Ding Feng

Biography & Historical Record

Ding Feng (died 271 AD), courtesy name Chengyuan, was a prominent general of the Eastern Wu state during the Three Kingdoms period. Known for his exceptional martial prowess, he began his career serving under various Wu generals and gradually rose through the ranks due to his repeated achievements in battle. Ding Feng is famously remembered for his role in the defense against invasions and internal political power struggles within Wu. He was a veteran who served under multiple generations of the Sun family, participating in campaigns against Cao Wei and providing critical support during internal purges, particularly the elimination of the regent Sun Chen.

Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms

In the novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Ding Feng is depicted as a loyal, formidable, and highly skilled general of Wu. He first gains prominence during the Battle of Red Cliffs and later becomes a central military figure in the defense of Wu’s borders against Cao Wei. His most celebrated moment in the novel is his heroic charge at the Battle of Short Slope (Short Ridge), where he famously kills Xu Sheng’s archers to save fellow generals. His later years are marked by his decisive action in a palace plot to assassinate the arrogant regent Sun Chen, a scene that illustrates his unwavering dedication to the Sun Quan lineage.

Notable Quotes & Famous Sayings

• “I serve the Sun family with my life; let any who threaten Wu face my wrath.” — Ding Feng on his loyalty.
• “Power without principle is a tragedy; I act only to preserve the state.” — Reflected in his actions against Sun Chen.

Ding Feng (丁奉) — Historical & Literary Timeline

Key Relationships

Family

• No information

Friends

• Lu Xun (陆逊, Lục Tốn): A renowned strategist and commander under whom Ding Feng served during various military campaigns for the state of Wu.

Enemies

• Sun Chen (孙綝, Tôn Lâm): The tyrannical regent of Wu whom Ding Feng orchestrated a plot to assassinate at a banquet in 258 AD to restore imperial authority.
• Cao Cao (曹操, Tào Tháo): The leader of the Cao Wei forces whom Ding Feng opposed during the Battle of Red Cliffs in 208 AD and the defense of Hefei in 215 AD.

Other

• Sun Quan (孙权, Tôn Quyền): The founding emperor of Eastern Wu whom Ding Feng served faithfully as a veteran general across multiple generations.
• Sun Liang (孙亮, Tôn Lượng): The Emperor of Wu whom Ding Feng protected by eliminating the regent Sun Chen.

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