The Relationship Between Huang Zhong and Wei Yan in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms: Why Did Huang Zhong and Wei Yan Surrender to Liu Bei?

Wei Yan showcased his talents continuously within the Shu army, garnering significant merit for Liu Bei, who esteemed him as the General Who Pacifies the Nation. Anyone acquainted with “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” is undoubtedly familiar with both Huang Zhong and Wei Yan. Huang Zhong, as a stalwart of Shu, possessed exceptional natural aptitude and prowess in combat. Wei Yan, once regarded as a formidable commander, was acknowledged for his strength.

What was the relationship between Huang Zhong and Wei Yan as depicted in “Romance of the Three Kingdoms”? And why did they both surrender?

Huang Zhong, hailing from Nanyang, rose during the Han dynasty. He had been a soldier loyal to the Han dynasty. In the year 192 AD, under the leadership of Liu Biao, Huang Zhong was appointed as the Colonel of the Central Army. Subsequently, he followed Liu Biao’s nephew, Liu Pan, defending Youxian County in Hunan Province.

In the year 208 AD, he led troops southward to attack Liu Biao, who governed Jingzhou. Shortly after, Liu Biao passed away, and Jingzhou fell under Liu Bei’s control. Huang Zhong became the acting general of Changsha in Hunan, still serving as an official under the command of the Governor Han Xuan.

In 209 AD, Liu Bei allied forces to attack Cao Cao, resulting in a decisive victory over him. Cao Cao relinquished Jingzhou, allowing Liu Bei to seize the opportunity to take over the province, instructing his subordinates and other generals to capture Changsha in Hunan. After the demise of the Changsha Governor Han Xuan, Wei Yan surrendered the city by opening its gates. Eventually, Huang Zhong was persuaded by Liu Bei to surrender and became a general of Shu. Together with Ma Chao, they were hailed as the Five Tiger Generals.

While both Wei Yan and Huang Zhong held positions as generals within the Changsha army, Wei Yan was unwilling to let his talents go to waste. Thus, when Liu Bei besieged Changsha, he slew the Governor Han Xuan and defected to Liu Bei’s camp. Liu Bei discerned the sincerity within Wei Yan and acquiesced to his allegiance. Wei Yan, within the ranks of the Shu forces, continually showcased his talents, thereby accruing illustrious merits for the man whom Liu Bei esteemed as the General Who Pacifies the Nation.