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劉備[View] [Edit] [History]ctext:335944
Relation | Target | Textual basis |
---|---|---|
type | person | |
name | 劉備 | default |
name | 昭烈帝 | |
name | 蜀漢昭烈帝 | |
died-date | 章武三年四月二十四日 223/6/10 | 《三國志·蜀志二》:亮上言於後主曰:「伏惟大行皇帝邁仁樹德,覆燾無疆,昊天不弔,寢疾彌留,今月二十四日奄忽升遐,臣妾號咷,若喪考妣。乃顧遺詔,事惟太宗,動容損益; |
ruled | dynasty:蜀漢 | |
from-date 章武元年四月丙午 221/5/15 | ||
to-date 章武三年四月丁亥 223/6/15 | ||
authority-cbdb | 339525 | |
authority-wikidata | Q45625439 | |
authority-wikidata | Q245315 | |
link-wikipedia_zh | 刘备 | |
link-wikipedia_en | Liu_Bei |
Later he was sent to help Tao Qian against Cao Cao. Thanks to the support of the influential Mi and Chen families along with Tao Qian's last will, Liu Bei inherited the Xu Province. After his defeat against Cao Cao, Lü Bu joined him and seized the province while Liu Bei was away fighting Yuan Shu. After many conflicts, he joined Cao Cao and they defeated Lü Bu at the Battle of Xiapi. Although he was treated well, Liu Bei received a secret edict from the emperor to kill Cao Cao and rebelled against him taking back Xu province. After a brief alliance with Yuan Shao, Liu Bei was quickly defeated by Cao Cao and had to flee to the warlord in the north. He was sent by Yuan Shao to raise uprisings behind Cao Cao's main base but he was ultimately defeated by Cao Cao and joined his kinsman Liu Biao. Liu Biao doubted his loyalty so he located him at Xinye to serve as a shield against Cao Cao. After Liu Biao's death, Liu Bei led many civilians to join Liu Qi to Xiakou where they allied with Sun Quan to oppose Cao Cao at the Battle of Red Cliffs.
After Cao Cao's defeat, Liu Bei quickly took control of the majority of Jing Province, then he married Sun Quan's sister who recognised his legitimacy over the province and agreed to "lend" him Nan Commandery. Liu Bei later led his army to join another kinsman, Liu Zhang in his war against the warlord Zhang Lu. Under the advices of his advisors, he betrayed Liu Zhang and seized the Yi Province from him. After some disputes and seeing Cao Cao growing closer to the Yi province. Liu Bei agreed to yield half of the Jing province to Sun Quan and led his army against Xiahou Yuan at Hanzhong and seized it. Liu Bei then declared himself "King of Hanzhong" and set up his headquarters in Chengdu. However soon after Guan Yu was killed by Liu Bei's "ally" Sun Quan who took the rest of Jing province for the "lending" of Nan commandery. Liu Bei was furious and after declaring himself emperor to challenge Cao Pi's authority, he led his army against his former "ally". Though some early success, his army was soon blocked into a stalemate against Lu Xun and was finally defeated. Ashamed by his failure, he never returned to Chengdu and settled in Baidicheng until his death one year later. Urging his heir to not emulate him and being as virtuous as possible he appointed to help him Zhuge Liang in charge of domestic matters and Li Yan for the military matters.
Despite early failings compared to his rivals and lacking both the material resources and social status they commanded, he gathered support among disheartened Han loyalists who opposed Cao Cao, the warlord who controlled the Han central government and the figurehead Emperor Xian, and led a popular movement to restore the Han dynasty through this support. Liu Bei overcame his defeats to carve out his own realm, which at its peak spanned present-day Sichuan, Chongqing, Guizhou, Hunan, and parts of Hubei and Gansu. Culturally, due to the popularity of the 14th-century historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Liu Bei is widely known as an ideal benevolent, humane ruler who cared for his people and selected good advisers for his government. His fictional counterpart in the novel was a salutary example of a ruler who adhered to the Confucian set of moral values, such as loyalty and compassion. Historically, Liu Bei, like many Han rulers, was greatly influenced by Laozi. He was a brilliant politician and leader whose skill was a remarkable demonstration of "Confucian in appearance but Legalist in substance" .
Read more...: Physical appearance Family background Early life (161-184) Yellow Turban Rebellion (184-189) Warlord state In Gongsun Zans service (189–194) Succeeding Tao Qian (194) Conflict with Lü Bu (195–198) Role in the Cao–Yuan conflict (199–201) Taking refuge under Liu Biao (201–208) Alliance with Sun Quan Battles of Red Cliffs and Jiangling (208-211) Establishing the Shu kingdom Conquering Yi Province (211-215) Sun–Liu territorial dispute (215-217) Hanzhong Campaign (217-219) Becoming an emperor (219-221) Defeat and death (221-223) Appraisal Family and descendants In Romance of the Three Kingdoms General worship of Liu Bei In popular culture Film and television Card games Video games
Physical appearance
The historical text Records of the Three Kingdoms as well as other historical records described Liu Bei as a man seven chi and five cun tall (approximately 1.73 metres), with long arms, large ears, and almost no facial hair, .
Family background
According to the 3rd-century historical text Records of the Three Kingdoms, Liu Bei was born in Zhuo County, Zhuo Commandery (present-day Zhuozhou, Hebei). He was a descendant of Liu Sheng, who was the ninth son of Emperor Jing and the first King of Zhongshan in Han dynasty. However, Pei Songzhi's 5th-century commentary, based on the Dianlue (典略), said that Liu Bei was a descendant of the Marquis of Linyi (臨邑侯). As the title "Marquis of Linyi" was held by Liu Fu (劉復; a great-nephew of Emperor Guangwu) and later by Liu Fu's son Liu Taotu, who were descendants of Liu Fa (劉發), King Ding of Changsha – another son of Emperor Jing, it was possible that Liu Bei descended from this line rather than Liu Sheng's line.
Liu Bei's grandfather Liu Xiong and father Liu Hong both served in provincial and commandery offices. Liu Bei's grandfather, Liu Xiong did well and was recommended as a candidate for civil office in the xiaolian process. Then, he rose to become prefect of Fan (范) in Dong Commandery.
Early life (161-184)
However Liu Bei's father, Liu Hong didn't live long and Liu Bei grew up in a poor family, having lost his father when he was still a child. Also because of the (推恩令) even if Liu Bei is still related the royal family tree, his generation is no longer considered different than normal people. To support themselves, Liu Bei and his mother sold shoes and straw-woven mats. Even so, Liu Bei was full of ambition from childhood. In the southeast of his house, there was a mulberry tree that was very tall (11,5 meters high). When looked from far away, the tree's shade was similar to a small cart. People from all around the village felt that this tree was unique with some saying that the house would produce a person of nobility. A fortune teller named Li Ding (李定) of Zhuo stated: "This family will certainly produce an estimable man.". When he was a kid, Liu Bei would play beneath the tree with other children from the village. He would often say: "I must ride in this feather covered chariot (emperor chariot)." Liu Bei's uncle Zijing (子敬) thought of Liu Bei's dream as foolish and that he would bring destruction to his house.
In 175, when he was near his 15. His mother sent him to study with Lu Zhi, a distinguished man and former grand administrator of Jiujiang Commandery. Lu Zhi was from Zhuo Commandery, the same as Liu Bei. One of his fellow-students was Gongsun Zan of Liaodong with whom he became friends, since Gongsun Zan was the eldest, Liu Bei treated him as an elder brother. Another fellow-student was his kinsman Liu Deran. Liu Deran's father, Yuanqi 元起, often gave Liu Bei material support to help him and his mother and treated him the same as his son, Liu Deran. Yuanqi's wife wasn't happy about this and told him: 「Each has his own family. How can you regularly do this?」 Yuanqi answered: 「This boy is in our clan, and he is an extraordinary person.」.
The adolescent Liu Bei was said to be unenthusiastic in studying however he liked dogs and horse and displayed interest in hunting, music and dressing in fine clothing. He enjoyed associating with braves (haoxia), and in his youth he fought and hung out with them. He would not manifest his anger or happiness in front of others. Concise in speech, calm in demeanour and kind to his friends. Liu Bei was well liked by his contemporaries
Around this time, Two great horse merchants from Zhongshan. Zhang Shiping and Su Shuang (蘇雙), were very wealthy and had riches of several thousands in gold. They sold horses, and they passed through Zhuo commandery. They met Liu Bei and were struck by his appearance and personality. So they gifted him much money and wealth. Thanks to their assistance, Liu Bei was able to assemble a large group of followers.
Yellow Turban Rebellion (184-189)
In 184, at the end of the reign of Emperor Ling. The Yellow Turbans rose up and started the Yellow Turban Rebellion, every procinces and commandery would call for righteous man to defend the country. Liu Bei saw what was happening and became much more politically aware. He called for the assembly of a militia to help government forces suppress the rebellion. And rallied a group of loyal followers, including among them Guan Yu, Zhang Fei and Jian Yong.
Liu Bei led his militia to join the local government forces led by Colonel Zou Jing and participated in battles against the rebels with distinction. Around this time, Liu Ziping of Pingyuan heard of Liu Bei's reputation as a brave man. And when Zhang Chun (張純) rebelled, the Qing Province was ordered by imperial decree to send an attendant official to lead an army to defeat Zhang Chun. As they passed through Pingyuan, Ziping recommended Liu Bei to the attendant official. Liu Bei accepted and joined him. When they met the rebels in the landscape. Liu Bei was grievely wounded and had to fake death. After the rebels left, a friend of him loaded him into a cart and carried him away. Thus he was able to escape. In recognition of his contributions, the Han central government appointed Liu Bei as the Prefect (令) of Anxi County (安喜縣; northwest of present-day Anguo, Hebei), one of the counties in Zhongshan Commandery (中山郡).
Later, the Han central government decreed that any official who had gained the post as a reward for military contributions was to be dismissed and an inspector was sent to Liu Bei's prefecture. Liu Bei doubted that he would be among those to be dismissed. When Liu Bei saw the inspector he recognized him and wanted to meet him however the inspector refused to see him and claimed illness. Liu Bei was furious, he returned to his office and led clerks and soldiers to the postal relay station and forced his enter through the door and said: "I have been secretly instructed by the Commandery Administrator to arrest the inspector!" Thereupon he tied the inspector and led him to the outskirts of the district then he bound the inspector to a tree, undid his ribbon of office and tied the inspector's neck and gave him more than one hundred strokes with a bamboo stave. Liu Bei was ready to kill him but the inspector begged him for mercy and so he didn't. After that, he left his office.
He then travelled south with his followers to join another militia. Around this time, the General-in-Chief He Jin sent the Chief Commandant Guanqiu Yi (毌丘毅) to Danyang with the mission to recruit soldiers, and Liu Bei joined him in fighting the Yellow Turbans remnants in Xu Province. When they reached Xiapi, they met rebels army and Liu Bei fought hard with talent. As a reward for his contributions, the Han central government appointed him as the Prefect (令) and Commandant (都尉) of Gaotang County.
Warlord state
In Gongsun Zans service (189–194)
Liu Bei never participated in the Campaign against Dong Zhuo, although he is said to have raised troops for the purpose. Instead, he opted to move north to join an old friend, the warlord Gongsun Zan. In 191, they scored a major victory against another warlord Yuan Shao (leader of the former alliance against Dong Zhuo) in their struggle for control of Ji Province and Qing Province . Gongsun Zan nominated Liu Bei to be the Chancellor (相) of Pingyuan State and sent him to join his subordinate Tian Kai in fighting Yuan Shao's eldest son Yuan Tan in Qing Province. In defending against the shepherd of Ji province, Yuan Shao, he fought in battles with distinction. He was appointed probationary prefect of Pingyuan and later was made concurrent chancellor of Pingyuan.
At this time, a resident of Pingyuan, Liu Ping 劉平, had since long held Liu Bei in low esteem so he was ashamed at having to serve under him. Liu Ping hired an assassin to kill Liu Bei. Liu Bei didn't realize his intention and treated him generously, so much so that the assassin could not bring himself to kill him and so he informed Liu Bei before he left. Such was the extent to which the Liu Bei had won the hearts of the people. Pingyuan was poor and so people were starving and they banded together to commit robbery. Liu Bei externally guarded against bandits and internally he generously carried out economic measures. He would make persons who ranked beneath the elite sit on the same mat and eat from the same pot. He felt no cause to be picky, so people attached themselves to him in droves.
Succeeding Tao Qian (194)
In 194, Yuan Shao's ally, Cao Cao, attacked Tao Qian, the Governor of Xu Province. At the time, there were two opposing alliances – Yuan Shu, Tao Qian and Gongsun Zan on one side, Yuan Shao, Cao Cao and Liu Biao the other. In face of strong pressure from Cao Cao, Tao Qian appealed to Tian Kai for help. Tian Kai and Liu Bei led their armies to support Tao Qian. Liu Bei himself led over 5000 soldiers with mixed barbarian cavalry from the Wuhuan of You province. He also conscripted several thousand among the people.
Despite initial success in the invasion, Cao Cao's subordinate Zhang Miao rebelled and allowed Lü Bu to take over Cao Cao's base in Yan Province, forcing Cao Cao to retreat from Xu Province. Tao Qian asked Liu Bei to station his army in nearby Xiaopei and gave him 4,000 more troops from Danyang, in addition to the thousands troops and Wuhuan cavalry already under his command. Thus, Liu Bei broke with his supervisor Tian Kai for Tao Qian. Tao Qian became Liu Bei's mentor and Liu Bei benefited greatly under the tutelage of Tao Qian, who governed like a Confucian populist, which influenced Liu Bei's future governance. Then, Tao Qian memorialized the court to have Liu Bei appointed as the inspector of Yu province. Liu Bei led his army to Xiaopei, he then proceed to raise troops around the area, and actively built up connections with influential clans and people of the region. In a rather short period of time, he had gained the support of the two most powerful families in Xu Province: the Mi family led by Mi Zhu and Mi Fang, and the Chen family led by Chen Gui and Chen Deng.
Soon Tao Qian's illness became serious and he told to the mounted escort Mi Zhu: "Other than Liu Bei, there is no one who can bring peace to this province." Upon Tao Qian's death in 194, the Mi family backed Liu Bei, instead of one of Tao Qian's sons, to be the new Governor of Xu Province. Mi Zhu then led the residents of the province to meet Liu Bei, however he was hesitant and apprehensive about taking the post. He then consulted Kong Rong and Chen Deng.
Chen Deng told him: "Today the House of Han is in decline and the empire is in chaos. The time to establish merit and to accomplish affairs is today. That province is rich, with a population of a million. We wish to impose on you the post of the inspector and have you assume charge of the affairs of the province." Liu Bei answered: "Yuan Shu is nearby at Shouchun. That man is from a line of four dukes in five generations. The empire is turning to him. You can give the province to him.」 Chen Deng then said: "Gonglu is arrogant. He is not the ruler to bring order out of the chaos. Now, I wish to assemble 100,000 infantry and cavalry for my lord. Above, you can assist our sovereign and bring aid to the common people then you could fulfill the calling of the Five Hegemons. Below you could allocate territory and preserve the boundaries. Finally, you could write your achievements on bamboo and silk to be recorded for the posterity. If the inspector does not assent then I also dare not to obey the inspector."
Kong Rong at that time was the chancellor of Beihai and told him: "Is Yuan Gonglu someone who will be concerned about the state and forget his family? In what way are dried bones in the grave worthy of our attention? As far as today's matter is concerned, the people will adhere to men of talent and ability. If one does not accept what heaven offers to him then it will be too late if you regret it later.」 Both of them advised him to form an alliance with Yuan Shao.
At that time, Chen Deng with Mi Zhu and the others sent a messenger to call on to Yuan Shao saying: "Heaven has sent down disastrous stench and misfortune has fallen upon our humble and small region. Recently, Tao Qian has died and the people are without a ruler. They fear that greedy rapace will one day take advantage of the opening to extend themselves and so are very anxious. However, they will embrace the former Administrator of Pingyuan, Liu Bei, as their rightful leader. Hence allowing the people to know that hey have someone to rely on. Just now rebel are around all the region; there』s not a moment of peace to remove his armor. And so we respectfully send lower officials to report this to the officials in charge." Yuan Shao answered: "Liu Xuande is liberal and refined. He is also known as a man of trust and righteousness. Now that Xu region happily accepts him. This matches my own desires." Liu Bei finally took over Xu Province after Yuan Shao recognised the legitimacy of his governorship.
