Contents
Biography & Historical Record
Chen Wu (died 215 AD), courtesy name Zilie, was a military general of the state of Eastern Wu during the late Eastern Han dynasty and Three Kingdoms period. Hailing from Lujiang Commandery, Chen Wu possessed an imposing stature, extraordinary physical strength, and fierce bravery in battle. He joined Sun Ce early during Sun Ce’s conquest of Jiangdong, where his bravery quickly caught the attention of the leadership, leading to his appointment as a military commander leading elite vanguard troops. He participated in numerous crucial campaigns for the Sun family, including the subduing of regional strongmen in Jiangdong, the campaign against Liu Xun, and the defense of Eastern Wu during major external invasions.
Following Sun Ce’s death, Chen Wu continued to serve Sun Quan with absolute loyalty and distinction. He was placed in command of elite assault troops known for their fierce combat capabilities. In 215 AD, during the Battle of Hefei against the forces of Cao Cao, Eastern Wu forces suffered a sudden and devastating ambush led by the Wei general Zhang Liao. As the Wu army fell into disarray and retreated under heavy pressure, Chen Wu fought valiantly to protect his comrades and lord, but his clothes became entangled in the thickets during the chaotic retreat, preventing his escape. He was surrounded and killed in action, fighting bravely to the last moment. Deeply grieved by his death, Sun Quan personally attended his funeral and mourned him deeply. His eldest son Chen Xiu and younger son Chenbiao later inherited his military responsibilities and titles.
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
In Luo Guanzhong’s historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Chen Wu is introduced as a stalwart and fearless warrior under the banner of Sun Ce and later Sun Quan. He takes part in many pivotal battles across Jiangdong and participates in the historic Battle of Red Cliffs against Cao Cao’s massive armada. His most memorable and tragic appearance occurs during the defense of Hefei in Chapter 68, where Zhang Liao launches a ferocious surprise attack against the Wu camp. As chaos erupts and the Wu forces scatter, Chen Wu fights heroically to cover the retreat, but meets a tragic end when he is trapped and slain in the thick woods by enemy troops.
Chen Wu (陳武) — Historical & Literary Timeline
Joining Sun Ce in Jiangdong
Chen Wu joins Sun Ce during the campaigns to pacify Jiangdong, demonstrating exceptional martial prowess and securing a position among the core military commanders.
The Battle of Red Cliffs
Chen Wu participates in the historic alliance and naval campaign against Cao Cao, contributing to the decisive defeat of the northern fleet.
The Defense of Hefei and Heroic Death
During Zhang Liao’s sudden surprise attack at Hefei, Chen Wu fights desperately to cover the retreat of the Wu army, but is trapped in the thickets and killed in action.
Key Relationships
Family
- Chen Xiu (陈修, Trần Tu) — Eldest son who inherited his father’s peerage and military responsibilities following his death in 215 AD.
- Chenbiao (陈表, Trần Biểu) — Younger son who served as an officer for Eastern Wu and continued the family’s military legacy.
Friends
- Sun Ce (孙策, Tôn Sách) — The founding warlord who recruited Chen Wu during the pacification of Jiangdong, recognizing his exceptional physical strength and bravery.
- Sun Quan (孙权, Tôn Quyền) — The ruler of Eastern Wu whom Chen Wu served with absolute loyalty; Sun Quan was deeply grieved by his death and personally attended his funeral.
Enemies
- Zhang Liao (张辽, Trương Liêu) — A Wei general whose surprise ambush at the Battle of Hefei in 215 AD led to the chaotic retreat and eventual death of Chen Wu.
- Cao Cao (曹操, Tào Tháo) — The northern warlord whose repeated invasions and campaigns against the Sun family served as the primary conflict for Chen Wu’s military career.
Other
- No information
In Novel
Chapter 29
- Chen Wu (陈武, Trần Võ): Chen Wu serves Sun Ce as a capable Jiangdong commander and is one of the officers who help establish the Sun family’s military power.
Chapter 56
- Chen Wu (陈武, Trần Võ): Chen Wu serves under Sun Quan during the campaigns surrounding Jingzhou and the struggle with Cao Cao. He is treated as one of Wu’s reliable field commanders.
Chapter 68
- Chen Wu (陈武, Trần Võ): During the fighting against Cao Cao, Chen Wu is among Sun Quan’s commanders. His role is primarily military rather than political.
Chapter 70
- Chen Wu (陈武, Trần Võ): Chen Wu participates in Sun Quan’s operations around Hefei. The novel places him among the Wu officers exposed to Zhang Liao’s aggressive counterattacks.
In History
Summary
- Chen Wu (陈武, Trần Võ), courtesy name Zilie, was a prominent military officer of the Sun family and a trusted commander under Sun Ce and Sun Quan.
Service under Sun Ce
- Chen Wu joined Sun Ce during the conquest of Jiangdong and became known for courage in battle.
Service under Sun Quan
- He continued serving Sun Quan in campaigns against Wei and other rivals and remained a dependable field commander.
Death at Hefei
- Chen Wu was killed during the Battle of Hefei in 215 AD, a significant loss to Sun Quan’s army.
Historical Record
- Chen Wu (陈武, Trần Võ) was a real historical Wu general. His service under both Sun Ce and Sun Quan and his death at Hefei are securely recorded.
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