Zhao Fan

Zhao Fan is a minor character in the 14th-century Chinese classic novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms by the late Luo Guanzhong, and its multiple adaptations. He is a government official and minor warlord who lived during the late Eastern Han dynasty of China. He is known for suggesting Zhao Yun to marry his widowed sister-in-law, Lady Fan.

History
Zhao Fan is the governor of Guiyang. In order to rush back to Zhao Yun's upcoming army, he sought advice from two of the most intimate and powerful generals, Chen Ying and Bao Long. Although Zhao Fan wanted to submit, his two generals insisted on battle and riding against Zhao Yun. Their plan failed, and Zhao Fan continued with his original thoughts. He and Zhao Yun happily became friends because they had the same surname, so they became brothers.

In order to express his gratitude, he introduced the general to his sister-in-law, Lady Fan. After leaving the company for the first time, Zhao Fan explained that if her suitor encounters three difficult conditions, she will only agree to marry again. First, her pursuers need to be known for their literary style and military skills. Second, he needs to be handsome and well received. Third, he needs to share the same last name. Zhao Fan thinks they are the perfect partner. However, Zhao Yun was angry and said loudly that this proposal would only bring more confusion to their relationship. The general knocked down Zhao Fan and rode out of the city.

After the death of his two generals, Zhao Fan was deceived by 500 people who had protected Zhao Yun from entering the city and was immediately imprisoned. Zhao Yun quickly claimed that Guiyang also asked Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang to attend. When Zhao Fan explained that Zhao Yun rejected his nephew, the strategist questioned Zhao Yun's answer. He replied for three reasons. First of all, he does not want to humiliate his name because he is married to his family. Secondly, their marriage will interrupt Lady Fan's obligation to continue to chase after her husband's death. Third, he is worried about what kind of harm it may bring to his Lord and does not want to take risks for Liu Bei's failure. His reasoning won Liu Bei's praise. Zhao Fan re-elected as governor and Zhao Yun received great returns.

Trivia

 * In Dynasty Warriors 6: Empires, he appears as the ruler of Jiang Ling in the Chi Bi scenario. He also serves Liu Biao before this scenario.