Huang Zhong
Encyclopedia
Huang Zhong was a military general serving under the warlord Liu Bei
during the late Han Dynasty
period of Chinese history
. He was most noted for his victory in the Battle of Mount Dingjun
, in which his force routed that of Xiahou Yuan
, who was slain during battle. For his merits, Huang Zhong was ranked among the five leading generals of Shu Han
, also known as the Five Tiger Generals
in popular culture.
Huang Zhong had always been portrayed in popular literature and arts as an elderly general with youthful vigor and constitution. However, little was documented about him in historical records and it is only known he was older than Guan Yu
, when the latter contended "it was a shame to take an equal rank with that old soldier (referring to Huang Zhong)". Largely as a result of the popularity of Luo Guanzhong
's historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms
, his name has become a symbol for those senior people who ignore their old age to still contribute their full efforts to a call of duty. Even now, the spirit to strive for excellence despite old age is often attributed to him.
, Henan
), Huang Zhong initially served as General of the Houshold under Liu Biao
, Governor of Jing Province. He was tasked to defend Changsha with Liu Biao's son in the clan, Liu Pan
. However, the prominent warlord Cao Cao
conquered Jing Province after Liu Biao's death in 208; Huang Zhong subsequently continued his service under this new lord of the land, specifically under Administrator Han Xuan
in Changsha.
Following Cao Cao's defeat at the Battle of Red Cliffs
in the same year, the victorious allied force of Liu Bei
and Sun Quan
was gradually taking over the various commanderies in southern Jing Province, including Changsha. Huang Zhong strongly suggested to Han Xuan to surrender to Liu Bei, who held strong influence in the province. Han Xuan and Huang Zhong then began their service under Liu Bei. He performed extremely well in Liu Bei's campaign on Yi Province
from 212 to 214 - his bravery in battles was said to be unmatched by any. After Yi Province was taken, Huang Zhong was promoted to the rank of General Who Attacks Rebels (討虜將軍).
In 217, Liu Bei started a campaign
to seize control of Hanzhong
, which was under the control of Cao Cao. His force met with resistance led by Xiahou Yuan
at Yangping Pass. The confrontation dragged on for more than a year until one night in 219, Liu Bei set fire to the barbed fence around Xiahou Yuan's camp at the foot of Mount Dingjun
. Alarmed by the attack, Xiahou Yuan sent Zhang He
to defend the eastern corner of the camp, while he guarded the south. Liu Bei's main force pressed against Zhang He, outmatching the latter. Xiahou Yuan thus dispatched a fraction of his own troops to Zhang He's rescue. Huang rallied his men, and accompanied by thundering drums, they descended upon Xiahou Yuan's dwindling force. The battle became a rout and Xiahou Yuan was killed in action. The victory at Mount Dingjun was a major stepping stone to the later conquest of Hanzhong. Huang was granted the title of General Who Attacks the West for killing Xiahou.
In the same year, Liu Bei proclaimed himself King of Hanzhong, a symbolic measure comparing himself to the Emperor Gaozu of Han. He then promoted Huang Zhong to General of the Rear (後將軍), placing the latter on the same level as four other generals: Guan Yu
, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun
and Ma Chao
. Hearing the promotion of Huang, Guan Yu initially refused to accept the title of General of the Front as he felt ashamed to take an equal rank with the former, who was older than him.
Huang Zhong died in the next year, to an unspecified cause. He was given the posthumous title of "Marquis Gang", literally meaning "unyielding marquis". His son, Huang Xu, died earlier, so they had no descendants.
, a historical novel by Luo Guanzhong
, was a romanticization of the events that occurred before and during the Three Kingdoms era. In the novel, Huang Zhong was portrayed as an aged but extremely talented warrior, excelling especially in archery.
