Biography
Early life and recognition
Fa Zheng was born in 176 CE in Mei County, Youfufeng (present-day Mei County, Shaanxi). He came from a distinguished family descended from King Xiang of Qi (Tian Fazhang) of the Warring States period. His great-grandfather Fa Xiong served as Administrator of Nan Commandery, and his grandfather Fa Zhen was a famous scholar known as “Master Xuande.”
In the early Jian’an period (c. 200 CE), due to famine throughout the realm, Fa Zheng went to Yi Province with his friend Meng Da from the same commandery to serve under Liu Zhang. After many years, Fa Zheng was promoted to Magistrate of Xindu, then appointed Colonel Who Participates in Military Planning.
However, Fa Zheng was not well treated by Liu Zhang and was slandered by people from his commandery and county, leaving him very frustrated. The Inspector of Yi Province Zhang Song was friendly with Fa Zheng and also felt that Liu Zhang was not capable of great achievement. They often sighed together, unable to display their talents.
Plotting with Zhang Song
In 208 CE, Zhang Song went on a mission to Jing Province and met Cao Cao. After returning, he persuaded Liu Zhang to break relations with Cao Cao and form an alliance with Liu Bei. Liu Zhang asked: “Who can serve as envoy?” Zhang Song recommended Fa Zheng.
Fa Zheng initially declined and was unwilling to go, but after Zhang Song repeatedly recommended him, he went. After Fa Zheng returned from his mission, he told Zhang Song that Liu Bei had heroic talent and was a worthy lord to serve. The two secretly reached an agreement to support Liu Bei, hoping one day to welcome Liu Bei into Yi Province.
Inviting Liu Bei to Yi Province
In 211 CE, Liu Zhang heard that Cao Cao intended to attack Zhang Lu in Hanzhong and was often fearful. Zhang Song took the opportunity to persuade Liu Zhang that he should welcome and invite Liu Bei into Yi Province to share the responsibility of defending against Zhang Lu.
Liu Zhang again sent Fa Zheng as chief envoy, with Meng Da as deputy, leading four thousand men on a mission to Jing Province. Fa Zheng publicly announced his purpose but secretly advised Liu Bei: “With your, General’s, talent fit for the age, and Liu Zhang’s weakness and incompetence; Zhang Song, a key talent in Yi Province, as internal support; then with Yi Province’s wealth and the strategic barriers of the Land of Heaven, to achieve great enterprise would be as easy as turning one’s hand.”
Zhuge Liang’s plan for dividing the realm required taking both Jing and Yi Provinces. Fa Zheng and Zhang Song’s defection was truly a heaven-sent opportunity. Liu Bei followed Fa Zheng’s strategy and led troops upstream along the Yangtze River, advancing west to meet Liu Zhang at Fucheng.
The conquest of Yi Province
In 212 CE, Liu Bei led his army north to Jiameng, then turned south to attack Liu Zhang. Liu Zhang’s adviser Zheng Du pointed out that Liu Bei’s army lacked supplies and advised using a strategy of fortifying walls and clearing the fields to exhaust Liu Bei.
Zheng Du advised: “Liu Bei leads a lone army from afar to attack. The people have not yet submitted to him, and he relies entirely on temporarily collecting grain from the people. The army is severely lacking in supplies and equipment. The best strategy to deal with them is to drive all the people of Baxi and Zitong to move west of the Fu River, burn all grain in the fields and granaries of both places, build defences along the riverbank and dig deep moats, then calmly wait for their arrival. When they come and challenge us, we hold firm and do not go out. Over time, they will run out of supplies. Within a hundred days, they will certainly retreat on their own. Once Liu Bei’s army retreats, we attack and pursue, and thus we can capture Liu Bei alive.”
When Liu Bei heard this, he was very worried and angry, asking Fa Zheng how to respond. Fa Zheng said: “Liu Zhang will not adopt Zheng Du’s strategy—do not worry.” It was as Fa Zheng said. Liu Zhang replied: “I have only heard of resisting enemies to protect the people—I have never heard of moving the people to avoid enemies.” He rejected Zheng Du’s strategy and dismissed him from office.
