Biography
Early life
Zang Ba was born in Hua County, Taishan Commandery (present-day Fangcheng Town, Fei County, Shandong).
His courtesy name was Xuangao.
His father Zang Jie served as Clerk in the county prison.
Rescuing his father
Zang Jie adhered to the law and did not obey the Administrator’s desire to privately execute a prisoner.
The Administrator was furious and ordered people to arrest Zang Jie and bring him to the commandery office to await punishment.
When Zang Ba was eighteen years old, he learned that his father had been arrested and imprisoned.
He gathered more than ten retainers and went to Mount Xishan in Fei County to rescue his father.
At that time, more than one hundred guards escorting prisoners all feared Zang Ba’s strength and bravery and fled.
Afterward, Zang Ba and his father fled to Donghai Commandery.
Because of this deed, Zang Ba’s reputation for filial piety, loyalty, and bravery spread throughout the countryside.
Service under Tao Qian
During the Yellow Turban Rebellion, Zang Ba served under Tao Qian.
He defeated the bandits and was appointed Commandant of Cavalry.
Later, Zang Ba gathered troops in Xu Province.
Together with Sun Guan, Wu Dun, Yin Li, and others, he gathered military forces.
Zang Ba served as commander and stationed at Kaiyang, becoming an independent power.
Conflict with Lü Bu
In 197 CE, the second year of Jian’an, Zang Ba led troops to attack Xiao Jian, Chancellor of Langye, at Ju County.
He captured Ju County and obtained Xiao Jian’s supplies.
Lü Bu had previously formed a friendship with Xiao Jian.
When he learned of this, he personally led infantry and cavalry to attack Ju County.
Gao Shun, a general under Lü Bu, advised: “General, you personally killed Dong Zhuo, and your prestige shook the Rong and Di. You only need to sit and look around, and distant and near places will fear and submit. You really should not go out lightly. If the battle is unfavourable, the general’s prestige will be greatly damaged.”
Lü Bu did not listen.
Zang Ba, worried that Lü Bu would plunder and harass, climbed the city wall and defended.
Zang Ba’s army shot poisoned arrows, hitting Lü Bu’s men and horses.
Lü Bu could not capture it and had to lead his army to retreat to Xiapi.
Later, Zang Ba and Lü Bu made peace.
Service under Lü Bu
In 198 CE, the third year of Jian’an, Lü Bu defeated Liu Bei.
Zang Ba and other Taishan generals allied with Lü Bu.
When Cao Cao campaigned against Lü Bu, Zang Ba and others led troops to assist Lü Bu.
Joining Cao Cao
After Lü Bu was captured, Zang Ba hid and concealed himself.
However, Cao Cao specifically searched for him.
When he found Zang Ba, he was very pleased at first sight.
He had Zang Ba recruit Wu Dun, Yin Li, Sun Guan, Sun Kang (Sun Guan’s elder brother), and others to surrender.
Cao Cao treated Zang Ba and others generously.
He divided Qing and Xu Provinces and entrusted them to Zang Ba.
He also divided Langye, Donghai, and Beihai and established Chengyang, Licheng, and Changlü commanderies.
He made Zang Ba Chancellor of Langye.
He made Wu Dun Administrator of Licheng, Yin Li Administrator of Dongguan, Sun Guan Chancellor of Beihai, and Sun Kang Administrator of Chengyang.
The case of Xu Xi and Mao Hui
Initially, when Cao Cao was in Yanzhou, he used Xu Xi and Mao Hui as generals.
When Yanzhou was in chaos, Xu and Mao both rebelled.
Later, after the chaos in Yanzhou was pacified, Xu and Mao fled and defected to Zang Ba.
In 199 CE, the fourth year of Jian’an, Cao Cao ordered Liu Bei to go see Zang Ba and ordered Zang Ba to present the heads of these two men.
Zang Ba said to Liu Bei: “In the past, the reason I could establish myself independently was because I would not do such things. I have received Duke Cao’s favour of preserving my life. I dare not disobey his orders. However, a ruler who aspires to the way of kings and hegemons should inform with righteousness, not coerce. I hope the general will decline this order for me.”
Liu Bei told Cao Cao what Zang Ba had said.
Cao Cao sighed and said to Zang Ba: “This is the benevolent deed of the ancients, and you can carry it out. This is also what I desire.”
He therefore made both Xu and Mao administrators of commanderies.
Campaigns in the east
In the eighth month, Cao Cao advanced to Liyang and ordered Zang Ba and others to lead troops into Qing Province.
They attacked and captured Qi, Beihai, and Dong’an.
The Battle of Guandu
During the Battle of Guandu, when Cao Cao and Yuan Shao faced each other, Zang Ba repeatedly sent elite troops into Qing Province.
