Contents
Biography & Historical Record
Zhao Lei (died 222 AD) was a military officer and loyal subordinate of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period. He served under Guan Yu as a close adviser and general during the defense of Jing Province. Known for his integrity, loyalty, and administrative competence, Zhao Lei stood firmly by Guan Yu through the tense military standoff against Eastern Wu. In 219 AD, when Wu forces under Lü Meng launched a secret invasion and captured Jing Province, Zhao Lei retreated alongside Guan Yu to Maicheng. During their desperate attempt to break out and escape toward western Sichuan, they were ambushed and captured by Eastern Wu forces. Zhao Lei was executed alongside Guan Yu in late 222 AD, choosing death over surrender and earning lasting renown for his unwavering fidelity.
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
In Luo Guanzhong’s epic novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Zhao Lei is introduced as a trusted subordinate and standard-bearer/adviser under Guan Yu during the campaigns in Jing Province. In Chapters 73 to 77, as Lü Meng executes his stealthy capture of Jing Province through the ruse of white-clad merchants bypassing beacon towers, Zhao Lei urges caution and helps manage the defense of Fancheng and surrounding commanderies.
When Guan Yu’s army is isolated and retreats to Maicheng, Zhao Lei shares the hardships of the besieged garrison. In Chapter 77, during the fateful breakout attempt, Zhao Lei accompanies Guan Yu and Guan Ping. Trapped by Pan Zhang’s ambush at Linju, Zhao Lei fights valiantly but is overwhelmed and captured, subsequently meeting a tragic end alongside his master.
Notable Quotes & Famous Sayings
- “General, the enemy has bypassed our beacon towers using merchant vessels in white robes; we must send scouts immediately to investigate the situation!” — Zhao Lei warning Guan Yu about Lü Meng’s infiltration tactic.
- “A true official dies for his lord; I will never surrender to Eastern Wu!” — Zhao Lei’s resolute declaration before his execution.
Zhao Lei (趙累) — Historical & Literary Timeline
Defense of Jing Province
Zhao Lei assists Guan Yu in overseeing military supplies and administrative duties in Jing Province while Guan Yu besieges Fancheng.
Siege of Maicheng
Retreating with dwindling forces, Zhao Lei enters Maicheng alongside Guan Yu and shares in the dire conditions of the besieged stronghold.
Ambush at Linju & Execution
Attempting to break out toward western Sichuan, Zhao Lei is ambushed by Pan Zhang’s troops at Linju, captured, and executed alongside Guan Yu.
For detailed historical records, archives, and official chronicles, explore Zhao Lei on Wikipedia.
Key Relationships
Family
- No information
Friends
- Guan Yu (关羽, Quan Vũ) — His commander in Jing Province; Zhao Lei served him with unwavering loyalty and remained by his side until their shared execution in 222 AD.
- Guan Ping (关平, Quan Bình) — The adopted son of Guan Yu who fought alongside Zhao Lei during the defense of Jing Province and the final retreat to Maicheng.
- Wang Fu (王甫, Vương Phủ) — A fellow loyalist and officer under Guan Yu who managed administrative duties in the region; he and Zhao Lei shared the same commitment to the Shu cause.
- Liao Hua (廖化, Liêu Hóa) — A fellow officer in the Jing Province defense force who fought alongside Zhao Lei before being sent to seek reinforcements.
Enemies
- Lü Meng (吕蒙, Lữ Mông) — The Eastern Wu Grand Commander who orchestrated the stealthy invasion of Jing Province in 219 AD, which led to the isolation and eventual death of Zhao Lei.
- Pan Zhang (潘璋, Phan Chương) — The Eastern Wu general who led the ambush at Linju in 219 AD, resulting in the capture and subsequent execution of Zhao Lei.
- Mi Fang (糜芳, Mi Phương) — A Shu commander whose betrayal and surrender to Eastern Wu forces directly contributed to the collapse of the Jing Province defense.
- Fu Shiren (傅士仁, Phó Sĩ Nhân) — A Shu commander who, alongside Mi Fang, defected to Eastern Wu, undermining the defense efforts Zhao Lei was tasked to maintain.
Other
- Liu Bei (刘备, Lưu Bị) — The Emperor of Shu Han and lord of Guan Yu, to whom Zhao Lei remained indirectly loyal through his dedicated service to Guan Yu.
In Novel
Chapter 73
- Zhao Lei (赵累, Triệu Lũy): Zhao Lei serves Guan Yu in Jingzhou as a trusted military and administrative officer. When Guan Yu takes Xiangyang and prepares to press toward Fan Castle, Zhao Lei remains part of the command structure protecting Jingzhou and advising Guan Yu about the state of the territory behind the front.
Chapter 75
- Zhao Lei (赵累, Triệu Lũy): As Lü Meng prepares his secret advance against Jingzhou, Zhao Lei remains with Guan Yu’s command and is among the officers caught in the rapidly deteriorating situation after the Wu army enters Jingzhou disguised and the local defenses collapse.
Chapter 76
- Zhao Lei (赵累, Triệu Lũy): Zhao Lei remains with Guan Yu during the retreat to Maicheng. When Guan Yu decides to attempt a breakout toward Shu, Zhao Lei accompanies him as one of the loyal officers who refuse to abandon their commander. Guan Yu’s remaining force is eventually surrounded at Linju by Wu troops. Zhao Lei is captured together with Guan Yu and Guan Ping and is killed after the capture. His death is part of the final destruction of Guan Yu’s Jingzhou command.
In History
Summary
- Zhao Lei (赵累, Triệu Lũy) was a historical Shu officer serving under Guan Yu (关羽, Quan Vũ). He held a command position within Guan Yu’s forces and remained with Guan Yu during the collapse of Shu’s position in Jing Province.
- The primary record is brief, while the Romance of the Three Kingdoms gives him a more developed literary role as Guan Yu’s loyal subordinate.
Year: 219 AD
- When Sun Quan (孙权, Tôn Quyền) and Lü Meng (吕蒙, Lã Mông) seized Jing Province, Guan Yu’s army was forced to retreat. Zhao Lei (赵累, Triệu Lũy) remained with Guan Yu during the retreat toward Maicheng.
- The historical record identifies Zhao Lei among Guan Yu’s officers captured after the collapse of the army. His precise fate is not securely recorded in the surviving primary account.
Literary Portrayal
- In the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Zhao Lei (赵累, Triệu Lũy) is portrayed as Guan Yu’s loyal grain and military officer and is killed during the escape from Maicheng.
- This expanded portrayal should be distinguished from the much shorter historical record.
Historical Record
- Zhao Lei (赵累, Triệu Lũy) was a real historical officer of Guan Yu. The existence of the officer is historical, while many details of his personality and final death scene belong to later literary tradition.