Letter to Liu Zhang
In 213 CE, when Liu Bei attacked Luocheng, he sent someone to summon the Jing Province forces—Zhuge Liang, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Liu Feng, and others—to enter Yi Province as reinforcements. Fa Zheng wrote a letter to Liu Zhang:
“Fa Zheng I am by nature lacking in talent. Now the friendly alliance between you and the Left General has been damaged. I fear that those around you do not understand the whole story and will certainly attribute all faults to me alone, causing me lifelong shame and also bringing shame to you. Therefore, I have lost my position and drifted abroad, not daring to return and report.
“I fear you detest my words and voice, so during this time I have not dared to write to you. Recalling your past kindness to me, I often look west with raised head, my heart filled with great sadness and melancholy. However, I consider that I should still explain the whole story to reveal my true feelings.
“From the beginning to the end, I have never hidden any truth. If there are places where words cannot fully express meaning, it is because I am foolish and clumsy, and my sincerity could not move you, leading to today’s situation.
“Now state affairs are critical, and great disaster is imminent. Although I am abroad, speaking will only increase your resentment toward me. I feel I should still say what is in my heart to show my loyalty.
“Your, General’s, true heart, I, Fa Zheng, understand. In reality, you were cautious and did not want to offend the Left General, yet conflict arose in the end because those around you did not understand the way heroes conduct affairs, thinking one could violate oaths and act on impulse. For a long time, they have pursued what pleases the ear and eye, flattering and currying favour, all because they lack long-term planning and do not make long-term plans for the state.
“After the incident occurred, they could not estimate the relative strength of both sides, thinking the Left General’s lone army had come from afar and lacked grain reserves, so they wanted to use many to attack few and fight a protracted battle.
“However, the Left General, from Baishui Pass to here, has captured all the commanderies and counties he passed through. All your passes and camps, General, are increasingly isolated and weakened. Luocheng, though it has ten thousand troops, they are all defeated soldiers and broken generals. If you plan to use this army to contend for victory in a single battle, then the strength of troops and generals is indeed not equal. If you plan to fight a protracted battle to exhaust the Left General’s grain, that also will not work, because the Left General’s camps are already firmly established and grain is already stored.
“Your territory, General, is daily decreasing, the people are daily more impoverished, enemy forces are increasing, and military supplies are cut off far away. In my humble view, the one whose grain will be exhausted first and unable to hold out long is you, General.
“Given the current situation on both sides, it is indeed difficult for you, General, to maintain. Now Zhang Yide leads tens of thousands of troops and has already pacified Badong, entered Qianwei, and divided forces to pacify Jiangyang, Deyang, and Anhan—three routes advancing forward. How can you resist them?
“Those who originally planned for you, General, certainly said the Left General was a lone army from afar lacking grain, transport could not keep up, and troops were few with no support. Now the roads from Jing Province into Yi Province have been opened, and the Left General’s army has increased dozens of times. Moreover, General Sun Quan has sent his younger brother and Li Yi, Gan Ning, and others to lead troops as reinforcements.
“Comparing the situation of host and guest, if you want to win by vast territory, now the other side has completely occupied Badong, and Guanghan and Qianwei are more than half captured. Baxi is no longer yours, General.
“Calculating, what Yi Province can rely on is only Shu Commandery, and Shu Commandery is no longer complete. The lands of Yi Province are two-thirds lost. Officials and people are exhausted, and eight out of ten households plan to rebel. If the enemy is far, the people cannot bear long labour. If the enemy approaches, they will surrender and rebel. The various counties of Guanghan are proof of this.
“Moreover, Yufu and Baishui Pass are truly the gates that determine Yi Province’s fortune and disaster. Now both gates have been opened, strong cities have all been captured, all armies have been defeated, and able troops and generals are exhausted. The enemy advances from several routes and has already entered Yi Province’s heart. You can only defend Chengdu and Luocheng. The situation of who will survive and who will perish is clear.
