The Shu Han, also known as the Ji Han, was an important regime during the Three Kingdoms period of China, existing from 221 to 263 AD. Liu Bei established this dynasty as emperor in Chengdu, and its territory included Wudu and Hanzhong in the north, Wuxia in the east, Yunnan and Guizhou in the south, as well as Shaanxi, southern Gansu, and northwestern Guangxi. However, in 263 AD, Shu Han was destroyed by the Wei state, ending its short history. Although the overall strength of the Shu Han was slightly less than that of Cao Wei and Eastern Wu during the Three Kingdoms period, it had a number of high-profile generals, such as Guan Yu, Zhao Yun, Ma Chao, Zhang Fei, and Huang Zhong and other generals of the Five Tigers, as well as Jiang Wei, Liao Hua, Zhang Yi, Wei Yan, and Wang Ping.
However, in addition to these widely known generals, the Shu Han also had some outstanding martial generals that were little known for various reasons. Here are four of the famous Shu Han generals who, although little known, are not to be underestimated.
1. Sentence support
Yufu (孝興), also known as Xiaoxing, was born in Hanchang County, Pasir County, Yizhou (present-day Bazhong, Sichuan Province). Yufu has a generous character, loyalty and bravery. He participated in many campaigns of the Southern and Northern Expeditions, established outstanding battle exploits for the Shu Han, and was eventually given the title of Marquis of Dangqu. Although Jufu's exploits are poorly documented in historical sources, his outstanding performance led him to be considered comparable to the famous Shu Han generals such as Wang Ping, Zhang Yi, and Liao Hua. The status of the county marquis of Jufu shows that he made outstanding contributions in the battles of the Northern Expedition and the Southern Central Pingding.
In 247, Jufu was appointed as the left general of the Shu Han dynasty, with a status slightly lower than that of the famous Shu Han general Wang Ping. Although Jufu's exploits may have been overlooked due to the inadequacy of historical records, he played an important role in the military system of the Shu Han dynasty.
Second, Chen Zhi
Chen Zhi (陈成), also known as Shuzhi, was born in Runan, Yuzhou (present-day Pingyu County, Zhumadian, Henan) during the Han Dynasty. Long before Liu Bei entered the Central Plains, Chen Zhi had already begun to follow Liu Bei. Among the martial generals of the Shu Han dynasty, Chen Zhi's seniority was second only to well-known figures such as Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun. Chen Zhi was famous for his loyalty and bravery, and once commanded the White Soldiers, serving as the Taishou of Ba County.
After Liu Bei's death, Chen Zhi became one of the important generals of the Shu Han dynasty, serving as the emissary of Badong Commandery. His loyalty and talent made him an important pillar of Liu Bei's army, but he was often overlooked due to his low profile and limited historical records.
3. Auxiliary Kuang
Fu Kuang (武匡), courtesy name Yuanbi, was born in Xiangyang Commandery, Jingzhou (present-day Xiangyang, Hubei). He followed Liu Bei during his capture of Yizhou and held positions such as the Taishou of Bajun. Fu Kuang was not only an excellent military general, but also had outstanding talent in politics.
He actively participated in the Battle of Yiling, but in the end, after Liu Bei was defeated by Lu Xun, Fu Kuang returned to Shuzhong with Liu Bei. After Liu Bei's death, Fu Kuang was appointed general of Zhennan and made Marquis of Zhongxiang. This position had a high status in the military system of the Shu Han dynasty, but Fu Kuang's reputation was relatively low and was often forgotten.
4. Yang Hong
Yang Hong, also known as Jixiu, was born in Wuyang, Qianwei (present-day eastern Pengshan County, Sichuan). He held important positions in several counties in Yizhou, including during the reign of Yizhou Mu Liu Zhang. After Liu Bei captured Yizhou, Yang Hong was appointed Taishou of Badong Commandery, and his stratagem and military skills were widely recognized.
Yang Hong's important moments include the Battle of Yiling, when he successfully quelled the rebellion when Liu Bei was seriously ill. His performance was appreciated by Liu Bei, and he was made Marquis of Guannei, and held the posts of Taishou of Shu County and General of Zhongjie.
All in all, although the four famous Shu Han generals, Jufu, Chen Zhi, Fu Kuang, and Yang Hong, are not as well-known as Guan Yu, Zhao Yun and others, their contributions and abilities are equally not to be underestimated. These forgotten martial generals played an important role in the history of the Shu Han dynasty, but are little known due to insufficient historical records.