liao Hua awaited him on the escape path however; and Sima Zhao, overwhelmed with fear upon seeing Liao, fled for the hills where he exclaimed "Death will surely come to me here!" Jiang Wei saw this as redemption for Sima Yi escaping Liao Hua's clutches at Gourd Valley, but Sima Zhao survived the ordeal.
When Liao Hua marched on Mount Qi in 258, he hid in the hills with his men. As Wei general Zheng Lun approached, a bomb exploded. Drums began to rumble and as the smoke cleared, Zheng Lun spotted Liao Hua standing before him. Neither side stayed to parley, and the two leaders engaged in a duel. In the first round, Liao Hua cut down Zheng Lun. This gave Zhang Yi an opportunity to ride in and attack Deng Ai
. Deng Ai escaped alive, but with four arrow wounds. Soon after, Deng Ai sent Dang Jun
to Shu to speak with eunuch Huang Hao
. Huang Hao was paid off handsomely and he convinced Liu Shan
to order a retreat. Although he was ignorant to the reason, Jiang Wei was recalled by an imperial edict and he could not disobey; but Liao Hua refuted these orders and advised Jiang Wei that "a leader in the field is independent and need not obey even the command of his prince." Although Jiang Wei ended up following Liu Shan's demands, Liao Hua became somewhat of his personal adviser after this event, and was often called upon for advice until Shu's surrender to Wei in 263.
When Sima Zhao became regent and Duke of Jin in 260, Jiang Wei seized it as an opportunity to punish Wei for deposition against its ruler, Cao Huan
. The number of men in the army totaled 150,000 and Liao Hua was made leader of the vanguard as he marched to Ziwu Valley. At this time, Deng Ai sent Wang Guan to Xie Valley where Jiang Wei was stationed. Wang Guan faked defection, and although Jiang Wei knew this, he led Wang to believe otherwise. Jiang Wei then ordered Liao Hua and Zhang Yi to capture Mount Qi while he used Wang Guan's known allegiance as a means of luring Deng Ai away from Mount Qi and into a trap. The plan worked and Jiang Wei defeated Deng Ai, but he suffered great losses and Deng returned to Mount Qi before it could be taken. Two years later, Jiang Wei requested permission from Liu Shan to attack Wei again. He was granted said permission, but before the final preparations were complete, he questioned Liao Hua on the best way to start the expedition. Unexpectedly, Liao Hua advised Jiang Wei to not march at all and spoke up for the people of Shu who had been fighting for years without rest. Annoyed by his senior general's advice, Jiang Wei retorted, "the late Chancellor made six attempts, all for the state. I have attacked eight times. Was anyone of those attacks to serve my private ends? This time I go to attack Taoyang, and no one shall say me nay. I will punish opposition with death." So Liao Hua was left behind to guard Hanzhong as Jiang Wei marched toward Taoyang with 300,000 troops. Jiang Wei was soundly defeated.
With resources drained, Jiang Wei and Liao Hua attempted one more campaign against Wei, but were unsuccessful and Shu submitted. After Liu Shan's surrender was official, he was relocated to Luoyang with many of his officers, including Fan Jian
, Qiao Zhou
and Xi Zheng
. Liao Hua, however, was embarrassed for his state and refused to follow his ruler, faking illness as an excuse. He died of grief soon after.
Liao Hua was the only Shu general who lived to see the birth of the state of Shu to its demise. Although his exact age is never specified, it seems likely that due to his longevity, Liao Hua was a child soldier during the Yellow Turban Rebellion and remained active well into his 80s or 90s. In his career, Liao Hua reached the second-in-command military rank just behind Jiang Wei, proving himself in battle on several occasions. This was, according to some, the most telling reflection of the ill fortunes which plagued Shu. After all, many of Shu's greatest generals such as the likes of Guan Yu, Zhang Fei and Huang Zhong
, all met untimely deaths and could not live to see the later prosperities of Shu.
Chinese style name
A Chinese style name, sometimes also known as a courtesy name , is a given name to be used later in life. After 20 years of age, the zì is assigned in place of one's given name as a symbol of adulthood and respect...
