Lian Po

In this Chinese name, the family name is Lian.

Lian Po
Traditional Chinese	廉頗
Simplified Chinese	廉颇
Transcriptions Standard Mandarin Hanyu Pinyin Lían Pō Wade–Giles Lien P'o

Lian Po (c. third century BC) was a military general of the Zhao state in the Warring States period of Chinese history. He was named by Chinese historians as one of the four greatest generals of the (Warring States period, along with Bai Qi, Wang Jian and Li Mu.

In Lian Po's early years, he had victories in the wars against Qi and Wei. Lin Xiangru, a minister of Zhao, was disliked by Lian Po, because of his rapid rise to power and genius. But Lin Xiangru, in several famous incidents, took great steps to avoid Lian Po; in one case he even turned from Lian Po's carriage rather than block the great general's route. Eventually, all this began to cause shame and embarrassment to Lian Po, and he carried sharp brambles on his shoulder without clothing and asked Lin Xiangru to forgive him. Afterward, they became good friends. The chengyu of "Carrying Thorned Grass and Pleading Guilt" (負荊請罪), meaning "to offer someone a humble apology, requesting punishment and forgiveness", is derived from this story.

During the Battle of Changping, he became the commander of Zhao. Deciding not to risk his forces by engaging in open battle with the Qin, under their brilliant general Bai Qi, Lian Po instead built a series of forts along the Changping area, successfully stopping the invasion of Qin. However, King Xiaocheng of Zhao (趙孝成王), under the persuasion of many courtiers (most of whom were bribed heavily by Qin spies) became dissatisfied with Lian Po's strategy, and decided to replace him with Zhao Kuo (趙括). Being the son of another famous Zhao general, Zhao She, Zhao Kuo discarded Lian Po's cautious, defensive strategy and attacked with full strength. As a consequence, he was defeated, and Zhao never returned to prominence.

After the Battle of Changping, Lian Po became the commander of Zhao army again to stop the invasion of Yan. He defeated the Yan army, but in his later years, he was distrusted by the King of Zhao. Therefore, he decided to escape to Wei, and then to Chu.

He died in Shouchun, the capital of the Chu state, living long enough to see the gradual demise of the country he once served.

Popular Culture

In the Manga and Anime Kingdom, he was shown as a cheerful, but often serious General Renpa. He was surrounded by 4 of his best men in battle. He left Zhao after he disagreed with King Daoxiang's method of leadership. He went to Wei, joined battle against Qin, but lost after the puppet leader died. He left Wei, and settled in Shouchun, in Chu. There, he was a "guest" in the Chu estate. He was described as the most balanced General: Instinctual, Strategist, Offensive and Defensive wise.

References

• Yang, Kuan (2003). History of the Warring States 战国史 (in Chinese) (reprint ed.). Shanghai: Shanghai People Publishing House. ISBN 7208045372.