Contents
Biography & Historical Record
He Zong (died 223–237 AD), courtesy name Yanying, was a scholar and official of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period. A native of Pi County in Shu Commandery, he was a classmate of the famous astronomer Du Qiong, with whom he studied under the renowned scholar Ren An. Under Ren An’s tutelage, He Zong excelled in his studies, gaining greater fame than his peer. During the governorship of Liu Zhang in Yi Province, He Zong served as the Administrator of Qianwei Commandery. In 214 AD, following Liu Bei’s conquest of Yi Province, he was recruited into the new administration as an Assistant Officer and Libationer.
In 221 AD, after the collapse of the Han Dynasty and the rise of Cao Wei, He Zong was among the influential officials who urged Liu Bei to declare himself Emperor to continue the Han legacy. Following Liu Bei’s ascension and subsequent death in 223 AD, He Zong continued to serve the new emperor, Liu Shan, and was appointed as the Minister Herald. He eventually passed away during Liu Shan’s reign. He Zong was known for having a son, He Shuang, who was noted for his wit and humor but died at a young age.
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
In Luo Guanzhong’s novel, He Zong is briefly mentioned in Chapter 80 as one of the court officials who formally petitions Liu Bei to accept the throne and establish the Shu Han dynasty. His portrayal is that of a loyal and traditional civil servant committed to the legitimacy of the Han imperial line.
Key Relationships
Family
- He Shuang (何双, Hà Song) — Son of He Zong, noted for his wit and humor, who served as the Chief of Shuangbai County but died at a young age.
Friends
- Du Qiong (杜琼, Đỗ Quỳnh) — A fellow scholar and official who was a classmate of He Zong; both studied under the tutelage of Ren An.
Enemies
- Cao Wei (曹魏, Tào Ngụy) — The rival state founded by the Cao family; He Zong actively contested their legitimacy by urging Liu Bei to declare himself Emperor to restore the Han dynasty.
Other
- Ren An (任安, Nhậm An) — A renowned scholar who served as the mentor for both He Zong and Du Qiong, significantly influencing He Zong’s academic development.
- Liu Bei (刘备, Lưu Bị) — The founder of Shu Han who recruited He Zong into his administration and received a formal petition from him to ascend the throne in 221 AD.
- Liu Shan (刘禅, Lưu Thiện) — The second Emperor of Shu Han, whom He Zong served faithfully as Minister Herald until his death.
In Novel
Chapter 80
- He Zong (何宗, Hà Tông): He Zong is briefly named among the Shu court officials who petition Liu Bei to accept the imperial throne after the collapse of the Han court. His appearance is limited to this formal political role; the novel does not give him a separate military episode, speech, battle, or death scene.
In History
Summary
- He Zong (何宗, Hà Tông), courtesy name Yanjing, was a Shu Han scholar and official.
Historical Record
- He Zong (何宗, Hà Tông) was a real historical figure associated with Shu Han’s scholarly and administrative establishment.