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Biography & Historical Record
Lu Kai (died 225 AD), courtesy name Xiaoxian, was an official, scholar, and administrator of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period. A native of Yunnan Commandery in Jing Province, he served as the Administrator of Yongchang Commandery. When the southern tribes under Meng Huo and local officials rose in widespread rebellion following the fall of Shu’s borders and the death of Liu Bei, Yongchang Commandery was entirely cut off from the capital of Chengdu. Despite being completely isolated and surrounded by hostile rebel forces, Lu Kai, along with fellow official Wang Kang, remained fiercely loyal to Shu Han. He firmly closed the gates, inspired the local garrisons, and successfully defended Yongchang against multiple insurgent attacks, refusing every attempt by the rebels to force his surrender or allegiance.
When Imperial Chancellor Zhuge Liang personally led the great Southern Campaign in 225 AD to pacify the Nanzhong region, he was deeply astonished and impressed to discover that Yongchang Commandery had single-handedly held out under Lu Kai’s leadership. Zhuge Liang praised his unwavering loyalty, steadfast resolve, and administrative capability, subsequently appointing him as the Inspector of Yizhou and creating him a marquis to reward his immense contributions to restoring imperial control in the south. Lu Kai passed away shortly after the successful pacification of the southern regions.
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
In Luo Guanzhong’s epic novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Lu Kai is introduced during Chapter 87 as the steadfast Administrator of Yongchang who refuses to yield to the southern rebels during the Nanzhong uprisings. When Yongchang is besieged by Yong Kai and Gao Ding, Lu Kai inspires the garrison to hold out and sends back defiant rejections to the rebels’ demands. His unyielding loyalty serves as a crucial beacon for Zhuge Liang’s southern expeditionary forces, providing a strategic foothold in the far south before Zhuge Liang’s capture and release of Meng Huo.
Lu Kai (呂凱) — Historical & Literary Timeline
Defense of Yongchang Commandery
Cut off from Chengdu during the Nanzhong rebellions, Administrator Lu Kai and Wang Kang bravely defend Yongchang against rebel forces, rejecting all calls to defect.
Meeting Zhuge Liang
Zhuge Liang arrives with the imperial army during the Southern Campaign, praises Lu Kai for his extraordinary loyalty, and incorporates him into the newly restored regional administration.
For detailed historical records, archives, and official chronicles, explore Lu Kai (Shu) on Wikipedia.
Key Relationships
Family
- No information
Friends
- Wang Kang (王伉, Vương Kháng) — A fellow official in Yongchang who stood alongside Lu Kai to defend the commandery against rebel forces during the Nanzhong uprisings of 223–225 AD.
Enemies
- Meng Huo (孟获, Mạnh Hoạch) — The leader of the southern tribes whose rebellion in 225 AD necessitated the defense of Yongchang and the subsequent Southern Campaign.
- Yong Kai (雍闿, Ung Khải) — A rebel leader who attempted to force Lu Kai to surrender Yongchang Commandery, only to be met with defiant rejection.
- Gao Ding (高定, Cao Định) — A local rebel leader who allied with Yong Kai to besiege Yongchang during the Nanzhong rebellions.
Other
- Zhuge Liang (诸葛亮, Gia Cát Lượng) — The Imperial Chancellor of Shu Han who led the Southern Campaign in 225 AD; he praised Lu Kai for his unwavering loyalty and appointed him as the Inspector of Yizhou.
In Novel
Chapter 87
- Lu Kai (吕凯, Lữ Khải): When Yong Kai, Gao Ding, and other southern rebels attack Yongchang, Lu Kai and Wang Kang refuse to surrender. Lu Kai helps organize the defense of the commandery and presents Zhuge Liang with the Pingman Zhizhang Tu (平蛮指掌图), a map containing intelligence on the southern terrain, routes, and places suitable for military operations. Zhuge Liang appoints him as a marching instructor and guide.
Chapter 88
- Lu Kai (吕凯, Lữ Khải): Lu Kai accompanies Zhuge Liang’s southern army and provides local knowledge about the terrain and routes. His information is used as the Shu army advances deeper into Nanzhong and prepares operations against Meng Huo’s forces.
Chapter 89
- Lu Kai (吕凯, Lữ Khải): Lu Kai continues to act as Zhuge Liang’s guide during the southern campaign. When the Shu army operates in unfamiliar territory, Zhuge Liang repeatedly relies on Lu Kai’s knowledge of the region.
Chapter 90
- Lu Kai (吕凯, Lữ Khải): During the continuing campaign against the southern tribes, Lu Kai remains attached to Zhuge Liang’s command as a guide and military adviser on local geography. His importance is informational rather than as a battlefield commander.
Chapter 91
- Lu Kai (吕凯, Lữ Khải): After the southern campaign is completed, Zhuge Liang leaves Lu Kai and Wang Kang to guard the four southern commanderies. Lu Kai therefore remains responsible for maintaining Shu control over the region after the main army withdraws.
In History
Summary
- Lu Kai (吕凯, Lữ Khải), courtesy name Jiping, was a Shu Han official who governed Jianning and resisted the southern rebellion.
Year: 225 AD
- Lu Kai (吕凯, Lữ Khải) remained loyal to Shu during the Nanzhong rebellion and helped maintain Shu authority in the region.
Historical Record
- Lu Kai (吕凯, Lữ Khải) was a real historical administrator. His resistance to the rebellion and loyalty to Shu are recorded in the historical sources.