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2020

Romance of the Three Kingdoms

Ma Chao, also known as Ma Mengqi, was a prominent general who lived during the late Eastern Han dynasty and the early Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. He was the eldest son of Ma Teng, a warlord who controlled the Liang Province (涼州) in northwestern China.

He initially served under his father, gaining renown for his martial prowess and valor. After Cao Cao lured Ma Teng to the capital Xu (許) and executed him, Ma Chao, along with other affiliated warlords, rebelled against Cao Cao's rule.

Ma Chao's military skill made him a formidable opponent, nearly defeating Cao Cao at the Battle of Tong Pass. However, due to strategic miscalculations and infighting among his allies, the rebellion ultimately failed. He subsequently sought refuge with Zhang Lu, a warlord in Hanzhong.

Finding Zhang Lu unreliable, Ma Chao eventually defected to Liu Bei, where he was greatly valued for his military expertise and was even named one of the Five Tiger Generals of Shu. He played a crucial role in the conquest of Yi Province (益州) by Liu Bei. He died at the age of 47.