Huang Zhong was also credited with the slaying of Xiahou Yuan in 219, a prominent general under the warlord Cao Cao, in the Battle of Mount Dingjun, though in reality the latter was most probably killed in the rush of enemy soldiers.
with an arrow, but instead he hit his helmet claiming that such a warrior did not deserve to die. Huang Zhong then dueled Guan Yu, who killed his horse. Impressed by Huang Zhong's vigor, Guan Yu allowed him to return to Han Xuan for another horse. When Han Xuan became suspicious of Huang Zhong's loyalty after this exchange, he ordered Huang's execution, but Huang was saved when Wei Yan
killed Han Xuan. Wei Yan and Huang Zhong then surrendered the city to Liu Bei.
, capital of Yi Province.
The enemy had established two camps 60 li outside the city, one under Ling Bao and the other under Deng Xian. Huang Zhong had volunteered to lead a vanguard force to vanquish both camps, which Liu Bei approved, when Wei Yan voiced his doubts over the aged Huang's physical ability. This infuriated Huang Zhong, who challenged Wei Yan to a duel. To appease both, Liu Bei then ordered Huang Zhong to attack Ling Bao and Wei Yan to strike Deng Xian.
Wanting all credits for himself, Wei Yan set out his troops early next morning and headed for Ling Bao's camp instead. However, Ling Bao was ready for the attack and used a flanking tactic on the enemy. Wei Yan's troops, exhausted after a long march, were overpowered and began to retreat. Wei Yan's horse stumbled, throwing its rider off. A force led by Deng Xian had by then arrived, and its commander came straight for Wei Yan with his spear held forth.
Just then, an arrow knocked Deng Xian off in mid-gallop. Huang Zhong had come to the rescue. Having slain the fallen Deng Xian, Huang Zhong then went for Ling Bao, brandishing his sword. Ling Bao was no match for his ferocious foe and had to retreat. However, his camp was already taken over by Liu Bei's main force. In his frantic attempt to find an escape, Ling Bao was ambushed and captured by Wei Yan, who had regrouped his force in a bid to redeem himself. For the victory, Huang Zhong was heavily rewarded while Wei Yan was pardoned for defying orders.
, Huang Zhong occupied Mount Tiandang
, a taller peak that lied to the west of Mount Dingjun. From this new vantage point Huang Zhong had an excellent view of Xiahou Yuan's troop movements.
Xiahou Yuan could not tolerate his enemy spying on him and insisted on attacking Mount Tiandang. Setting out his troops to surround Mount Tiandang, Xiahou Yuan rode forth and challenged his enemy to battle. However, Huang Zhong kept his troops back and refused to engage.
In the afternoon, Fa Zheng saw from his lookout post near the peak that Xiahou Yuan's troops had grown tired and dispirited. He then hoisted a red flag, signalling Huang Zhong to attack. Amid deafening drums and war horns, Huang Zhong's troops rushed downhill with Huang himself galloping in the forefront. Before he could react, Xiahou Yuan was cleft in two below his shoulders by Huang Zhong. With their commander dead, Xiahou Yuan's soldiers were easily defeated and Mount Dingjun was taken.
. One day, hearing that Liu Bei commented on aged and incapable generals, Huang Zhong mounted his horse and rode straight to the forward camp.
Just at this time, an enemy vanguard force had arrived. Huang Zhong insisted on meeting the enemies. Holding his sword ready, the old general challenged for a duel with the enemy commander Pan Zhang
. Pan Zhang sent his aide Shi Ji (史跡), who was slain by Huang Zhong within three bouts.
Brandishing the slain Guan Yu's Green Dragon Crescent Blade, Pan Zhang then rode forward to meet Huang Zhong. Neither could establish a clear advantage but Huang Zhong was fighting with all his might. Not expecting to win the battle, Pan Zhang then retreated.
The next day, Pan Zhang rode out to issue challenge for another duel, which Huang Zhong eagerly took up. Within bouts, however, Pan Zhang turned to escape. Huang Zhong gave pursuit without hesitation. It was in fact a plot by the enemy, who had ambushed in wait for Huang. Running right into the trap, Huang Zhong was struck beneath the collar bone by an arrow fired by Ma Zhong
and almost fell off his horse.