Conflict with Lü Bu (195–198)
In 195, Lü Bu was defeated by Cao Cao and sought shelter under Liu Bei. In the next year, Yuan Shu sent his general Ji Ling with an army to invade Xu Province. In response, Liu Bei led his troops to counter Ji Ling's advances near present-day Xuyi County and stopped him at Xuyi and Huaiyin (淮陰). Around this time, Cao Cao memorialized to appoint Liu Bei as General Who Subdues The East and enfeoffed him as marquis of Yicheng Village. This was in the first year of the Jian'an period (196).
Liu Bei and Yuan Shu had a standoff for about a month without any decisive result. In the meantime, Zhang Fei, whom Liu Bei left in charge of Xiapi Commandery (下邳郡; around present-day Pizhou, Jiangsu), the capital of Xu Province, murdered Cao Bao, the Chancellor of Xiapi, after an intense quarrel. Cao Bao's death stirred up unrest in Xiapi Commandery which provided the warlord Lü Bu an opportunity to link up with defectors from Liu Bei's side to seize control of Xiapi Commandery and capture Liu Bei's family.
Upon receiving news of Lü Bu's intrusion, Liu Bei immediately headed back to Xiapi Commandery but most of his troops deserted along the way. With his remaining men, Liu Bei moved eastward to take Guangling Commandery, where Yuan Shu's forces defeated him. Liu Bei then retreated to Haixi County (海西縣; southeast of present-day Guannan County, Jiangsu). At this time, Yang Feng and Han Xian were brigands who raided the area between Yang and Xu provinces. Liu Bei caught and defeated them. After his victory, he had both of them executed.
However, surrounded by hostile forces and facing a lack of food supplies, Liu Bei and his men resorted to cannibalism. Pressed by poverty and hunger, Liu Bei's men wanted to return to Xiopei. Liu Bei eventually had no choice but to sent an official request to surrender to Lü Bu who accepted his surrender and ordered Liu Bei to return to the seat of Xu and to combine their strength to defeat Yuan Shu. He then prepared the regional inspector's chariot and returned his family to the bank of the Si River as an act of good faith. Before Liu Bei left, there was a farewell banquet and everyone was content.
Lü Bu, fearing that Yuan Shu would turn on him after eliminating Liu Bei, obstructed Yuan Shu's attempts to destroy Liu Bei. At this time, Lu Bu's commanders said to him: "Liu Bei has changed his allegiance too often. It is difficult to know what he is going to do and develop relations with him. Soon, you will have to think of a way to take care of him." However, Lu Bu didn't listen and even related the matter to Liu Bei. Liu Bei was alarmed and maneuvered to distance himself, sending a messenger to Lü Bu with a request to be relocated to Xiaopei. Lü Bu agreed, and Liu Bei was able to safely arrive at Xiaopei where he immediately raised 10,000 troops.
Upon seeing Liu Bei's growing power, Lü Bu became worried that Liu Bei would turn against him, so he launched a preemptive attack on Xiaopei. Liu Bei fled to the imperial capital, Xuchang, where he took shelter under Cao Cao, the warlord who had been controlling the Han central government since he had brought the figurehead Emperor Xian of Han to Xuchang in 196. Cao Cao welcomed Liu Bei warmly, used Emperor Xian's name to appoint him as the Governor of Yu Province, and put him in command of some troops. Liu Bei then returned to Xiaopei to keep an eye on Lü Bu.
In 198, Lü Bu renewed his alliance with Yuan Shu to counter Cao Cao's growing influence and sent Gao Shun and Zhang Liao to attack Liu Bei at Xiaopei. Cao Cao sent Xiahou Dun to support Liu Bei but he was unable to rescue Liu Bei and they were defeated by Gao Shun again he had his family captured by Gao Shun who sent them to Lu Bu. Liu Bei fled to Xuchang to take shelter under Cao Cao, who brought Liu Bei along as he personally led an army to attack Lü Bu in Xu Province. Later that year, the combined forces of Cao Cao and Liu Bei defeated Lü Bu at the Battle of Xiapi; Lü Bu was captured and executed after his defeat. Liu Bei recovered his wife and children and followed Cao Cao back to Xu. Cao Cao sent a memorial to have Liu Bei promoted as General Of The Left. Cao Cao treated treated him with great sympathy. When they went out, they would ride in the same chariot and when they sat, it was on the same mat.
Role in the Cao–Yuan conflict (199–201)
By 199, Cao Cao enjoyed a strong political advantage over his rivals because he had Emperor Xian and the Han central government firmly under his control. During this time, Liu Bei participated in a conspiracy with Dong Cheng, Colonel of the Chang River Encampment Zhong Ji (種輯), General Wu Zilan (吳子蘭) and General Wang Zifu (王子服) to assassinate Cao Cao, after Dong Cheng had received a secret edict from within the Emperor Xian's clothing and girdle to kill Cao Cao. Around this time, Cao Cao said brusquely to Liu Bei: "Currently among the heroes of the empire, there is only you and I. The ilk of Benchu are not worth counting.」 At this moment, Liu Bei was taking a bite and from the shock dropped his chopstick and spoon. He excused himself on account of a clap of thunder and told to Cao Cao: "When the wise said, 「If there is a sudden clap of thunder and a fierce wind, I must change my countenance」 it was truly with reason. The awesomeness of a single clap can cause this!"
However, at the same time, Liu Bei was anxious to leave Xuchang and be free of Cao Cao's control. Thus, upon hearing news that Yuan Shu was on his way to join Yuan Shao after his defeat, Liu Bei requested permission from Cao Cao to lead an army to stop Yuan Shu. Cao Cao agreed and sent Liu Bei and Zhu Ling to lead an army to block Yuan Shu, who retreated back to his base in Shouchun and died there later that year. While Zhu Ling returned to Xu, Liu Bei remained in command of the army and led them to attack and seize control of Xu Province after murdering Che Zhou (車冑), the provincial governor appointed by Cao Cao. Liu Bei then moved to Xiaopei while leaving Guan Yu in charge of Xu Province's capital, Xiapi.
Chang Ba (昌霸) of Donghai used this occasion to rebel. Also, many commanderies and prefectures entered in rebellion and joined Liu Bei against Cao Cao. Soon, their mass totaled more than ten thousands of persons. In the meantime, Yuan Shao had defeated Gongsun Zan and was preparing to attack Cao Cao in the Henan region. Liu Bei then sent his adviser Sun Qian to meet Yuan Shao and request that he launch an immediate attack on Cao Cao, but Yuan Shao refused. In 200, Cao Cao discovered Dong Cheng's conspiracy and had all the participants rounded up and executed along with their families. Liu Bei survived the purge because he was not in Xuchang.
Having achieved stability in Xuchang, Cao Cao turned his attention towards preparing for a battle with Yuan Shao. He fortified many key crossing points along the south banks of the Yellow River and set up a main camp at Guandu. At the same time, he sent his subordinates Liu Dai and Wang Zhong to attack Liu Bei in Xu Province but they were defeated. Cao Cao then made a highly risky move: He predicted that Yuan Shao would not make any advances so he secretly left his defensive position along the Yellow River and personally led an army to Xu Province to attack Liu Bei. Under the weight of Cao Cao's attacks, Liu Bei's forces quickly disintegrated and Xu Province fell to Cao Cao. Zhang Fei protected Liu Bei as he fled from Xiaopei after his defeat; Guan Yu, isolated in Xiapi Commandery, was captured by Cao Cao's forces and decided to surrender and temporarily serve under Cao Cao. Liu Bei headed north to join Yuan Shao.
Liu Bei first went to Qing province which was under Yuan Tan's supervision. Before Liu Bei had formerly recommended Yuan Tan as an "abundant talent' and so they had good relation, Yuan Tan himself led infantry and cavalry to welcome him. Both of them then left for Pingyuan. Yuan Tan then sent a messenger to report to his father. Yuan Shan then sent a commander to greet Liu Bei and personally went 200 li from Ye to welcome him. Both Yuan Shao and Yuan Tan greatly esteemed Liu Bei. He then stayed a month and a few days, and soon his soldiers regrouped under him. He participated in the Battle of Yan Ford alongside Yuan Shao's general Wen Chou against Cao Cao's forces, but they suffered a defeat and Wen Chou was killed in battle.
As Liu Pi, a former Yellow Turban rebel, started a revolt in Runan Commandery (southeastern Henan), Liu Bei convinced Yuan Shao to "lend" him troops to assist Liu Pi. At this time, Guan Yu rejoined Liu Bei. Liu Bei and Liu Pi then led their forces from Runan Commandery to attack Xuchang while Cao Cao was away at Guandu, but they were defeated by Cao Ren. Liu Bei then returned to Yuan Shao and urged him to ally with Liu Biao, the Governor of Jing Province. Yuan Shao then sent him with some troops to Runan Commandery to assist another rebel leader, Gong Du (共都/龔都). Liu Bei and Gong Du defeated and killed Cai Yang (蔡陽), one of Cao Cao's officers who led troops to attack them.
Taking refuge under Liu Biao (201–208)
In 201, Cao Cao led his army to attack Liu Bei in Runan Commandery after his victory over Yuan Shao at the Battle of Guandu. Liu Bei sent Mi Zhu and Sun Qian as ambassadors to Liu Biao. Liu Biao himself came to the outskirts to greet Liu Bei and his followers and treated them with utmost courtesy due an honoured guest. He gave him some troops and sent him to station at Xinye County in northern Jing Province to guard against Cao Cao's advances. Soon many men of talents joined Liu Bei and his rank greatly increased. Liu Biao didn't trust him completely and secretly guarded against Liu Bei.
In 202, Liu Biao ordered Liu Bei to fend off Xiahou Dun, Yu Jin and the other officers at Bowang. Liu Bei led his army and set up an ambush. Eventually, he set fire to his own camp and faked a retreat. When Xiahou Dun led his soldiers to the pursuit, they were crushed by the troops lying in ambush at Battle of Bowang. Liu Bei stayed in Jing Province for about seven years. When he was talking with Liu Biao, he rose up to go to the toilet. Then, he noticed that the flesh in his thighshad had increased, he sighed heavily and wept. When he returned to his seat, Liu Biao was surprised and asked him about it. Liu Bei replied: "When I was younger, I've never left the saddle. My thighs were thin. Now I do not ride anymore, they has grown. The days and months pass like a stream, and old age will come, but I have achieved nothing. That's why I am sad."
Once, Liu Bei camped at Fancheng with his soldiers. Liu Biao was friendly to him however he was also anxious about Liu Bei's conduct and did not place much trust in him. One day, had asked Liu Bei to him for a banquet. Kuai Yue and Cai Mao wanted to use this as an occasion to kill Liu Bei. Liu Bei saw through this and pretented to go to the toilet and nimbly escaped. His horse was named Dilu (的盧), and he quickly ride him. However, during the pursuit, he fell into the waters of the Tan Stream west of Xiangyang city.Liu Bei was drowning and couldn't get away from the river. He then cried: "Dilu! Today I』m in dire straits! Give it your all!" Dilu then jumped three zhang (7 meters) in a single leap and thus both of them got across. Quickly they found a ferry and crossed the river. While they were at half of the river, the pursuers caught up to them and could only apologize on Liu Biao's behalf whilfe saying: "Why are you leaving already?"
In 207, Cao Cao planned a campaign to conquer the Wuhuan in the north, but was apprehensive that Liu Biao might attack his base but he was assured by Guo Jia that Liu Biao would not do so for fear of Liu Bei being more powerful than he was. Cao Cao agreed and Guo Jia's point was proven later, when Liu Biao refused to attack Xu when Liu Bei advised him to do so. When Cao Cao returned from Liucheng. Liu Biao told to Liu Bei: "I didn』t adopt your proposal and now I lost this great opportunity." Liu Bei answered: 「Now the empire is in chaos and every days there are battles. What seem to be a good opportunity may present himself later. If you are able to respond to them accordingly then this isn't worth regret."
Away from the battlefields in the east and under Liu Biao's efficient rule, Jing Province was prosperous and a popular destination for literati fleeing from the destruction of war. Liu Bei asked Sima Hui, a revered recluse, about scholars. Sima Hui's friend Pan Degong named Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong as exceptional talents who could comprehend important events of their time well. Xu Shu also urged Liu Bei to call on Zhuge Liang. Liu Bei went to see Zhuge Liang and finally had an audience with him after three visits. Zhuge Liang presented Liu Bei with his Longzhong Plan, a general long-term plan outlining the takeover of Jing Province and Yi Province to set up a two-pronged final strike at the imperial capital.
Liu Biao died in 208 and his younger son Liu Cong succeeded him and surrendered to Cao Cao without informing Liu Bei. By the time Liu Bei heard news of Liu Cong's surrender, Cao Cao's army had already reached Wan. When he head of his surrender, he had someone close to him ask about it. Liu Zhong then sent Song Zhong (宋忠) to Liu Bei. When they met, Cao Cao was at Wan and Liu Bei was furious, he said to Song Zhong: "All of you act in such undesirable way and are not honest with us from the start. Now only when catastrophe is near do you dare to show your face. Are you thinking of me as a fool?" Liu Bei pulled his sword on Song Zhong and said: "If I were to behead you now, It would quell my rage. Howerver It would be a shame for a man of my stature to kill someone like you when they are about to fall." Liu Bei sent Son Zhong away and summoned his officers to discuss of the next strategy. Among them, some wanted for Liu Bei to forced Liu Zhong, his officials and the elites (吏士) of Jing province to flee south of Jiangling. However Liu Bei replied: "When Liu Biao was near death, he confided me with his orphaned sons. Now I would have to betray him and his trust to save myself and this isn't something I am ready to do. After death, how could I face him!"
Liu Bei led his troops away and abandoned Fancheng, leading civilians and his followers on an exodus to the south. Around this time, Zhuge Liang advised Liu Bei to launch an attack on Liu Cong, then Jing province may belong to him. Liu Bei answered that he couldn't bear to do it. Then he passed near Liu Cong's city and wanted to see him. However Liu Cong was afraid and would not move. Many of Liu Cong's supporters and the people of Jing joined him. Around this time, Liu Bei took his leave at Liu Biao's grave. He wept at the situation Jing province was.
By the time they reached Dangyang (當陽; south of present-day Duodao District, Jingmen, Hubei), his followers numbered more than 100,000 and they moved only 10 li a day. Liu Bei sent Guan Yu ahead to wait for him in Jiangling, where abundant supplies and arsenal were stored, with Jing Province's fleet. Among Liu Bei's followers, some said to him: 「You should move fast and then hold Jiangling. Although our force is large, few ammong them have military equipments. If Cao Cao's army comes, how will you stop him?」 Liu Bei answered to them: 「In coping with a situation one must alway consider men as fundamental. Now that men are joining me, how can I reject them!」
Afraid that Liu Bei might reach Jiangling County which had military stores before him, Cao Cao led his cavalry on pursuit for Xiangyang. When he learned that he already passed through there. He urged his 5000 elite troops, in a day and a night they covered over 300 li and Cao Cao caught up with Liu Bei and captured most of his people and baggage at the Battle of Changban. Leaving his family behind, Liu Bei fled with only scores of followers. He made it to the Han Ford where he met with Guan Yu's fleet, they crossed the Mian River to Jiangxia Commandery and the Yangtze River to Xiakou, where they took shelter under Liu Qi, Liu Biao's elder son and met up with over 10,000 followers. Liu Qi objected to his brother's surrender to Cao Cao and was able to maintain Jiangxia Commandery and Xiakou allowing more of his father's former subordinates to escape from Cao Cao.
