Main Content
- The character ‘Zhao Yun’ is regarded as the most outstanding general of the Three Kingdoms period
- He is often compared to generals like Cao Cao and Lu Bu but is frequently overlooked
The talent of Zhao Yun during the Three Kingdoms era is an undeniable fact. However, there is another character from this period who is often compared to him, with some opinions suggesting that he was even more powerful than Zhao Yun. So, what is the truth behind this story?
The general could potentially lead even the most unruly soldiers
The story revolves around the character Wan Er, the son of the great general Wan Kan from the state of Wu. Wan Er, whose full name is Wan Shuo, was originally from the area of Nanjing, and he emerged as a key figure by the end of the Three Kingdoms, leading the forces of the Western Jin Dynasty.
Wan Er is mentioned in the “Records of the Three Kingdoms”, specifically in the context of the historical account dated 110 AD, where his image is portrayed quite vividly compared to historical facts. Luo Guanzhong, the author of this work, has created passages that compare Wan Er with Zhao Yun during the events of the Battle of Changban.
Trained under his father’s tutelage, Wan Er quickly showcased his exceptional military talent, becoming a renowned general at a young age. Wan Kan, known for his strategic acumen and fierce fighting style, was also the commander alongside his son Wan Er, who was very close to him. Due to Wan Kan’s influence, he often exhibited actions that were somewhat reckless or overly confident. By the year 249, when the warlord Cao Cao passed away, Wan Kan’s family, including important relatives such as Wan Xiu and Wan Huan, found themselves in dire straits. Alongside the turmoil, Wan Kan frequently faced the loss of troops in battle, leading to criticism that made him feel increasingly isolated.
Due to conflicts with the general of the opposing side, Wan Kan decided to revive his troops. However, before the main army of the opposing general, Wan Kan had already retreated.
At this moment, Wan Er (only 18 years old at the time) had already presented himself to his father, boldly entering the camp of the opposing general as they had just set foot on the battlefield. Wan Er was able to blend into the enemy camp, shouting to intimidate the warriors of the enemy. However, due to the opposing general’s strong defenses, they could not launch an attack. Seeing that the enemy forces were too powerful, Wan Er was forced to retreat to regroup with his allies.
Not backing down, Wan Er continued to lead a small group of troops, only about fifty men, into the enemy camp. He engaged in a fierce battle, causing fear among the enemy troops. After that, Wan Er finally withdrew his troops safely.
After that, the opposing general had to change strategies to confront Wan Kan. Wan Er again managed to infiltrate the enemy camp, causing panic among their ranks. No one dared approach, and he retreated safely. After the establishment of the new camp, Wan Er was promoted to become the commander of the army. When the commander of the opposing side intended to invade his camp, Wan Er successfully countered, leading 200,000 troops to defeat the enemy and gain fame.
It is precisely these achievements that have placed Wan Er’s name on par with Zhao Yun and Lu Bu.
Assisting Zhuge Liang
After the defeat of the opposing general, Wan Er and his father began to lead troops into Dong Nghe province. By May of 257, Zhuge Liang allied with Dong Nghe to launch an attack against the opposing forces. The official order had been given to Wan Kan and his son along with the entire army to assist in the campaign.
By the seventh month of 258, when the situation was not improving and Zhuge Liang suspected treachery, he ordered the execution of Wan Kan. This news caused Wan Er and his brother, Wan Ho, to want to assist Zhuge Liang but without the backing of their own troops. Both brothers were then positioned at the battlefield near the opposing encampment.
The opposing forces did not pursue too aggressively and acknowledged both brothers as generals, giving them the position of deputy commander. They were tasked with leading a few hundred soldiers to pacify the residents in the city of Thang Xuan.
When the city of Thang Xuan fell, the opposing general allowed the brothers Wan Er to proceed with their preparations to eliminate their father, providing supplies for their retinue.
Fate of the Tans
In March of 277, Wan Er was promoted to become the commander of the army, overseeing the troops of Dong Nghe to launch campaigns against the opposing forces. Eventually, he managed to capture 20 enemy soldiers.
During the years of the Thai Khang era (280 – 289), Wan Er was assigned the role of Dong Di, overseeing military affairs. However, when the time came for him to take up his post, a new war arose that involved the opposing general, leading to tension and conflict.
By March of 291, during the reign of Hu Yi, the general An Vuong Tư Ma Diệu, the nephew of Zhuge Liang, accused Wan Er along with the foreign envoy Duong Tuan of treason. As a result, both Wan Er and Wan Ho were exiled, a severe punishment that erased all traces of their family.
Conclusion