Therefore, Cao Cao did not need to worry about eastern affairs and could concentrate on dealing with Yuan Shao.
During the period when Cao Cao and Yuan Shao were locked in a stalemate, Zang Ba was very active.
He led elite troops to harass Yuan Shao’s eastern territory, preventing him from concentrating all his strength to attack Guandu.
Yuan Shao sent his eldest son Yuan Tan to lead troops to attack Qing Province.
However, because of Zang Ba’s troops’ skill in battle, it was difficult to achieve results there.
Enfeoffment
In 205 CE, the tenth year of Jian’an, Cao Cao defeated Yuan Tan at Nanpi.
Zang Ba and others went to congratulate him.
Zang Ba requested to send his children and younger brothers and the fathers, brothers, and family members of the various generals to Yecheng.
Cao Cao said: “You all serve the state with loyalty, but why must you express it this way? In the past, Xiao He sent his children and younger brothers to serve, and Emperor Gaozu of Han did not refuse. Geng Chun burned his own house and carriage to follow, and Emperor Guangwu did not disappoint his good intentions. Now how can I change the practices of the ancients?”
At that time, the eastern provinces were in constant turmoil.
Zang Ba and others upheld righteousness and corrected it.
They campaigned against violence and suppressed cruelty, pacifying Haidai.
Their merit was great.
They were all enfeoffed as marquises.
Zang Ba was enfeoffed as Marquis of Duting and promoted to General Who Inspires Awe in Barbarians.
Campaigns against bandits
In 206 CE, the eleventh year of Jian’an, Zang Ba joined forces with Yu Jin to campaign against Chang Xi in Donghai.
Chang Xi surrendered but was executed by Yu Jin, who cited the law.
In 207 CE, the twelfth year of Jian’an, Zang Ba joined forces with Xiahou Yuan to campaign against Xu He and others, remnants of the Yellow Turban rebels.
Counting the previous merit of campaigning against Chang Xi, Zang Ba was promoted to Inspector of Xu Province.
Friendship with Wu Zhou
Wu Zhou, a native of Pei, served as Magistrate of Xiapi at that time.
Zang Ba respected Wu Zhou and considered him exceptional.
He often personally went to his residence as a guest.
Later, Zong Tong, an Attendant under Wu Zhou, did not obey the law.
Wu Zhou learned of his crime and arrested and interrogated him (without favouritism).
Zang Ba therefore treated Wu Zhou even better.
Campaign against Sun Quan
In 209 CE, the fourteenth year of Jian’an, when Zhang Liao besieged Chen Lan, Zang Ba joined forces with Yu Jin to campaign against Mei Cheng.
Because Yu Jin fell for a feigned surrender, Mei Cheng was able to lead his more than three thousand men to join Chen Lan at Mount Qianshan (present-day Mount Qianshan, Anhui).
Zang Ba was therefore transferred by Cao Cao to Wan to campaign against Han Dang, a great general of Wu.
This prevented Sun Quan from going forward to rescue Chen Lan.
The battle at Fenglong
Han Dang sent troops to intercept Zang Ba.
The two armies fought at Fenglong.
Han Dang also sent troops to block Zang Ba at Jiashi.
Both were defeated by Zang Ba.
Zang Ba returned and stationed at Shucheng.
Sun Quan sent several tens of thousands of Eastern Wu reinforcements by boat and stationed them at Shukou.
He divided troops to go rescue Chen Lan.
However, when he learned that Zang Ba’s army was at Shucheng, he immediately withdrew.
Zang Ba led troops to pursue at night.
By dawn, they had travelled more than one hundred li.
They attacked the Eastern Wu army from front and rear.
The Eastern Wu army was in extreme difficulty and could not board their ships.
Many fled by wading through the water.
Therefore, the Eastern Wu army could not rescue Chen Lan.
Zhang Liao therefore defeated Chen Lan and was granted imperial credentials.
Campaign at Ruxu
In 216 CE, the twenty-first year of Jian’an, in winter, Zang Ba followed Cao Cao in campaigning against Sun Quan at Ruxukou.
He served as vanguard together with Zhang Liao.
They encountered heavy rain.
The vanguard great army arrived first.
They saw that the river water had risen, and enemy ships were slowly approaching.
The officers and soldiers were all uneasy.
Zhang Liao therefore had the intention to withdraw.
Zang Ba stopped Zhang Liao and said: “Duke Cao is such a person who forgets right and wrong. How could he abandon us?”
The next day, Cao Cao indeed issued an order to withdraw.
Zhang Liao told Cao Cao what Zang Ba had said.
Cao Cao praised Zang Ba and appointed him General Who Spreads Awe and granted him imperial credentials.
