Liu Pi (刘辟 liú pì) was a Yellow Turban remnant leader who controlled parts of Runan Commandery in the early 200s. He briefly allied with Liu Bei during Liu Bei’s resistance against Cao Cao around 201-202. Liu Pi was killed in battle around 202, ending his faction’s independence. Like other Yellow Turban remnants, his forces represented the continuing social unrest that characterised the late Han period.
Historical context
Minor warlords and rebel leaders played important roles in the Three Kingdoms period, even if they never achieved the prominence of Cao Cao, Liu Bei, or Sun Quan. They controlled territory, commanded troops, and sometimes allied with major powers. Many were former Yellow Turban rebels who continued resistance after the main rebellion was suppressed.
Military strength
These factions typically commanded:
- Several thousand to tens of thousands of troops
- Local knowledge of their operating regions
- Guerrilla tactics honed through years of rebellion
- Refugee support from populations displaced by warfare
References
- Chen Shou, Records of the Three Kingdoms (三国志)
- Fan Ye, Book of the Later Han (后汉书)