Biography
Early life
Dong Zhao was born in 156 CE in Dingtao, Jiyin (present-day Dingtao District, Shandong).
His courtesy name was Gongren.
He was recommended as Filial and Incorrupt and served as Magistrate of Yingtao and Magistrate of Boren.
Service under Yuan Shao
Dong Zhao was appointed Army Adviser under Yuan Shao.
During the Battle of Jieqiao, Li Shao, Administrator of Julu, wanted to surrender to Gongsun Zan.
Yuan Shao heard of this and appointed Dong Zhao to act as Administrator of Julu.
The ruse at Julu
Local powerful families, including Sun Kang and dozens of others, were the main planners.
They stirred up officials and people.
When Dong Zhao arrived at the commandery, he forged a proclamation from Yuan Shao.
He told the entire commandery: “We have obtained the confession of Zhang Ji, a spy from Anping. The enemy will attack Julu. Sun Kang and others will act as internal agents. When this proclamation reaches the commandery, arrest Sun Kang and others and execute them according to military law. Only punish them personally. Do not implicate their wives and children.”
Dong Zhao followed the proclamation’s accusation and order.
He immediately executed Sun Kang and others.
The entire commandery was shocked and afraid.
Dong Zhao comforted them one by one.
They all became pacified.
After the matter was concluded, Dong Zhao reported to Yuan Shao.
Yuan Shao greatly praised him.
Service as Administrator of Wei Commandery
It happened that Li Pan, Administrator of Wei Commandery, was killed by soldiers.
Yuan Shao therefore appointed Dong Zhao to act as Administrator of Wei Commandery.
At that time, the entire commandery was in chaos.
There were tens of thousands of bandits.
They sent messengers to each other and engaged in trade.
Dong Zhao treated the bandits generously.
He used strategy to sow discord among them.
He took advantage of their weakness and campaigned against them.
He achieved a great victory.
He received three victory reports in two days.
Flight from Yuan Shao
Later, Dong Zhao’s younger brother Dong Fang was in Zhang Miao’s army.
Zhang Miao was at odds with Yuan Shao.
Yuan Shao, because of slander, wanted to punish Dong Zhao.
Dong Zhao therefore requested to go to see Emperor Xian of Han.
He took the opportunity to escape from Yuan Shao.
Service under Zhang Yang
On the way, Dong Zhao was detained by Zhang Yang in Henei Commandery.
Through Zhang Yang, he returned his seal and ribbon to the court.
He was appointed Commandant of Cavalry.
Helping Cao Cao
In 192 CE, the third year of Chuping, Cao Cao sent an envoy to Zhang Yang.
He wanted to borrow a route to Chang’an to welcome the emperor.
Zhang Yang initially refused.
Dong Zhao persuaded him.
Dong Zhao wrote letters for Cao Cao to the various generals in Chang’an, such as Li Jue and Guo Si.
He showed different levels of friendliness according to their status.
After Cao Cao heavily bribed Zhang Yang, he obtained permission to send envoys to where the emperor was at Anyi.
Dong Zhao followed.
He was appointed Gentleman Consultant.
Moving the capital to Xuchang
In 196 CE, the first year of Jian’an, Dong Zhao flattered Yang Feng, a close minister of the emperor.
He had Yang Feng support Cao Cao’s enfeoffment as General Who Guards the East and Marquis of Feiting.
Dong Zhao was also appointed Director of Credentials.
In the same year, Dong Zhao also suggested to Cao Cao to trick Yang Feng into leading the emperor to Xuchang.
Service as Inspector of Jizhou
Later, Zhang Yang was killed.
Dong Zhao was sent to persuade Zhang Yang’s old subordinates Xue Hong and Miao Shang to surrender.
Dong Zhao was therefore appointed Inspector of Jizhou.
Warning about Liu Bei
In 199 CE, the fourth year of Jian’an, Cao Cao sent Liu Bei to campaign against Yuan Shu.