The capture of Juchao
Cao Cao could not defeat Sun Quan and led the great army to return.
Later, Sun Quan requested to surrender.
Cao Cao therefore left Zang Ba and Xiahou Dun and others to station at Juchao.
Service under Cao Pi
In 220 CE, the first year of Yankang, Cao Pi succeeded to the throne as King of Wei.
Zang Ba was promoted to General Who Guards the East, advanced to Marquis of Wuan, and Commander of Qing Province.
In the same year, Zang Ba participated in urging Cao Pi to take the throne.
Enfeoffment as Marquis of Kaiyang
After Cao Pi ascended the throne, Zang Ba was advanced to Marquis of Kaiyang and later transferred to Marquis of Liangcheng.
Campaign against Lü Fan
In 222 CE, the third year of Huangchu, Cao Xiu supervised Zhang Liao, Zang Ba, and others.
They campaigned against Lü Fan, a general of Wu, at Dongpu.
In the eleventh month, Lü Fan’s army encountered strong winds.
Several thousand drowned.
The rest of the army withdrew to south of the Yangtze River.
Cao Xiu ordered Zang Ba to lead five hundred light ships and ten thousand men determined to die to attack Xuling (Jingkou).
They burned the city walls and moats and killed and captured several thousand people.
They then crossed the Yangtze River and reached the south bank.
They were repelled by Quan Cong, Xu Sheng, and others.
Zang Ba’s general Yin Lu was also beheaded by the enemy.
Zang Ba had no choice but to withdraw.
Transfer to court
Later, Zang Ba was summoned to court to serve as Colonel Director of Retainers.
His rank was Specially Advanced.
Whenever there were important military matters, Cao Pi often consulted Zang Ba.
Service under Cao Rui
After Cao Rui, Emperor Ming of Wei, succeeded to the throne, Zang Ba’s fief was increased by five hundred households, making a total of three thousand five hundred households.
Performing Grand Commandant duties
In the eighth month of 230 CE, the fourth year of Taihe, on the xin-si day (31st day of the eighth month), Cao Rui passed through Fancheng.
He ordered Zang Ba to perform the duties of Grand Commandant and sacrifice a special ox at the Altar of Abdication to Mount Zhongyue.
Death
Soon after, Zang Ba died.
He was posthumously titled Marquis Wei.
His son Zang Ai succeeded to the marquis title.
Zang Ai served as Gentleman of the Yellow Gate and successively served as Administrator of various commanderies.
He served as Inspector of Qing Province and Privy Treasurer.
After he died, he was posthumously titled Marquis Gong.
His son Zang Quan succeeded to the marquis title.
Zang Ba had achieved merit before and after.
Three of his sons were enfeoffed as marquises, and one was granted the rank of Marquis Within the Passes.
Posthumous honours
In the seventh month of 243 CE, the fourth year of Zhengshi, Zang Ba, Colonel Director of Retainers, was honoured to be enshrined in Cao Cao’s temple.
Personality
Zang Ba was described as having “a reputation for filial piety and loyalty from a young age.”
He was known for his bravery and filial piety.
He was also known for upholding righteousness and not doing things that violated his principles.
Military achievements
Independent rule
Zang Ba successfully ruled independently in the east for many years.
He controlled Kaiyang and the surrounding area.
Defence against Lü Bu
Zang Ba successfully defended Ju County against Lü Bu’s attack.
Campaigns in the east
Zang Ba successfully campaigned against various enemies in the east and pacified Haidai.
Campaign against Sun Quan
Zang Ba successfully campaigned against Sun Quan and prevented him from rescuing Chen Lan.
He also defeated Han Dang and attacked Xuling.
Relationships
With Lü Bu
Zang Ba initially allied with Lü Bu but later joined Cao Cao.
With Cao Cao
Zang Ba joined Cao Cao after Lü Bu’s defeat.
Cao Cao treated him generously and entrusted him with Qing and Xu Provinces.
With Sun Guan and others
Zang Ba worked together with Sun Guan, Wu Dun, Yin Li, and others.
They formed an independent power in the east.
Anecdotes
Rescuing his father
When Zang Ba was eighteen, he rescued his father from prison, killing the Administrator.
More than one hundred guards fled because they feared his strength and bravery.
The case of Xu Xi and Mao Hui
When Cao Cao ordered Zang Ba to present the heads of Xu Xi and Mao Hui, Zang Ba refused, saying he would not do such things.
Cao Cao praised him and made both Xu and Mao administrators.
The request to send hostages
Zang Ba requested to send his children and the family members of his generals to Yecheng as hostages.
Cao Cao praised his loyalty but said it was not necessary.
