Contents
Biography & Historical Record
Li Fu was an official of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period. He served in various administrative and regional capacities within the Shu government, contributing to the domestic stability and local governance of the regime under the leadership of Zhuge Liang and later regents. While historical records regarding his early life and career details are sparse compared to prominent generals, Li Fu was recognized as a diligent civil administrator who maintained loyalty to the Han imperial restoration efforts in the southwest.
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
In Luo Guanzhong’s historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Li Fu is depicted as a minor civil official of Shu Han who carries out administrative and logistical duties in support of the state’s military campaigns.
Li Fu (李福) — Historical & Literary Timeline
Serving Shu Han Administration
Li Fu holds various civil posts supporting the domestic infrastructure and administration during Zhuge Liang’s active regency.
Key Relationships
Family
- No information
Friends
- Zhuge Liang (诸葛亮, Gia Cát Lượng): Served as a diligent civil administrator under his regency, supporting the logistical and domestic stability of the Shu Han state.
Enemies
- Cao Wei (曹魏, Tào Ngụy): The rival state of Shu Han, which Li Fu opposed through his administrative service to the Han imperial restoration efforts.
Other
- Liu Shan (刘禅, Lưu Thiện): The second emperor of Shu Han, whom Li Fu served as a loyal official during his reign.
In Novel
Chapter 79
- Li Fu (李福, Lý Phúc): During the political transition following Liu Bei’s death, Li Fu, serving as a loyal Han official and Grand Historian’s assistant, discusses the auspicious omens appearing in Linyi and Yecheng with Xu Zhi. They interpret the appearance of the qilin and golden dragon as signs that Wei is destined to replace Han and conclude that preparations should be made for Cao Pi to receive the abdication of the Han throne. Li Fu then joins the group of officials who enter the palace to petition Emperor Xian to abdicate in favor of Cao Pi.
Chapter 104
- Li Fu (李福, Lý Phúc): Liu Shan sends Li Fu urgently to Wuzhang Plains to inquire about Zhuge Liang’s illness and ask about the affairs of Shu after the Chancellor’s death. Li Fu travels through the night to the Shu camp and meets the gravely ill Zhuge Liang. Zhuge Liang tells him that after his death the existing state institutions should be preserved, his appointed officials should not be lightly dismissed, and Jiang Wei is capable of continuing his military ambitions. Li Fu receives these final instructions and leaves to report to Liu Shan. Zhuge Liang also entrusts him with the information that Wei Yan is likely to rebel and gives him instructions concerning the army’s withdrawal.
Chapter 105
- Li Fu (李福, Lý Phúc): After Zhuge Liang dies, Li Fu returns to Chengdu and is summoned by Liu Shan. He kneels and weeps as he reports that the Chancellor has died, then recounts Zhuge Liang’s final words to the emperor in detail. His report confirms Zhuge Liang’s death and communicates the Chancellor’s final instructions to Liu Shan at a critical moment of political uncertainty in Shu.
In History
Summary
- Li Fu (李福, Lý Phúc), courtesy name Sunmu, was a Shu Han official who served during the reign of Liu Shan.
Year: 234 AD
- Li Fu (李福, Lý Phúc) was sent to meet Zhuge Liang during the latter’s final illness and participated in discussions about the succession of Shu’s government.
Historical Record
- Li Fu (李福, Lý Phúc) was a real historical Shu official. He is distinct from the later Jin official also named Li Fu.