Contents
Life and Legacy of Zhao Guang
Zhao Guang was a military officer of Shu Han during the turbulent Three Kingdoms era. According to the official records in the Records of the Three Kingdoms (Sanguozhi), he was the second son of the famed general Zhao Yun and served the state diligently as a Colonel of the Guard (牙门将).
Heroic Stand During the Fall of Shu
In 263 AD, during the conquest launched by Cao Wei, Zhao Guang accompanied Grand General Jiang Wei to establish northern border defenses at Tazhong and Yinping. When rival commanders Deng Ai and Zhong Hui unleashed their coordinated invasion, the defending Shu forces faced overwhelming odds. Assigned to hold the frontline against Cao Wei’s vanguard led by Yang Xin, the young commander fought with great valor to protect the strategic passes, ultimately losing his life in battle while defending the realm.
Portrayal in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
In the classic historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, he first appears alongside his elder brother Zhao Tong to deliver the somber news of their father’s death to Emperor Liu Shan. Throughout literary adaptations, he is celebrated as a loyal successor to his father’s martial legacy, embodying steadfast devotion to Shu Han until his final moments.
Historical Timeline
Imperial Announcement
Together with his brother, he arrived at court to announce the death of their legendary father to Emperor Liu Shan.
The Battle of Tazhong
Under Jiang Wei’s command, he engaged the advancing Wei troops near Yinping, giving his life in service of the empire.
Key Relationships
- Zhao Yun: Father; legendary general and Tiger General of Shu Han.
- Zhao Tong: Elder brother; Commander of the Palace Guard and Marquis of Yongchang.
- Jiang Wei: Supreme commander whom he served as a trusted frontline officer during the final campaigns.
- Deng Ai & Yang Xin: Wei commanders whose aggressive northern thrust confronted his rearguard defense at Tazhong.
In Novel
Chapter 104
- Zhao Guang (赵广, Triệu Quảng): Zhao Guang is Zhao Yun’s son and serves Shu as a military officer. During the later northern campaigns he remains associated with the Shu army and inherits part of his father’s military legacy.
Chapter 107
- Zhao Guang (赵广, Triệu Quảng): Zhao Guang continues to serve during Jiang Wei’s campaigns. His role is that of a subordinate commander supporting the Shu army rather than an independent strategist.
In History
Family and Early Service
- Zhao Guang (赵广, Triệu Quảng) was the second son of Zhao Yun (赵云, Triệu Vân) and served Shu Han as a military officer.
Later Shu Han
- Zhao Guang served under Jiang Wei (姜维, Khương Duy) during Shu Han’s later northern campaigns against Wei.
264 AD
- Zhao Guang was killed in action at Tazhong during the final period of Shu resistance to Wei.