Fortunately, a friendly force led by Guan Xing
and Zhang Bao came to the rescue and brought back Huang Zhong. Liu Bei came personally to the forward camp to see the injured general, but Huang Zhong was too old and weak to survive the arrow wound. He died that same night in camp, at the age of 75.
and Warriors Orochi
video game series.
A fraternal organization and martial arts club, the Hon Hsing Athletic Association of Vancouver
, British Columbia
, established in 1939 under the patronage of the Wongs' Family Society of Canada, is named after the famous general's style name
. This is the only known organization in the world to bear the name attributable to Huang Zhong.
Liu Bei
Liu Bei , also known as Liu Xuande, was a warlord, military general and later the founding emperor of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history...
during the late Han Dynasty
Han Dynasty
The Han Dynasty was the second imperial dynasty of China, preceded by the Qin Dynasty and succeeded by the Three Kingdoms . It was founded by the rebel leader Liu Bang, known posthumously as Emperor Gaozu of Han. It was briefly interrupted by the Xin Dynasty of the former regent Wang Mang...
period of Chinese history
History of China
Chinese civilization originated in various regional centers along both the Yellow River and the Yangtze River valleys in the Neolithic era, but the Yellow River is said to be the Cradle of Chinese Civilization. With thousands of years of continuous history, China is one of the world's oldest...
. He was most noted for his victory in the Battle of Mount Dingjun
Battle of Mount Dingjun
The Battle of Mount Dingjun was fought between the warlords Liu Bei and Cao Cao in 219 during the prelude to the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. Liu Bei's victory in the battle marked a major milestone in his Hanzhong Campaign.-The battle:...
, in which his force routed that of Xiahou Yuan
Xiahou Yuan
Xiahou Yuan was a military general serving under the warlord Cao Cao during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. He was killed in the Battle of Mount Dingjun against Liu Bei's general Huang Zhong in 219, and was given the posthumous title of Marquis Min , literally meaning "sympathetic...
, who was slain during battle. For his merits, Huang Zhong was ranked among the five leading generals of Shu Han
Shu Han
Shu Han was one of the three states competing for control of China during the Three Kingdoms period, after the fall of the Han Dynasty. The state was based on areas around Sichuan, which was then known as Shu...
, also known as the Five Tiger Generals
Five Tiger Generals
The Five Tiger Generals is a popular appellation in Chinese culture for any five military generals serving under a ruler. This term is used in literature texts, plays and popular culture. In the historical context, "Five Tiger Generals" usually refers to the five best military generals serving...
in popular culture.
Huang Zhong had always been portrayed in popular literature and arts as an elderly general with youthful vigor and constitution. However, little was documented about him in historical records and it is only known he was older than Guan Yu
Guan Yu
Guan Yu was a general serving under the warlord Liu Bei during the late Eastern Han Dynasty of China. He played a significant role in the civil war that led to the collapse of the Han Dynasty and the establishment of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period, of which Liu Bei was the...
, when the latter contended "it was a shame to take an equal rank with that old soldier (referring to Huang Zhong)". Largely as a result of the popularity of Luo Guanzhong
Luo Guanzhong
Luo Ben , better known by his style name Luo Guanzhong , was a Chinese writer of the early Ming Dynasty period of Chinese history. He was also known as Huhai Sanren...
's historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Romance of the Three Kingdoms, written by Luo Guanzhong in the 14th century, is a Chinese historical novel based on the events in the turbulent years near the end of the Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history, starting in 169 and ending with the reunification of the land in...
, his name has become a symbol for those senior people who ignore their old age to still contribute their full efforts to a call of duty. Even now, the spirit to strive for excellence despite old age is often attributed to him.
Biography
Born in Nanyang Commandery (present-day NanyangNanyang, Henan
Nanyang is a prefecture-level city in the southwest of Henan province, People's Republic of China. The city with the largest administrative area in Henan, Nanyang borders Xinyang to the southeast, Zhumadian to the east, Pingdingshan to the northeast, Luoyang to the north, Sanmenxia to the...