Yuanjian (元儉), was a military general serving under the warlord Liu Bei
Liu Bei
Liu Bei , also known as Liu Xuande, was a warlord, military general and later the founding emperor of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history...
during the late Han Dynasty
Han Dynasty
The Han Dynasty was the second imperial dynasty of China, preceded by the Qin Dynasty and succeeded by the Three Kingdoms . It was founded by the rebel leader Liu Bang, known posthumously as Emperor Gaozu of Han. It was briefly interrupted by the Xin Dynasty of the former regent Wang Mang...
and Three Kingdoms
Three Kingdoms
The Three Kingdoms period was a period in Chinese history, part of an era of disunity called the "Six Dynasties" following immediately the loss of de facto power of the Han Dynasty rulers. In a strict academic sense it refers to the period between the foundation of the state of Wei in 220 and the...
era of Chinese history
History of China
Chinese civilization originated in various regional centers along both the Yellow River and the Yangtze River valleys in the Neolithic era, but the Yellow River is said to be the Cradle of Chinese Civilization. With thousands of years of continuous history, China is one of the world's oldest...
.
Biography
Little was known about Liao Hua's early life. He probably worked as a clerk in Jing Province, and became Guan YuGuan Yu
Guan Yu was a general serving under the warlord Liu Bei during the late Eastern Han Dynasty of China. He played a significant role in the civil war that led to the collapse of the Han Dynasty and the establishment of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period, of which Liu Bei was the...
's secretary during his middle years. After Guan Yu's failure in the battle of Fancheng
Battle of Fancheng
The Battle of Fancheng was fought between the forces of warlords Liu Bei and Cao Cao in 219 during the prelude to the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history...
(Liao Hua's role in the battle is unknown), Liao was captured by the forces of Sun Quan
Sun Quan
Sun Quan , son of Sun Jian, formally Emperor Da of Wu, was the founder of Eastern Wu during the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. He ruled from 222 to 229 as King of Wu and from 229 to 252 as Emperor of Wu....
. Determined to return to his former ruler, Liu Bei, Liao Hua staged his own death and led the others to believe it. He then took his mother and escaped westward, traveling night and day. Meanwhile, Liu Bei was marching eastward, and the two met up at Zigui
Zigui
Zigui County is a county in Yichang, in the central China province of Hubei. It encompasses the easternmost portion of the Yangtze River Gorges, including the Xiling Gorge ....
. Liu Bei was greatly pleased, and made Liao Hua grand administrator of Yidu.
After Liu Bei's death, Liao Hua was made the military adviser to the Shu chancellor, Zhuge Liang
Zhuge Liang
Zhuge Liang was a chancellor of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. He is often recognised as the greatest and most accomplished strategist of his era....
. He later became administrator of the Guangwu region, and was promoted to the position of General of the Chariots and Cavalry of the Right, made designated inspector of Bing Province
Bing (province)
Bing was a province of China during the Han Dynasty, in the approximate area of modern Shanxi and western Hebei. At the end of the Han Dynasty, during a succession dispute among heirs of Yuan Shao , Bing was one of the first provinces to come under control of the warlord Cao Cao...
, and granted the title of Marquis of Zhong. He was famous for his determination and fiery, and was involved in several Shu's campaigns against the rival state of Wei
Cao Wei
Cao Wei was one of the states that competed for control of China during the Three Kingdoms period. With the capital at Luoyang, the state was established by Cao Pi in 220, based upon the foundations that his father Cao Cao laid...
. After the surrender of Shu, Liao Hua was relocated to Luoyang
Luoyang
Luoyang is a prefecture-level city in western Henan province of Central China. It borders the provincial capital of Zhengzhou to the east, Pingdingshan to the southeast, Nanyang to the south, Sanmenxia to the west, Jiyuan to the north, and Jiaozuo to the northeast.Situated on the central plain of...
, but he died on the way, at an age above 70.
Liao Hua was very critical of Jiang Wei
Jiang Wei
Jiang Wei was a military general and regent of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history. He originally served Shu's rival state, Cao Wei, as a middle-level military officer, but defected to the Shu strategist Zhuge Liang, leaving his mother in Wei. After that, Jiang...
and his later campaigns, stating "One who does not put arms away will surely end up having himself burnt [...] His intelligence does not surpass that of the foe, and his forces number less than that of the enemy. Yet he employs the troops without ceasing – how?"