Dong Zhao, together with Cheng Yu and Guo Jia, all warned Cao Cao that releasing Liu Bei would cause rebellion.
After Liu Bei rebelled, Cao Cao campaigned against him and defeated him.
Dong Zhao was appointed Inspector of Xuzhou.
Service as Administrator of Wei Commandery
In 200 CE, the fifth year of Jian’an, Yuan Shao sent Yan Liang to attack Dong Commandery.
Dong Zhao was transferred to Administrator of Wei Commandery.
He followed Cao Cao in campaigning against Yan Liang.
Campaign against Yuan Shao
In 204 CE, the ninth year of Jian’an, Cao Cao advanced troops and besieged Yecheng.
Yuan Chunqing, a relative of Yuan Shao, was Administrator of Wei Commandery.
He was in the city.
His father Yuan Yuanchang lived in Yangzhou.
Cao Cao sent someone to bring him.
Dong Zhao wrote a letter to Yuan Chunqing, persuading him to surrender.
After Yecheng was captured, Dong Zhao was appointed Remonstrant Gentleman.
Campaign against the Wuhuan
In 207 CE, the twelfth year of Jian’an, Cao Cao campaigned far against the Wuhuan chieftain Tadu.
Transporting grain was difficult.
On Dong Zhao’s suggestion, Cao Cao opened the Pinglu Canal and Quanzhou Canal to enter the sea and facilitate transport.
This solved the grain transport problem.
Cao Cao memorialized the court to enfeoff Dong Zhao as Marquis of Qianqiu.
He was transferred to Army Adviser to the Minister over the Masses.
Suggesting the five ranks system
Later, Dong Zhao suggested: “We should investigate the ancient system and establish the five ranks of nobility.”
Cao Cao said: “The establishment of the five ranks was done by sages. It is not something ministers can create. How can I bear this?”
Dong Zhao said: “Since ancient times, ministers who assisted the realm have never established achievements like yours today. Even those who had achievements like yours did not remain in the position of ministers for long. Now, my lord, you feel ashamed that your virtue still has defects and have not reached perfection. You are happy to preserve your reputation and integrity and do not have greater responsibilities. Your virtue’s beauty exceeds that of Yi Yin and the Duke of Zhou, reaching the ultimate perfection. However, rulers like Tai Jia and King Cheng of Zhou may not be encountered again. The people are difficult to teach and transform, even more so than in the Yin and Zhou dynasties. Being in the position of a minister and letting others doubt you in great matters, this really cannot but be reconsidered. My lord, although your prestige and virtue exceed previous generations and you deeply understand law, if you cannot establish a foundation at this time and consider it for ten thousand generations of descendants, you still have not done enough. The foundation’s root lies in land and people. You should gradually establish these two aspects to protect yourself. My lord, your loyal integrity has already emerged. The emperor’s majesty is also revealed in your appearance. The words that Geng Yan said to Emperor Guangwu under the bed, ‘The realm is incomparably important and cannot be obtained by people of other surnames,’ and the words that Zhu Ying said to Lord Chunshen, ‘Being in an unpredictable era and serving an unpredictable lord, how can there not be unexpected people?’ cannot be heard. I, Dong Zhao, have received your grace that is not ordinary. Therefore, I dare not not speak truthfully.”
Helping Cao Cao become Duke of Wei
In 212 CE, the seventeenth year of Jian’an, Dong Zhao, together with various marquises and generals, discussed requesting Cao Cao to be advanced to Duke of Wei and receive the Nine Bestowments and ritual objects to manifest his achievements.
He wrote a letter to Xun Yu.
Xun Yu opposed Cao Cao becoming Duke of Wei.
He was later left in the army and died at Shouchun.
In 213 CE, the eighteenth year of Jian’an, Dong Zhao, together with Xun You, Army Adviser to the Central Army, and others, persuaded Cao Cao to become Duke of Wei.
In the same year, the Dukedom of Wei was established.
Cao Cao accepting Duke of Wei and later King of Wei were all because of Dong Zhao’s suggestions.