Alliance with Sun Quan
Battles of Red Cliffs and Jiangling (208-211)
When Liu Bei was still at Dangyang, Lu Su met him, discussed with him of the situation in the empire and hinted that he should ally with the warlord Sun Quan against Cao Cao. After that, Lu Su asked Liu Bei where he wanted to go next. Liu Bei answered that him and Wu Ju (吳巨) the Administrator of Cangwu Commandery were friends and that he desired to join him. Lu Su told Liu Bei: "Sun Quan is talented and kind. His treats both the elites and the worthies with respect. All the heroes from the south of the Yangtze river already joined him. He also holds the six commanderies, his troops trained and the supplies abundant. You should join him. Now, I propose this plan to you. You should sent a confidant of you as an envoy to the east and establish connections, promote the gains of this alliance and together we shall follow the same goal. But you speak of Wu Ju. He has no talents and command a distant commandery. He will soon be under another. How could you entrust yourself to him?". Liu Bei agreed with Lu Su.
Zhuge Liang, as Liu Bei's representative, followed Lu Su to meet Sun Quan at Chaisang County (柴桑縣; southwest of present-day Jiujiang, Jiangxi), where they discussed the formation of a Sun–Liu alliance against Cao Cao. Liu Bei and Sun Quan formed their first alliance against the southward expansion of Cao Cao. Both sides clashed at the Battle of Red Cliffs, which concluded with a decisive victory for the Sun–Liu side. Liu Bei and the Sun troops advanced by land and water until Cao Cao was pushed to Nan Commandery. Cao Cao retreated north after his defeat and left behind Cao Ren and Xu Huang to guard Jiangling County and Yue Jin to defend Xiangyang.
Sun Quan's forces, led by Zhou Yu, attacked Cao Ren after their resounding victory to wrestle for control of Jiangling County. Liu Bei recommended Liu Qi to be the new Inspector of Jing Province and led his men to capture the four commanderies in southern Jing Province – Changsha (長沙) led by Han Xuan, Lingling (零陵) led by Liu Du, Guiyang led by Zhao Fan and Wuling led by Jin Xuan. Lei Xu (雷緒) of Lujiang (廬江) also amassed many followers and led ten thousands of soldiers to Liu Bei. Liu Bei set up his base at Gong'an County and continued to strengthen his forces.
When Liu Qi died in 209 shortly after Liu Bei secured his position in southern Jing Province. All of Liu Qi's followers wanted for Liu Bei to succeed him as the new Inspector of Jing Province with his administrative seat at Gongan which he accepted. To further strengthen the Sun–Liu alliance, Liu Bei travelled to Sun Quan's territory to marry Sun Quan's younger sister, Lady Sun. After the political marriage, Sun Quan not only recognised the legitimacy of Liu Bei's control over southern Jing Province, but also agreed to "lend" Nan Commandery to him.
Sun Quan sent an envoy to Liu Bei and expressed his desire for both of them to conquer Yi province. The emissary reported to Liu Bei:"The Rice Bandit, Zhang Lu has made his base in Ba and acted as a king. He served as Cao Cao's ears an eyes and want to conquer Yi province. Liu Zhang is weak and can't defend himself. If Cao Cao gained Yi province the Jing would be in danger! Now, you should first conquer Liu Zhang then Zhang Lu. The tail and the head are connected. Once we united Wu and Chu even if there is ten Cao Cao, there would be no need for worry."
Liu Bei's officers thought Liu Bei should conquer this land alone since Sun Quan couldn't extend his land beyond Jing province. Yin Guan (殷觀) at this time was master of records of Jing province, he said: "If you act as the vanguard for Sun Quan and moved your army but fall to conquer Yi province then while you are away, Sun Quan could use this to his advantage and everything would be lost! For the time being, you should only encourage his attack on Yi while you explain that you recently conquered several commanderies and cannot act yet. Sun Quan would not dare to pass through us to take Yi alone. With such a strategy of advance and withdrawal, you can reap the both the benefits of Sun Quan and the Yi province.」 Liu Bei agreed and followed this plan, he then had Yin Guan promoted to be mounted escort attendant.
And so Liu Bei answered to Sun Quan: "The people of Yi province are strong and rich moreover the land is hard to conquer. Even if Liu Zhang is weak, he can defend himself. Zhang Lu is crafty and may not be loyal to Cao Cao. Now with the fierce soldiers of Yi and the complicate terrain, the battle is far more harder and may be something that Wu Qi couldn't accomplish even less an officer of Sun. Even if Cao Cao wanted to destitute the emperor, he still is officially his protector. And when the civils saw his defeat at Cibhi, they said that his ambition was over and his power ended. However he already possesses two thirds of the empire and he surely wants to take his horse to the farest of the world and led his army to Wu-Gui Commanderies. Why would he allow us expend ourselves while waiting for his death? Now if we were to attack an ally (Liu Zhang) without reason, Cao Cao would use this opportunity to crushed us while we are infighting. This is not a good plan."
Sun Quan didn't listen and sent Sun Yu to led his troops and camped at Xiakou (夏口). However Liu Bei blocked this army and would not allow them to pass. He said to Sun Yu: "If you take Yi then I shall let my hair down, go into the mountains and become an hermit so I would not lose the trust of the empire."Also he ordered Guan Yu to encamp at Jiangling, Zhang Fei at Zigui, Zhuge Liang in Nan commandery and Liu Bei himself led his men at Zhanling. When Sun Quan saw this, he grasped Liu Bei』s intentions and had to order Sun Yu to return.
Subsequently, former subordinates of Liu Biao who were unwilling to serve Cao Cao came to join Liu Bei. After the death of Zhou Yu in 210 and Liu Bei's growing influence in southern Jing Province, Sun Quan's position in the north became more untenable. Lu Su succeeded Zhou Yu as the frontline commander of Sun Quan's armies and moved the headquarters to Lukou (陸口), yielding all commanderies of Jing Province (except Jiangxia Commandery) and access to Yi Province to Liu Bei.
Establishing the Shu kingdom
Conquering Yi Province (211-215)
In 211, Liu Zhang, the Governor of Yi Province (covering present-day Sichuan and Chongqing), heard that Cao Cao planned to attack the warlord Zhang Lu in Hanzhong Commandery. As Hanzhong Commandery was a strategic location and the northern "gateway" into Yi Province, Liu Zhang was afraid. At this time, the mounted escort Zhang Song told him: "Cao Cao's armies are strong and without a match in the empire. If he was able to use Zhang Lu's grain stores and launch an invasion of Yi province, who could stop him." Liu Zhang answered that he was worried but without a plan. Zhang Song answered: "Liu Bei is of the same clan as you and he is an unstoppable rival of Cao Cao. He commands troops with talent. If we used him to conquer Zhang Lu, Zhang Lu would surely be defeated. With Zhang Lu vanquished, Yi province would be safe and even if Cao Cao were to come, he would be defeated."
After listening to the advice from Zhang Song, Liu Zhang sent Fa Zheng with 4000 men to form an alliance with Liu Bei and presented him with many expensive gifts. Zhang Song and Fa Zheng privately disapproved of Liu Zhang's governance and looked at Liu Bei as a solution for a legitimate successor. When Liu Bei met them, he welcomed them warmly and treated them with kindness. He used this opportunity to lear more about Yi province mostly the weaponry, stores and number of horses as well as other strategic locations and their distance to each other. Zhang Song and his entourage told him about everything and furthmore drew a map of Yi province with the location of the mountains and rivers. With their help, Liu Bei learned all about Yi province. Liu Zhang invited Liu Bei to join him in Yi Province to capture Hanzhong Commandery before Cao Cao did.
Liu Bei led an expedition force of several ten thousands soldiers into Yi Province after leaving behind Zhuge Liang, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun to guard Jing Province. Liu Zhang welcomed Liu Bei, when they saw each other, both of them were friendly. Before this Zhang Song told Fa Zheng to report to Liu Bei, that with the consellor Pang Tong backing, they could ambush Liu Zhang at the meeting spot. However Liu Bei thought that the plan was too hasty for such an important act.
Liu Zhang then sent a proposition to have Liu Bei be made Commander in Chief and colonel director of the retainers. Liu Bei also proposed Liu Zhang to be General Who Subdues The West and Gouvernor of Yi province. Liu Zhang provided him with more troops under his command and have him supervised the White River Army. With those reinforcement, Liu Bei's army was over 30 000 men with plenty of weapons and horses. While Liu Zhang left for Chengdu, Liu Bei headed to Jiameng Pass (southwest of present-day Guangyuan, Sichuan) at the border between Liu Zhang and Zhang Lu's territories. Instead of engaging Zhang Lu, Liu Bei halted his advance and focused on building connections and gaining influence around the area. He was kind and virtuous and so he soon gained the hearts of the masses
Next year, in 212, Cao Cao launched a campaign against Sun Quan and he soon called Liu Bei for help. Liu Bei sent a messenger to Liu Zhang: "Cao Cao campaigned against Sun and now they are in danger. Both me and them were like "lips and teeth". Moreover, Guan Yu is fighting against Yue Jian at Qingni (清泥). If I don't go to help him now and he is defeated then he will invade Jing province and the danger will be greater than Zhang Lu. Zhang Lu is looking to preserve his state. He isn't worth to worry about."and he requested that another 10,000 soldiers and additional provisions aid in the defence of Jing Province. Liu Zhang gave him only 4,000 troops and half of the other supplies he requested. Liu Bei used this as a way to motivate his troops: "I'm fighting the ennemies of the province. My men are tired and cannot enjoy a peaceful life. While Liu Zhang amasses wealth in his palaces but reward mertis feebly. He hopes for the wothies and the brave to go fight in his place. But how can he thinks as such?"
Fa Zheng, Zhang Song and Meng Da set into motion their plan but they worried that Liu Bei would leave. They said to him that now that success is near, how could he give up and leave. At this time, Zhang Su(張肅), Zhang Song's brother, discovered his brother's secret communications with Liu Bei and reported the issue to Liu Zhang. Liu Zhang was furious and stunned when he heard that Zhang Song had been helping Liu Bei to take over Yi Province from him – he executed Zhang Song and ordered his officers guarding the passes to Chengdu to keep secret documents and letters to Liu Bei.
When Liu Bei found out from the spies he planted around Liu Zhang, he was furious. Fa Zheng and Meng Da defected to Liu Bei's side before Yang Huai and Gao Pei (高沛), Liu Zhang's subordinates guarding Boshui Pass, knew about Liu Bei's true motive. Liu Bei lured Yang Huai and Gao Pei into a trap and executed them for behaving disrespectfully towards him. He then took command of Yang Huai's and Gao Pei's troops, numbering under 5,000. Liu Bei then had Huang Zhong and Zhuo Ying lead his soldiers against Liu Zhang. When he enterred the different passes, he took the commanders as hostage along with their family. He then advanced with his troops and turned to attack Fu County (涪縣; present-day Mianyang, Sichuan).
In the spring of 213, Liu Zhang sent Liu Gui, Ling Bao, Zhang Ren, Deng Xian, Wu Yi and other officers to stop him at Fu. However all were soundly defeated and had to retreat to Mianzhu. They were killed or captured by Liu Bei's forces. Despite being the most trusted vassal of Liu Zhang, Wu Yi soon changed allegiance, Li Yan and Fei Guan were sent to help them at Mianzhu, but they surrendered to Liu Bei as well. Liu Bei's army was getting stronger and he sent commanders to pacify the other prefectures. Among them were Zhuge Liang, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun. They led their army and pacify Baidi Jiangzhou and Jiangyang. Only Guan Yu stayed behind to defend Jing province.
Now the remnant force was under command of Liu Zhang's son, Liu Xun, and he retreated to Luo County (northwest of Chengdu, Sichuan). There, Pang Tong was killed by a stray arrow, and the siege became a prolonged one for nearly a year. In 214, after Luo County fell to Liu Bei. Liu Zhang continued to hold up inside Chengdu. Ma Chao, a former warlord and vassal under Zhang Lu, defected to Liu Bei's side and joined him in attacking Chengdu. Although Chengdu's citizens were terrified by Ma Chao's army, they insisted on putting up a desperate fight against the enemy. However, Liu Zhang surrendered to Liu Bei after stating that he did not wish to see further bloodshed. Liu Bei then succeeded Liu Zhang as the Governor of Yi Province and relocated him to Gong'an County in Jing Province. The Yi province was rich and prosper, Liu Bei had a banquet prepared for the officers and soldiers. He used the gold and silver to repay them and distributed ilk and grain to the common people.
Liu Bei married Wu Yi's sister and went on numerous public tours to consolidate his control on the newly conquered Yi Province. He promoted Zhuge Liang to an office that granted him control over all affairs of state and appointed Dong He as Zhuge Liang's deputy. Fa Zheng as his strategist. Guan Yu, Zhang Fei and Ma Chao as his commanders. Xu Jing, Mi Zhu and Jian Yong as his guests. The rest of Liu Bei's followers, new and old, were entrusted with new responsibilities and promoted to new ranks with Liu Zhang's followers promoted into prominent positions so their talents would not be wasted. Among the talented with ambitions, all competed for Liu Bei's attention.
Sun–Liu territorial dispute (215-217)
After Liu Bei's conquest of Yi Province, Sun Quan sent Lu Su as an emissary to demand the return of the commanderies in southern Jing Province, but Liu Bei refused and told him to wait until he took Liang province. Sun Quan was furious then sent Lü Meng and Ling Tong to lead 20,000 men to attack southern Jing Province and they succeeded in capturing Changsha, Guiyang and Lingling commanderies. In the meantime, Lu Su and Gan Ning advanced to Yiyang County with 10,000 men to block Guan Yu) and took over command of the army at Lukou. Liu Bei personally went to Gong'an County with 50 000 soldiers while Guan Yu led 30,000 men to Yiyang County. When war was about to break out, Liu Bei received news that Cao Cao was planning to attack Hanzhong Commandery after Zhang Lu fled to Baxi.
Liu Bei became worried about Cao Cao seizing Hanzhong Commandery. and requested for a border treaty with Sun Quan for the Jing province with Jiangxia, Changsha and Guiyang going to Sun Quan while Nan commandery, Lingling and Wuling would go back to Liu Bei, setting the new border along the Xiang River. Liu Bei led his army back to Ba commandery and had Huang Quan sent to lead troops to meet Zhang Lu, however he already had surrendered to Cao Cao.
Hanzhong Campaign (217-219)
In 215, Cao Cao defeated Zhang Lu at the Battle of Yangping and seized Hanzhong Commandery. Sima Yi and Liu Ye advised him to take advantage of the victory to attack Yi Province, since it was still unstable under Liu Bei's new government and Liu Bei himself was away in Jing Province. Cao Cao, who was not fond of the terrain of the region, refused and left Xiahou Yuan, Zhang He and Xu Huang to defend Hanzhong Commandery.
In anticipation of a prolonged war, Zhang He led his army to Dangqu Commandery (宕渠郡; around present-day Qu County, Sichuan) in order to relocate the population of Ba Commandery (巴郡; present-day Chongqing and eastern Sichuan) to Hanzhong Commandery. Meanwhile, Liu Bei appointed Zhang Fei as the Administrator of Baxi Commandery (巴西郡) and ordered him to take over the region. Zhang Fei and Zhang He faced each other for 50 days, which concluded with a victory for the former following a surprise attack on the latter. Narrowly escaping, Zhang He retreated to Nanzheng County on foot, and the Ba region became part of Liu Bei's territory.
In 217, Fa Zheng pointed out the strategic necessities of seizing Hanzhong Commandery and advised Liu Bei to drive Cao Cao's force out of the area. Liu Bei sent Zhang Fei, Ma Chao and others to capture Wudu Commandery (武都郡), while he assembled an army and advanced to Yangping Pass. Zhang Fei was forced to retreat after his aides Wu Lan and Lei Tong (雷銅) were defeated and killed by Cao Cao's forces. Liu Bei, engaging Xiahou Yuan at Yangping Pass, tried to cut the enemy's supply route by sending his general Chen Shi to Mamingge, but was routed by Xiahou Yuan's subordinate, Xu Huang. Liu Bei then pressed on Zhang He at Guangshi but failed to achieve any success; at the same time, Xiahou Yuan and Zhang He were not able to hinder Liu Bei from mobilising forces around the area. The war turned into a stalemate, and Cao Cao decided to gather an army in Chang'an to fight Liu Bei.