“This is the general situation, relatively obvious and easy to see. As for the remaining twists and hidden factors, they are difficult to express in writing. Even someone as foolish as I, Fa Zheng, still understands that this situation is difficult to reverse. How much more so should the wise and resourceful advisers around you, General, understand the inevitable outcome?
“They rely on temporary expediency, seeking to preserve themselves, flattering and currying favour, not making long-term plans, unwilling to exhaust their hearts in offering good strategies. If affairs become critical and the situation is lost, they will each seek to save themselves, preserve their own families, turn their backs, and make completely different plans. They will certainly not be loyal to death for you, General. On the contrary, your family will suffer from the troubles they bring.
“Although I, Fa Zheng, have been slandered as disloyal, examining my heart, I have not betrayed your kindness. Considering the obligations of the ruler-subject relationship, I truly grieve for you, General.
“The Left General raised troops for the state’s fundamental interests. His old feelings for you remain—there is no enmity. I privately believe you can change your strategy according to circumstances to preserve your family.”
After the conquest
In 214 CE, when Liu Bei’s army besieged Chengdu, the Administrator of Shu Commandery Xu Jing wanted to abandon the city and flee. The matter was exposed and did not succeed. Because Chengdu was about to fall, Liu Zhang did not execute Xu Jing.
After Liu Zhang surrendered, Liu Bei looked down on Xu Jing because of his betrayal of his lord and did not employ him. Fa Zheng advised Liu Bei: “In the realm, there are those who gain empty reputation without true virtue and talent—Xu Jing is such. However, your enterprise is just beginning. Xu Jing’s reputation is known throughout the realm. If you cannot treat him with courtesy, people throughout the realm will say you, Lord, are slighting the worthy and treating scholars with contempt. Therefore, you should treat Xu Jing with respect to show far and near that you are following the example of King Zhao of Yan treating Guo Wei generously.”
Liu Bei then employed Xu Jing, giving him a high-ranking position with no real power.
Marriage to Lady Wu
After capturing Chengdu, Liu Bei occupied Yi Province and became Governor of Yi Province, establishing the foundation for the Three Kingdoms. The urgent task was to establish relationships with the powerful families of Shu. Therefore, the ministers advised Liu Bei to marry Lady Wu, sister of Liu Zhang’s old general Wu Yi. However, Lady Wu was the wife of Liu Zhang’s deceased elder brother Liu Mao. Liu Bei considered himself related to Liu Mao and thought this violated propriety.
Fa Zheng advised: “What is the relationship compared to Duke Wen of Jin and Ziyu?” When Duke Wen of Jin fled to Qin, he married Huaiying, the wife of his nephew Duke Huai of Jin (Ziyu). Fa Zheng believed that Duke Wen of Jin could marry his nephew’s wife without being criticised for violating propriety, much less Liu Bei and Liu Mao, who were not even related.
Liu Bei then married Lady Wu as his wife.
Rewards and appointments
Afterward, Liu Bei rewarded Zhuge Liang, Fa Zheng, Zhang Fei, and Guan Yu with five hundred jin of gold each, one thousand jin of silver, fifty million cash, and one thousand bolts of brocade—the highest rewards among the generals. Fa Zheng was appointed Administrator of Shu Commandery and General Who Spreads Martial Might.
The Shu Code
In 214 CE, Liu Bei ordered Fa Zheng, together with Zhuge Liang (Army Advisor General), Yi Ji (General Who Spreads Culture), Liu Ba (Left General’s Western Clerk), and Li Yan (General Who Establishes Enterprise), to establish the Shu Code (蜀科), implementing “rule by law” in Shu. This changed the situation under Liu Zhang’s rule, where laws were lax, virtue was not promoted, and authority and punishment were not strict.
However, Fa Zheng, though skilled in military strategy, was somewhat weaker in political strategy. He knew how to follow precedent but was not flexible. After the Shu Code was established, because strict law governed Shu, it struck at the local powerful families, who were very dissatisfied and resisted the Shu Han regime with a negative attitude.
