Li Xin

Biography & Historical Record

Li Xin (李信, Lý Tín) was a prominent general of the State of Qin during the late Warring States period. He rose to prominence due to his youth, vigor, and favor with Qin Shi Huang (秦始皇, Tần Thủy Hoàng). He is most famously recorded in the Records of the Grand Historian for his role in the campaign against the State of Chu (楚, Sở). In 227 BC, he successfully pursued Prince Dan of Yan (燕太子丹, Yên Thái tử Đan) and defeated the Yan forces. His most controversial moment occurred when he boasted to Qin Shi Huang that he could conquer the vast State of Chu with only 200,000 men, dismissing the caution of the veteran general Wang Jian (王翦, Vương Tiễn). While initially successful, his army was eventually ambushed and decimated by the Chu general Xiang Yan (项燕, Hạng Yên). Despite this defeat, he remained in service and later participated in the successful conquest of Yan and Qi (齐, Tề) under the command of Wang Jian.

Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms

While Li Xin is a historical figure of the Warring States period and does not appear as an active character in the narrative of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, he is occasionally referenced by scholars and strategists in the novel as an example of the hubris of young commanders versus the prudent wisdom of veterans like Wang Jian (王翦, Vương Tiễn).

Li Xin — Historical & Literary Timeline

Key Relationships

• Qin Shi Huang (秦始皇, Tần Thủy Hoàng)
  • The Emperor of Qin who placed immense trust in Li Xin’s military potential and youthful ambition, later forgiving his failure in the Chu campaign.
• Wang Jian (王翦, Vương Tiễn)
  • A legendary general who acted as a foil to Li Xin; where Li Xin advocated for speed and limited force, Wang Jian insisted on a cautious mobilization of 600,000 troops.
• Xiang Yan (项燕, Hạng Yên)
  • The Chu general who orchestrated the tactical maneuver that defeated Li Xin, dealing him the greatest military setback of his career.