Zhao Zilong's Long Service

The Romance of the Three Kingdoms

This flow follows Zhao Zilong’s loyalty from his first rescue of Xuande through the defense of the Shu kingdom into old age.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Rescue on the Pan River A Rescue on the Pan River from "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms". A Warrior Chooses His Lord A Chance Encounter Zhao Zilong intervenes when Gongsun Zan is nearly killed at the Pan River, then explains that he has become…

A Rescue on the Pan River from "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms". A Warrior Chooses His Lord A Chance Encounter Zhao Zilong intervenes when Gongsun Zan is nearly killed at the Pan River, then explains that he has become…

A Warrior Chooses His Lord A Chance Encounter Zhao Zilong intervenes when Gongsun Zan is nearly killed at the Pan River, then explains that he has become disillusioned with Yuan Shao. Friendship with Xuande Xuande and Zhao Zilong form a lasting bond. Zhao’s independent judgment and courage make him a trusted commander in a cause that has little territory to offer.

The Rescue at Changban The Rescue at Changban from "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms". A Commander’s Promise Searching Through Battle As the retreat breaks apart, Zhao Zilong searches for Xuande’s family and finds Lady Mi with the infant Liu…

The Rescue at Changban from "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms". A Commander’s Promise Searching Through Battle As the retreat breaks apart, Zhao Zilong searches for Xuande’s family and finds Lady Mi with the infant Liu…

A Commander’s Promise Searching Through Battle As the retreat breaks apart, Zhao Zilong searches for Xuande’s family and finds Lady Mi with the infant Liu Shan. A Costly Rescue Lady Mi refuses to endanger the child and dies by a well. Zhao carries the infant through enemy ranks, fulfilling the responsibility Xuande entrusted to him.

Defense at Changban Bridge Defense at Changban Bridge from "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms". Courage in a Retreat A Misunderstood Return Zhang Fei suspects Zhao has deserted when he sees him moving toward the enemy.

Defense at Changban Bridge from "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms". Courage in a Retreat A Misunderstood Return Zhang Fei suspects Zhao has deserted when he sees him moving toward the enemy.

Courage in a Retreat A Misunderstood Return Zhang Fei suspects Zhao has deserted when he sees him moving toward the enemy. Zhao returns with Liu Shan and explains that he was searching for the family. Trust Restored His actions vindicate Xuande’s confidence in him and strengthen his place among the sworn brothers’ closest companions.

The Hanzhong Defense The Hanzhong Defense from "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms". A Veteran Still in Command A Feint at the Camp Zhao Zilong stands alone at his camp gate while hidden archers wait.

The Hanzhong Defense from "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms". A Veteran Still in Command A Feint at the Camp Zhao Zilong stands alone at his camp gate while hidden archers wait.

A Veteran Still in Command A Feint at the Camp Zhao Zilong stands alone at his camp gate while hidden archers wait. Cao Cao’s advancing troops hesitate, allowing the trap to drive them back. Reputation Preserved His calm courage wins Xuande’s praise. Even amid a changing generation of commanders, Zhao remains a dependable defender of the Shu cause.

A Veteran’s Final Campaign A Veteran’s Final Campaign from "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms". Age Does Not Erase Courage Demanding a Place At seventy, Zhao Zilong insists on joining the advance against Wei and proves himself against the enemy’s…

A Veteran’s Final Campaign from "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms". Age Does Not Erase Courage Demanding a Place At seventy, Zhao Zilong insists on joining the advance against Wei and proves himself against the enemy’s…

Age Does Not Erase Courage Demanding a Place At seventy, Zhao Zilong insists on joining the advance against Wei and proves himself against the enemy’s commanders. The Lasting Example His death in AD 229 is mourned as the loss of a loyal warrior whose long service connected Xuande’s founding generation to the later Shu state.

During the conflict between Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan

During Xuande’s retreat from Xinye

Immediately after Zhao Zilong’s rescue

During the campaigns against Cao Cao in Hanzhong

AD 227, during the first Northern Expedition