For this reason, Fa Zheng proposed using the example of Emperor Gao entering the passes and making the Three Articles of Law with the people, suggesting that Chengdu was newly pacified and they should relax punishments and loosen restrictions. However, Zhuge Liang believed they could not blindly follow the laws of the early Han and should adapt to the times and be flexible. He wrote a letter, “Reply to Fa Zheng” (答法正书), explaining the deeper meaning.
”Eye for an eye”
At that time, Fa Zheng was in power. Externally, he controlled the administrative power of Shu Commandery, the capital commandery (Shu Commandery administered Chengdu County), serving simultaneously as local official and capital administrator. Internally, he planned strategy for Liu Bei and was Liu Bei’s main strategist.
However, Fa Zheng’s character was clear about gratitude and grudges—“an eye for an eye.” Especially after gaining power, he repaid even those who had shown him small kindnesses, and conversely, even those who had slight disagreements with him, he took revenge against, killing several people who had slandered or harmed him.
Someone reported this to Zhuge Liang, hoping he would inform Liu Bei and not let Fa Zheng abuse his power. However, Zhuge Liang knew that Fa Zheng was a deeply trusted and meritorious minister, so he did not report it.
Campaign against Sun Quan
In 215 CE, Sun Quan learned that Liu Bei had taken Yi Province and hoped to recover Jing Province. Liu Bei put him off, saying: “When I obtain Liang Province, I will give Jing Province to you.” Sun Quan was very resentful and sent Lü Meng to seize Changsha, Lingling, and Guiyang commanderies.
Lu Su led over ten thousand troops to Yiyang to contain Guan Yu. Liu Bei led troops from Yi Province to reinforce. Fa Zheng served as strategist on this campaign. Later, when Cao Cao campaigned south against Hanzhong, threatening Shu, Liu Bei quickly made peace with Sun Quan, agreeing to divide Jing Province—the three commanderies west of the Xiang River (Nan, Lingling, Wuling) went to Liu Bei, while the three east of the Xiang River (Jiangxia, Guiyang, Changsha) went to Sun Quan. However, relations between the two sides had already deteriorated.
Campaign for Hanzhong
In 217 CE, Fa Zheng believed that after Cao Cao had subjugated Zhang Lu, he had not continued to attack Yi Province but instead left Xiahou Yuan and Zhang He to defend Hanzhong. This must mean there was internal trouble, and now was the best opportunity to seize Hanzhong.
He told Liu Bei the significance of seizing Hanzhong:
“At best, we can attack the traitor Cao and honour and restore the Han house.”
“In the middle, we can look covetously at Yong and Liang Provinces and expand territory.”
“At worst, we can secure the stability of Yi Province, Ba and Shu—this is a lasting strategy.”
Liu Bei accepted this plan.
The Battle of Dingjunshan
In 219 CE, in the first month, Liu Bei crossed the Mian River south and camped at the foot of Dingjunshan and Xingshishan, facing Xiahou Yuan’s forces.
At that time, Xiahou Yuan was defending the southern position at Zoumagou, while Zhang He was defending the eastern position at Guangshi. Fa Zheng used a strategy of feinting east while attacking west. He had Liu Bei divide over ten thousand elite troops into ten units and attack Guangshi in rotation at night.
Zhang He led his personal troops in fierce combat. Although he did not lose the position, he could not withstand the rotational attacks of Liu Bei’s forces and requested reinforcements from Xiahou Yuan. Xiahou Yuan divided half his elite troops to reinforce Zhang He, continuing to defend the southern line himself.
Liu Bei then sent troops to attack Zoumagou, setting fire to the defensive works (deer antlers) in front of Cao Cao’s camp. Xiahou Yuan personally led four hundred soldiers out of camp to put out the fire and repair the antlers.
