During the turbulent Three Kingdoms era, the state of Shu Han relied heavily on the descendants of its founding generals to maintain imperial security and administrative stability.
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Who Was Zhao Tong?
Zhao Tong was the eldest son of the famed Shu Han general Zhao Yun. Following his father’s death in 229 AD, he inherited the hereditary title of Marquis of Yongchang. He served the Shu court as a distinguished military officer, eventually attaining the rank of Huben Zhonglangjiang (Commander of the Palace Guard). Historical accounts in Chen Shou’s Records of the Three Kingdoms note that he and his younger brother, Zhao Guang, both served diligently during the reign of Emperor Liu Shan.
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
In Luo Guanzhong’s classic novel, Zhao Tong appears alongside his brother to deliver the tragic news of their father’s passing to Chancellor Zhuge Liang. Overwhelmed by grief upon learning of his veteran comrade’s death, Zhuge Liang weeps bitterly. Afterward, the brothers receive imperial appointments to guard their father’s resting place and uphold the military honor of the Zhao clan in the capital.
Zhao Tong — Historical & Literary Timeline
Announcement of Father’s Death
Arrived in Chengdu alongside Zhao Guang to inform Chancellor Zhuge Liang of their father’s demise, subsequently receiving court ranks to lead the palace guards.
Key Relationships
Family
- Zhao Yun (赵云, Triệu Vân): Father. Legendary General of Shu Han, Marquis of Shunping, and foundational pillar of the state.
- Zhao Guang (赵广, Triệu Quảng): Younger brother. A dedicated military officer who later died heroically defending the rearguard at Tazhong in 263 AD.
Allies & Associates
- Liu Shan (刘禅, Lưu Thiện): Second Emperor of Shu Han. Bestowed high imperial honors, confirming the inheritance of the marquisate and appointing him commander of palace security.
- Zhuge Liang (诸葛亮, Gia Cát Lượng): Chancellor of Shu Han, who deeply mourned the elder Zhao Yun and nurtured his surviving sons.
- Jiang Wei (姜维, Khương Duy): Grand General of Shu Han under whose broader military operations the family legacy endured.
Adversaries
- Cao Wei Armies (曹魏军队, Quân đội Tào Ngụy): Northern forces whose persistent campaigns posed constant strategic threats to Shu Han.
In Novel
Chapter 92
- Zhao Tong (赵统, Triệu Thống): Zhao Tong is Zhao Yun’s son and serves in the Shu military. He appears in connection with the later generations of Shu commanders during Zhuge Liang’s northern campaigns.
Chapter 104
- Zhao Tong (赵统, Triệu Thống): After Zhao Yun’s death, Zhao Tong participates in the formal mourning and continues his father’s service to Shu. He remains part of the military establishment as the state reorganizes after Zhuge Liang’s death.
In History
Family and Succession
- Zhao Tong (赵统, Triệu Thống) was the eldest son of Zhao Yun (赵云, Triệu Vân). After Zhao Yun’s death, he inherited his father’s peerage.
Later Shu Han
- Zhao Tong served as an officer in the imperial guards, in the huben division. His career was primarily within the state military establishment rather than as an independent field commander.
Historical Status
- The surviving historical record gives Zhao Tong a relatively brief biography. His significance lies mainly in continuing Zhao Yun’s family within Shu Han’s military service.