Li Feng李丰

History vs. fiction

The candidate confused three same-named figures from the Three Kingdoms period (Yuan Shu's general, Shu Han's Li Yan's son, and Cao Wei's Zhongshu Ling), whose deeds are recorded in both history and the novel, but they are actually three different people.

• attestedInitially served as Yuan Shu's general, guarding Shouchun, was captured alive and beheaded

  This is Yuan Shu's general Li Feng. According to the Records of the Three Kingdoms, Wei Shu, Biography of Emperor Wu, when Yuan Shu fled to Huainan, he left Li Feng and others, and Cao Cao 'attacked and defeated Rui and others, and beheaded them all.' In Chapter 017 of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, there is also a description of his defending Shouchun to the death and being captured and beheaded after the city fell, which is consistent with historical facts.

• based on factWas Li Yan's son, delivered Meng Da's letter and served as Chief Clerk

  This is Li Feng, a Shu-Han general (son of Li Yan). Chapter 094 and Chapter 101 of Romance of the Three Kingdoms describe how he delivered Meng Da's letter to Zhuge Liang and was appointed as Chief Clerk. For instance, Chapter 094 of Romance of the Three Kingdoms records: 「镇守永安宫李严令子李丰来见……丰曰：‘……今累差心腹人，持书来见家父，教早晚代禀丞相……’」 Also, Chapter 101 records: 「孔明回到成都，用李严子李丰为长史」. Limited by the scope of official historical texts (no corresponding chapter in the Book of Shu), this local account only confirms his trajectory from the novel.

• attestedWas Wei's Zhongshu Ling, involved in a secret plot that was exposed and was killed

  This is the Cao Wei official Li Feng. According to the Records of the Three Kingdoms, Wei Shu, Biographies of the Xiahou and Cao families, Zhongshu Ling Li Feng wanted to assassinate General-in-Chief Sima Shi and replace him with Xiahou Xuan, but 'the matter was handed over to the officials... and all three clans were executed.' Chapter 109 of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms also dramatizes this event, which is consistent with historical facts.