In fiction
Liao Hua is one of the most aggrandized historical figures in Luo Guanzhong's historical novel Romance of the Three KingdomsRomance of the Three Kingdoms
Romance of the Three Kingdoms, written by Luo Guanzhong in the 14th century, is a Chinese historical novel based on the events in the turbulent years near the end of the Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history, starting in 169 and ending with the reunification of the land in...
. The following are some significant stories involving Liao Hua from the novel:
Early life
Liao Hua was a follower of Zhang Jiao during the Yellow Turban RebellionYellow Turban Rebellion
The Yellow Turban Rebellion, also translated as Yellow Scarves Rebellion, was a peasant revolt that broke out in 184 AD in China during the reign of Emperor Ling of the Han Dynasty...
in 184. Following the failed uprising, Liao Hua went rogue for some time, leading a force of over 500 bandits that plundered near the lakes and rivers.
After Guan Yu's temporary service with Cao Cao
Cao Cao
Cao Cao was a warlord and the penultimate chancellor of the Eastern Han Dynasty who rose to great power during the dynasty's final years. As one of the central figures of the Three Kingdoms period, he laid the foundations for what was to become the state of Cao Wei and was posthumously titled...
had ended in 200, he began heading to Gucheng with the two wives of his sworn brother, Liu Bei. At some point during the journey, when Guan Yu was away, a bandit by the name of Du Yuan
Du Yuan
Du Yuan is a fictional character in Luo Guanzhong's historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. He was a former Yellow Turban rebel who became a bandit leader. He appeared in the chapter about Guan Yu crossing five passes and slaying six generals. He kidnapped Liu Bei's wives, whom Guan was...
approached the carriage and kidnapped the two women. After bringing them to the nearby hills, Du Yuan was confronted by Liao Hua who demanded they be set free, knowing them to be of gentle birth. Du Yuan refused, but offered one of them to Liao Hua as compensation. Liao Hua rejected the offer and slew Du Yuan instead, severing his head and tying it around the neck of his horse. He then rode with the women back to Guan Yu. Here, Liao Hua was impressed by Guan Yu who showed no sign of fear in the face of Liao Hua, who was wielding a spear and riding a horse with a severed head tied around its neck. Guan Yu instead thanked the bandit graciously and Liao Hua requested he join Guan Yu on his journey; but Guan, noticing the yellow scarve around Liao's head, refused and left him behind. At some unspecified time later, Guan Yu reconsidered and allowed Liao Hua to join him. From here, he became one of Guan Yu's most trusted officers, often being placed in charge of the vanguard unit and receiving promotions evenly with Guan Yu's son, Guan Ping
Guan Ping
Guan Ping was the oldest son of the military general Guan Yu and older brother of Guan Xing. He served under the warlord Liu Bei during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history...
.
Battle of Fancheng
When Guan Yu marched on Xiangyang in 219, Liao Hua and Guan Ping were made leaders of the vanguard. As the army approached the region, Liao Hua was given orders to duel the enemy general, Zhai Yuan. Shortly after the duel started, Liao Hua faked injury and retreated, luring Zhai Yuan and his army into a trap. After they had traveled several miles away, a force led by Liao Hua and Guan Ping began chasing after Zhai Yuan and his own force. Guan Ping slew Zhai Yuan. The enemy commander Cao RenCao Ren
Cao Ren was a military general serving under the warlord Cao Cao during the late Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history. He played a significant part in assisting Cao Cao in the civil wars leading to the end of the Han Dynasty...
, realizing this was a planned maneuver, withdrew back to his castle, but found it to be occupied by Guan Yu who challenged him to a duel. Stricken with fear, Cao Ren retreated. Wang Fu commented on Cao Ren's defeat, but warned Guan Yu that Sun Quan's forces, led by Lü Meng
Lü Meng
Lü Meng was a military general serving under the warlord Sun Quan during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. He served as the commanding general in the invasion of Jing Province that led to the death of Guan Yu.-Early life:Lü Meng was born in Fupo, Runan Commandery in 178...
, could pose a problem. This advice proved correct, as Lü Meng entered the battle with overwhelming troops. Once Guan Yu was besieged in the city of Maicheng, he required an officer to ride on horseback to reach Liu Feng
Liu Feng
Liu Feng was an adopted son of the warlord Liu Bei, and served as a general in Liu Bei's army during the late Han Dynasty of China.-Early life:...