, Henan
Henan
Henan , is a province of the People's Republic of China, located in the central part of the country. Its one-character abbreviation is "豫" , named after Yuzhou , a Han Dynasty state that included parts of Henan...
), Huang Zhong initially served as General of the Houshold under Liu Biao
Liu Biao
Liu Biao , style name Jingsheng , was a warlord and the governor of Jing Province during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. He was a member of the extended family of the Han Dynasty emperors...
, Governor of Jing Province. He was tasked to defend Changsha with Liu Biao's son in the clan, Liu Pan
Liu Pan
Liu Pan was a military general serving under the warlord Liu Bei during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. Liu Pan was the nephew of Liu Biao, governor of Jing Province. Liu Pan at one time led many courageous attacks on Yang and fought against Taishi Ci of Eastern Wu. After the Battle...
. However, the prominent warlord Cao Cao
Cao Cao
Cao Cao was a warlord and the penultimate chancellor of the Eastern Han Dynasty who rose to great power during the dynasty's final years. As one of the central figures of the Three Kingdoms period, he laid the foundations for what was to become the state of Cao Wei and was posthumously titled...
conquered Jing Province after Liu Biao's death in 208; Huang Zhong subsequently continued his service under this new lord of the land, specifically under Administrator Han Xuan
Han Xuan
Han Xuan was a minor warlord and the Administrator of Changsha commandery during the late Han Dynasty era of Chinese history. He served under Liu Biao, governor of Jing Province, for three years. After Liu Biao's death, the northern part of Jing Province was divided between two of Liu Biao's...
in Changsha.
Following Cao Cao's defeat at the Battle of Red Cliffs
Battle of Red Cliffs
The Battle of Red Cliffs, otherwise known as the Battle of Chibi, was a decisive battle at the end of the Han Dynasty, immediately prior to the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. It was fought in the winter of 208/9 AD between the allied forces of the southern warlords Liu Bei and Sun Quan...
in the same year, the victorious allied force of Liu Bei
Liu Bei
Liu Bei , also known as Liu Xuande, was a warlord, military general and later the founding emperor of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history...
and Sun Quan
Sun Quan
Sun Quan , son of Sun Jian, formally Emperor Da of Wu, was the founder of Eastern Wu during the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. He ruled from 222 to 229 as King of Wu and from 229 to 252 as Emperor of Wu....
was gradually taking over the various commanderies in southern Jing Province, including Changsha. Huang Zhong strongly suggested to Han Xuan to surrender to Liu Bei, who held strong influence in the province. Han Xuan and Huang Zhong then began their service under Liu Bei. He performed extremely well in Liu Bei's campaign on Yi Province
Liu Bei's takeover of Yi Province
Liu Bei's takeover of Yi Province was a military campaign by the warlord Liu Bei in taking control of Yi Province from its Governor, Liu Zhang. The campaign took place between 212 and 215 during the prelude to the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history...
from 212 to 214 - his bravery in battles was said to be unmatched by any. After Yi Province was taken, Huang Zhong was promoted to the rank of General Who Attacks Rebels (討虜將軍).
In 217, Liu Bei started a campaign
Hanzhong Campaign
The Hanzhong Campaign was a military campaign launched by the warlord Liu Bei to seize control of the commandery of Hanzhong from his rival Cao Cao. The campaign took place between 217 and 219 during the prelude to the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history...
to seize control of Hanzhong
Hanzhong
Hanzhong is a municipality in southwest Shaanxi Province, China, occupying a historically significant valley in the mountains between the Xi'an area, home to many Chinese capitals, and the fertile but isolated Sichuan Basin...
, which was under the control of Cao Cao. His force met with resistance led by Xiahou Yuan
Xiahou Yuan
Xiahou Yuan was a military general serving under the warlord Cao Cao during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. He was killed in the Battle of Mount Dingjun against Liu Bei's general Huang Zhong in 219, and was given the posthumous title of Marquis Min , literally meaning "sympathetic...
at Yangping Pass. The confrontation dragged on for more than a year until one night in 219, Liu Bei set fire to the barbed fence around Xiahou Yuan's camp at the foot of Mount Dingjun
Mount Dingjun
Dingjun Mountain is a mountain in the Mian County of Hanzhong, Shaanxi, China. It is situated across Tiandang Mountain, separated by the Han River, and is near the old Yangping Pass....