The defence at Ruxu
When Zhang Liao wanted to withdraw at Ruxu, Zang Ba stopped him, saying Cao Cao would not abandon them.
Cao Cao indeed issued an order to withdraw the next day.
Achievements
- Successfully ruled independently in the east for many years
- Successfully defended against Lü Bu
- Successfully campaigned against various enemies in the east
- Successfully campaigned against Sun Quan
- Known for filial piety, bravery, and upholding righteousness
Behind the scenes
Historical sources
Zang Ba’s biography appears in the Records of the Three Kingdoms by Chen Shou, grouped with Li Dian, Li Tong, Wen Pin, Lü Qian, Xu Chu, Dian Wei, Pang De, Pang Yu, and Yan Wen.
Independent rule
Zang Ba’s independent rule in the east shows the fragmented nature of power during the late Eastern Han period.
The case of Xu Xi and Mao Hui
Zang Ba’s refusal to present the heads of Xu Xi and Mao Hui shows his principles and Cao Cao’s respect for them.
Historical evaluations
Contemporary
Cao Cao said: “This is the benevolent deed of the ancients, and you can carry it out. This is also what I desire.”
Later historians
Chen Shou wrote: “Li Tong, Zang Ba, Wen Pin, and Lü Qian defended commanderies and provinces. All were known for their authority and kindness.”
Sun Sheng wrote: “Zang Ba had a reputation for filial piety and loyalty from a young age, and Wen Pin showed the sincerity of weeping. Therefore, Cao Wu (Cao Cao) at one meeting entrusted them with responsibilities in two directions. Was this only because their bravery and military ability were recognized in a moment?”
Hu Sanxing wrote: “Zang Ba arose from Taishan and was known as a hero in the east. Therefore, he was made a defender. Even if the Yuan family wanted to advance east from Pingyuan, they could do nothing.”
Legacy
Zang Ba is remembered as a brave and filial general who successfully ruled independently in the east before joining Cao Cao.
His rescue of his father shows his filial piety and bravery.
His independent rule demonstrates the fragmented nature of power during the late Eastern Han period.
Timeline
- 164 CE: Born in Hua County, Taishan Commandery
- 182 CE: Rescued father from prison; killed Administrator; fled to Donghai Commandery
- ?: Served as Commandant of Cavalry under Tao Qian; defeated Yellow Turban rebels
- ?: Gathered troops in Xu Province; formed independent power with Sun Guan, Wu Dun, Yin Li, and others; stationed at Kaiyang
- 197 CE: Attacked Xiao Jian at Ju County; captured Ju County; defended against Lü Bu’s attack; made peace with Lü Bu
- 198 CE: Allied with Lü Bu; assisted Lü Bu against Cao Cao; joined Cao Cao after Lü Bu’s defeat; appointed Chancellor of Langye
- 199 CE: Refused to present heads of Xu Xi and Mao Hui; Cao Cao praised him; made Xu and Mao administrators
- 200 CE: Sent elite troops into Qing Province during Battle of Guandu; harassed Yuan Shao’s eastern territory
- 205 CE: Went to congratulate Cao Cao after defeat of Yuan Tan; requested to send hostages; enfeoffed as Marquis of Duting; promoted to General Who Inspires Awe in Barbarians
- 206 CE: Joined forces with Yu Jin to campaign against Chang Xi
- 207 CE: Joined forces with Xiahou Yuan to campaign against Yellow Turban remnants; promoted to Inspector of Xu Province
- 209 CE: Transferred to Wan; campaigned against Han Dang; defeated Han Dang at Fenglong and Jiashi; prevented Sun Quan from rescuing Chen Lan
- 216 CE: Followed Cao Cao in campaigning against Sun Quan at Ruxukou; served as vanguard with Zhang Liao; stopped Zhang Liao from withdrawing; promoted to General Who Spreads Awe; granted imperial credentials; stationed at Juchao
- 220 CE: Promoted to General Who Guards the East; advanced to Marquis of Wuan; Commander of Qing Province; participated in urging Cao Pi to take throne; advanced to Marquis of Kaiyang; later transferred to Marquis of Liangcheng
- 222 CE: Participated in campaign against Lü Fan at Dongpu; attacked Xuling; transferred to court as Colonel Director of Retainers; rank Specially Advanced
- 230 CE: Fief increased to three thousand five hundred households; performed Grand Commandant duties
- 231 CE: Died; posthumous title Marquis Wei
- 243 CE: Honoured to be enshrined in Cao Cao’s temple
See also
References
- Chen Shou. Records of the Three Kingdoms, Volume 18, Biography of Li, Li, Zang, Wen, Lü, Xu, Dian, Er Pang, Yan.
- Luo Guanzhong. Romance of the Three Kingdoms, various chapters.