At this moment, Fa Zheng saw the opportunity. Seeing that Xiahou Yuan was in a disadvantageous position, he proposed a full attack on Xiahou Yuan. Liu Bei then ordered Huang Zhong to attack from the high ground, descending from behind with drums. Xiahou Yuan was caught unprepared and was killed by Huang Zhong. Zhao Yun came to Huang Zhong’s aid and rescued him. Cao Cao’s army was defeated.
Liu Bei thus gained the initiative in the Hanzhong campaign. Soon after, Cao Cao personally came to the front. Hearing that Fa Zheng had planned the strategy to take Hanzhong, he sighed: “I knew Xuande could not have thought of this—someone must have taught him.” He also said: “All the worthy scholars of the realm have been used by me—why is Fa Zheng alone missing?”
In the subsequent struggle for Hanzhong, although Cao Cao had an absolute advantage in troops, Liu Bei gathered his forces and defended strategic positions, refusing to engage Cao Cao in battle. Cao Cao stayed for months without success, and casualties increased daily. In summer, Cao Cao had no choice but to lead his army north and return. Liu Bei then possessed Hanzhong.
Following the example of Emperor Gao as King of Han, Liu Bei, having Hanzhong, advanced to King of Hanzhong. He appointed Fa Zheng as Director of the Imperial Secretariat and General Who Protects the Army.
Death and legacy
Under the assistance of Fa Zheng and others, Liu Bei’s group took Ba and Shu in the west and received Hanzhong in the north. Liu Bei advanced to King of Hanzhong, reaching the peak of his power.
Zhuge Liang evaluated this: “When our lord was at Gong’an, he feared Cao Cao’s strength in the north, was intimidated by Sun Quan’s pressure in the east, and feared Lady Sun would cause trouble close at hand. At that time, advance and retreat were both difficult. Fa Xiaozhi served as his wings, enabling him to soar and become unstoppable.”
In the twelfth month of Jian’an 24 (which was already 220 CE in the Gregorian calendar), after Guan Yu’s defeat at Maicheng, Fa Zheng died at the age of forty-five. Liu Bei wept for him for days. Fa Zheng was posthumously titled Marquis Yi, praised for his deep planning and far-sightedness during his life. His son Fa Miao was granted the title Marquis within the Passes. Fa Miao’s highest position was Colonel of the Rapid as Tigers and Administrator of Hanyang.
When Liu Bei became emperor and campaigned east against Sun Quan to recover Jing Province and avenge Guan Yu, most ministers remonstrated, but Liu Bei did not listen. In 222 CE, the second year of Zhangwu, the great army was defeated and retreated to Baidi.
Zhuge Liang sighed: “If Fa Xiaozhi were still alive, he would be able to stop our lord and prevent the eastern campaign. Even if he could not stop our lord, he would not have allowed such a great defeat.”
Personality
Fa Zheng deeply believed in “a scholar dies for one who understands him.” He was extremely loyal to Liu Bei, who appreciated his talent, even willing to use his body to shield Liu Bei from arrows, enabling Liu Bei to retreat safely.
Fa Zheng’s personality was clear about gratitude and grudges—“an eye for an eye.” After gaining power, he repaid even those who had shown him small kindnesses (such as inviting him to a meal), but he also took revenge against those who had slighted or offended him, even in small ways.
He was skilled at military strategy and planning but was somewhat weaker in political strategy, knowing how to follow precedent but not being flexible. However, his strategic brilliance made him invaluable to Liu Bei.
Military achievements
Conquest of Yi Province
Fa Zheng’s secret advice to Liu Bei, combined with Zhang Song’s internal support, enabled Liu Bei to enter and conquer Yi Province, establishing the foundation of Shu Han.
Predicting Zheng Du’s rejection
Fa Zheng correctly predicted that Liu Zhang would not adopt Zheng Du’s strategy of fortifying walls and clearing fields, which would have been devastating to Liu Bei’s campaign.
Campaign for Hanzhong
Fa Zheng correctly identified that Cao Cao’s failure to continue attacking Yi Province after subjugating Zhang Lu indicated internal trouble and that this was the best opportunity to seize Hanzhong.
