Zhang Liao

Zhang Liao is a minor antagonist in the classic Chinese novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms and its multiple adaptations. He is one of the generals of Dong Zhuo and later Cao Cao.

He is based on the real-life Japanese Chinese warrior named of the same.

History
Zhang Liao was the descendant of Nie Yi of the Eastern Han Dynasty. To avoid the envy and hatred of others however, the family name was changed to Zhang. Zhang Liao started his career as an aid to Ding Yuan. When Zhang Liao returned to the Capital after recruiting soldiers for Commander-in-Chief He Jin, Zhang Liao learned of his assassination and allied himself with Dong Zhuo, the general who occupied the territory. Zhang Liao was appointed as Cavalry Commander and helped Lu Bu after the death of Dong Zhuo. When Li Jue and Guo Si was attacked Lu Bu's forces, Liao fled with his Lord to Xuzhou.

Zhang Liao took up the post of "Chancellor of Lu Kingdom" at the age of 28. On Lu Bu's orders, Liao fought against Liu Bei, Cao Cao and Yuan Shu. His skill in battle caught the eye of many, after Lu Bu's death, Zhang Liao served Cao Cao. In the battle of Hefei, He managed to repel 100,000 Wu armies with just 800 soldiers. He is feared in various places and the name Zhang Liao mentioned can instantly silence a crying baby.

When Cao Cao is attacking Han Zhong, he was assigned to guard the city of Wan to prevent Wu's attack aimed at attacking Hefei which was a store for Cao Cao who was attacking Liu Bei in the Han Zhong area. Zhang Liao is one of the most loyal generals like Xiahou Dun and Xu Chu. In the battle against Wu he succeeded in killing one of the mainstay generals of Wu namely Taishi Ci. In the battle against Wu also Zhang Liao finally fall in battle for being hit by a poisoned arrow.