Liu Chen (Prince of Beidi): The Loyal Soul Who Died for His Country at the End of Shu Han and His Tragic Ending in "Romance of the Three Kingdoms"

Brief Introduction

Liu Chen (?–263 AD), courtesy name Kaogong, was the son of Liu Shan, the last ruler of Shu Han, and was titled the Prince of Beidi. He is a famous loyal and righteous figure from the Three Kingdoms period, known to later generations for "committing suicide for his country." When the Shu Han regime faced destruction, Liu Chen strongly advocated resistance and opposed surrender. Ultimately, after his advice proved ineffective, he killed his wife and children and then committed suicide by slitting his throat, becoming one of the most tragic historical symbols on the eve of Shu Han's fall. For those studying Three Kingdoms history and the literary image in "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," Liu Chen is a representative tragic hero, symbolizing unyielding national integrity amidst chaotic times.

Core Knowledge Points

1. Identity and Background: Liu Chen was the fifth son of Liu Shan and was titled the Prince of Beidi. He possessed a stern character and political foresight, forming a sharp contrast with his father Liu Shan's cowardice and incompetence.
2. Act of Dying for the Country: In 263 AD, Wei general Deng Ai secretly crossed Yinping and arrived at Chengdu. Liu Shan intended to surrender. Liu Chen painfully stated the pros and cons, suggesting a fight to the death. Liu Shan did not listen. Liu Chen then killed his wife and children first, and later committed suicide at the Zhao Lie Temple (Liu Bei's Temple) to demonstrate his resolve.
3. Historical Evaluation: Liu Chen's death is regarded as the ultimate embodiment of loyalty and righteousness. Later generations often list him alongside loyal ministers like Wen Tianxiang, praising him as the "last backbone of Shu Han." In folk belief, he is also revered as a God of Loyalty and Righteousness, and his story is widely circulated.

Connection with "Romance of the Three Kingdoms"

In Luo Guanzhong's "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," Liu Chen's image underwent artistic sublimation. He is an important plot element in the book's conclusion, possessing high literary value.
* Court Debate: In the chapters describing the fall of Shu Han, the novel focuses on the conflict between Liu Chen and Liu Shan. Liu Chen spoke generously in the court, accusing Liu Shan of becoming "captives as father and son," and fiercely criticized the surrender faction. His words were intense and moving.
* Tragic Ending: The novel details the scene where Liu Chen returned home to kill his wife and children, then went to the Zhao Lie Temple to weep and commit suicide. This plot greatly enhances the tragic color, highlighting the desolation of "the Han mandate having ended," allowing readers to feel the heaviness of Shu Han's destruction.
* Contrast Technique: The author uses Liu Chen's sternness to contrast Liu Shan's incompetence, deepening the theme that "closeness to wise ministers and distance from petty men" led to Shu Han's destruction. Liu Chen's death is the last elegy for the Shu Han regime and one of the emotional climaxes of the entire book.

Conclusion

Although Liu Chen is a figure interwoven with history and literature, his spirit of dying for his country is permanently fixed in "Romance of the Three Kingdoms." He represents unyielding national integrity amidst chaotic times and is a symbol of loyalty that cannot be ignored in Three Kingdoms history. Searching for "Liu Chen," "Prince of Beidi," or "Fall of Shu Han" will allow you to learn about the story of this tragic hero. His existence reminds future generations to remember the importance of loyalty and patriotism.