Strategy against Guan Yu
In 219 CE, the twenty-fourth year of Jian’an, in the eighth month, the Han River overflowed because of heavy rain.
This caused a natural disaster that “harmed the people.”
Guan Yu took advantage and attacked by large boat.
He captured Yu Jin and executed Pang De.
He besieged Fancheng.
Sun Quan sent an envoy to tell Cao Cao: “I want to send troops west to attack and capture Guan Yu’s territory. Jiangling and Gong’an counties are very important. If Guan Yu loses these two cities, he will certainly flee automatically. The siege of Fancheng will be lifted without directly going to rescue it. Please keep this plan secret. Do not leak it and let Guan Yu prepare.”
Cao Cao asked his ministers how to deal with Sun Quan’s request.
Everyone said they should keep it secret.
Dong Zhao said: “Military matters emphasize flexibility and require them to be appropriate to the situation. We should promise Sun Quan on the surface and keep it secret for him, but actually leak it. If Guan Yu hears that Sun Quan is sending troops west, if he withdraws to protect himself, the siege of Fancheng will be quickly lifted. We will conveniently obtain benefits. We can also make Sun Quan and Guan Yu’s two armies confront each other like two horses. We sit and wait for their exhaustion. If we keep it secret and do not leak it, letting Sun Quan’s plan succeed, that is not the best strategy. Moreover, if the officers in the besieged city do not know there is rescue outside, thinking that grain is decreasing, they will produce fear. If they have other thoughts, the danger will not be small. Therefore, revealing this news is beneficial to us. Moreover, Guan Yu is strong and violent. He relies on the strong defence of Jiangling and Gong’an. He will certainly not withdraw immediately.”
Cao Cao said: “Very good.”
He therefore ordered Xu Huang, the general going to rescue Cao Ren, to shoot Sun Quan’s letter into the besieged city and Guan Yu’s camp.
The people in the besieged city learned of this news.
Their fighting spirit doubled.
Guan Yu indeed hesitated.
When Sun Quan’s army reached Jiangling and Gong’an and obtained these two cities, Guan Yu suffered a great defeat.
Service under Cao Pi
In 220 CE, the first year of Yan Kang, Cao Cao died.
Cao Pi succeeded to the kingship.
Dong Zhao was appointed Supervisor of Palace Construction.
In the same year, Dong Zhao, together with the Wei dukedom’s dukes and ministers, jointly persuaded Cao Pi to ascend the throne.
After Cao Pi became emperor, Dong Zhao was promoted to Grand Herald, one of the Nine Ministers.
He was advanced to Marquis of Youxiang.
Service as Palace Attendant
In 221 CE, the second year of Huangchu, Dong Zhao was promoted to Palace Attendant.
He also divided his fief and enfeoffed his younger brother Dong Fang as Marquis Within the Passes.
Advising Cao Pi
In 222 CE, the third year of Huangchu, Cao Xiu, General Who Conquers the East, faced the Yangtze River and stationed his army at Dongpukou.
He memorialized recommending himself: “I wish to lead elite troops like a fierce tiger to pounce on Jiangnan, defeat the enemy, and obtain resources. This matter will certainly be victorious. If I die at the enemy’s hands, do not worry about me.”
Cao Pi was worried that Cao Xiu would immediately cross the river.
He sent a fast horse to deliver an edict ordering him to stop.
At that time, Dong Zhao was serving at the side.
He remonstrated: “I privately see that Your Majesty’s face has a worried expression. Is it only because Cao Xiu is about to cross the river? Now, crossing the river, from human nature, everyone thinks it is difficult. Even if Cao Xiu has this wish, from the situation, he cannot do it alone. There should still be various generals cooperating. However, Zang Ba and others already have wealth and enjoy honour. They no longer have other wishes. They only want to be safe until old age and preserve their fiefs and blessings without loss. How would they be willing to throw themselves into a place of certain death in dangerous times to seek success? If Zang Ba and others do not advance, Cao Xiu will naturally be discouraged and stop. I am afraid that even if Your Majesty has an edict ordering him to cross the river, he might still hesitate. He will not necessarily follow orders.”
