TV-Series
Description
Zhang Fei, courtesy name Yide, hailed from Zhuo County, initially working as a butcher and wine seller before rising to become a military general. He famously swore brotherhood with Liu Bei and Guan Yu in the Oath of the Peach Garden, pledging loyalty to restore the Han dynasty. He fought in key conflicts including the Yellow Turban Rebellion, the Anti-Dong Zhuo Coalition, and the defense of Xu Province for Tao Qian against Cao Cao. While serving under Liu Bei with Gongsun Zan and Yuan Shao, Zhang Fei openly distrusted temporary allies like Lü Bu, anticipating betrayal.
His military skill shone at the Battle of Changban. Commanding a mere twenty horsemen as rearguard, he destroyed a bridge and issued a defiant challenge to Cao Cao's pursuing army. By having troops stir dust in nearby woods, he created an illusion of ambush, causing enemy hesitation and enabling Liu Bei's escape. Earlier, however, drunkenness led to his lapse in duty during the loss of Xiapi Castle to Lü Bu, forcing Zhang Fei to personally reclaim the stronghold.
Zhang Fei governed subordinates with harsh discipline, frequently resorting to physical punishment, contrasting sharply with his respectful treatment of scholars and officials. Liu Bei warned him about the dangers of such excessive brutality. Despite this, he demonstrated moments of unexpected restraint, notably sparing the captured enemy general Yan Yan after being moved by the latter's unwavering loyalty and courage, an act that earned him recognition for righteousness.
His strategic responsibilities grew during the campaigns in Yizhou, where he led troops alongside Zhuge Liang to pacify regions and capture Jiangzhou. After Liu Bei established Shu Han, Zhang Fei received appointments as General of Chariots and Cavalry and Marquis of Xixiang. While preparing forces to join Liu Bei's campaign against Wu in 221 AD, subordinates Zhang Da and Fan Qiang assassinated him, delivering his head to Sun Quan – an outcome foreshadowed by warnings regarding his treatment of underlings.
An original character, Hong Furong, the daughter of a family Zhang Fei once served, was rescued by Liu Bei during the Yellow Turban escape and developed affection for Liu Bei, providing an indirect link to Zhang Fei's pre-military life. The narrative concluded Zhang Fei's arc prior to later Shu Han events, covering only up to the Battle of Red Cliffs.
His military skill shone at the Battle of Changban. Commanding a mere twenty horsemen as rearguard, he destroyed a bridge and issued a defiant challenge to Cao Cao's pursuing army. By having troops stir dust in nearby woods, he created an illusion of ambush, causing enemy hesitation and enabling Liu Bei's escape. Earlier, however, drunkenness led to his lapse in duty during the loss of Xiapi Castle to Lü Bu, forcing Zhang Fei to personally reclaim the stronghold.
Zhang Fei governed subordinates with harsh discipline, frequently resorting to physical punishment, contrasting sharply with his respectful treatment of scholars and officials. Liu Bei warned him about the dangers of such excessive brutality. Despite this, he demonstrated moments of unexpected restraint, notably sparing the captured enemy general Yan Yan after being moved by the latter's unwavering loyalty and courage, an act that earned him recognition for righteousness.
His strategic responsibilities grew during the campaigns in Yizhou, where he led troops alongside Zhuge Liang to pacify regions and capture Jiangzhou. After Liu Bei established Shu Han, Zhang Fei received appointments as General of Chariots and Cavalry and Marquis of Xixiang. While preparing forces to join Liu Bei's campaign against Wu in 221 AD, subordinates Zhang Da and Fan Qiang assassinated him, delivering his head to Sun Quan – an outcome foreshadowed by warnings regarding his treatment of underlings.
An original character, Hong Furong, the daughter of a family Zhang Fei once served, was rescued by Liu Bei during the Yellow Turban escape and developed affection for Liu Bei, providing an indirect link to Zhang Fei's pre-military life. The narrative concluded Zhang Fei's arc prior to later Shu Han events, covering only up to the Battle of Red Cliffs.