In the spring of 218, Liu Bei and Xiahou Yuan had faced each other for over a year. Liu Bei led the main army to the south of the Mian River (沔水) and ordered Huang Zhong to set up camps on Mount Dingjun, where Xiahou Yuan's encampment in the valley below could be easily monitored. One night, Liu Bei sent 10,000 troops to attack Zhang He in Guangshi and set fire to Xiahou Yuan's barricades. Xiahou Yuan then led a small detachment to put out the fire and sent the main army to reinforce Zhang He. Fa Zheng saw an opportunity for attack and signalled to Liu Bei to launch an assault. Liu Bei sent Huang Zhong to attack the weakened enemy from above. Huang Zhong targeted Xiahou Yuan's unit and completely routed it. Both Xiahou Yuan and Zhao Yong, Cao Cao's appointed Inspector of Yi Province, were killed in the battle.
Zhang He, who had been informally elected to succeed Xiahou Yuan by Du Xi and Guo Huai, retreated to the northern bank of the Han River, and awaited Cao Cao's reinforcement from Chang'an. Liu Bei knew Cao Cao would come yet he knew he would hold Hanzhong. He secured all strategic points at the exit of the passes linking Chang'an and Hanzhong Commandery while Cao Cao was approaching via Xie Valley. Liu Bei faced Cao Cao for several months but never engaged the latter in battle, effectively forcing Cao to retreat as many of his soldiers started to desert. Zhang He also retreated to Chencang County (陳倉縣; east of present-day Baoji, Shaanxi) to set up defences for a potential invasion by Liu Bei. Liu Bei led his main army to Nanzheng County and sent Meng Da and Liu Feng to capture Fangling (房陵) and Shangyong (上庸) commanderies from Shen Dan (申耽).
In 219, after Liu Bei conquered Hanzhong Commandery, his subjects urged him to declare himself a vassal king too to challenge Cao Cao, who was enfeoffed as a vassal king ("King of Wei") by Emperor Xian in 219. Liu Bei thus declared himself "King of Hanzhong" (漢中王) and set up his headquarters in Chengdu, the capital of Yi Province.
He designated his son Liu Shan as his heir-apparent. Wei Yan was put in charge of Hanzhong Commandery. Xu Jing and Fa Zheng were respectively appointed as Grand Tutor and Prefect of the Masters of Writing in Liu Bei's vassal kingdom, while Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Ma Chao and Huang Zhong were respectively appointed Generals of the Vanguard, Right, Left and Rear.) Sanguozhi vol. 32.
Becoming an emperor (219-221)
In early winter 219, Sun Quan's forces led by Lü Meng invaded Liu Bei's territories in Jing Province and captured and executed Guan Yu. After learning of Guan Yu's death and the loss of Jing Province, Liu Bei turned furious and ordered his troops to begin preparing for war with Sun Quan. In early 220, Cao Cao died and was succeeded by his son, Cao Pi. Later that year, Cao Pi usurped the throne from Emperor Xian, ended the Eastern Han dynasty and established the state of Cao Wei with himself as the emperor. With some report saying that the Han Emperor had been killed. Liu Bei declared mourning and adopted mourning clothes. He gave the emperor the posthumous title of The Filial Commiserating Emperor (孝愍皇帝).
When Meng Da learned that Liu Bei was going to launch a campaign against Sun Quan, he became concerned that he would be punished for not sending reinforcements to Guan Yu earlier, so he defected to Wei. At the same time, Zhao Yun, Qin Mi and others reminded Liu Bei that he should focus his attack on Cao Pi instead of Sun Quan, but Liu Bei rejected their advice. Seeing that Liu Bei did not prepare strong defences against Wei, Meng Da suggested a plan to Cao Pi to attack Fangling, Shangyong and Xicheng commanderies. Liu Bei's adopted son, Liu Feng, fought a desperate battle against the invaders, but he was betrayed by his subordinates and defeated. Upon his return to Chengdu, Liu Bei was furious with Liu Feng's loss and his refusal to send reinforcement to Guan Yu in 219. Upon Zhuge Liang's suggestion, Liu Bei had Liu Feng commit suicide and wept after he died.
In 221, Liu Bei declared himself emperor too and established the state of Shu Han; he claimed that his intention was to keep the Han dynasty's lineage alive. He changed the reign year and made Zhuge Liang his chancellor and Xu Jing his minister over the masses. He established a bureaucracy and an ancestral temple where he offered sacrifices to Emperor Gao. He designated Lady Wu as his empress and made his son Liu Shan as crown prince. Later, he named his son Liu Yong prince of Lu and his other son Liu Li prince of Liang.
Defeat and death (221-223)
In the autumn of 222, Liu Bei personally led an army to attack Sun Quan to avenge Guan Yu and retake his lost territories in Jing Province, while leaving Zhuge Liang in charge of state affairs in Chengdu. Sun Quan sent a letter seeking for peace but Liu Bei refused. Even though Zhang Fei was murdered by his subordinates during the onset of the battle, Liu Bei was still able to achieve initial victories against the Sun commandants stationed at Wu and Zigui until Lu Xun, the frontline commander of Sun Quan's forces, ordered a retreat to Yiling. Lu Xun held his position there and refused to engage the invaders.
By summer, the Shu troops were camped along their invasion route and had grown weary due to the hot weather. Liu Bei then moved his camp into a forest for shade and ordered Huang Quan to lead a portion of his navy to camp just outside the forest. Knowing that his enemy was not expecting a sudden strike, Lu Xun ordered a counterattack and set fire to the Shu camps linked to each other by wooden fences. 40 camps of Liu Bei's expedition force were destroyed in the fire attack and the remaining troops were defeated and forced to flee west to Ma'an Hills (northwest of Yiling), where they set up a defence. Lu Xun caught up with and besieged Liu Bei there before his men could recuperate. Liu Bei managed to escape overnight to Baidicheng by ordering his men to discard their armour and set them aflame to form a fire blockade. Lu Xun was unable to overcome the blockade and did not press any further attack. Eventually because of Cao Pi's invasion of Wu, Lu Xun and Liu Bei renewed their alliance.
Liu Bei stayed in Baidicheng until his death in spring of 223. Sun Quan heard that Liu Bei was in Baidi and sent an envoy for peace, Liu Bei accepted and had Zhong Wei (宗瑋) sent in response. When Huang Yuan (黃元) administrator of Hanjia heard that Liu Bei was ill, he rebelled because he feared that after his death, his bad relation with Zhuge Liang would bring him problems. He was defeated by Cheng Hu (陳曶) and executed.
Mostly all of his longterm closest officials were passed on and he was shamed by his defeat. Liu refused to return to his capital in Chengdu, ate poorly, drank often and neglected his health, his oncoming death was pronounced. On his deathbed, he named Zhuge Liang and Li Yan as regents to support Liu Shan and encouraged his sons to live well and do right.
Liu Bei's posthumous decree to Liu Shan was as such: When he was near death, he told his son Liu Yong to treat with his brothers the chancellor as a father and do their utmost to help him.
His body was brought back to Chengdu and entombed at Huiling (惠陵; southern suburb of present-day Chengdu) four months later. Liu Bei was given the posthumous name Zhaolie. Liu Shan succeeded him as the emperor of Shu Han, while Zhuge Liang later solidified peace with Sun Quan and rebuilt the old Sun–Liu alliance against Cao Pi formally.
Appraisal
Chen Shou, once a subject of Shu and the historian who wrote Liu Bei's biography in the Records of the Three Kingdoms (Sanguozhi), appraised Liu Bei as follows:
Chang Qu, historian and compiler of the Chronicles of Huayang in the 4th-century later used by Pei Songzhi in his annotations to the historical text Records of the Three Kingdoms (Sanguozhi) also gave his appraisal of Liu Bei:
However, the opinions of modern historians are more negative. As Rafe de Crespigny writes in Fire over Luoyang: A History of the Later Han Dynasty 23–220 AD:
Rafe de Crespigny also gave a more neutral appraisal of Liu Bei in A Biographical Dictionary of Later Han to the Three Kingdoms (23-220 AD):
Family and descendants
In Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Romance of the Three Kingdoms is a 14th-century historical novel which romanticises the historical figures and events before and during the Three Kingdoms period of China. Written by Luo Guanzhong more than 1,000 years after the Three Kingdoms period, the novel incorporates many popular folklore and opera scripts into the character of Liu Bei, portraying him as a benevolent and righteous leader, endowed with charismatic potency (called de 德 in Chinese) who builds his state on the basis of Confucian values. This is in line with the historical background of the times during which the novel was written. Furthermore, the novel emphasises that Liu Bei was related, however distantly, to the imperial family of the Han dynasty, thus favouring another argument for the legitimacy of Liu Bei's reign.
Romance of the Three Kingdoms gives additional features Liu Bei's physical appearance. It mentions that Liu Bei is seven chi and five cun tall, with ears so large that they touch his shoulders and that he can even see them, long arms that extend beyond his knees, a fair and jade like face, and lips so red that it seems as though he is wearing lipstick. He wields a pair of double edged swords called shuang gu jian.
See the following for some fictitious stories in Romance of the Three Kingdoms involving Liu Bei:
• Oath of the Peach Garden
• Battle of Hulao Pass
• List of fictitious stories in Romance of the Three Kingdoms#Three visits to the thatched cottage
• List of fictitious stories in Romance of the Three Kingdoms#Liu Bei's horse leaps across the Tan Stream
• List of fictitious stories in Romance of the Three Kingdoms#Liu Bei and Lady Sun's marriage
• Battle of Xiaoting#In fiction
General worship of Liu Bei
Liu Bei is worshipped as the patron of shoemakers in Chengdu, which is also known as the "City of Shoes" as more than 80 million pairs of shoes totalling five billion yuan in sales are manufactured there annually. It is said that in 1845, during the reign of the Daoguang Emperor in the Qing dynasty, the shoemakers guild in Chengdu, who called themselves "disciples of Liu Bei", sponsored the construction of the Sanyi Temple in Liu Bei's honour. After being relocated many times, the temple can be found in Wuhou District today.
Since the Chinese government loosened its control on religious practices in recent years, the worship of Liu Bei among shoemakers has again gained popularity in Chengdu. In 2005, a large procession was carried out in front of the Sanyi Temple to commemorate Liu Bei — the first such event since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949.
A commentary carried by the Yangtse Evening Post criticised such practice as mere commercial gimmickry to exploit the fame of Liu Bei. It argued that although Liu Bei sold straw-woven shoes and mats for a living when he was young, he was hardly the inventor of shoes. According to legend, it was Yu Ze who made the first pairs of shoes with softwood during the time of the Yellow Emperor. However, the criticism did not dampen the enthusiastic shoe industry owners in their decision to erect a statue of Liu Bei in the West China Shoe Center Industrial Zone, which was still under construction in Wuhou District as of August 2005.
In popular culture
Film and television
Notable actors who have portrayed Liu Bei in films and television series include: Sun Yanjun in Romance of the Three Kingdoms (1994); Chang Fu-chien in Guan Gong (1996); Elliot Ngok in Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon (2008); You Yong in Red Cliff (2008–09); Yu Hewei in Three Kingdoms (2010); Alex Fong in The Lost Bladesman (2011); Yan Yikuan in God of War, Zhao Yun (2016); Tony Yang in Dynasty Warriors (2019).
Card games
In the collectible card game Magic: The Gathering there is a card named "Liu Bei, Lord of Shu" in the Portal Three Kingdoms set. In the selection of hero cards in the Chinese card game San Guo Sha, there is also a "Liu Bei" card that players can select at the beginning of the game.
Video games
Liu Bei is featured as a playable character in all instalments of Koei's video game series Dynasty Warriors, as well as Warriors Orochi, a crossover between Dynasty Warriors and Samurai Warriors. He also appears in other Koei video game series such as the Romance of the Three Kingdoms series and Kessen II.
Liu Bei is the protagonist in Destiny of an Emperor, a RPG on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Released in the United States by Capcom in 1989, the game also loosely follows the plot of the novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms.
Liu Bei's armour (based on the designs appearing in the Dynasty Warriors series) is available in the MMORPG MapleStory. Also featured are Cao Cao, Guan Yu, Zhuge Liang, Sun Quan, and Diaochan's designs.
Liu Bei is featured in the sequel to Level-5's game and anime Inazuma Eleven GO, Chrono Stone, as well as Cao Cao, Zhuge Liang, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei.
Liu Bei is featured as a "monster" in Puzzle & Dragons as part of the Three Kingdoms God Series, along with the Two Qiaos, Cao Cao, Lü Bu, Guan Yu, and many others.
He is also featured as one of the available warlords that the player can choose from in Creative Assembly's game Total War: Three Kingdoms.