Soon after, a strong wind sent Wu army’s boats to Cao Xiu and others’ camp.
They were beheaded in part and captured in part.
The Wu army then scattered and fled.
Cao Pi issued an edict ordering all armies to quickly cross the river.
The troops had not yet advanced on time when Sun Wu’s rescue boats arrived.
Advising against the floating bridge
Cao Pi’s great carriage reached Wancheng in Nanyang Commandery.
Xiahou Shang, General Who Conquers the South, and others attacked Jiangling.
They did not succeed.
At that time, the Yangtze River was shallow and the river surface was narrow.
Xiahou Shang wanted to ride boats and lead infantry and cavalry into the river’s land to station.
He made a floating bridge.
The bridge could travel north and south.
Those who discussed the matter mostly thought that this would certainly be able to capture Jiangling city.
Dong Zhao memorialized: “Emperor Wu’s wisdom and courage both exceeded ordinary people. However, when he used troops, he greatly valued the enemy. He did not dare to be so contemptuous of the enemy. Now, stationing troops in the islets is already very deep. Crossing water by floating bridge is very dangerous. Travelling by only one route is very narrow. These three situations all belong to what military strategists avoid. However, now they are all being implemented. If the enemy frequently attacks the floating bridge and we have a slight oversight in defence, then the elite forces in the islets will no longer belong to Wei. They will be transformed into Wu’s. I privately worry about this situation. I cannot sleep or eat. However, those who discuss this matter are complacent and not worried. Is this not too confused? Moreover, the river water has always been about to rise. Once the river water rises suddenly, what will we use to defend? If we cannot defeat the enemy, we will be finished first. Why rely on dangerous terrain and not be afraid? The matter will be very dangerous. I hope Your Majesty will examine this situation.”
Cao Pi understood Dong Zhao’s words.
He immediately ordered Xiahou Shang and others to quickly withdraw.
The Wu army divided into two routes and advanced forward.
The Wei army became one route and retreated.
They scattered from time to time.
Generals Shi Jian and Gao Qian barely escaped with their lives.
The Wei army withdrew for more than ten days.
The river water rose suddenly.
Cao Pi praised Dong Zhao for having insight like Zhang Liang and Chen Ping.
Service as Minister of Ceremonies
In 224 CE, the fifth year of Huangchu, Dong Zhao was transferred to Marquis of Chengdu.
He was appointed Minister of Ceremonies.
In the same year, Dong Zhao was transferred to Grand Master of Splendid Happiness and Supervisor of the Affairs of the Masters of Writing.
He followed Cao Pi on the eastern campaign.
Service under Cao Rui
In 226 CE, the seventh year of Huangchu, Dong Zhao returned to court.
He was appointed Grand Coachman.
In the same year, Cao Rui succeeded to the throne.
Dong Zhao was advanced to Marquis of Leping.
His fief was one thousand households.
He was transferred to Commandant of the Guards.
Service as Minister over the Masses
In 230 CE, the fourth year of Taihe, Dong Zhao began to act as Minister over the Masses.
In 232 CE, the sixth year of Taihe, Dong Zhao was formally appointed Minister over the Masses.