. Alarmed by the attack, Xiahou Yuan sent Zhang He
Zhang He
Zhang He was a military general serving under the warlord Cao Cao during the late Han Dynasty era of Chinese history. He continued serving the state of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms period until his death....
to defend the eastern corner of the camp, while he guarded the south. Liu Bei's main force pressed against Zhang He, outmatching the latter. Xiahou Yuan thus dispatched a fraction of his own troops to Zhang He's rescue. Huang rallied his men, and accompanied by thundering drums, they descended upon Xiahou Yuan's dwindling force. The battle became a rout and Xiahou Yuan was killed in action. The victory at Mount Dingjun was a major stepping stone to the later conquest of Hanzhong. Huang was granted the title of General Who Attacks the West for killing Xiahou.
In the same year, Liu Bei proclaimed himself King of Hanzhong, a symbolic measure comparing himself to the Emperor Gaozu of Han. He then promoted Huang Zhong to General of the Rear (後將軍), placing the latter on the same level as four other generals: Guan Yu
Guan Yu
Guan Yu was a general serving under the warlord Liu Bei during the late Eastern Han Dynasty of China. He played a significant role in the civil war that led to the collapse of the Han Dynasty and the establishment of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period, of which Liu Bei was the...
, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun
Zhao Yun
Zhao Yun was a military general who lived during the late Han Dynasty and early Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history. For most of his career, Zhao served the warlord Liu Bei, playing a part in the establishment of state of Shu Han...
and Ma Chao
Ma Chao
Ma Chao was the oldest son of Ma Teng and a military general during the late Han Dynasty and early Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history. In Luo Guanzhong's historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, he received the nickname "Ma Chao the Splendid" due to his elaborate armour and grand skill...
. Hearing the promotion of Huang, Guan Yu initially refused to accept the title of General of the Front as he felt ashamed to take an equal rank with the former, who was older than him.
Huang Zhong died in the next year, to an unspecified cause. He was given the posthumous title of "Marquis Gang", literally meaning "unyielding marquis". His son, Huang Xu, died earlier, so they had no descendants.
Appointments and titles held
- General of the Household (中郎將)
- Major General (裨將軍)
- General Who Attacks Barbarians (討虜將軍)
- General Who Attacks the West (征西將軍)
- General of the Rear (後將軍)
- Marquis of Guannei (關內侯)
- Marquis Gang (剛侯) - granted to Huang Zhong posthumously
In fiction
Romance of the Three KingdomsRomance of the Three Kingdoms
Romance of the Three Kingdoms, written by Luo Guanzhong in the 14th century, is a Chinese historical novel based on the events in the turbulent years near the end of the Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history, starting in 169 and ending with the reunification of the land in...
, a historical novel by Luo Guanzhong
Luo Guanzhong
Luo Ben , better known by his style name Luo Guanzhong , was a Chinese writer of the early Ming Dynasty period of Chinese history. He was also known as Huhai Sanren...
, was a romanticization of the events that occurred before and during the Three Kingdoms era. In the novel, Huang Zhong was portrayed as an aged but extremely talented warrior, excelling especially in archery.
Huang Zhong was also credited with the slaying of Xiahou Yuan in 219, a prominent general under the warlord Cao Cao, in the Battle of Mount Dingjun, though in reality the latter was most probably killed in the rush of enemy soldiers.