劉備雖為漢景帝後代,但世系久遠,實由布衣起步而終得一方天下。因為是漢室後裔,故戲劇中被稱為劉皇叔;又因當過刺史,刺史又被稱為使君,故常被稱為劉使君。
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生平
家世背景
劉備是漢景帝第九子中山靖王劉勝之子劉貞的後代,而裴松之三國志注所引《典略》記載,劉備為「臨邑侯枝屬」。祖父名雄,父親名弘,世代皆仕於州郡,祖父劉雄曾被推舉為孝廉,官至東郡範縣縣令。世居酈亭樓桑里。
少時經歷
劉弘在劉備少時已逝,劉備便與母親販賣草鞋、織草蓆為業。家裡房舍的東南角的圍籬上有種植桑樹,高五丈餘,從遠處觀看像是一臺皇帝的車頂,路過的人皆訝異此樹的非凡,或說此家必當出貴人。劉備小時候與家族中年齡相近的小孩在樹下遊戲時,曾說:「長大之後,我必乘坐車蓋像這桑樹一樣大的馬車。」他的叔父劉子敬說:「汝勿妄語,滅吾門也!」劉備15歲時,劉備母親要他負笈外出,與同宗劉德然、遼西公孫瓚等人,同入當代大儒盧植門下學習。
劉德然之父劉元起常資助劉備,所給錢物與自己兒子劉德然等同。劉元起的妻子不忿,罵道:「又不是一家人,為何總資助他!」元起回答:「我劉家能有此兒,非一般人。」公孫瓚與劉備結為好友,公孫瓚較年長,劉備以兄事之。
劉備雖然投入盧植門下,但卻不甚喜歡讀書,反倒喜歡評論犬馬、音樂、華美的衣服。身長七尺五寸(約173公分,漢時一尺約為23.1公分),垂手下膝,有一對招風大耳,不需攬鏡自照,眼可自見其耳。平時少說話,喜怒不形於色。由於個性善於待人,加上其行事風格酷似先祖劉邦,好交結豪俠義士,故當地有很多年輕人都爭相趨附他,時人亦評為有高祖之風。中山大商人張世平、蘇雙等亦為此常給劉備金錢與物資上的幫助,劉備由是得以糾合部下,發展組織。
參與義軍
184年(23歲),黃巾之亂爆發,各州郡皆有人民組織義軍討伐。劉備率領耿雍、關羽、張飛、牽招及一幹下屬跟隨鄒靖討伐黃巾軍,立下戰功,被任為安喜尉(一說是參與鎮壓張純叛亂後被任命為安喜尉)。後來,漢室有令:「如因軍功而成為長吏的人,都要經過汰選。」督郵到安喜要把劉備資遣,劉備知道消息後,到督郵入住的驛站休息房舍求見,督郵卻聲稱生病而不肯相見,劉備因此感到不悅,便徑直闖入房舍,將督郵綑綁,杖打二百下,然後棄官逃亡。
後來,大將軍何進派都尉毌丘毅到丹楊募兵,劉備也在途中加入,到下邳時與盜賊力戰有功,被任為下密縣丞,然不久又辭官。
191年(30歲),劉備時任高唐令,但被盜賊擊敗而投奔公孫瓚。公孫瓚隨即上表,保奏劉備為別部司馬,任為平原令、平原相。劉備在平原,外禦賊寇,在內則屯糧分發給百姓,就算是沒有官職的人都可與他一起就座用餐,從來不會排斥別人。平原郡的郡民劉平一直以來都看不起劉備,不服劉備的治理,便唆使刺客前去暗殺劉備。劉備對於此事毫不知情,以為刺客是普通人,就對刺客關懷備至、十分禮遇,深受感動的刺客不忍殺害劉備,只得坦露實情然後離去。劉備治理平原郡期間廣樹恩德,深得人心。
入主徐州
黃巾餘黨管亥率眾軍攻打北海郡,北海相孔融被大軍所圍,情勢危急,便派太史慈突圍向劉備求救。太史慈對劉備說:「我太史慈只是東萊一個無名之人。北海相孔融和我並不是有著骨肉相連的親族,也稱不上是志同道合的同鄉朋友,只是他認為我有前途而看重我,所以我有為他分擔災禍、共赴患難之義理。現在管亥起兵擾境,包圍北海城,城內居民徬徨無助,危在旦夕。孔融大人聽說劉備大人有仁義之名,能救人之危難急迫。因此盼望著能得到您的幫助,命令我突破管亥兵眾的包圍,冒著萬死無生的可能,來向劉備大人求助,惟有借重您的力量,方能使北海城脫危。」劉備驚訝地答道:「北海相孔融居然知道世間有我劉備啊!」便立即派三千精兵隨太史慈去北海救援。黃巾軍聞知援軍至,都四散而逃,孔融逐得以解圍。後因袁紹攻公孫瓚,劉備遂與青州刺史田楷回師支援。
193年(32歲),曹操征討徐州,徐州牧陶謙敗退,曹操在徐州屠城。陶謙遺使告急於田楷,田楷與劉備俱前往相救。當時劉備自有士兵千餘人及幽州烏桓攙雜胡族騎兵,又略得饑民數千人。既到,與陶謙將領曹豹屯在郯東,但被曹操擊敗。後曹操因張邈、陳宮叛變欲助呂布入主兗州而撤退,陶謙以丹楊兵四千人給劉備,劉備遂離開田楷,轉而依附陶謙。陶謙表劉備為豫州刺史,屯兵於小沛。
194年(33歲),陶謙病重,對別駕從事麋竺說:「非劉備不能安此州也。」陶謙死後,麋竺便率徐州人民迎劉備入主徐州,劉備未敢當。下邳陳登對劉備說:「現今漢室漸趨衰敗,海內傾覆,立功名、立事業,就在於今日。本州殷實富足,戶口百萬,希望屈就使君親臨撫牧本州事務。」劉備未敢接受,推辭說:「袁公路就近在壽春,此人家族四代中有五人列位三公,海內民心所歸,你可以徐州給與他。」陳登答:「袁術驕縱橫豪,不是治理亂局之主。現在希望您使君合共步兵騎兵十萬,對上可以匡扶主上、救濟人民,成就像春秋五霸之功業;對下可以割地自守、保境安民,寫下功業於竹帛上。若不見聽使君答許,在下亦未敢聽從使君。」
北海相孔融對劉備勸道:「袁公路豈是因憂慮國事而忘卻家庭之人?袁家縱然四世三公,卻早已都是墓中枯骨了,不足在意。今日之事,是百姓因你賢能而推舉你,天意讓你取徐州而你不取,將來後悔可就遲了。」劉備遂領徐州牧。
轉戰呂布
195年(34歲),呂布被曹操打敗來投靠,劉備善待禮遇他。呂布見劉備,極為尊敬地說:「我與你同為邊地出身的人,我見關東諸侯起兵,想要誅殺董卓。後來我殺董卓,被亂軍逼迫而向東走,關東諸將卻沒有一個人願意安置我不說,還有人想要殺死我。」於是呂布請劉備於帳中坐,並令妻子行禮,酌酒飲宴,擅自稱呼劉備為其弟,劉備聽了呂布這些言論,表面上雖不當一回事,但心裏卻對其有所戒備,最後劉備讓呂布屯於小沛駐紮。
建安元年(196年,35歲),袁術來攻徐州,劉備於盱眙、淮陰抵抗袁軍。曹操上表朝廷,劉備成為鎮東將軍,封為宜城亭侯。
劉備與袁術的大軍相持一個月,大戰之間彼此互有勝負。呂布乘下邳空虛,與下邳守將曹豹聯繫,趁機發動軍變,趕走了張飛,進而佔據下邳,反客為主,成為徐州實際上的掌權者。呂布擄獲劉備妻子,而此時的劉備卻轉戰海西。
東漢建安二年(197年36歲)夏天,楊奉、韓暹等賊軍在徐、揚二州之間作惡,劉備率軍與其決戰,盡為劉備所斬首。後來,勢孤力竭的劉備不得已向呂布求和,呂布歸還其妻子,卻沒有歸還徐州的主導權,劉備只好遺派關羽守下邳,並自行還軍小沛,然後集合兵馬,又得萬餘人。
呂布得知劉備重新召集了軍隊,嫌惡於此,便出爾反爾攻打劉備,劉備兵敗,走投無路之下,只得歸順曹操。曹操相當厚待劉備,以其為豫州牧。劉備與曹操一同返回許都後,被任命為左將軍。
當時,劉備來投奔曹操的時候,曹操手下的謀士程昱就曾警告:「觀劉備有雄才而甚得眾心,終不為人下。」勸曹操趁早殺掉劉備,以免後患,但曹操認為當時天下未定、群雄四起,正是收英雄之時,不可因為劉備一人而失去天下之心。
(198年37歲)春天,呂布派人攜金到河內買馬,被劉備派兵截取。呂布於是派高順、張遼等攻打劉備,雖然曹操曾派夏侯惇前往救援,但仍舊敗陣,於是劉備妻子又再度被呂布所擄。
十月,曹操親自東征,劉備在梁國界中與曹操會師,兩人合兵成功消滅了呂布,並將其活捉。劉備厭惡呂布反覆無常、恩將仇報的事情,遂在呂布向曹操請降以求活命時,拿過去丁原、董卓的例子告誡曹操,於是呂布終被絞殺於白門樓下。
劉備復得妻子,但卻未再重覽徐州大權,而是跟從曹操還師許都。曹操上表劉備為左將軍,對其禮之愈重,出則同車、坐則同席。
對抗曹操
漢獻帝因曹操挾天子以令諸侯,發出衣帶詔令其岳父董承伺機誅殺曹操,劉備尚未加入。
一日,曹操在花園宴請劉備,為了試探劉備對自己的忠誠度,席間曹操對劉備說:「今天下英雄,唯使君與操耳。本初之徒,不足數也。(當今天下,唯獨你我二人才稱得上是英雄,像袁紹這類人,不過徒有虛名之輩,不足掛齒。)」劉備聽了,知道曹操對自己有戒心,不禁一震,筷子從手中掉落。此時剛好打雷,劉備便對曹操說:「『聖人迅雷風烈必變』,良有以也。一震之威,乃可至於此也!(『即使是聖人,遇見打雷時也會改變表情』確有原因。一聲雷鳴,乃可以令我變成如此!)」《華陽國志》記載當時碰巧雷聲大作,劉備便把自己的失態歸咎於雷鳴。經此事後,劉備決定加入董承。此外劉備在許都時曾帶著關羽與曹操一起打獵。在打獵關羽趁沒人時勸說劉備殺死曹操,但劉備拒絕。不久,在南方失利的袁術想北投袁紹,劉備便以此為藉口,向曹操借兵出擊袁術,趁機擺脫曹操的控制。曹操派他督朱靈、路招攻擊袁術,但軍未到,袁術已病死。
199年(38歲),劉備遣朱靈、路招佔據下邳。200年(39歲),衣帶詔事件敗露,董承與其他相關人士被殺。劉備知道事情有變,便殺死徐州刺史車冑,然後留關羽守下邳,自己回守小沛,做好與曹操公然對決的準備。
另一方面,劉備派遣孫乾與袁紹聯合,打出對抗曹操的名目。曹操曾派劉岱、王忠領軍攻打劉備,但反被劉備擊破。同時,東海昌霸反叛,當地郡縣多有人投靠劉備,劉備軍再次聚起數萬人,並連同多個地方勢力一起反曹。
曹操後悔沒早殺劉備,決定親自東征劉備,雖然曹軍中將領多認為盤據河北的袁紹才是大敵,但曹操卻覺得劉備是英傑,若不先行討伐,久後必釀大禍,而曹操帳下的謀士郭嘉亦贊同曹操的決定。
劉備被曹軍大敗,小沛被佔。曹操虜獲了劉備的妻子,並生擒關羽、夏侯博。劉備率敗軍逃至青州,由當時的青州刺史袁譚親自迎接,並報知其父袁紹,袁紹以超出規格的待遇,親自出鄴城200里迎接劉備的到來。
劉備洩露曹操曾經對自己說的密言予袁紹,袁紹才知道曹操原來有針對自己的陰謀,曹操知道之後很生氣,咬舌至流血,以告誡眾人。劉備待了一個多月後,以前的部下又重新聚會。不久,曹操與袁紹於官渡交戰,汝南郡黃巾餘軍劉闢等響應袁紹叛曹,袁紹便派劉備率軍與劉闢會合。曹操派曹仁攻打汝南,劉備惟有再次還軍袁紹。
當時,劉備看出了袁紹性格上的缺陷,認為還是曹軍會獲勝,便想方設法離開袁紹,於是說服袁紹應南連劉表,袁紹同意,又派劉備到汝南與龔都會合。曹操另派蔡陽率軍攻打劉備,但反為劉備所破,蔡陽亦被劉備所殺。其後不久,曹操終於官渡之戰大敗袁紹。
建安六年(201年40歲),曹操又出兵南擊劉備,劉備放棄汝南,入荊州投靠劉表。
劉備派麋竺、孫乾先與劉表會面。劉備到達荊州,受到劉表熱情的接待。劉表接納劉備後,便為他增加兵馬,命劉備屯兵於新野,守衛荊州北大門。
建安七年(202年42歲),袁紹去世後,曹操接著率軍與袁尚、袁譚大戰於黎陽。此時許昌空虛,劉備奉劉表命令北伐曹操。曹將夏侯惇、于禁、李典等人率軍南下,劉備奉命北上迎敵。在新野北博望,劉備設好伏兵以後,便燒毀營屯假裝懼敵退卻。夏侯惇讓李典留守,自己和于禁追擊,追到博望,劉備伏兵將夏侯惇殺得大敗,曹軍損失慘重,向北退走。劉備在荊州聲望日高,引起劉表疑心劉備,處處戒備。
建安十二年(207年46歲),曹操基本統一黃河流域之後,開始北上征伐北方烏丸,劉備力勸劉表乘機襲取許都,劉表沒有採納劉備建議。曹操北征烏丸,分別追擊袁尚、袁熙等袁氏餘部。
劉備在荊州幾年,知道水鏡先生就是司馬徽,便前去請教世事。劉備一直圖謀發展自己的勢力,得知水鏡先生是當地名士。司馬徽知道劉備來意,便對他說:「一個儒生見識淺俗之士,豈會認識時勢事務?認識時勢事務者,是那些英俊豪傑。其中自有臥龍(諸葛亮)、鳳雛(龐統)。」諸葛亮又受徐庶推薦,劉備希望徐庶引諸葛亮來見,但徐庶卻建議:「此人可就見,不可屈致也。將軍宜枉駕顧之。(此人只能前去拜謁,不可委屈他前來。將軍宜枉屈尊駕以顧望。)」
南下之危
207年(46歲),劉備三顧茅廬,問計於諸葛亮:「漢室傾頹,奸臣竊命,主上蒙塵。孤不度德量力,欲信大義於天下,而智術淺短,遂用猖獗,至於今日。然志猶未已,君謂計將安出?(漢室衰敗,奸臣掌權,使天子(漢獻帝)蒙受苦難。我不自量德行與能力,欲伸張大義於天下,然而智術淺薄,時至今日,一無所成。然則志向仍未減,先生可以出謀畫策嗎?)」諸葛亮遂向他陳述三分天下之計,分析此時曹操挾天子而令諸侯,此誠不可與爭鋒;孫權據有江東,可以為援而不可圖;又詳述荊州用武之國、戰略要地,而其主劉表不能守,此恐怕是上天賜予劉備;益州是漢高祖成就帝業之地,其主劉璋闇弱;更建議劉備等待時局有變,由荊州、益州進攻中原。這篇論說後世稱為《隆中對》,是此後數十年劉備和蜀漢基本國策。。諸葛亮剛從隆中出來,受到劉備重視,只是由於劉備與自己情好日密,就引得「關羽、張飛等不悅」,最後還是劉備出來說:「孤之有孔明,猶魚之有水也。願諸君勿復言。(我有孔明,猶如魚得到水。但願諸君別在說了。)」;關羽、張飛才作罷。劉備在荊州擴軍,諸葛亮籌措軍需,何宇度《益部談資》記載:「先主寓荊州。從南陽大姓晁氏貸錢千𦻼,以為軍需。諸葛孔明作保,券至宋猶存。」
