Contents
Biography & Historical Record
Li Zhen (李祯, Lý Chân) was an imperial nobleman and military officer of the Cao Wei dynasty. He was the eldest son and primary heir of the famous founding hero Li Dian (李典, Lý Điển — Marquis of Bocheng, hero of Guandu and the defense of Hefei alongside Zhang Liao and Yue Jin). The Shanyang Li clan was renowned as one of the most powerful military clans in Yan Province, commanding thousands of loyal clan soldiers and private retainers.
Following Li Dian’s untimely death at the age of thirty-six, Li Zhen was appointed to succeed his father’s illustrious noble title as Marquis of Bocheng (破虏侯 / 都亭侯 / 捕虏侯 / 柏成侯). Known for his modest deportment and dedication to literature, reflecting his father’s lifelong reputation as a general who loved learning, Li Zhen maintained court duties in Luoyang and safeguarded his family’s military fiefdom throughout the reigns of Cao Pi and Cao Rui.
Role in Romance & Historical Chronicles
“Li Dian loved learning and respected scholars, never contending for merit with other generals; his son Li Zhen inherited his title and preserved the family’s honor with modesty and virtue.”
— Records of the Three Kingdoms (Sanguozhi)
In historical records, Li Zhen exemplifies the transition of Cao Wei’s founding martial clans into respected dynastic nobility. He ensured that the memory and scholarly heritage of his father Li Dian remained untarnished during decades of dynastic transitions.
Li Zhen (李祯) — Historical Timeline
Succession to Marquis of Bocheng
Upon the premature death of his father Li Dian, Li Zhen inherits the family marquisate and the hereditary command of clan retainers.
Elevation of Household Fief
Emperor Cao Rui posthumously honors Li Dian with the title Marquis Min and increases the tax-revenue households awarded to Li Zhen.
Service to the Wei State
Maintains imperial court service and military readiness in Yan Province, upholding the scholarly traditions of the Shanyang Li clan.
Key Relationships
Family
- Father: Li Dian (李典, Lý Điển) — Marquis of Bocheng, hero of Hefei, famed as a gentleman general.
- Granduncle: Li Qian (李乾, Lý Càn) — Chieftain of thousands of clan warriors who rallied to Cao Cao.
- Cousin: Li Zheng (李整, Lý Chỉnh) — Wei cavalry commander who fought Lü Bu.
Friends / Allies
- Sovereign: Cao Rui (Emperor Ming of Wei) (曹叡) — Bestowed additional honors on the descendants of founding heroes.
- Comrades-in-Arms: Descendants of Zhang Liao and Yue Jin, who shared joint military heritage with the Li family.
Enemies / Rivals
- Eastern Wu Invasions: Southern forces threatening the Huainan frontiers defended by the northern armies.
Other
- Lineage Legacy: Preserved the unique tradition of military nobility combined with high Confucian scholarship in Shanyang.
In Chronicles
Records of the Three Kingdoms (Sanguozhi)
- Li Zhen (李祯): Documented in Volume 18 (Biography of Li Dian), noting his inheritance of the Bocheng marquisate and the continuation of the family line.
In History
Summary
- Li Zhen (李祯) was an imperial marquis of Cao Wei who succeeded his father Li Dian as the head of the Shanyang Li clan.
Historical Record
- Records of the Three Kingdoms (三国志), Volume 18: Authoritative historical chronicle of Li Zhen’s noble inheritance.