Liu Zan

Liu Zan (183–255), courtesy name Zhengming, was a military general of the state of Eastern Wu during the Three Kingdoms period of China. He previously served under the warlord Sun Quan (later the founding emperor of Wu) in the late Eastern Han dynasty. Early life and service under Sun Quan Liu Zan was from Changshan County (長山縣), Kuaiji Commandery (會稽郡), which is in present-day Jinhua, Zhejiang. He served as a minor official in the local commandery office in his youth and once fought with Wu Huan (吳桓), a Yellow Turban rebel leader. Although he killed Wu Huan, he was injured in one leg and could not longer straighten it. Despite his injury, Liu Zan remained headstrong and unyielding. He was particularly fond of reading military and history books. Whenever he read about how military commanders in ancient times deployed their troops in battle, he would sigh because he thought that he could never be like them. He once told his family and friends, "The Empire is in a state of chaos, with so many people fighting for power. Throughout history, only extraordinary people will succeed in becoming rich and famous. Now that I can't do anything with this crippling injury, I am no different from being dead. I intend to cut my leg. If I am lucky enough to survive and be able to straighten my leg, then I'll be able to pursue my dreams. If I die, then so be it." His family and friends tried to stop him but to no avail. He cut himself in the leg and let blood flow freely, but became unconscious because of the pain. After he recovered, he could straighten his leg and walk normally again. Ling Tong, a military officer serving under the warlord Sun Quan, heard about Liu Zan and so impressed that he recommended Liu Zan as a talent to his lord. Liu Zan thus came to serve Sun Quan. After fighting for Sun Quan in some battles, he was promoted to a Colonel of the Garrison Cavalry (屯騎校尉). As Liu Zan was known for being very outspoken, candid and fearless of authority, Sun Quan found him rather intimidating.