208年(47歲),曹操南下,時劉備屯於樊城。八月劉表病卒,次子劉琮繼任荊州牧,遣使曹操舉州投降。起初劉備不知劉琮決定投降,得知時曹軍尚在宛縣,尚未到達新野,劉備連忙棄城南撤。。在南渡漢水至襄陽時,諸葛亮曾勸劉備攻劉琮奪襄陽,但劉備不忍心進攻劉表之子,沒有攻打襄陽,只是在城下駐馬高呼劉琮出來相見,只來到劉表墓前祭奠,涕泣拜辭而去。劉備一行南下,荊州官吏百姓加入,走到當陽時,人數達10餘萬,輜重數千輛,一日只能走10幾里。惟有另派關羽乘數百艘船,直到江陵。有人向劉備進言:「宜速行保江陵,今雖擁大眾,披甲者少,若曹公兵至,何以拒之?(適宜速行而保江陵,現今雖然擁有很多隨行者,但士兵很少,若曹操軍追至,如何抵抗?)」劉備答道:「夫濟大事必以人為本,今人歸吾,吾何忍棄去!(做大事必以人為本,現今人眾歸附於我,我又如何忍心離棄而去!)」
當時江陵貯有劉表的大量糧儲、器械等軍實,曹操深怕劉備先佔領江陵,就拋棄輜重,以輕軍急行到襄陽。曹操聽聞劉備軍已離開襄陽,與曹純等領五千精騎急追,一日一夜疾行三百餘里。曹軍五千輕騎奔至當陽長阪坡追上劉備一行,劉備棄妻子,與諸葛亮、張飛、趙雲等數十騎走,10餘萬眾土崩瓦解,曹軍大舉擒獲劉備人眾輜重,張飛率20騎拒後,與曹兵邊打邊退。孫權之前派出魯肅來打探消息,在當陽長阪迎堵劉備。長阪會面後,魯肅隨劉備向東南斜趨漢津,在此適逢與關羽水軍會合,渡過沔水後向江夏進發。江夏太守劉琦聞劉備軍到來,率軍前去迎接,將劉備迎到夏口。此後,魯肅返回江東覆命,劉備進至樊口,同時派諸葛亮隨魯肅出使孫權,與孫權結盟。
孫權正式任命周瑜為左都督,程普為右都督,魯肅為贊軍校尉,率三萬水軍,與諸葛亮一起溯江西上,與樊口劉備軍會合。建安十三年冬,曹操親率20餘萬大軍從江陵順江東下,討伐孫權。黃蓋便向周瑜建議說:「今寇眾我寡,難與持久。然觀操軍船艦首尾相接,可燒而走也。」十二月,孫劉聯軍在赤壁至烏林一線以火攻大破曹軍,更追至南郡,曹操敗北。曹操一到江陵,便部署征南將軍曹仁、橫野將軍徐晃守江陵,折衝將軍樂進守襄陽,曹操撤回北方。
佔荊奪蜀
赤壁之戰後,劉備撤出江陵戰鬥,全力占據荊州江南四郡,先上表漢帝奏請劉琦為荊州刺史,兩萬大軍南下,武陵太守金旋獻城、長沙太守韓玄迎降、桂陽太守趙範讓位、零陵太守劉度稽顙。廬江人雷緒也率部曲數萬人投效。建安十三年(208年48歲)十二月,荊州江南四郡盡為劉備所占領。劉琦死,群下推劉備為荊州牧,劉備即遣諸葛亮為軍師中郎將,督令零陵、桂陽、長沙三郡,收其租賦,以供軍實,又以關羽為襄陽太守(未實領)、蕩寇將軍駐江北,張飛為宜都太守、征虜將軍在南郡,趙雲為偏將軍領桂陽太守。廖立為長沙太守,郝普為零陵太守,向朗督秭歸、夷道、巫縣、夷陵四縣軍民事。劉備治於公安。而孫權為與劉備建立更鞏固的關係,在周瑜死後便依魯肅之策將南郡的江陵及臨江郡借給劉備,再分部份長沙郡給他,以及確認劉備佔有武陵和桂陽兩郡,遂提出將其妹嫁予劉備,史稱孫夫人。劉備到京口見孫權,關係表現親密、寬度。時劉備擁有荊州大部份屬地,又收取荊襄名士龐統和馬良,整日操練人馬,伺機南征北伐。
以後,孫權曾派使希望與劉備一起取益州,劉備本想答應,因東吳不可能越荊州而有蜀,蜀地就可據為己有。但荊州主簿殷觀卻反對:「若為吳先驅,進未能克蜀,退為吳所乘,即事去矣。今但可然贊其伐蜀,而自說新據諸郡,未可興動,吳必不敢越我而獨取蜀。如此進退之計,可以收吳、蜀之利。(若我們為吳開路,前進未必能攻克蜀地,後退可能為吳乘虛而入,那時即大勢而去。現今但可以贊同他伐蜀,而自己推卻說剛佔據荊南諸郡,未能興兵妄動,吳必定不敢越過我境而單獨取蜀。依照此進退得宜之計謀,便可以收吳、蜀兩地之利。)」劉備依從其計,孫權果然終輟計劃。殷觀遂升遷為別駕從事。
建安十六年(211年51歲)三月,曹操下令鍾繇率軍西征漢中張魯,讓夏侯淵出河東與鍾繇相會。益州牧劉璋遙聞曹操將遺鍾繇等向漢中討張魯,內心懷有恐懼。別駕從事蜀郡張松說服劉璋稱:「曹操兵強,無敵於天下,若因張魯之資源用以攻取益州土地,誰能抵禦?」劉璋說:「我固然擔憂,而未有計。」張松說:「劉備,使君之宗室,而且是曹操之深仇,善於用兵,若使之討伐張魯,張魯必可攻破。張魯攻破,則益州強大,曹操雖來,也無能為力。」在張松出言下,益州牧劉璋採納請劉備入蜀之意見,並派軍議校尉法正為使,孟達為副,各領兵2,000人,前往荊州邀請劉備入蜀助攻張魯。劉備親自統帥進軍益州,龐統任軍師中郎將,將領黃忠、魏延、卓膺等輔助劉備。劉備與龐統一同進入益州。諸葛亮、關羽、張飛、趙雲、劉封、孟達、馬良等留在荊州。然而劉備要知道蜀中的闊狹,兵器、府庫、人馬多少及多個要害之地的遠近,便向二人請教,張松、法正都一一詳述,更畫出地圖指示山川所在,所以劉備知道益州內情。
到達涪城,劉璋親自出迎,相見甚歡。張松、法正及龐統都提議劉備可乘機殺了劉璋,當時龐統主張趁此機會,擒住劉璋。劉備以初來到蜀地,人心尚未信服,不宜輕舉妄動為由,未採納龐統建言。劉璋推薦劉備行大司馬,領司隸校尉,劉備又推薦劉璋行鎮西大將軍,領益州牧。劉璋配給劉備士兵,及督白水軍,令他攻擊張魯。劉備當時總計有三萬多人,車甲、器械、資貨甚多。但劉備卻到葭萌時,未出兵,而是樹立恩德,收買民心。
建安十七年(212年51歲)冬十月,曹操出兵攻打孫權,孫權向劉備告急,劉備對劉璋說欲還救荊州有急。劉備請求劉璋撥出兵士萬人與軍事物資。但劉璋只允諾給予四千兵馬,其餘物資僅提供一半。劉備受此激怒,忿忿說道:「吾為益州征強敵,師徒勤瘁,不遑寧居;今積帑藏之財而吝於賞功,望士大夫為出死力戰,其可得乎!(我為了益州征討強敵,軍隊勤瘁,無暇休息;現今劉璋積存起財富而不用於賞功,卻希望士大夫能為他出力死戰,這又怎可能!)」當時張松不知劉備用意,寫信質問:「今大事垂可成立,如何釋此去乎(眼看就要大事底定,為何拋下一切離去)?」結果被其兄張肅據此告密,張松遭到處死,導致劉備與劉璋關係惡化。十二月,劉備與劉璋決裂。劉備依龐統提出的計謀,召白水關守將楊懷、高沛到來並將其斬殺。另外又派黃忠、卓膺率軍攻劉璋,一路佔領至涪城。劉璋連忙派出劉璝、冷苞、張任、鄧賢、中郎將吳懿等與對抗劉備,皆破敗,退保綿竹,吳懿至劉備軍前投降,拜為討逆將軍。劉璋後遣護軍李嚴、參軍費觀督綿竹軍拒劉備,兩人陣前倒戈亦率眾投降,同拜裨將軍,劉備軍勢強,分軍平定各郡縣。但劉備軍卻被雒城守將劉循阻擋攻勢。從建安十八年建安十九年,劉備圍攻雒城將近一年,龐統被流矢射中,重創身亡。張飛、趙雲、劉封等隨諸葛亮率軍入蜀,關羽留下鎮守荊州,馬良、麋芳、士仁、廖化協助關羽鎮守荊州。建安十九年(214年54歲)夏,諸葛亮入蜀援軍溯江而上。諸葛亮分兵進攻成都:張飛從墊江北上直取巴西郡治閬中,從北面攻成都;趙雲從長江西攻取江陽北上犍為郡治武陽,從南面攻成都;諸葛亮親自沿涪江取德陽,直取成都。
214年夏天(53歲),雒城終被攻破。李恢受劉備派遣到漢中與馬超交好,馬超正想離開張魯,劉備暗暗派出人馬與馬超兵眾會合,馬超率領大隊人馬開到成都城北屯駐。關羽聽說馬超歸降備,便寫信給諸葛亮,問馬超才能可與誰相比,諸葛亮回信說:「馬超文武兼備,氣概雄烈,過於常人,可稱得上一世之豪傑,是黥布、彭越一流之人物,可以與張飛相提並論,但是趕不上美髯公你超逸絕群。」劉備乘勢率漢軍進圍成都數十日。劉備派簡雍進入成都勸說劉璋投降,劉璋與簡雍「同輿而載,出城歸命」;劉璋向劉備繳械投降,益州易主,歸屬劉備。由於蜀中繁盛、安樂,劉備便設宴大慰勞士卒,又取蜀城中的金銀,分賜將士,還其谷帛。劉備皆處之顯任,盡其器能,有志之士,無不競勸,益州之民,是以大和。有議論勸劉備將成都城中房舍及城外的田地、桑園分賜給諸將,但趙雲反駁說:「從前漢朝大將霍去病曾說過『匈奴未滅,無用家為』,何況現在國賊不只像匈奴只有一個,還不到可以安定下來的時候,必須等到天下的亂賊都平定之後,才可讓眾人返回家鄉去種植桑梓,回歸故土去耕作田地,這樣才是正道。益州的人民是第一次遭遇到戰爭,應該將田宅房產歸還給百姓,先讓他們安居樂業,然後才能叫他們服傜役、繳稅,也才能得到益州的民心。」劉備便聽從趙雲的建議,有志之士便都紛紛來投靠劉備。
漢中之爭
在建安二十年(215年54歲)三月,曹操征伐漢中,七月破南鄭,十一月最終降服張魯,搶在劉備之前占有漢中。
孫權以劉備已得益州,要脅分治荊州,劉備答道:「須得涼州,當以荊州相與。」孫權忿恨,乃派遣呂蒙施襲,爭奪長沙、零陵、桂陽三郡。劉備聽聞消息,放下曹操,親自率五萬大軍到公安,同時下令關羽進軍益陽,與孫權軍對峙。
之後,曹操破張魯,嚴重威脅到蜀地門戶。劉備派使者與孫權議和,孫權派諸葛瑾答覆劉備,雙方最終決定和好。為盡快解決荊州問題,回兵保衛益州,劉備以湘水為界,將江夏、長沙、桂陽三郡劃給孫吳。而南郡、零陵、武陵以西則屬劉備所有,孫權將已占領的零陵還給劉備,劉備回軍江州。
八月,孫權在東線進攻合肥,曹將張遼、李典據城抵抗,擊退孫權。十一月,張魯逃遁至巴西,偏將軍黃權對劉備說:「若失漢中,則三巴不振,此為割蜀之股臂也。」因此劉備遣黃權率兵迎向張魯,但張魯已降曹操。曹操派夏侯淵、張郃屯兵漢中,數次武力侵犯巴郡邊界。劉備令張飛進兵宕渠,與張郃等於瓦口爭戰,大破張郃等眾。張郃收兵還退南鄭。翌年二月,曹操留夏侯淵、張郃鎮守漢中,自己回鄴城。
建安二十三年(218年57歲),劉備採法正勸諫,率軍進攻漢中。諸葛亮鎮守成都,劉備親率大軍征漢中,法正隨從參謀軍機,趙雲、黃忠、魏延、張飛、馬超、吳蘭等從征,曹操、劉備爭奪漢中之戰開始。但漢軍先頭部隊卻被曹軍打敗。劉備一路直攻漢中,進兵至陽平關與夏侯淵、張郃等曹軍對峙,為保證道路暢通,劉備派大將陳式率十餘營兵士駐紮在馬嗚閣道,曹將夏侯淵派大將徐晃襲擊陳兵,陳式軍被打敗,士兵紛紛跳入山谷,傷亡慘重。曹操下令賜徐晃節杖,並說:「此閣道,漢中之險要喉也。劉備欲斷絕外內,以取漢中。將軍一舉,克奪賊計,善之善者也。」
劉備「急書發益州兵」,諸葛亮與從事楊洪商議對策,楊洪說:「漢中則益州咽喉,存亡之機會,若無漢中則無蜀矣,此家門之禍也。方今之事,男子當戰,女子當運,發兵何疑」;諸葛亮非常看重楊洪見識,當即發兵支援漢中前線。
從建安二十二年(217年)劉備出兵起,雙方在漢中殭持一年多,建安二十四年(219年)春劉備聽從法正計策,從陽平南渡沔水,依定軍山恃險安營。夏侯淵帶少數兵力爭奪定軍山營地,法正對劉備說:「可擊矣」;劉備便命黃忠乘高鼓譟攻之,居高臨下,衝入敵陣,殺死夏侯淵。一舉斬殺了夏侯淵及曹操所置的益州刺史趙顒等。
建安二十四年三月(219年58歲),曹操自長安率兵經褒斜谷趕往漢中,劉備說:「曹公雖來,無能為也,我必有漢川矣。」
劉備在險處死守,不與曹軍交戰。諸葛亮親坐益州,將人力、物力及時補充到劉備軍中。夏五月,曹操引兵撤出漢中,漢中歸劉備所有。
另一方面,劉備又遣劉封、孟達、李嚴等進攻上庸等東三郡,房陵太守蒯祺被殺,上庸及西城守將申耽及申儀兄弟等見曹操率軍返回中原,抵抗無望便開城投降。
秋七月,馬超、龐羲、射援、諸葛亮、關羽、張飛、黃忠、法正、李嚴等120人聯名上表劉備為漢中王。劉備於沔陽設置祭壇場地,陳兵列眾、群臣陪位、宣讀奏訖,自立漢中王,後還治成都。
臨去前,劉備又提拔魏延為都督漢中太守,坐鎮漢中以防曹魏。回到成都的劉備建起館舍,修築亭障,從成都至白水關,四百餘區。關羽率軍從江陵北上,發動襄樊戰役。
曹操得知樊城告急,派遣于禁增援。于禁七軍火速增援曹仁,關羽與于禁交鋒,時至八月,大雨滂沱,山洪暴發,漢水驟漲,水淹七軍,于禁束手就擒,部下幾乎全部投降,副將龐德被活捉不降,最後被關羽所殺。
此時,孫權趁關羽出兵、荊州守備空虛之際,派呂蒙行白衣渡江,沿途攔截了關羽設立的烽火台。十月,呂蒙任征荊州大督,率兵西上,公安士仁、江陵麋芳開城投降。關羽回軍江陵途中,陸遜任右護軍、鎮西將軍屯駐夷陵,呂蒙任南郡太守駐江陵。關羽至當陽西保麥城,敗走麥城後,士兵繼續逃散,關羽身邊只剩十餘騎。
十二月關羽被孫權大將潘璋部馬忠捕殺,孫權將其首級送至洛陽曹操處。孫劉聯盟正式決裂。
遺恨夷陵
建安二十五年(220年59歲)正月,曹操逝世,劉備也曾派遣韓冉奉書弔唁,「並致賻贈之禮」,但最後卻失敗。劉備一方面為了探取曹魏方面的動向,以準備伐吳戰事,一方面冀望曹魏即便不相助伐吳,也能袖手旁觀,遂以吊喪為名,但最後卻被曹丕洞察其意,無果而終。三月改元延康,十月曹丕代漢稱帝。十二月,當時有謠言指漢獻帝劉協已被加害,劉備便穿喪服發喪,諡劉協為孝愍皇帝(但實際上劉協仍在世)。同年,法正、黃忠去世。
221年,群臣勸劉備登基為帝,劉備不答應,諸葛亮用耿純遊說劉秀登基故事勸劉備(光武帝劉秀登基時,同為漢室的更始帝劉玄仍在世,此後綠林軍攻破長安殺劉玄,此後劉秀建東漢),劉備才決定接受群臣擁立,四月初六在成都武擔山之南接受皇帝璽綬,改元章武。國號仍為「漢」,史稱蜀漢。四月丙午日(5月15日),大赦天下,以諸葛亮為丞相,許靖為司徒。設置百官,建立宗廟,祭祀漢高祖以下。
五月,立皇后吳氏,劉禪為皇太子。六月,以劉永為魯王,劉理為梁王。
魏文帝曹丕召集眾臣討論,侍中劉曄認為蜀漢一定要出兵攻打孫吳,理由是:「蜀雖狹弱,而備之謀欲以威武自強,勢必用眾以示其有餘。且關羽與備,義為君臣,恩猶父子;羽死不能為興軍報敵,於終始之分不足。」
七月,劉備不採納趙雲、劉巴、雍茂等人的勸告,執意發動戰爭。劉備率軍沿江而下,討伐東吳。