's castle to request reinforcements, and Liao Hua volunteered. As he made his way out of Maicheng, Ding Feng tried to check him, but was beaten back by Guan Ping; this was the last time Liao Hua would see his comrade. He was then able to travel alone, through the oncoming horde of Sun Quan's soldiers, finally reaching Liu Feng. Liu Feng, however, refused to send reinforcements and supplies, since Guan Yu was besieged by overwhelming enemy troops and it might be too risky for a rescue. Angered, Liao Hua rode to Chengdu
Chengdu
Chengdu , formerly transliterated Chengtu, is the capital of Sichuan province in Southwest China. It holds sub-provincial administrative status...
and reported Liu Feng's refusal to help Guan Yu to Liu Bei; Liu Bei, enraged, ordered the execution of Liu Feng.
Zhuge Liang's Northern Campaigns
Liao Hua played a prominent role in Zhuge Liang's Northern Expeditions. In 229, when Zhuge Liang was attacking ChencangChencang District
Chencang District is a district of Baoji, Shaanxi, China....
, he commanded Liao Hua, Wang Ping and Zhang Yi (Boqi)
Zhang Yi (Boqi)
Zhang Yi , style name Boqi, was a military general of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms era of China. He was instrumental in pacifying the barbarian peoples who rebelled against Shu. He was slain by Xu Zhi during one of Jiang Wei's Northern Expeditions while distracting the enemy from pursuing...
to slay Wang Shuang
Wang Shuang
Wang Shuang , style name Ziquan , was a military general of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. He initially participated in battles against the eastern warlord, Sun Quan, but was defeated and captured...
. When the three rode out to Wang Shuang's position, Zhang Yi challenged the Wei general to a duel. During the fight, Wang Shuang hurled a meteor hammer at Zhang Yi and struck him in the back. Zhang Yi fell over his saddle, vomiting blood. Wang Shuang approached to commit the final blow, but was pushed back by Liao Hua and Wang Ping, who rescued Zhang Yi and rode back to Zhuge Liang. After witnessing the three generals returning without a victory, Zhuge Liang commented on Wang Shuang, "no one can stand up to him." Wang Shuang was later defeated by Wei Yan
Wei Yan
Wei Yan was a military general of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history. He became a soldier of Liu Bei when the latter fled Jing Province and seek protection from the eastern warlord, Sun Quan, in 208. In 211, Wei had climbed up the ranks and become a general in Liu Bei's...
.
During Zhuge Liang's campaign in Mount Qi, Liao Hua stood with Jiang Wei on a nearby mountaintop, spectating the battle. Upon witnessing the enemy's strength, Liao Hua and Jiang Wei opened a silken bag given to them by Zhuge Liang that outlined a secret plan. It said to travel to Sima Yi
Sima Yi
Sima Yi was a general and politician of the state of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history. He is perhaps best known for defending Wei from Zhuge Liang's Northern Expeditions...
's camp and cause him to retreat, so the two divided the force and started for the enemy's camp. Believing it to be an obscure scheme by Zhuge Liang, Sima Yi did indeed retreat. Later, Liao Hua and Guan Xing
Guan Xing
Guan Xing was an official of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history. He was the second son of the military general Guan Yu and the younger brother of Guan Ping. He succeeded his father when both Guan Yu and Guan Ping were captured and executed by forces of Eastern Wu at the...
blocked the passages of escape for the Wei army. Upon seeing this, Cao Zhen
Cao Zhen
Cao Zhen was a military general serving under the warlord Cao Cao during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. He served the state of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms period. He was also a distant nephew of Cao Cao, though the latter treated him like a son. Cao Zhen participated in many...
's general Qin Liang rode out to duel Liao Hua, but was slain almost immediately by Liao.
At Gourd Valley, Liao Hua caught sight of Sima Yi fleeing the battlefield on horseback. Liao Hua gave chase into a dense forest and, being a proficient horseman, was able to catch up and get close enough to strike the Wei strategist; but when Sima Yi swerved around a tree, Liao Hua missed the shot and his sword became lodged into the tree, allowing Sima Yi to escape. During the chase however, Sima Yi dropped his golden helmet. Liao Hua took the helmet and tied it around his horse's saddle as a reminder for him missing his target. He then traveled back to Zhuge Liang who rewarded him with the first grade of merit for his attempt. This event angered Wei Yan who felt Liao Hua was being unfairly praised. Zhuge Liang noticed this but said nothing, leading to a mild distaste for Wei Yan's jealousy.
