Lian Po

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Lian Po (c. 327 BC – 243 BC) was a famous general of the Zhao state during China’s Warring States period. He is remembered as one of the Four Greatest Generals of the late Warring States, along with Bai Qi, Wang Jian, and Li Mu.

Early in his career, Lian Po won several battles against the states of Qi and Wei, earning him fame as a skilled soldier and leader. He had a famous dispute with Lin Xiangru, a Zhao minister who rose to power quickly. The two men clashed, but Lin Xiangru avoided blocking the great general’s path. At one point, Lian Po carried thorny branches on his shoulders and asked Lin Xiangru for forgiveness, which led to the saying “负荊请罪” (to humble oneself and beg forgiveness).

At the Battle of Changping, Lian Po used a cautious, defensive strategy, building forts to stall the Qin army. However, King Xiaocheng of Zhao, influenced by courtiers and spies, replaced him with Zhao Kuo, who chose to attack more aggressively. Qin generals Bai Qi and Wang He led a devastating victory for Qin, and about 400,000 Zhao soldiers were killed. After Changping, Lian Po returned to lead Zhao’s army against Yan and won that campaign, but he later fell out of favor with the Zhao king and fled to Wei, then to Chu. He died in Shouchun (present-day Anhui).

In popular culture, Lian Po is portrayed in the manga Kingdom as “Ren Pa,” a respected and formidable general known for his versatility and strong leadership. In Romance of the Three Kingdoms, he is cited as an example of an elderly but highly capable commander.