Surrender to Liu Bei
When Liu Bei attacked Changsha during his campaign to claim southern Jing Province, Huang Zhong had a chance to kill Guan YuGuan Yu
Guan Yu was a general serving under the warlord Liu Bei during the late Eastern Han Dynasty of China. He played a significant role in the civil war that led to the collapse of the Han Dynasty and the establishment of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period, of which Liu Bei was the...
with an arrow, but instead he hit his helmet claiming that such a warrior did not deserve to die. Huang Zhong then dueled Guan Yu, who killed his horse. Impressed by Huang Zhong's vigor, Guan Yu allowed him to return to Han Xuan for another horse. When Han Xuan became suspicious of Huang Zhong's loyalty after this exchange, he ordered Huang's execution, but Huang was saved when Wei Yan
Wei Yan
Wei Yan was a military general of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history. He became a soldier of Liu Bei when the latter fled Jing Province and seek protection from the eastern warlord, Sun Quan, in 208. In 211, Wei had climbed up the ranks and become a general in Liu Bei's...
killed Han Xuan. Wei Yan and Huang Zhong then surrendered the city to Liu Bei.
Battle outside Luocheng
Before Liu Bei had gained Yi Province, Luo Guanzhong created a fictional battle in which Huang Zhong competed with his colleague Wei Yan for credit. In Chapter 62, Liu Bei's main force was approaching Luocheng (雒城), a strategic city which would allow further advances on ChengduChengdu
Chengdu , formerly transliterated Chengtu, is the capital of Sichuan province in Southwest China. It holds sub-provincial administrative status...
, capital of Yi Province.
The enemy had established two camps 60 li outside the city, one under Ling Bao and the other under Deng Xian. Huang Zhong had volunteered to lead a vanguard force to vanquish both camps, which Liu Bei approved, when Wei Yan voiced his doubts over the aged Huang's physical ability. This infuriated Huang Zhong, who challenged Wei Yan to a duel. To appease both, Liu Bei then ordered Huang Zhong to attack Ling Bao and Wei Yan to strike Deng Xian.
Wanting all credits for himself, Wei Yan set out his troops early next morning and headed for Ling Bao's camp instead. However, Ling Bao was ready for the attack and used a flanking tactic on the enemy. Wei Yan's troops, exhausted after a long march, were overpowered and began to retreat. Wei Yan's horse stumbled, throwing its rider off. A force led by Deng Xian had by then arrived, and its commander came straight for Wei Yan with his spear held forth.
Just then, an arrow knocked Deng Xian off in mid-gallop. Huang Zhong had come to the rescue. Having slain the fallen Deng Xian, Huang Zhong then went for Ling Bao, brandishing his sword. Ling Bao was no match for his ferocious foe and had to retreat. However, his camp was already taken over by Liu Bei's main force. In his frantic attempt to find an escape, Ling Bao was ambushed and captured by Wei Yan, who had regrouped his force in a bid to redeem himself. For the victory, Huang Zhong was heavily rewarded while Wei Yan was pardoned for defying orders.
Battle of Mount Dingjun
In chapter 71, Xiahou Yuan stationed his troops on Mount Dingjun and effectively resisted the advance of Huang Zhong. Under the council of advisor Fa ZhengFa Zheng
Fa Zheng , style name Xiaozhi , was an advisor to the warlord Liu Bei during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history....
, Huang Zhong occupied Mount Tiandang
Mount Tiandang
Mount Tiandang is a mountain in the Hanzhong region of China....
, a taller peak that lied to the west of Mount Dingjun. From this new vantage point Huang Zhong had an excellent view of Xiahou Yuan's troop movements.
Xiahou Yuan could not tolerate his enemy spying on him and insisted on attacking Mount Tiandang. Setting out his troops to surround Mount Tiandang, Xiahou Yuan rode forth and challenged his enemy to battle. However, Huang Zhong kept his troops back and refused to engage.
In the afternoon, Fa Zheng saw from his lookout post near the peak that Xiahou Yuan's troops had grown tired and dispirited. He then hoisted a red flag, signalling Huang Zhong to attack. Amid deafening drums and war horns, Huang Zhong's troops rushed downhill with Huang himself galloping in the forefront. Before he could react, Xiahou Yuan was cleft in two below his shoulders by Huang Zhong. With their commander dead, Xiahou Yuan's soldiers were easily defeated and Mount Dingjun was taken.