Right before Zhuge Liang passed away, he named Liao Hua, along with Ma Dai
Ma Dai
Ma Dai was a military general of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history. He previously served under his uncle, the warlord Ma Teng...
, Wang Ping, Zhang Yi (Boqi) and Zhang Yi (Bogong)
Zhang Yi (Bogong)
Zhang Yi , style name Bogong, was a general of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history. Originally from Wuyang and a descendant of Zhang Liang, he became Liu Bei's commander after Liu Bei had captured Yizhou...
, as the loyal generals of Shu who should be retained.
Later life
In 253, while Liao Hua and Zhang Yi (Bogong) were leading their force north, Liao was challenged to a duel by Wei general Xu ZhiXu Zhi
Xu Zhi was a military general of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. His name is sometimes romanticized as Xu Zi.-Biography:...
, wielding a mighty splitter-of-mountains axe. Liao Hua accepted, but after several bouts, his age became apparent. Realizing he did not have the endurance to gain the edge on the younger Xu Zhi, Liao Hua took advantage of a feint and allowed Zhang Yi to take his place in the duel; but Zhang Yi was quickly bested and he retreated along with Liao Hua. Later, Jiang Wei made a plan to attack Xu Zhi's force and commanded Liao Hua and Zhang Yi to lead separate armies in opposite directions. The two accepted and committed a successful surprise attack. Although his force was wiped out, Xu Zhi managed to escape unharmed. However, during his getaway, he ran into an ambush party led by Jiang Wei, and was immediately killed. Later, Sima Zhao
Sima Zhao
Sima Zhao was a military general, politician and regent of the state of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history...
fled his camp on horseback, following a surprise attack led by Xiahou Ba
Xiahou Ba
Xiahou Ba , style name Zhongquan , was a military general of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history...
. Liao Hua awaited him on the escape path however; and Sima Zhao, overwhelmed with fear upon seeing Liao, fled for the hills where he exclaimed "Death will surely come to me here!" Jiang Wei saw this as redemption for Sima Yi escaping Liao Hua's clutches at Gourd Valley, but Sima Zhao survived the ordeal.
When Liao Hua marched on Mount Qi in 258, he hid in the hills with his men. As Wei general Zheng Lun approached, a bomb exploded. Drums began to rumble and as the smoke cleared, Zheng Lun spotted Liao Hua standing before him. Neither side stayed to parley, and the two leaders engaged in a duel. In the first round, Liao Hua cut down Zheng Lun. This gave Zhang Yi an opportunity to ride in and attack Deng Ai
Deng Ai
Deng Ai was a military general of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history. It was said that whenever he saw a hill or wide valley, he would immediately size up the best places to store grain and position troops. His talent was recognized by Sima Yi, who recommended him to take up...
. Deng Ai escaped alive, but with four arrow wounds. Soon after, Deng Ai sent Dang Jun
Dang Jun
Dang Jun is a fictional character in Luo Guanzhong's historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. He was an official of the Cao Wei state and served as an advisor to the general Deng Ai. When Deng was defeated by Jiang Wei during the Cao Wei invasion of Shu Han, Dang bribed Huang Hao to spread...
to Shu to speak with eunuch Huang Hao
Huang Hao
Huang Hao was a eunuch serving Liu Shan, second and last emperor of the Kingdom of Shu during the Three Kingdoms era in ancient China. Highly favoured by Liu Shan, he was commonly blamed for misguiding the latter into surrendering to the Kingdom of Wei and considered one of the most corrupt and...
. Huang Hao was paid off handsomely and he convinced Liu Shan
Liu Shan
Liu Shan, , was the second and last emperor of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history. As he ascended the throne at the young age of 16, Liu Shan was entrusted to the care of the Chancellor Zhuge Liang and Imperial Secretariat Li Yan...
to order a retreat. Although he was ignorant to the reason, Jiang Wei was recalled by an imperial edict and he could not disobey; but Liao Hua refuted these orders and advised Jiang Wei that "a leader in the field is independent and need not obey even the command of his prince." Although Jiang Wei ended up following Liu Shan's demands, Liao Hua became somewhat of his personal adviser after this event, and was often called upon for advice until Shu's surrender to Wei in 263.