張飛被部下暗殺。但這不改劉備伐吳的念頭。孫權先派人給蜀漢送信求和,又令諸葛亮哥哥諸葛謹致箋勸劉備息兵罷戰,劉備一概拒絕。
孫權把國都從建業遷到武昌,以便指揮戰爭。起初,漢軍氣勢如虹,不過吳將陸遜採以逸待勞兵法而戰之,最終於章武二年(222年)大敗漢軍。
陸遜大敗劉備,「殺其兵八萬餘人,備僅以身免」。蜀漢多位將領戰死。劉備退至秭歸,趙雲率兵到達白帝城,巴西太守閻芝派馬忠率5千人馬隨後到達。劉備退到永安縣。當時曹丕已經調集大軍,準備討伐孫權,孫權聽聞劉備沒往成都撤退,而是駐紮在離前線很近的白帝,甚為懼怕。章武二年十二月,孫權派太中大夫鄭泉到白帝城見劉備,正式表示向蜀漢請和。劉備也遣太中大夫宗瑋使吳,表示贊同蜀漢、東吳兩國和好。
白帝託孤
當劉封失掉漢中東面三郡逃回成都後,諸葛亮勸劉備除掉劉封。同年,太傅許靖、尚書令劉巴、驃騎將軍馬超先後病逝。南中越夷高定曾向新道進攻,被李嚴打退。
漢嘉郡太守黃元聽說劉備在永安病重,於章武二年十二月舉兵反叛。
章武三年(223年62歲)二月,諸葛亮接到劉備詔書,帶著劉永、劉理從成都來到永安。三月,黃元乘諸葛亮到永安見劉備之機,率軍進攻臨邛縣,火燒臨邛城。益州治中從事楊洪立即把黃元之動向報告給劉禪,劉禪派將軍陳曶、鄭綽進討黃元。陳曶、鄭綽兩人在南安峽口生擒黃元,將其押回成都正法。
四月下旬,劉備對諸葛亮說:「君才十倍曹丕,必能安國,終定大事。若嗣子可輔,輔之;如其不才,君可自取。(你的才能是曹丕的十倍,必定能夠安定國家,終可成就大事。如果嗣子(劉禪)可以輔助,便輔助他;如果他沒有才幹,你可以自取其位。)」諸葛亮涕泣說:「臣敢竭股肱之力,效忠貞之節,繼之以死!(臣必定竭盡自己所有力量,報效忠貞之氣節,繼續至死為止!)」劉備又要劉禪和其他兒子「與丞相從事,事之如父。」。
劉備臨終前,託孤於丞相諸葛亮,尚書令李嚴為副。臨終時,與劉永說:「吾亡之後,汝兄弟父事丞相,令卿與丞相共事而已。(我死後,你們兄弟要對父親般奉事丞相(諸葛亮),你們與丞相只是共事而已。)」四月廿四(6月10日)劉備崩逝於永安宮,享壽六十三歲。孫權派立信都尉馮熙出使蜀漢,弔唁劉備。諸葛亮上言讚揚劉備。五月癸巳日(6月21日),遺體自永安運返成都發喪,諡為昭烈皇帝。八月,入葬惠陵。
亦有郭沫若等學者認為由于條件所限,劉備就地下葬于今奉節縣,並未歸葬成都。
廟號爭議
《三國志·先主傳》中並沒有記載劉備廟號。李慈銘懷疑劉備廟號烈祖是由劉淵所追尊。章學誠根據《三國志·先主傳》中諸葛亮宣讀的遺詔,指出劉備廟號是太宗。盧弼認為章學誠的說法不足據,如果劉備廟號太宗,《三國志》本傳沒有不記載的道理。郭善兵則認為劉備廟號缺失不能歸咎于史書記載疏漏,而是受到鄭玄禮學「一祖二宗與四親廟」七廟學說影響所致。
特色
劉備喜怒不形于色,常以謙虛恭敬待人,深知「得人心者得天下」的道理,重視以寬仁厚德待人,與那些殘民以逞、暴虐嗜殺的軍閥判然有別,因此而爭取到了人心。劉備不怎麼喜歡讀書,喜歡評馬論犬、音樂和華美的衣物。
小時候,家中有棵大桑樹,遙望見如同車蓋,劉備與宗中小兒於樹下玩耍時說過:「吾必當乘此羽葆蓋車。(我必定會乘坐此羽飾華蓋之車。)」叔父劉子敬聽到後,不禁當下斥責他:「汝勿妄語,滅吾門也。(你不要胡說,會招來滅門之禍)」
劉備在部下聲譽受損或是特殊的理由發生背叛的可能時往往站出來捍衛部下聲譽和保護部下家眷,徐庶母被抓,庶淚崩辭別劉備、糜芳背叛,劉備對愧疚的糜竺說兄弟罪不相及、夷陵之敗黃權不得已降魏,劉備依然善待其家人「孤負黃權,權不負孤也。」
由於劉備沒有鬍鬚,因此曾被張裕取笑;有一次,劉備與劉璋於涪縣會面時,張裕時為璋從事在一旁陪坐,由於裕的鬍鬚濃密,被劉備嘲笑說道:「過去吾在涿縣時遇到好多姓毛的人,四方許多毛,涿縣縣令聲稱說:『許多毛(毛)繞涿(歜)而居』。」,但裕立刻反唇相譏:「過去某人當上黨郡潞縣長,後來升任為涿縣縣令,當他辭任歸家時,有人寫信給她,要是寫了潞縣就丟了涿縣,而寫上涿縣又失去潞縣,就寫道『潞(露)涿(歜)君』。」由此反譏劉備,讓劉備對張裕一直沒什麼好感。後在劉備攻漢中之前,張裕說會出師不利,但劉備仍照著既定計畫出兵,結果劉備拿下漢中,不過兩名大將吳蘭、雷銅等也在此戰中身亡,以致於劉備記恨張裕。某天,張裕私下對人說:「庚子年間(220年)會改朝換代;主公入主蜀地的九年後,也會再次失去蜀地,劉氏運氣將會消盡。」謠言亂傳,最終入劉備之耳,劉備不滿張裕散布滅亡謠言,以張裕的話語沒有應驗,把他關入獄中。諸葛亮請求劉備寬恕他,劉備只說:「芳蘭生門,不得不鉏。」於是殺了張裕,棄屍於街頭。
劉備死前告誡其子劉禪的遺詔,其言辭懇切,令人莫不動容。文中,劉備勸劉禪最重要的一句話,便是「勿以惡小而為之,勿以善小而不為。惟賢惟德,能服於人。」古人教子,常以德為根基,因為唯有賢德之人,才能服人。
劉備一生爭戰,乍看之下勝少敗多。劉備攻打益州時,趙戩曾言:「劉備拙于用兵,每戰必敗。」認為劉備不會用兵,沒本事拿下益州,傅幹卻說:「劉備得人心,又有諸葛亮、關羽、張飛等人傑輔助,怎會不濟呢?」結果劉備果真取攻佔益州。在荊州依附劉表時,曾建議劉表北伐曹操,劉表不接受。劉備住荊州數年,一次與劉表飲酒時起至廁所,見大腿贅肉生,慨然流涕。還坐,劉表奇怪問起劉備,劉備說:「我戎馬半生,常常身不離鞍,大腿贅肉皆消。今天不復騎馬,大腿贅肉生。日月若馳,老年快將至矣,而功業不能建立,是以為之悲嘆。」
劉備與諸葛亮的君臣際遇,通常被史家視為君臣之典範。三顧茅廬後劉備稱得到諸葛亮是「魚之有水」。諸葛亮在劉備尚在時,就已經為丞相錄尚書事假節,張飛被暗殺後又領司隸校尉,集政治實際權力于一身,這在古代是很罕見的。劉備去世時舉國託孤諸葛亮,被陳壽稱為「君臣之至公,古今之盛軌」。
評價
時人評價
陳壽評曰:「先主之弘毅寬厚,知人待士,蓋有高祖之風,英雄之器焉。及其舉國託孤于諸葛亮,而心神無貳,誠君臣之至公,古今之盛軌也。機權幹略,不逮魏武,是以基宇亦狹。然折而不撓,終不為下者,抑揆彼之量必不容己,非唯競利,且以避害云爾。」(《三國志·蜀書·先主傳第二》)、「劉備天下稱雄,一世所憚」(《三國志·吳書·陸遜傳第十三》)。儘管劉備並非西晉認為的正統政權,陳壽在三國志內仍然堅持使用同帝王本紀接近的用詞,例如在劉備本傳稱劉備先主,稱諱且不直呼其名,去世用和崩相等的殂字。這與三國時代另一位君主孫權的處理手法是不同的。這可以體現陳壽對劉備的尊重,抑或是故國情懷。
曹操:「方今收英雄時也,殺一人而失天下之心,不可。」、「夫劉備,人傑也,今不擊,必為後患,將生憂寡人。」、「劉備,吾儔也。但得計少晚。」(《三國志·魏書·武帝紀第一》)「今天下英雄,唯使君與操耳。本初之徒,不足數也。」(《三國志·蜀書·先主傳第二》)
孫權:「非劉豫州莫可以當曹操者。」(《三國志·蜀書·諸葛亮傳第五》)「猾虜乃敢挾詐!」(《三國志·吳書·周瑜魯肅呂蒙傳第九》)
諸葛亮:上言於劉禪曰:「伏惟大行皇帝邁仁樹德,覆燾無疆,昊天不弔,寢疾彌留,今月二十四日奄忽升遐,臣妾號咷,若喪考妣。乃顧遺詔,事惟大宗,動容損益;百寮發哀,滿三日除服,到葬期復如禮;其郡國太守、相、都尉、縣令長,三日便除服。臣亮親受敕戒,震畏神靈,不敢有違。臣請宣下奉行。」(《三國志·蜀書·先主傳第二》)「劉豫州王室之胄,英才蓋世,眾士仰慕,若水之歸海,若事之不濟,此乃天也,安能復為之下乎!」(《三國志·蜀書·諸葛亮傳第五》)「劉公雄才蓋世,據有荊土,莫不歸德,天人去就,已可知矣。」(《三國志·蜀書·董劉馬陳董呂傳第九》)
關羽:「吾受劉將軍厚恩,誓以共死,不可背之。」(《三國志·蜀書·關張馬黃趙傳第六》)
袁紹:「劉玄德弘雅有信義,今徐州樂戴之,誠副所望也。」(《三國志·蜀書·先主傳第二》)
曹丕:「備不曉兵,豈有七百里營可以拒敵者乎!『苞原隰險阻而為軍者為敵所禽』,此兵忌也。孫權上事今至矣。」(《三國志·魏書·文帝紀第二》)
孫盛:「劉備雄才,處必亡之地,告急於吳,而獲奔助,無緣復顧望江渚而懷後計。」(《三國志·蜀書·先主傳第二》)
趙戩:「劉備其不濟乎?拙于用兵,每戰則敗,奔亡不暇,何以圖人?」(《三國志·蜀書·先主傳第二》)
傅幹:「劉備寬仁有度,能得人死力。諸葛亮達治知變,正而有謀,而為之相;張飛、關羽勇而有義,皆萬人之敵,而為之將;此三人者,皆人傑也。以備之略,三傑佐之,何為不濟也?」(《三國志·蜀書·先主傳第二》)
劉元起:「吾宗中有此兒,非常人也。」(《三國志·蜀書·先主傳第二》)
程昱:「觀劉備有雄才而甚得眾心,終不為人下,不如早圖之。」 、「劉備有英名,關羽、張飛皆萬人敵也」(《三國志·魏書·程郭董劉蔣劉傳第十四》)
郭嘉:「備有雄才而甚得眾心。張飛、關羽者,皆萬人之敵也,為之死用。(郭)嘉觀之,(劉)備終不為人下,其謀未可測也。古人有言:『一日縱敵,數世之患。』宜早為之所。」(《三國志·魏書·程郭董劉蔣劉傳第十四》)
劉曄:「明公(曹操)以步卒五千,將誅董卓,北破袁紹,南征劉表,九州百郡,十並其八,威震天下,勢慴海外。今舉漢中,蜀人望風,破膽失守,推此而前,蜀可傳檄而定。劉備,人傑也,有度而遲,得蜀日淺,蜀人未恃也。今破漢中,蜀人震恐,其勢自傾。以公之神明,因其傾而壓之,無不克也。若小緩之,諸葛亮明於治而為相,關羽、張飛勇冠三軍而為將,蜀民既定,據險守要,則不可犯矣。今不取,必為後憂。」、「蜀雖狹弱,而備之謀欲以威武自強,勢必用眾以示其有餘。且關羽與備,義為君臣,恩猶父子。羽死不能為興軍報敵,於終始之分不足。」(《三國志·魏書·程郭董劉蔣劉傳第十四》)
賈詡:「吳、蜀雖蕞爾小國,依阻山水,有雄才,諸葛亮善治國,孫權識虛實,陸議見兵勢,據險守要,汎舟江湖,皆難卒謀也。用兵之道,先勝後戰,量敵論將,故舉無遺策。臣竊料群臣,無備、權對,雖以天威臨之,未見萬全之勢也。昔舜舞幹戚而有苗服,臣以為當今宜先文後武。」(《三國志·魏書·荀彧荀攸賈詡傳第十》)
陳登:「雄姿傑出,有王霸之略,吾敬劉玄德。」(《三國志·魏書·桓二陳徐衛盧傳第二十二》)
周瑜:「劉備以梟雄之姿,而有關羽、張飛熊虎之將,必非久屈為人用者。」(《三國志·吳書·周瑜魯肅呂蒙傳第九》)
陸遜:「備幹天常,不守窟穴,而敢自送……尋備前後行軍,多敗少成,推此論之,不足為戚。」、「備是猾虜,更嘗事多」、「劉備天下知名,曹操所憚,今在境界,此強對也。」、「斯三虜者(曹操、劉備、關羽)當世雄傑,皆摧其鋒。」(《三國志·吳書·陸遜傳第十三》)
張松:「劉豫州,使君之宗室而曹公之深讎也,善用兵,若使之討魯,魯必破。魯破,則益州強,曹公雖來,無能為也。」(《三國志·蜀書·先主傳第二》)「劉豫州,使君之肺腑,可與交通。」、「今州中諸將龐羲、李異等皆恃功驕豪,欲有外意,不得豫州(劉備),則敵攻其外,民攻其內,必敗之道也。」 (《三國志·蜀書·劉二牧傳第一》)
劉巴:「備,雄人也,入必為害,不可內也。」(《三國志·蜀書·董劉馬陳董呂傳第九》註引《零陵先賢傳》)
彭羕:「僕昔有事於諸侯,以為曹操暴虐,孫權無道,振威闇弱,其惟主公有霸王之器,可與興業致治,故乃翻然有輕舉之志。」(《三國志·卷四十·蜀書十·劉彭廖李劉魏楊傳第十》)
鍾會:「益州先主以命世英才,興兵朔野,困躓冀、徐之郊,制命紹、布之手,太祖拯而濟之,與隆大好。」(《三國志·魏書·王毌丘諸葛鄧鍾傳第二十八》)
楊戲的《季漢輔臣贊》中贊昭烈皇帝:「皇帝遺植,爰滋八方,別自中山,靈精是鍾,順期挺生,傑起龍驤。始于燕、代,伯豫君荊,吳、越憑賴,望風請盟,挾巴跨蜀,庸漢以並。乾坤複秩,宗祀惟寧,躡基履跡,播德芳聲。華夏思美,西伯其音,開慶來世,歷載攸興。」(《季漢輔臣贊》)
裴潛:「使居中國,能亂人,不能為治。若乘邊守險,足為一方之主。」(《世說新語·識鑒第七》)(《三國志·魏書·和常楊杜趙裴傳第二十三》)
呂布:「是兒最叵信者。」(《三國志·魏書·呂布臧洪傳第七》)
呂布諸將:「備數反覆難養,宜早圖之。」(《三國志·蜀書·先主傳第二》注引王沈《魏書》)
後世評價
習鑿齒曰:「先主雖顛沛險難而信義愈明,勢偪事危而言不失道。追景升之顧,則情感三軍;戀赴義之士,則甘與同敗。觀其所以結物情者,豈徒投醪撫寒含蓼問疾而已哉!其終濟大業,不亦宜乎!」(《三國志·蜀書·先主傳第二》)
常璩曰:「先主名微人鮮,而能龍興鳳舉,伯豫君徐,假翼荊楚,翻飛梁、益之地,克胤漢祚,而吳、魏與之鼎峙。非英才名世,孰克如之!」(《華陽國志·劉先主志》)
裴松之:「漢武用虛罔之言,滅李陵之家,劉主拒憲司所執,宥黃權之室,二主得失縣(懸)邈遠矣。《詩》云『樂只君子,保艾爾後』,其劉主之謂也。」(裴松之注《三國志·蜀書·黃李呂馬王張傳第十三》)
張輔:「劉備威而有恩,勇而有義,寬宏而大略」(《藝文類聚卷二十二》)
朱敬則:「蜀先主抱英濟之器,無角逐之材。遠竄荊蠻,畏曹公之神武;奄有庸蜀,乘劉璋之政衰。國小人夷,風頹俗陋。」(《全唐文》)
杜甫:「蜀主窺吳幸三峽,崩年亦在永安宮。翠華想像空山里,玉殿虛無野寺中。古廟杉松巢水鶴,歲時伏臘走村翁。武侯祠堂常鄰近,一體君臣祭祀同。」(《s:詠懷古跡五首之四|詠懷古跡五首之四》)