Death
The events leading up to Huang Zhong's death in chapter 83 were probably fictitious as well. Luo Guanzhong wrote that in 222, Huang Zhong followed Liu Bei on a campaign against Sun QuanSun Quan
Sun Quan , son of Sun Jian, formally Emperor Da of Wu, was the founder of Eastern Wu during the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. He ruled from 222 to 229 as King of Wu and from 229 to 252 as Emperor of Wu....
. One day, hearing that Liu Bei commented on aged and incapable generals, Huang Zhong mounted his horse and rode straight to the forward camp.
Just at this time, an enemy vanguard force had arrived. Huang Zhong insisted on meeting the enemies. Holding his sword ready, the old general challenged for a duel with the enemy commander Pan Zhang
Pan Zhang
Pan Zhang was a military general of Eastern Wu during the late Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history. Although an active general with high rank, he was known to desire wealth and treasure, and to dress himself in a gaudy fashion...
. Pan Zhang sent his aide Shi Ji (史跡), who was slain by Huang Zhong within three bouts.
Brandishing the slain Guan Yu's Green Dragon Crescent Blade, Pan Zhang then rode forward to meet Huang Zhong. Neither could establish a clear advantage but Huang Zhong was fighting with all his might. Not expecting to win the battle, Pan Zhang then retreated.
The next day, Pan Zhang rode out to issue challenge for another duel, which Huang Zhong eagerly took up. Within bouts, however, Pan Zhang turned to escape. Huang Zhong gave pursuit without hesitation. It was in fact a plot by the enemy, who had ambushed in wait for Huang. Running right into the trap, Huang Zhong was struck beneath the collar bone by an arrow fired by Ma Zhong
Ma Zhong (Han Dynasty)
Ma Zhong was a general serving under the warlord Sun Quan during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. Under Pan Zhang's command, he captured Guan Yu and Guan Ping during Lü Meng's invasion of Jing Province.-In fiction:...
and almost fell off his horse.
Fortunately, a friendly force led by Guan Xing
Guan Xing
Guan Xing was an official of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history. He was the second son of the military general Guan Yu and the younger brother of Guan Ping. He succeeded his father when both Guan Yu and Guan Ping were captured and executed by forces of Eastern Wu at the...
and Zhang Bao came to the rescue and brought back Huang Zhong. Liu Bei came personally to the forward camp to see the injured general, but Huang Zhong was too old and weak to survive the arrow wound. He died that same night in camp, at the age of 75.
Modern references
Huang Zhong is featured as a playable character in Koei's Dynasty WarriorsDynasty Warriors
is a series of tactical action video games created by Omega Force and Koei. The award-winning series is a spin-off of Koei's turn-based strategy Romance of the Three Kingdoms series, based loosely around the Chinese classical novel of the same name. The first game titled Dynasty Warriors,...
and Warriors Orochi
Warriors Orochi
, is a PlayStation 2 and Xbox 360 hack and slash video game developed by Koei and Omega Force. It is a crossover of two of Koei's popular video game series, Dynasty Warriors and Samurai Warriors...
video game series.
A fraternal organization and martial arts club, the Hon Hsing Athletic Association of Vancouver
Vancouver
Vancouver is a coastal seaport city on the mainland of British Columbia, Canada. It is the hub of Greater Vancouver, which, with over 2.3 million residents, is the third most populous metropolitan area in the country,...
, British Columbia
British Columbia
British Columbia is the westernmost of Canada's provinces and is known for its natural beauty, as reflected in its Latin motto, Splendor sine occasu . Its name was chosen by Queen Victoria in 1858...
, established in 1939 under the patronage of the Wongs' Family Society of Canada, is named after the famous general's style name
Chinese style name
A Chinese style name, sometimes also known as a courtesy name , is a given name to be used later in life. After 20 years of age, the zì is assigned in place of one's given name as a symbol of adulthood and respect...
. This is the only known organization in the world to bear the name attributable to Huang Zhong.