When Sima Zhao became regent and Duke of Jin in 260, Jiang Wei seized it as an opportunity to punish Wei for deposition against its ruler, Cao Huan
Cáo Huàn
Cao Huan , formally known as Emperor Yuan of Wei, was the fifth and last emperor of the state of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history....
. The number of men in the army totaled 150,000 and Liao Hua was made leader of the vanguard as he marched to Ziwu Valley. At this time, Deng Ai sent Wang Guan to Xie Valley where Jiang Wei was stationed. Wang Guan faked defection, and although Jiang Wei knew this, he led Wang to believe otherwise. Jiang Wei then ordered Liao Hua and Zhang Yi to capture Mount Qi while he used Wang Guan's known allegiance as a means of luring Deng Ai away from Mount Qi and into a trap. The plan worked and Jiang Wei defeated Deng Ai, but he suffered great losses and Deng returned to Mount Qi before it could be taken. Two years later, Jiang Wei requested permission from Liu Shan to attack Wei again. He was granted said permission, but before the final preparations were complete, he questioned Liao Hua on the best way to start the expedition. Unexpectedly, Liao Hua advised Jiang Wei to not march at all and spoke up for the people of Shu who had been fighting for years without rest. Annoyed by his senior general's advice, Jiang Wei retorted, "the late Chancellor made six attempts, all for the state. I have attacked eight times. Was anyone of those attacks to serve my private ends? This time I go to attack Taoyang, and no one shall say me nay. I will punish opposition with death." So Liao Hua was left behind to guard Hanzhong as Jiang Wei marched toward Taoyang with 300,000 troops. Jiang Wei was soundly defeated.
With resources drained, Jiang Wei and Liao Hua attempted one more campaign against Wei, but were unsuccessful and Shu submitted. After Liu Shan's surrender was official, he was relocated to Luoyang with many of his officers, including Fan Jian
Fan Jian
Fan Jian, style name Changyuan , was an official of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history.-Biography:Fan served as a Palace Attendant and Imperial Secretary. He was put in charge of state affairs together with Zhuge Zhan and Dong Jue. He was not on good terms with the eunuch...
, Qiao Zhou
Qiao Zhou
Qiao Zhou , style name Yunnan , was a minister of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. Qiao formerly served under Liu Zhang. Qiao is remembered in later fiction as a very gifted astrologer whose readings of the sky were of use to Zhuge Liang's dispatch of troops...
and Xi Zheng
Xi Zheng
Xi Zheng , style name Lingxian , was a politician of Shu Han during the late Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. When Zhuge Liang left for the Northern Campaign, Xi was tasked to look after domestic affairs on his behalf. Following the fall of Shu Han, Xi was sent to the Cao Wei capital city...
. Liao Hua, however, was embarrassed for his state and refused to follow his ruler, faking illness as an excuse. He died of grief soon after.
Liao Hua was the only Shu general who lived to see the birth of the state of Shu to its demise. Although his exact age is never specified, it seems likely that due to his longevity, Liao Hua was a child soldier during the Yellow Turban Rebellion and remained active well into his 80s or 90s. In his career, Liao Hua reached the second-in-command military rank just behind Jiang Wei, proving himself in battle on several occasions. This was, according to some, the most telling reflection of the ill fortunes which plagued Shu. After all, many of Shu's greatest generals such as the likes of Guan Yu, Zhang Fei and Huang Zhong
Huang Zhong
Huang Zhong was a military general serving under the warlord Liu Bei during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. He was most noted for his victory in the Battle of Mount Dingjun, in which his force routed that of Xiahou Yuan, who was slain during battle...
, all met untimely deaths and could not live to see the later prosperities of Shu.
Appointments and titles held
- Registrar (主簿) to Guan YuGuan YuGuan Yu was a general serving under the warlord Liu Bei during the late Eastern Han Dynasty of China. He played a significant role in the civil war that led to the collapse of the Han Dynasty and the establishment of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period, of which Liu Bei was the...
- Administrator of Yidu (宜都太守)
- Army Adviser (參軍) to Chancellor Zhuge LiangZhuge LiangZhuge Liang was a chancellor of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. He is often recognised as the greatest and most accomplished strategist of his era....
- General of Chariots and Cavalry of the Right (右車騎將軍)
- Inspector of Bing Province (并州刺史)
- Marquis of Zhong (中鄉侯)