劉禹錫:「天地英雄氣,千秋尚凜然。勢分三足鼎,業複五銖錢。得相能開國,生兒不像賢。淒涼蜀故妓,來舞魏宮前。」(《s:蜀先主廟|蜀先主廟》)
王勃:「以先主之寬仁得眾,張飛、關羽萬人之敵,諸葛孔明管、樂之儔,左提右挈,以取天下,庶幾有濟矣。然而喪師失律,敗不旋踵。奔波謙、瓚之間,羈旅袁、曹之手,豈拙于用武,將遇非常敵乎?」(《三國論》
司馬光:「昭烈之漢,雖雲中山靖王之後,而族屬疏遠,不能紀其世數名位,亦猶宋高祖稱楚元王後,南唐烈祖稱吳王恪後,是非難辨,故不敢以光武及晉元帝為比,使得紹漢氏之遺統也。」(《資治通鑑·第六十九卷·魏紀一》)
蘇洵:「項籍有取天下之才,而無取天下之慮;曹操有取天下之慮,而無取天下之量;玄德有取天下之量,而無取天下之才。」(《項籍》)
蘇轍:「世之言者曰:孫不如曹,而劉不如孫。劉備唯智短而勇不足,故有所不若于二人者,而不知因其所不足以求勝,則亦已惑矣。蓋劉備之才,近似于高祖,而不知所以用之之術。昔高祖之所以自用其才者,其道有三焉耳:先據勢勝之地,以示天下之形;廣收信、越出奇之將,以自輔其所不逮;有果銳剛猛之氣而不用,以深折項籍猖狂之勢。此三事者,三國之君,其才皆無有能行之者。獨一劉備近之而未至,其中猶有翹然自喜之心,欲為椎魯而不能純,欲為果銳而不能達,二者交戰于中,而未有所定。是故所為而不成,所欲而不遂。棄天下而入巴蜀,則非地也;用諸葛孔明治國之才,而當紛紜征伐之衝,則非將也;不忍忿忿之心,犯其所短,而自將以攻人,則是其氣不足尚也。嗟夫!方其奔走于二袁之間,困于呂布而狼狽于荊州,百敗而其志不折,不可謂無高祖之風矣,而終不知所以自用之方。」(《三國論》)
辛棄疾:「求田問舍,怕應羞見,劉郎才氣。」(《水龍吟》)
謝採伯:「孫權運籌於內,劉備、諸葛亮、周瑜、關侯等,合謀並智,方拒得曹操,敗之於赤壁,亦未為竒政縁。」(《密齋筆記·卷二》)
何去非:「方其豪傑並起,而備已與之周旋于中原矣。始得徐州而呂布奪之,中得豫州而曹公奪之,晚得荊州而孫權奪之。備將興複劉氏之大業,其志未嘗一日而忘中州也。然卒無以暫寓其足,委而西入者,有曹操、孫權之兵軋之也。」
蕭常:「昭烈父子以帝室支屬,介在一隅,而正位號,尚數十年,由先漢至是,垂祀五百,三代以還,葢未之有。人主之結人心,其效廼爾,有大物者,庸可忽諸。」(《蕭氏續後漢書》)
郝經:「漢得天統,莽簒而在光武,操竊而在昭烈。魏吳雖僣,猶夫吳楚也。昭烈天資仁厚,宇量(闕)毅,巋然一世之雄。以興複漢室為己任,崎嶇百折,僨而益堅。顛沛之際,信義逾明。故能終系景命,信大義于天下。任賢使能,灑落誠盡,使諸葛亮以死自效。複見三代君臣,高、光為不亡矣。國賊未討,境土未複,而僨軍崩殂,哀哉!」(《郝氏續後漢書》)
陶宗儀:「備又非人望之所歸。周瑜以梟雄目之,劉巴以誰人視之,司馬懿以詐力鄙之,孫權以猾虜呼之。」(《南村輟耕錄·卷二十五》)
楊璟:「昔據蜀最盛者,莫如漢昭烈。且以諸葛武侯佐之,綜核官守,訓練士卒,財用不足,皆取之南詔。然猶朝不謀夕,僅能自保。」
孫承恩:「賢矣昭烈,寬厚弘毅。崎嶇立國,仗信履義。推誠任賢,肝膽孚契。顧命數詞,可訓後世。」(《文簡集·卷三十八》)
王夫之:「劉先主以漢室之裔,保蜀土,奉宗祧,任賢圖治,民用乂安,尚矣。」(《宋論·卷一》)
毛澤東:「劉備的優點主要于是善于用人,善于團結各方人士。而缺點則表現在兩個方面:一是好感情用事;二是不能區分主次矛盾。」
趙翼:「關、張、趙雲自少結契,終身奉以周旋,即羈旅奔逃,寄人籬下,無寸土可以立業,而數人者患難相隨,別無貳志,此固數人者之忠義,而備亦必有深結其隱微而不可解者矣。」(《廿二史劄記·卷七》)
歷史學家、《三國史話》作者呂思勉認為,如其通觀前後,則劉備急於併吞劉璋,實在是失敗之遠因。倘使劉備老實一些,替劉璋北攻張魯,這是可以攻下;張魯既下,而馬超、韓遂等還未全敗,彼此聯合,以擾中原,曹操倒難於對付;劉備心計太工,不肯北攻張魯,而要反噬劉璋,以至替曹操騰出平定關中和涼州之時間,而且仍給以削平張魯之機。然而本可聯合涼州諸將共擾關中,卻變做獨當大敵。伐吳之役,劉備因為是能做一番事業,意志必較堅定,理智必較細密,斷不會輕易動於感情;況且感情必是動於當時,時間稍久,感情就漸漸衰退,理智就漸漸清醒。然其禍根,亦因急於要取益州,以致對於荊州不能兼顧之故;所以心計過工,有時也會成為失敗原因,真個閱歷多之人,倒覺得凡事還是少用機謀,依著正義而行好。
《劉備傳》作者張作耀認為,劉備人生道路危機四伏、滿途坎坷。這是一個戰鬥歷程:起步、挫折、爬起、再挫,發展至立足一方。撇開劉備政治動機不談,折而不撓、敗不氣餒、終不為下,為憧憬之目標而奮鬥不懈,始終如一。劉備與關羽、張飛一經結義,終身不易。與下士同席而坐,無所簡擇;善待部下,士卒感恩,願為驅使。
家庭
世系
按照《三國志》和裴松之注所引《典略》記載,劉備先祖有三種可能。
祖父
• 劉雄,被舉孝廉,官至東郡范令。
父
• 劉弘,為東漢末年的州郡小官。
妻妾
• 麋夫人,繼正室,麋竺之妹,於劉備在豫州落難時,麋竺將她嫁給劉備。
• 孫夫人,繼正室,孫權之妹,與劉備結為政治婚姻,後劉備入蜀,孫權接回她,再無記錄。
• 穆皇后吳氏,繼正室,吳懿之妹,劉瑁遺孀,劉備入蜀後納為夫人,後為漢中王后。劉禪即位時,尊她為皇太后,稱長樂宮。延熙八年病死,與劉備合葬。
• 甘夫人,沛人,妾室,劉禪生母,曾於長阪被困,幸得趙雲解救。後病死,諡皇思夫人,後再追諡昭烈皇后,與劉備合葬。
孫夫人以前的數位嫡室,除麋夫人以外身份皆不可考。妾室甘夫人因他「數喪嫡室」,而主內事。僅知劉備有四次丟失妻子的記錄:
• 建安元年(196年),呂布俘虜劉備的妻兒。期間劉備娶麋夫人。1年後二人講和該妻兒被返還劉備。
• 建安三年(198年),劉備妻兒再被呂布所俘虜。1年後曹操擊敗呂布劉備重得家眷。
• 建安五年(200年),曹操軍擊敗劉備于小沛,妻兒被俘。
• 建安十三年(208年),長阪坡之戰劉備與數十騎逃走,妻兒輜重等被曹操所獲。
子女
• 劉封,劉備養子。本姓寇,劉備入蜀後委任為將,但因關羽兵敗時不予救援及逼反孟達喪失上庸之責遭賜死。
• 劉永,字公壽,劉備次子。先為魯王,後封為甘陵王。與劉禪寵臣黃皓不和,被劉禪疏遠。後東遷洛陽,拜奉車都尉,封為鄉侯。
• 劉理,字奉孝,劉備三子、馬超女婿。先為梁王,後封為安平王。早卒,諡為悼王。
• 有二女於劉備南逃至長阪時被曹將曹純所俘。
孫子女
• 劉璿,劉禪長子、費禕女婿,十五歲被立為太子,蜀漢亡後,鍾會在成都作亂,被亂兵殺害。
• 劉瑤,劉禪二子,蜀漢亡後投降。
• 劉琮,劉禪三子。
• 劉瓚,劉禪四子,蜀漢亡後投降。
• 劉諶,劉禪五子,北地王,曾反對譙周降魏的提議,但劉禪不接受,在投降之日自殺。
• 劉恂,劉禪六子,蜀漢亡後投降。
• 劉璩,劉禪七子,蜀漢亡後投降。
• 劉胤,劉理長子,承襲為安平王。
• 劉輯,劉理次子、馬超外孫,東遷洛陽,拜奉車都尉,封鄉侯。
• 公主嫁費恭(費禕次子)
• 公主嫁關統(關羽次子關興之長子)
曾孫
• 劉承,劉胤之子,二十歲卒。
• 劉玄,劉永之孫,蜀漢亡後投降,避過永嘉之亂,居於四川成都。
後人
• 唐朝盧龍節度使劉濟的墓誌銘中,作者權德輿稱其為劉備二十一代孫,姜緯堂認為此說甚不可信,他指出劉備子孫在永嘉之亂時大部被殺,只有劉備曾孫劉玄逃到蜀地,漢趙甚至都找不到一個劉備子孫作標榜,時隔四百餘年後又有劉備子孫綿延于幽州昌平縣非常值得懷疑;而唐朝崇尚門第是社會風氣,冒附先賢,謬託名門以自重比比皆是,新舊唐書《劉濟傳》中均不取劉濟為劉備後裔,正體現出史學家崇實的精神。
後世紀念
紀念建築
• 陵墓:劉備墳墓在成都市漢昭烈廟內的惠陵。但有說法是在重慶奉節和四川彭山的蓮花壩。
• 廟宇:成都市漢昭烈廟、山西省陽泉市劉備廟、台灣大溪劉備廟。
• 樓桑廟三義宮:位于河北省涿州市劉備故里,為紀念「桃園結義」所建。
藝術形象
三國演義
小說《三國演義》為塑造人物性格,將劉備描寫成極仁愛的君主,但卻愛哭,甚至有歇後語說:「劉備的江山 ——哭出來的」,基本上有關三國的歇後語,多為演義,比方「劉備摔阿斗──收買人心」,然則史實上並無摔阿斗,此外演義為襯托諸葛亮、關羽等人才能,貶低了劉備軍事之能,亦也修飾梟雄劉備較令人詬病的一面。且《三國志》記載劉備「喜怒不形於色」,據史可考的哭泣次數也遠少于曹操、孫權,反而是較血氣方剛、蠻勇豪邁之人。
《三國演義》虛構了從劉勝到劉備的每一代家譜,稱獻帝核對家譜後發現劉備按輩分是自己的叔父,尊稱劉備為皇叔,《三國演義》也多處用「劉皇叔」指代劉備。事實上若將《三國演義》所記家譜對照漢朝君主世系,劉備當為獻帝孫輩。且《三國志》等史料並未詳細記載劉備世系,也無載獻帝尊劉備為皇叔之事。
劇曲
劇曲中的劉備為老生所演,而劇目取材於《三國演義》,例如《劉備過江招親》、《甘露寺》等劇目。
電視劇
• 1976年--香港麗的電視《三國春秋》,劉備由陳振華飾演。
• 1985年--湖北電視台電視劇《諸葛亮》,劉備由黃家德飾演。
• 1985年--香港亞洲電視電視劇《諸葛亮》,劉備由熊德誠飾演。
• 1992年--中國太原電視台電視劇《關公》(別名:《關公傳奇》),劉備由肖國隆飾演。
• 1994年--中央電視台《三國演義》,劉備由孫彥軍飾演。
• 1996年--華視《三國英雄傳之關公》,劉備由張復健飾演。
• 1999年--電視劇《曹操》,劉備由沈保平飾演。
• 2001年--陳凱歌導演《呂布與貂蟬》,劉備由保劍鋒飾演。
• 2004年--鄭克洪導演《武聖關公》,劉備由黃湘陽飾演。
• 2006年--電視劇《貂蟬》,劉備由肖國隆飾演。
• 2009年--八大《終極三國》,劉備由陳德修飾演。
• 2010年--中央電視台《三國》,劉備由于和偉飾演。
• 2012年--香港無綫電視《回到三國》,劉備由李國麟飾演。
• 2014年--胡玫導演《曹操》,劉備由楊威飾演。
• 2016年--湖南衛視《武神趙子龍》,劉備由嚴屹寬飾演。
• 2017年--張永新導演《軍師聯盟》,劉備由王伯昭飾演。
• 2017年--優酷《終極三國》,劉備由SpeXial-偉晉飾演。
電影
• 1957年《關公千里送嫂》,劉備由張醒非飾演。
• 1957年《關公守華容 劉備過江招親》,劉備由張活游飾演。
• 1968年《桃園三結義》(台灣國益影業公司),劉備由曹健飾演。
• 1996年《諸葛孔明》,劉備由梁斌飾演。
• 1998年《超時空要愛》,劉以達飾演的大飛,在跨越時空回到古代三國後化身劉備。
• 1999年《一代梟雄曹操》,劉備由梁斌飾演。
• 2008年《三國之見龍卸甲》,劉備由岳華飾演。
• 2008年《赤壁》,劉備由尤勇飾演。
• 2009年《赤壁:決戰天下》,劉備由尤勇飾演。
• 2010年《越光寶盒》,劉備由元彪飾演。
• 2010年《關雲長》,劉備由方中信飾演。
• 2020年《新解釋·三國志》, 劉備由大泉洋飾演。
• 2021年《真·三國無雙》, 劉備由楊祐寧飾演。
遊戲
• 三國無雙
• 真三國無雙
• 三國志
• 吞食天地
• 三國志英傑傳
• 三國群英傳
• 幻想三國誌II
• 王者榮耀
• 神魔之塔(Tower of Saviors)
• 三國殺
• 三國志•戰略版
• 破局:三國終章
• 妖怪三國志國盜りウォーズ
動漫作品
• 1971年《三國志》(橫山光輝)
• 1983年《》(本宮宏志)
• 1992年《新SD戰國傳 地上最強篇》白龍頑馱無(劉備為原型角色)
• 1992年《三國志》
• 1994年《蒼天航路》(王欣太)
• 2001年《火鳳燎原》(陳某)
• 2003年《一騎當千》劉備玄德
• 2007年《BB戰士三國傳》劉備高達/翔烈帝劉備
• 2009年《三國演義》
• 2012年《紙箱戰機》LBX劉備
• 2012年《閃電十一人GO2 時空之石》
(主人公在進行時空跳躍時,曾經拜訪劉備。並與之極限合體(遊戲術語))
• 2019年《三國演義》
• 2019年《SD高達世界 三國創傑傳》劉備獨角獸高達
• 2018年《妖怪三國志竊國戰爭》:
Source | Relation | from-date | to-date |
---|---|---|---|
劉永 | father | ||
劉理 | father | ||
蜀漢後主 | father | ||
章武 | ruler | 221/5/15章武元年四月丙午 | 223/6/15章武三年四月丁亥 |
Text | Count |
---|---|
全上古三代秦漢三國六朝文 | 1 |
三國志 | 502 |
萇楚齋續筆 | 1 |
四庫全書總目提要 | 4 |
資治通鑑 | 26 |
後漢書 | 14 |
晉書 | 3 |
真誥 | 2 |
十六國春秋 | 1 |
十六國春秋別傳 | 1 |
宋史 | 1 |
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