Strategy at Dingjunshan
Fa Zheng’s feint strategy, attacking Guangshi to draw Xiahou Yuan’s forces, then attacking Zoumagou when Xiahou Yuan was vulnerable, led to Xiahou Yuan’s death and victory at Dingjunshan.
Relationships
With Liu Bei
Liu Bei greatly trusted and valued Fa Zheng, calling him his “chief strategist.” Fa Zheng was the only person to receive a posthumous title during Liu Bei’s lifetime, showing the special regard in which he was held. Liu Bei wept for days after Fa Zheng’s death.
With Zhang Song
Fa Zheng and Zhang Song were close friends who worked together to bring Liu Bei into Yi Province. Zhang Song’s death after the plot was exposed was a great loss to Fa Zheng.
With Zhuge Liang
Zhuge Liang and Fa Zheng had different preferences but worked together for the public good. Zhuge Liang often marvelled at Fa Zheng’s wisdom and strategy. While Zhuge Liang managed rear affairs, Fa Zheng accompanied campaigns and planned strategy. They complemented each other effectively.
With Liu Zhang
Fa Zheng served under Liu Zhang but was not well treated. He felt that Liu Zhang was not capable of great achievement and worked with Zhang Song to bring Liu Bei into Yi Province. His letter to Liu Zhang explaining the situation showed both his strategic thinking and his attempt to justify his actions.
Anecdotes
Shielding Liu Bei from arrows
During a battle with Cao Cao’s forces, the situation was unfavourable and Liu Bei should have retreated immediately, but he was angry and refused to withdraw. No one dared to remonstrate. Arrows fell like rain. Fa Zheng went and stood in front of Liu Bei to shield him.
Liu Bei urgently said: “Xiaozhi, avoid the arrows!” Fa Zheng replied: “Even you, Lord, brave arrows and stones—how much more should I?” Liu Bei had no choice but to order a retreat.
”Eye for an eye”
After gaining power, Fa Zheng repaid even small kindnesses but also took revenge for small offences. He killed several people who had slandered or harmed him. When someone reported this to Zhuge Liang, hoping he would inform Liu Bei, Zhuge Liang knew that Fa Zheng was deeply trusted and meritorious, so he did not report it.
Advising the use of Xu Jing
Fa Zheng advised Liu Bei to employ Xu Jing despite his betrayal, using the example of King Zhao of Yan treating Guo Wei generously. This showed Fa Zheng’s understanding of the importance of reputation and the need to attract talent.
Advising marriage to Lady Wu
Fa Zheng used the example of Duke Wen of Jin marrying his nephew’s wife to persuade Liu Bei to marry Lady Wu, showing his ability to find historical precedents to justify actions that might seem improper.
Achievements
- Plotted with Zhang Song to bring Liu Bei into Yi Province
- Correctly predicted Liu Zhang would not adopt Zheng Du’s devastating strategy
- Advised Liu Bei on the conquest of Yi Province
- Helped establish the Shu Code
- Advised campaign for Hanzhong
- Planned the strategy that led to Xiahou Yuan’s death at Dingjunshan
- Served as Director of the Imperial Secretariat and General Who Protects the Army
- Only person to receive a posthumous title during Liu Bei’s lifetime
Behind the scenes
Historical sources
Fa Zheng’s biography appears in Records of the Three Kingdoms by Chen Shou, where he is grouped with Pang Tong. Chen Shou compared Fa Zheng to Cheng Yu and Guo Jia of Cao Wei, noting that while they had character flaws (Cheng Yu was too direct and offended people, Guo Jia was unrestrained, Fa Zheng was “an eye for an eye”), they were all skilled at planning extraordinary strategies.
Comparison with Zhuge Liang
While Zhuge Liang managed rear affairs and administration, Fa Zheng accompanied campaigns and planned strategy. They complemented each other, with Zhuge Liang often marvelling at Fa Zheng’s wisdom. Zhuge Liang said that if Fa Zheng had been alive, he could have prevented Liu Bei’s disastrous eastern campaign.
