Contents
Biography & Historical Record
Zuo Xianwang (Tả Hiền Vương, 左贤王; c. 170–c. 260 AD), historically known as Prince Liu Bao (刘豹), was the Left Wise King and subsequent Supreme Chanyu of the Southern Xiongnu. He was the son of Chanyu Yufuluo (于夫罗), nephew of Chanyu Huchuquan (呼厨泉), and father of Liu Yuan (刘渊), the founder of the Han-Zhao dynasty.
During the devastating turbulence of the 190s AD following the fall of Dong Zhuo and the rebellion of Li Jue and Guo Si, Xiongnu cavalry swept south into the Central Plains. In the mayhem, the brilliant poetess Cai Yan (Cai Wenji / 蔡琰) was captured and brought to his northern encampment. Recognizing her extraordinary intellect and noble lineage, Zuo Xianwang took her as his consort. Cai Yan lived in the northern steppe for twelve years, bearing him two sons and mastering nomadic music and culture.
In 207 AD, having unified northern China, Cao Cao learned of Cai Yan’s plight. Bound by deep respect for her father Cai Yong, Cao Cao dispatched an imperial embassy laden with heavy gold, jade, and precious silks to ransom her. Acknowledging Cao Cao’s military hegemony, Zuo Xianwang consented to her release, parting from her with profound honor. Later, Cao Cao partitioned the Southern Xiongnu into five divisions, appointing Liu Bao commander of the Left Division based in Bingzhou.
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Chapter 71: When Cao Cao learns of Cai Yong’s daughter dwelling in the northern lands of the Left Wise King, he sends emissaries bearing thousand pieces of gold to redeem her back to the heartland.
Zuo Xianwang — Historical Timeline
c. 170 AD
Birth in the Northern Steppes
Born as son of Chanyu Yufuluo of the Luandi clan of the Southern Xiongnu.
195 AD
Captivity & Marriage with Cai Yan
Following cavalry raids in the Central Plains, takes Cai Yan into his household as royal consort.
207 AD
Ransom by Cao Cao
Consents to Cao Cao’s lavish ransom, allowing Cai Yan to return to the Han court.
216 AD
Command of the Left Division
Appointed by Cao Cao as leader of the Left Division of the Southern Xiongnu, ensuring peace along the northern frontier.
Key Relationships
Family
- Father Yufuluo (于夫罗, Ư Phù La): Chanyu of the Southern Xiongnu who campaigned in the Central Plains.
- Uncle Huchuquan (呼厨泉, Hô Trù Tuyền): Last unified Chanyu of the Southern Xiongnu before court reorganization.
- Spouse Cai Yan (Cai Wenji, 蔡琰 / 蔡文姬, Sái Diễm): Imperial poetess who lived with him for twelve years.
- Son Liu Yuan (刘渊, Lưu Uyên): Founding Emperor of the Han-Zhao dynasty.
Friends
- Cao Cao (曹操, Tào Tháo): Northern hegemon with whom he established formal tributary relations.
Enemies
- Xianbei tribal confederations that constantly challenged Xiongnu dominance across the northern borders.
Other
- Dong Si (董祀, Đổng Tự): Officer of Cao Cao who married Cai Yan following her return from the north.
In Novel
Chapter 71 (Ransom of Cai Wenji)
- Zuo Xianwang (左贤王, Tả Hiền Vương): Southern Xiongnu ruler who wed Cai Wenji during her years in the northern steppe and peacefully returned her upon receiving Cao Cao’s embassy.
In History
Summary
- Zuo Xianwang / Liu Bao (左贤王 / 刘豹) (c. 170–c. 260 AD) was the Left Wise King of the Southern Xiongnu, commander of the Left Division under Cao Wei, and father of Liu Yuan.
Historical Record
- Book of the Later Han (后汉书), Volume 84: Mentions Cai Yan’s twelve years residing in the Left Wise King’s domain.
- Book of Jin (晋书), Volume 101 (Biography of Liu Yuan): Details Liu Bao’s lineage, authority over the five Xiongnu divisions, and longevity.