Romance of the Three Kingdoms Xu Zhu

Xu Zhu (許褚), styled Zhongkang (仲康), is one of Cao Cao’s most trusted generals in Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Originally a simple farmer turned warrior, Xu Zhu was renowned for his immense physical strength, towering frame, and straightforward character. He earned the nickname "Tiger Fool" for his combination of bravery and lack of scheming nature. Despite not being highly educated or refined, his raw loyalty and martial ability won Cao Cao’s complete trust, making him one of the most reliable guardians of the Wei lord. Xu Zhu’s battlefield exploits, including slaying powerful enemies and shielding his lord in moments of peril, cemented his reputation as a stalwart defender.

Unlike many cunning strategists of the era, Xu Zhu’s value lay in his honesty, loyalty, and unwavering courage. He was often compared with Dian Wei, another famed bodyguard of Cao Cao, and together they embodied the fierce martial might that kept Cao Cao safe during turbulent campaigns. Xu Zhu’s simplicity of mind made him incorruptible, and his loyalty was absolute, never wavering in times of crisis. In later years, he continued to serve Wei with dedication, becoming one of the generals entrusted with great responsibility. Xu Zhu’s legend endures as the image of the strong yet humble warrior—an unsophisticated man whose courage and loyalty made him an indispensable pillar of Cao Cao’s power.