Liao Hua - Biography

Biography

Little was known about Liao Hua's early life. He probably worked as a clerk in Jing Province, and became Guan Yu's secretary during his middle years. After Guan Yu's failure in the battle of Fancheng (Liao Hua's role in the battle is unknown), Liao was captured by the forces of Sun Quan. Determined to return to his former ruler, Liu Bei, Liao Hua staged his own death and led the others to believe it. He then took his mother and escaped westward, traveling night and day. Meanwhile, Liu Bei was marching eastward, and the two met up at Zigui. Liu Bei was greatly pleased, and made Liao Hua grand administrator of Yidu.

After Liu Bei's death, Liao Hua was made the military adviser to the Shu chancellor, Zhuge Liang. He later became administrator of the Guangwu region, and was promoted to the position of General of the Chariots and Cavalry of the Right, made designated inspector of Bing Province, and granted the title of Marquis of Zhong. He was famous for his determination and fiery, and was involved in several Shu's campaigns against the rival state of Wei. After the surrender of Shu, Liao Hua was relocated to Luoyang, but he died on the way, at an age above 70.

Liao Hua was very critical of Jiang Wei and his later campaigns, stating "One who does not put arms away will surely end up having himself burnt His intelligence does not surpass that of the foe, and his forces number less than that of the enemy. Yet he employs the troops without ceasing – how?"