Chen Ying

Here is the exhaustive biography, ancestral background, historical records, and Romance of the Three Kingdoms narrative for Chen Ying (陳應) (died 209 AD), incorporating all detailed accounts of his military service in Guiyang, his proficiency in fork-throwing, his duel with Zhao Yun, his fake surrender conspiracy, and his fatal execution.

Ancestry, Family Background & Early Life

Chen Ying (陳應) was a military officer and general serving in Guiyang Commandery (Guiyang Jun) during the late Eastern Han dynasty. Specific historical details regarding his ancestral lineage, parents, spouse, or descendants are unrecorded in official historical texts. Prior to his military appointment under the Grand Administrator of Guiyang, Zhao Fan (趙範), Chen Ying gained local fame as a rugged hunter in the mountainous regions of Guiyang. He was widely renowned for his exceptional skill in hurling flying forks (*Fei Cha*) and his martial bravery, serving as Zhao Fan’s trusted senior general alongside fellow commander Bao Long (鮑隆).

Historical Context & Zhao Yun’s Pacification of Guiyang (209 AD)

In 209 AD, following the decisive victory at the Battle of Red Cliffs (Chibi), Liu Bei dispatched senior general Zhao Yun (趙雲) with 3,000 elite troops to pacify and capture Guiyang Commandery as part of his strategy to secure the southern commanderies of Jing Province (Jingzhou).

When Zhao Yun’s vanguard army approached Guiyang, Administrator Zhao Fan convened an emergency defense council. While Zhao Fan contemplated surrendering—knowing Zhao Yun’s formidable reputation from Changban—Chen Ying and Bao Long strongly advocated for military resistance. Chen Ying boasted: “I am a mountain hunter skilled in hurling flying forks; why should we fear Zhao Yun?” Chen Ying then led 3,000 vanguard troops out of the city gates to confront Zhao Yun in open battle outside Guiyang.

The Battle of Guiyang & Dual Encounter with Zhao Yun (209 AD)

Outside the city walls, Chen Ying deployed his battle formation and rode out to challenge Zhao Yun to single combat:

1. The Duel: Armed with a long spear, Chen Ying engaged Zhao Yun. After four or five passes, realizing he was no match for Zhao Yun’s superior spearmanship, Chen Ying feigned defeat, turned his horse, and fled back toward his army.
2. The Flying Fork Ruse: As Zhao Yun pursued him, Chen Ying suddenly turned in his saddle, drew his specialized flying fork (*Fei Cha*), and hurled it with great force at Zhao Yun’s chest. Demonstrating extraordinary reflexes, Zhao Yun caught the flying fork mid-air with his bare hand and hurled it back at Chen Ying.
3. Unhorsed & Captured: Terrified by Zhao Yun’s martial prowess, Chen Ying attempted to spur his horse away, but Zhao Yun galloped alongside him, reached out, plucked Chen Ying straight out of his saddle, and slammed him onto the ground, taking him prisoner.

Brought bound into the Shu encampment, Chen Ying expected immediate execution. However, Zhao Yun ordered his bonds cut, served him wine, and gently admonished him: “You are a brave warrior; why do you resist our righteous army? Return to Zhao Fan and tell him to surrender peacefully.” Deeply impressed by Zhao Yun’s magnanimity, Chen Ying thanked him and returned to Guiyang, persuading Zhao Fan to surrender the city.

The Fake Surrender Conspiracy & Execution (209 AD)

Following Guiyang’s surrender, Zhao Fan attempted to solidify a personal alliance with Zhao Yun by offering his widowed sister-in-law, Lady Fan (Fan Shi), in marriage. However, Zhao Yun sternly rejected the proposal on moral grounds, as he and Zhao Fan had just sworn brotherhood, deeming it improper to marry a sworn brother’s sister-in-law. Enraged and humiliated by Zhao Yun’s refusal, Zhao Fan plotted a treacherous counter-strike.

Zhao Fan summoned Chen Ying and Bao Long to engineer a fake surrender plot:
1. Chen Ying and Bao Long were dispatched to Zhao Yun’s camp leading five hundred elite soldiers, claiming they had fallen out with Zhao Fan and wished to defect to Liu Bei.
2. Their secret objective was to wait until Zhao Yun was heavily intoxicated during a welcoming banquet, then assassinate him inside his command tent and recapture Guiyang.

When Chen Ying and Bao Long arrived at Zhao Yun’s encampment, Zhao Yun feigned delight at their defection and hosted a grand feast. Aware of their treacherous intentions, Zhao Yun repeatedly plied Chen Ying and Bao Long with heavy wine until both generals passed out completely drunk. Once they were unconscious, Zhao Yun ordered his guards to bind them tightly and search their robes, discovering concealed daggers on their persons.

Upon questioning their five hundred soldiers, the troops confessed the entire assassination plot orchestrated by Zhao Fan. Without hesitation, Zhao Yun ordered Chen Ying and Bao Long dragged outside the camp and beheaded on the spot. Zhao Yun then used their five hundred soldiers as a vanguard to trick Zhao Fan into opening the gates of Guiyang, capturing Zhao Fan alive and fully securing the commandery for Liu Bei.

Chen Ying (陳應) — Historical & Literary Timeline

Romance of the Three Kingdoms Narrative

In Luo Guanzhong’s historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Chen Ying is featured as a martial general whose signature skill with flying forks (*Fei Cha*) is completely outmatched by Zhao Yun’s godlike prowess, leading to his defeat and eventual execution.

In Chapter 52, when Liu Bei dispatches Zhao Yun to conquer Guiyang, Administrator Zhao Fan discusses defense plans with his officers. Chen Ying and Bao Long step forward, boasting: “We are hunters from the mountains who have slain wild beasts; why should we fear Zhao Yun?” Chen Ying leads 3,000 vanguard troops out to battle Zhao Yun outside the city gates.

Chen Ying rides forward with spear in hand and duels Zhao Yun for four or five passes before fleeing. As Zhao Yun pursues him, Chen Ying turns and hurls his flying fork directly at Zhao Yun. Zhao Yun catches the flying fork barehanded, catches up to Chen Ying, plucks him off his horse, and throws him to the ground. Back at camp, Zhao Yun generously releases Chen Ying, who returns to convince Zhao Fan to surrender Guiyang.

However, after Zhao Yun refuses Zhao Fan’s proposal to marry his widowed sister-in-law Lady Fan, Zhao Fan plots revenge. He instructs Chen Ying and Bao Long to pretend to defect to Zhao Yun’s camp with five hundred men. Zhao Yun receives them warmly and hosts a feast, but secretly orders his officers to watch them closely.

As wine flows, Chen Ying and Bao Long become heavily intoxicated. Zhao Yun suddenly orders his guards to seize and bind them. Searching their garments, the guards find sharp daggers hidden in their sleeves. Their five hundred soldiers confess that Zhao Fan ordered the assassination. Zhao Yun roars: “How dare such treacherous fools attempt to trick me!” Zhao Yun orders Chen Ying and Bao Long taken outside the camp and beheaded on the spot, using their uniforms to launch a night raid that captures Zhao Fan and secures Guiyang Commandery.