Contents
The Life and Vengeance of Zhao E
Zhao E (趙娥), also recorded as Pang E, was a celebrated heroine of the late Eastern Han Dynasty. Immortalized in the Book of the Later Han, she earned enduring renown for her exceptional courage and unyielding filial piety. When a powerful local magnate named Li Shou murdered her father, Zhao Yuan, local authorities proved unable to dispense justice due to Li Shou’s corrupt influence. Refusing to let the crime go unpunished, she dedicated years to meticulous preparation before confronting Li Shou in the public market of Jiuquan, executing him in broad daylight.
Legacy in the Three Kingdoms Era
Following the deed, the heroine surrendered herself to the magistrate. Her steadfast devotion moved regional officials, who granted her amnesty rather than execution. While she is not a central warrior in the famous fiction of the Three Kingdoms era, her moral fortitude exemplifies the honor codes that shaped late Han society. Eminent generals such as Huangfu Song praised her conduct, establishing her as an emblem of justice.
Historical and Literary Timeline
The Act of Filial Justice
Zhao E intercepts Li Shou near the gates of Dulu, slaying the corrupt magnate to avenge her slain father before surrendering peacefully to imperial authorities.
Key Relationships
Family
- Zhao Yuan (赵安 / 赵安宗): Father. Respected Han gentleman of Jiuquan murdered by Li Shou, inspiring Zhao E to take up arms for retribution.
- Pang Zixia (庞子夏): Husband. Respected gentleman residing in Jiuquan Commandery.
- Pang Yu (庞淯): Son. Renowned loyalist official who later served the state of Cao Wei with great distinction.
Allies and Supporters
- Yin Jia (尹嘉): Magistrate of Luxian who was so deeply moved by her devotion that he attempted to resign his seal rather than punish her.
- Zhou Jia (周嘉): Grand Administrator of Jiuquan who secured official pardon for her and erected a commemorative stele in her honor.
- Huangfu Song & Zhu Jun: Eminent imperial generals who formally petitioned the Han court to commemorate her virtuous courage.
Enemies
- Li Shou (李寿): Arrogant local clan leader who murdered her father and was ultimately executed by her blade.
In Novel
Zhao E (赵娥, Triệu Nga) does not have a securely verified named appearance under the exact Chinese name 赵娥 in the supplied novel text. No chapter is assigned without exact textual evidence.
History
Woman of Liang Province
- Zhao E (赵娥, Triệu Nga) was a woman of the late Han period remembered in historical tradition for avenging the murder of her father.
Family Tragedy
- Her father was killed by a local enemy, and the normal channels of justice failed to bring the murderer to punishment.
Act of Vengeance
- Zhao E pursued the killer and eventually killed him herself, becoming celebrated for filial devotion and determination.
Historical Reputation
- Her story was later preserved as an example of xiao, or filial piety, and became part of the moral literature surrounding women of the Han period.