Zhao Hu of the Late Han Dynasty

In the sixth year of Zhongping, Emperor Ling died and a new emperor took the throne. The Ten Attendants rebelled, Grand General He Jin was killed, and Dong Zhuo of Liangzhou entered the capital and deposed the emperor. Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, and the other generals fled and raised armies in Guandong. Zhang Zhaohu, who seemed like a carefree sort, became Zhang Liao and plunged headfirst into the wolves’ den and tigers’ lair, making his way under Dong Zhuo. With such a low birth and such a foul reputation, how could he recruit strategists and mighty generals? Five words: trick them, swindle them, kidnap them, and seize them. “I’d rather be the one who attacks the world than let the world attack me.” He made Yuan Shu grind his teeth, drove Yuan Shao into a rage, sent Cao Cao fleeing in terror, and united the scattered Guandong lords against him... He pacified the Qiang, reopened the Hexi Corridor, swept across the Xiongnu, struck deep into Xianbei territory, crushed the Wuhuan, and expanded the realm, building cities along the way. Zhang Liao couldn’t help but sigh, “I have enemies all over the world, but not a single beloved wife.” Jia Xu said impassively, “This is the beloved wife Duke Dong bestowed upon you!” Wang Yun declared sternly, “The generals of Bingzhou may be pardoned, but Zhang Liao alone must not be spared!”