Dong Zhao memorialized, stating the evils of the end of the stream: “All those who possess the realm do not revere those who are honest, simple, loyal, and trustworthy. They deeply hate those who are false and insubstantial. Recent examples: Wei Feng was executed at the end of Jian’an. Cao Wei was beheaded at the beginning of Huangchu. I respectfully note that the edicts Your Majesty has issued before and after deeply hate falsehood and showy display. You want to break up improper cliques. You often use words of gnashing teeth. However, the law enforcement officials all fear those people’s power. No one can expose and investigate them. This makes the damage and invasion of customs increasingly serious. I see that the young people of today no longer take learning as the foundation of being human. They turn to making friends everywhere as their profession. Outstanding people in the state do not take filial piety, brotherly love, and integrity as their first priority. They actually take pursuing power and seeking profit as the first priority. They form groups together and form associations. They praise and flatter each other. They use slander and belittlement as punishment and humiliation. They use protection and praise as enfeoffment and reward. Whoever attaches to them, they praise greatly. Whoever does not attach to them becomes a flaw and crime. I have heard that there are people who let household slaves, guests, scribes, and family members with positions falsely use their names. They come and go in and out of government offices and forbidden areas. They exchange and circulate letters and documents. They spy and investigate. All these matters are not allowed by state law. They cannot be pardoned by punishment. Even Wei Feng and Cao Wei’s crimes would not exceed these.”
Cao Rui therefore issued a strict edict.
He reprimanded and dismissed Zhuge Dan, Deng Yang, and others.
Death
On the yi-mao day of the fifth month of 236 CE, the fourth year of Qinglong (4th day of the seventh month), Dong Zhao died.
He was eighty-one years old.
He was posthumously titled Marquis Ding.
Personality
Dong Zhao was known for his strategic ability and planning.
He was also known for being good at flattery and currying favour.
Su Ze once called him a “flatterer.”
Military achievements
Defence of Julu
Dong Zhao successfully defended Julu Commandery against Gongsun Zan’s forces using a ruse.
Pacification of Wei Commandery
Dong Zhao successfully pacified Wei Commandery and defeated tens of thousands of bandits.
Campaign against Yuan Shao
Dong Zhao successfully campaigned against Yuan Shao and persuaded Yuan Chunqing to surrender.
Campaign against the Wuhuan
Dong Zhao successfully opened canals to facilitate grain transport during the campaign against the Wuhuan.
Strategy against Guan Yu
Dong Zhao successfully advised Cao Cao on how to deal with Sun Quan’s request and Guan Yu’s siege of Fancheng.
Relationships
With Yuan Shao
Dong Zhao served under Yuan Shao but fled because of slander.
With Zhang Yang
Dong Zhao served under Zhang Yang and helped Cao Cao.
With Cao Cao
Dong Zhao served under Cao Cao and helped him become Duke of Wei and King of Wei.
With Cao Pi
Dong Zhao served under Cao Pi and advised him on military matters.
With Cao Rui
Dong Zhao served under Cao Rui and became Minister over the Masses.
Anecdotes
Waiting for Jia Cong
When Dong Zhao served as Magistrate of Yingtao, Jia Cong was appointed Inspector of Jizhou.
All commanderies and counties were shocked.
Officials who had faults all removed their seals and ribbons and resigned.
Only Dong Zhao and Huang Jiu, Magistrate of Guanjin, remained in office and waited for Jia Cong.
The knee is not a flatterer’s pillow
Su Ze was appointed Palace Attendant and was a colleague of Dong Zhao.
Once, Dong Zhao lay on Su Ze’s knee and slept.
Su Ze pushed his head down and said: “Su Ze’s knee is not a flatterer’s pillow.”
The floating bridge advice
Dong Zhao successfully advised Cao Pi against building a floating bridge at Jiangling.
Achievements
- Successfully defended Julu Commandery
- Successfully pacified Wei Commandery
- Successfully helped Cao Cao move the capital to Xuchang
- Successfully helped Cao Cao become Duke of Wei and King of Wei
- Successfully advised on strategy against Guan Yu
- Successfully advised Cao Pi on military matters
- Successfully became Minister over the Masses
Behind the scenes
Historical sources
Dong Zhao’s biography appears in the Records of the Three Kingdoms by Chen Shou, grouped with Cheng Yu, Guo Jia, Liu Ye, Jiang Ji, and Liu Fang.
The five ranks system
Dong Zhao suggested restoring the ancient five ranks system to help Cao Cao pave the way for usurping the Han dynasty.
The flatterer
Dong Zhao was known for flattery and currying favour, which earned him criticism from Su Ze.