The posthumous title
Fa Zheng was the only person to receive a posthumous title during Liu Bei’s lifetime, reflecting his special importance. This was noted in Zhao Yun’s biography, which states: “In the time of the First Ruler, only Fa Zheng received a posthumous title.”
Historical evaluations
Contemporary
Liu Bei greatly valued Fa Zheng, calling him his “chief strategist” and weeping for days after his death.
Cao Cao said: “I have gathered nearly all the treacherous heroes—why is Fa Zheng alone missing?”
Zhuge Liang praised Fa Zheng: “When our lord was at Gong’an, he feared Cao Cao’s strength in the north, was intimidated by Sun Quan’s pressure in the east, and feared Lady Sun would cause trouble close at hand. At that time, advance and retreat were both difficult. Fa Xiaozhi served as his wings, enabling him to soar and become unstoppable.”
Later historians
Chen Shou wrote: “Fa Zheng clearly saw success and failure and had extraordinary planning and calculation. However, he was not known for virtue. Compared to Wei ministers, he is the equal of Cheng Yu and Guo Jia.”
Yang Xi wrote: “Marquis Yi’s good strategy, predicting the rise and fall of the age, submitting to his lord, accepting instruction and consultation, temporarily planning calculations, seeing affairs and knowing opportunities.”
Xiao Chang wrote: “Pang Tong and Fa Zheng’s clarity in understanding principle and accuracy in predicting affairs—among the strategists of the time, none surpassed them. The First Ruler’s establishment of royal enterprise and succession to the great line was truly due to these two men’s strength. If Heaven had granted them years, and they had worked together with Zhuge Liang in assisting government, the achievement of unification could have been expected. Unfortunately, they died early—what a pity!”
Legacy
Fa Zheng is remembered as one of Liu Bei’s greatest strategists, whose planning was crucial to the conquest of Yi Province and Hanzhong. His “eye for an eye” personality, while controversial, did not diminish his strategic brilliance.
His early death at age 45 was a significant loss to Shu Han. Zhuge Liang’s comment that Fa Zheng could have prevented Liu Bei’s disastrous eastern campaign reflects both Fa Zheng’s importance and the impact of his absence.
His status as the only person to receive a posthumous title during Liu Bei’s lifetime reflects his special importance to the Shu Han state.
Timeline
- 176 CE: Born in Mei County, Youfufeng
- c. 200 CE: Went to Yi Province with Meng Da to serve under Liu Zhang
- c. 200 CE: Appointed Magistrate of Xindu, then Colonel Who Participates in Military Planning
- 208 CE: Went on mission to Jing Province; met Liu Bei; plotted with Zhang Song to support Liu Bei
- 211 CE: Again sent as envoy to Liu Bei; secretly advised Liu Bei to enter Yi Province
- 212 CE: Liu Bei turned against Liu Zhang; Fa Zheng correctly predicted Liu Zhang would not adopt Zheng Du’s strategy
- 213 CE: Wrote letter to Liu Zhang explaining the situation
- 214 CE: Advised Liu Bei to employ Xu Jing; advised Liu Bei to marry Lady Wu; appointed Administrator of Shu Commandery and General Who Spreads Martial Might; helped establish Shu Code
- 215 CE: Accompanied Liu Bei on campaign against Sun Quan
- 217 CE: Advised campaign for Hanzhong
- 219 CE: Planned strategy at Dingjunshan that led to Xiahou Yuan’s death; Liu Bei became King of Hanzhong; Fa Zheng appointed Director of the Imperial Secretariat and General Who Protects the Army
- 220 CE: Died in the twelfth month (Gregorian 220); posthumously titled Marquis Yi
See also
References
- Chen Shou. Records of the Three Kingdoms, Volume 37, Biography of Fa Zheng.
- Pei Songzhi. Annotations to Records of the Three Kingdoms.
- Chang Qu. Huayang Guo Zhi.
- Sima Guang. Zizhi Tongjian, various volumes.