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Han Sui
Liangzhou warlord who led the frontier revolt of 184, held the northwest for thirty years, lost to Cao Cao at Tong Pass in 211 and was killed by his own officers
At dusk on a hilltop, a large tent stands open with a table holding a map marked with small stones inside, a saddled horse tethered outside, and fire stands burning; campfires dot the river plain below, and one tiny sentry stands on the slope.
Also known as Zi Wenyue
- Roles
- Commanders
Han Sui, originally named Han Yue, courtesy name Wenyue, was an official of Jincheng in Liangzhou. In 184 the Huangzhong auxiliaries under Beigong Boyu rose against the Han and forced him and Bian Zhang to lead them; with a price on their heads, the two changed their names, and three years later Han killed Bian Zhang and Beigong Boyu and took sole command, holding much of Liangzhou for three decades. He swore brotherhood with Ma Teng but later fought him, killing Ma's wife and children, until the court brokered a reconciliation. In 211 he joined Ma Teng's son Ma Chao and other Guanzhong commanders against Cao Cao at Tong Pass, but Cao sowed distrust between them, partly by sending Han a letter full of deletions, and the allies were routed. Driven back into Liangzhou and beaten repeatedly by Xiahou Yuan, he was killed in 215 by his own officers Qu Yan and Jiang Shi, who sent his head to Cao Cao; the Dianlue says he was over seventy.
Life and times
Dates c. 141 CE–215 CE