Liu Bei: The Legendary Leader of the Han Imperial Clan and the Peach Garden Oath

Brief Introduction

Liu Bei (161–223), courtesy name Xuande, was from Zhuo County, Zhuo Commandery (present-day Zhuozhou, Hebei), and the founding emperor of Shu Han. In Luo Guanzhong's long historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Liu Bei is not only one of the core protagonists but also the embodiment of the virtues of "Benevolence and Righteousness." Born into poverty, he made a living weaving mats and selling slippers in his early years. However, harboring great ambitions, he raised an army under the identity of a descendant of the Han imperial clan, aiming to restore the Han Dynasty. He ultimately established the Shu Han regime, forming a tripartite confrontation with Cao Wei and Sun Wu. His life was magnificent and turbulent; he is portrayed as the most tragic and moving hero in the book and is revered by later generations as "Emperor Zhaolie."

Core Knowledge Points

Political Identity: A descendant of Liu Sheng, Prince Jing of Zhongshan, son of Emperor Jing of Han. This identity serves as the cornerstone of his political legitimacy in Romance of the Three Kingdoms*, running through the entire book. It is the key label that distinguishes him from other warlords, symbolizing the continuation of the Han orthodoxy.
* Relationships: The elder brother in the Peach Garden Oath, sharing a bond like brothers with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, laying the military foundation for Shu Han; the lord after the Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage, sharing a deep bond like fish and water with Zhuge Liang, forming the core of Shu Han's civil and military leadership.
* Personality Traits: Centered on "Benevolence," he was tearful (emotionally rich, easily moving people's hearts), resilient (fighting again after repeated defeats, never giving up lightly), and valued talent (humbly accepting advice and treating virtuous scholars with respect).

Connection to "Romance of the Three Kingdoms"

In the narrative thread of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Liu Bei's image is fleshed out through several classic episodes, profoundly influencing the direction of the novel:
1. Peach Garden Oath: In the first chapter of the novel, Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei burn incense and swear brotherhood in a peach garden in Zhuo County, vowing, "We may not be born on the same day, but we must die on the same day." This established the early core team of the Shu Han group and showcased his emphasis on loyalty and righteousness.
2. Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage: In chapters 41 to 43, Liu Bei visits Zhuge Liang three times, demonstrating his sincere eagerness to seek talent. This marked a turning point in Shu Han's strategic planning and laid the foundation for the alliance with Wu against Cao Wei.
3. Crossing the River with Civilians: Before the Battle of Changbanpo, Liu Bei insisted on retreating with the common people. He was willing to abandon the city rather than abandon the people, which slowed down the march but profoundly depicted his image as a "Benevolent Ruler," winning the hearts of the people.
4. Entrusting the Orphan at Baidi: In chapter 95 of the novel, on his deathbed, Liu Bei entrusted his successor, Liu Shan, to Zhuge Liang. This reflected his absolute trust and sense of responsibility toward his subordinate, also foreshadowing Zhuge Liang's subsequent dedication to his duty until his dying day.

Summary

Although Liu Bei did not realize his grand ambition of unifying the land in Romance of the Three Kingdoms, his indomitable will and character of benevolence and love for the people made him a model of the ideal ruler in traditional Chinese culture. His story is not only an epic of struggle for supremacy but also a legend about belief and human sentiment. It still holds profound educational significance and literary value today, making him an indispensable key figure for understanding Three Kingdoms culture.