Historical evaluations
Contemporary
Cao Pi said: “Your discussion of this matter, how thorough it is! Even if Zhang Liang and Chen Ping were here, how could they add more?”
Later historians
Chen Shou wrote: “Cheng Yu, Guo Jia, Dong Zhao, Liu Ye, and Jiang Ji had talent, strategy, and planning. They were extraordinary men of the world. Although their governance and virtue differed from Xun You’s, their planning and predictions were of the same class.”
Hu Sanxing wrote: “Dong Zhao’s character is not praiseworthy. However, his strategy is wonderful, not inferior to the two Xuns.”
Legacy
Dong Zhao is remembered as a key strategist who helped Cao Cao become Duke of Wei and King of Wei.
His strategic advice is praised.
His character, however, is criticized.
Timeline
- 156 CE: Born in Dingtao, Jiyin
- ?: Recommended as Filial and Incorrupt; served as Magistrate of Yingtao and Magistrate of Boren
- ?: Served as Army Adviser under Yuan Shao
- 192 CE: Acted as Administrator of Julu; used ruse to execute Sun Kang and others; defended Julu Commandery; acted as Administrator of Wei Commandery; pacified Wei Commandery; defeated tens of thousands of bandits
- 193 CE: Fled from Yuan Shao; detained by Zhang Yang in Henei Commandery; appointed Commandant of Cavalry
- 192 CE: Persuaded Zhang Yang to help Cao Cao; wrote letters for Cao Cao to Chang’an generals
- 195 CE: Followed Zhang Yang to Anyi; appointed Gentleman Consultant
- 196 CE: Flattered Yang Feng; had Yang Feng support Cao Cao’s enfeoffment; appointed Director of Credentials; suggested moving capital to Xuchang
- 198 CE: Appointed Administrator of Henan; persuaded Xue Hong and Miao Shang to surrender; appointed Inspector of Jizhou
- 199 CE: Warned Cao Cao about Liu Bei; Liu Bei rebelled; appointed Inspector of Xuzhou
- 200 CE: Transferred to Administrator of Wei Commandery; campaigned against Yan Liang
- 204 CE: Wrote letter to Yuan Chunqing; persuaded him to surrender; appointed Remonstrant Gentleman
- 207 CE: Suggested opening canals; facilitated grain transport; enfeoffed as Marquis of Qianqiu; transferred to Army Adviser to the Minister over the Masses
- 212 CE: Suggested Cao Cao become Duke of Wei; wrote letter to Xun Yu
- 213 CE: Persuaded Cao Cao to become Duke of Wei; Dukedom of Wei established
- 216 CE: Helped Cao Cao become King of Wei
- 219 CE: Advised on strategy against Guan Yu; suggested leaking Sun Quan’s letter; Guan Yu defeated
- 220 CE: Appointed Supervisor of Palace Construction; persuaded Cao Pi to ascend the throne; promoted to Grand Herald; advanced to Marquis of Youxiang
- 221 CE: Promoted to Palace Attendant; enfeoffed Dong Fang as Marquis Within the Passes
- 222 CE: Advised Cao Pi about Cao Xiu; advised against floating bridge; Xiahou Shang withdrew
- 224 CE: Transferred to Marquis of Chengdu; appointed Minister of Ceremonies; transferred to Grand Master of Splendid Happiness and Supervisor of the Affairs of the Masters of Writing; followed Cao Pi on eastern campaign
- 226 CE: Appointed Grand Coachman; advanced to Marquis of Leping; transferred to Commandant of the Guards
- 230 CE: Began to act as Minister over the Masses
- 232 CE: Formally appointed Minister over the Masses; memorialized about evils of end of stream; Zhuge Dan and Deng Yang dismissed
- 236 CE: Died; posthumous Marquis Ding
See also
References
- Chen Shou. Records of the Three Kingdoms, Volume 14, Biography of Cheng, Guo, Dong, Liu, Jiang, Liu.
- Luo Guanzhong. Romance of the Three Kingdoms, various chapters.