Contents
Biography & Historical Record
Liu Fang (died 250 AD) was a prominent official of the state of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms period of China. Born in Fangcheng, Zhuo Commandery, he was a descendant of Liu Jian, the Prince of Guangyang (a son of Emperor Wu of Han). Highly educated and skilled in administrative writing, Liu Fang initially served Yuan Xi, the son of the northern warlord Yuan Shao. However, recognizing the decline of the Yuan clan, he submitted to Cao Cao, who welcomed his talents and appointed him to various administrative and secretarial roles.
Under Cao Pi (Emperor Wen) and Cao Rui (Emperor Ming), Liu Fang’s career reached its zenith. Alongside his close colleague Sun Zi, Liu Fang was appointed to lead the newly formed Palace Secretariat (Zhongshushu), serving as the Joint Director of the Secretariat (中書監). This position granted him immense power, as the Secretariat was responsible for drafting imperial edicts and managing confidential state documents, effectively making Liu Fang and Sun Zi the gatekeepers of the imperial court. The duo was so influential that they were often referred to collectively as “Sun-Liu” and wielded power comparable to senior ministers.
Liu Fang is best remembered historically for his critical role in the succession crisis of 238 AD. As Emperor Cao Rui lay on his deathbed, a power struggle erupted regarding who should serve as regents for the young crown prince, Cao Fang. The initial faction led by Cao Yu was ousted due to the political maneuvering of Liu Fang and Sun Zi, who persuaded the dying Emperor to appoint Cao Shuang and Sima Yi as co-regents. This decision would have catastrophic consequences for the Cao Wei dynasty, eventually paving the way for the Sima family’s usurpation of power. Following Cao Fang’s ascension, Liu Fang continued to receive high honors and was posthumously awarded the title of Marquess Jing (敬侯) upon his death in 250 AD.
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
In Luo Guanzhong’s historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Liu Fang is depicted as a shrewd and politically astute court official. His character highlights the internal intrigue and bureaucratic maneuvering within the Wei court. His most critical appearance occurs in Chapter 106, during the final days of Cao Rui.
“Liu Fang and Sun Zi entered the private chambers and addressed the Emperor: ‘If the state is given to Cao Yu, power will slide into the hands of his faction, and the dynasty will be endangered. Cao Shuang and Sima Yi are more fitting to support the young lord.'”
Through this depiction, the novel portrays Liu Fang as a decisive court insider whose self-serving political calculation and fear of rival factions inadvertently altered the destiny of Cao Wei, handing the keys of the empire to the Sima clan.
Liu Fang — Historical & Literary Timeline
Defection to Cao Cao
After leaving the service of Yuan Xi, Liu Fang submits to Cao Cao, who recognizes his literary talents and appoints him as an advisor and local administrator.
Elevation under Cao Pi
With the founding of Cao Wei, Liu Fang is appointed as Joint Director of the Secretariat (中書監), establishing a powerful bureaucratic partnership with Sun Zi.
The Regency Succession Crisis
Liu Fang and Sun Zi influence the dying Emperor Cao Rui to dismiss Cao Yu and appoint Cao Shuang and Sima Yi as regents, forever altering the balance of power in Wei.
Death and Legacy
Liu Fang passes away from natural causes and is posthumously honored as Marquess Jing. His descendants continue to serve in the administration.
Key Relationships
Family
- Liu Jian (刘建, Lưu Kiến): Ancestor. Prince of Guangyang (son of Emperor Wu of Han).
- Liu Xu (刘许, Lưu Hứa): Eldest son. Inherited Liu Fang’s noble title of Marquis Jing in Cao Wei.
- Liu Xi (Liu Xi, 刘熙, Lưu Hy): Son. Official in Cao Wei.
- Liu Ju (刘俱, Lưu Câu): Son. Senior officer in Cao Wei.
Friends
- Sun Zi (孙资, Tôn Tư): Supervisor of the Imperial Secretariat (Zhongshu Ling). Intimate political partner with whom Liu Fang formed the formidable “Sun-Liu” bureaucratic alliance that controlled imperial edicts and state policy across three reigns.
- Cao Rui (曹叡, Tào Duệ): Second Emperor of Cao Wei (Emperor Ming). Placed boundless trust in Liu Fang, consulting him on all state secrets and regency appointments on his deathbed (238 AD).
- Cao Pi (曹丕, Tào Phi): Founding Emperor of Cao Wei. Established the Palace Secretariat (Zhongshushu) and elevated Liu Fang to Joint Director (Zhongshu Jian).
- Cao Cao (曹操, Tào Tháo): King of Wei who recruited Liu Fang in 205 AD, valuing his administrative and secretarial elegance.
- Sima Yi & Cao Shuang (司马懿、曹爽, Tư Mã Ý, Tào Sảng): Co-regents appointed in 238 AD through the decisive persuasion of Liu Fang and Sun Zi.
Enemies
- Cao Yu (曹宇, Tào Vũ): Prince of Yan. Originally designated by Emperor Ming to lead the imperial regency; Liu Fang and Sun Zi maneuvered to have Cao Yu, Xiahou Xian, and Cao Zhao purged from court to protect their own bureaucratic power (238 AD).
- Xiahou Xian & Cao Zhao (夏侯献、曹肇, Hạ Hầu Hiến, Tào Triệu): Senior imperial clansmen who resented Sun Zi and Liu Fang’s power, but were outwitted and expelled by Liu Fang’s deathbed decree (238 AD).
- Yuan Xi (袁熙, Viên Hi): Son of Yuan Shao whom Liu Fang initially served before defecting to Cao Cao in 205 AD.
Others
- No information
In Novel
Chapter 106
- Liu Fang (刘放, Lưu Phóng): Liu Fang is a senior Wei court official and one of the men trusted with political affairs after Cao Rui’s death. He is involved in the succession and regency arrangements that place Cao Shuang and Sima Yi in control of Wei.
Chapter 107
- Liu Fang (刘放, Lưu Phóng): Liu Fang remains an important court figure during the political struggle between Cao Shuang and Sima Yi. His position places him among the officials who must navigate Sima Yi’s seizure of power and the subsequent restructuring of the Wei government.
In History
Early Career
- Liu Fang (刘放, Lưu Phóng), courtesy name Zizheng, was an important official and writer who served Cao Wei.
Service to Cao Cao and Cao Pi
- Liu Fang entered the administration of Cao Cao (曹操, Tào Tháo) and became valued for his literary ability and skill in drafting official documents. He continued to rise after Cao Pi (曹丕, Tào Phi) founded Wei.
Political Influence
- During the reign of Cao Rui (曹叡, Tào Duệ), Liu Fang became one of the court officials with significant influence over imperial communications and appointments. He worked alongside Sun Zi (孙资, Tôn Tư).
Regency
- Liu Fang remained influential during the succession crisis following Cao Rui’s death. His political connections placed him close to the central government during the regency for the young Cao Fang (曹芳, Tào Phương).
Legacy
- He is remembered as one of Wei’s important court secretaries and political intermediaries, especially for the role he played in the machinery of imperial government.