Buzz
Historical records mention Luu Thien being kidnapped and later fostered by Tao Thao, yet Shu Han's history remains silent on this event. Why such a disparity?
Luu Thien, during the Three Kingdoms period, was the son of Luu Bi, enjoying luxury but enduring a tumultuous childhood, having been abducted and sold as a child.
As recorded in 'Wei Records', during Luu Bi's military encampment in Bai district (Tu Chau), Tao Thao led a formidable army to attack. Shu's forces, unable to withstand the assault, suffered a major defeat. Luu Thien, then only ten years old, was lost in the chaos and subsequently sold to the state of Nguy by human traffickers.
In the sixteenth year of Jian An, Luu Thien was sold to a family named Luu Hoat (also known as Luu Quat). Luu Hoat, proficient in divination and astrology, recognized something unusual about Luu Thien and treated him with care as a family member. Later, he was recognized by a member of the Nguy army, prompting Luu Hoat to inform Tao Thao immediately.
Summoned to the court by Tao Thao, Luu Thien's identity was not immediately confirmed. Only by referencing the situation of the battle from that year was Luu Thien able to provide accurate details, convincing Tao Thao of his true lineage.
Despite being notorious for his ruthless reputation, Tao Thao showed remarkable kindness towards Luu Thien, treating him with utmost care.
It must be said that Luu Thien lived comfortably and luxuriously in the state of Nguy for seven years. By the time he turned seventeen, Tao Thao deemed it opportune to return him to West Xuyen.
Before departing, Tao Thao warned Luu Thien: 'Seven years may seem long or short, but you have learned much. Now I return you to Luu Bi's side, but you must never disclose our association. You only need to act as if we are strangers. As for how to handle it, I will send someone to guide you.' This was Tao Thao's final advice to Luu Thien before he returned to his father, Luu Bi.
Some may wonder why this detail is absent from the records of Shu Han but present in the 'Wei Records'?
Now let's analyze why the House of Shu deliberately concealed this fact.
Upon returning to Shu Han, Luu Thien, as the legitimate eldest son of Luu Bi, held the title of prince. Despite his confirmed identity, his activities during the years abroad remained a mystery. His true allegiance remained uncertain, leading the people of Shu Han to distrust someone whose lineage and loyalties were unclear.
Therefore, Liu Bei had no choice but to conceal his son's true identity, portraying Liu Thien as his own from an early age. Additionally, Liu Bei fabricated two heroic tales to further obscure the truth: the story of Zhao Yun risking his life to save A Dou (another name for Liu Thien) at the Battle of Changban, and the incident of Zhao Yun crossing the river to rescue A Dou from the hands of Zhang Fei.
Why is there a hypothesis suggesting that these two events are fabrications?
Imagine if Zhao Yun had indeed risked his life twice to save A Dou, his contributions would have been immense. Liu Bei would undoubtedly be deeply grateful, and even Zhuge Liang would hold him in high regard. However, the reality is different: both Liu Bei and Liu Thien failed to show appropriate appreciation towards Zhao Yun.
Zhao Yun, a veteran general who had followed Liu Bei into numerous battles, witnessed Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Ma Chao, and even Huang Zhong being honored with titles and lands, while Zhao Yun, despite his significant contributions, was never acknowledged.
During Liu Thien's time, Zhao Yun was granted the lowest-ranking noble title, but it was revoked by Zhuge Liang within a few years.
Various indicators suggest that Zhao Yun never actually risked his life for Liu Thien. Otherwise, Zhuge Liang wouldn't have been so disrespectful towards this esteemed general of Shu.
After coming to power, Liu Thien showed no ability to govern inherited from Liu Bei, and the situation of Shu Han plummeted uncontrollably. Following the death of Zhuge Liang, no one could restrain Liu Thien, who deliberately chose to remain passive and abandon the Northern Expedition plan, opting only for defensive measures. Shortly after, Dang Ngai Ky raided West Xuyen, and before the enemy even arrived, Liu Thien surrendered.
Perhaps that's exactly what Cao Cao foresaw. Seven years were enough to reveal one's true nature. Cao Cao saw through Liu Thien's inherent weaknesses, knowing he posed no threat, thus deliberately allowing him to return to cause trouble for Shu Han while he reaped the benefits.
Source: Sohu
