Guan Suo

Historical Record

Guan Suo has no clear record in the standard history *Records of the Three Kingdoms* and its related sources. The historical sources do not mention any son of Guan Yu named Guan Suo; therefore, everything concerning Guan Suo is beyond historical verification. In Chen Shou's *Records of the Three Kingdoms*, Guan Yu's sons are recorded only as Guan Ping and Guan Xing, with no mention of Guan Suo's existence. Thus, from the standpoint of historical scholarship, Guan Suo is a fictional figure, and his life, deeds, and relationship with Shu Han all fall outside the realm of historical fact.

In the Novel

In *Romance of the Three Kingdoms*, Guan Suo is a figure of legendary coloring, whose appearance is closely tied to the backdrop of Zhuge Liang's Southern Campaign against Meng Huo. In Chapter 87 of the novel, when Zhuge Liang was preparing to lead the army in person on the Southern Campaign, Guan Suo suddenly appeared and offered to enlist with Zhuge Liang.^[1] He recounted that after the fall of Jing Province, illness and injury had kept him recovering at the Bao family manor, so that he had been unable to reach the western lands of Yi Province in time to avenge the late emperor. After recovering, learning that the enemies in Eastern Wu had already been put to death, he came to seek service, and just happened to meet the southern expeditionary army on the way. On hearing this, Zhuge Liang marveled at his story and forthwith appointed Guan Suo as vanguard of the forward division to take part in the Southern Campaign.^[1]

Guan Suo's image in the novel is shaped as that of a brave and capable general. During the Southern Campaign he followed Zhuge Liang and took part in many battles against the southern Man tribes. For example, in Chapter 89, when Zhuge Liang devised a scheme to lure the enemy, he specially assigned Guan Suo to escort the wagons, which shows his standing in the army and the trust placed in him.^[2] Although his part in the novel is small and he has but a single line of dialogue, his appearance undoubtedly enriches the narrative of Guan Yu's family and adds further legendary color to Zhuge Liang's Southern Campaign. Through Guan Suo's appearance, the novel displays both the loyalty and valor of Guan Yu's descendants and further sets off the image of Zhuge Liang as one who knew men and employed them well, broadly welcoming the worthy.

Key Relationships

* Shu Han (serves): In *Romance of the Three Kingdoms*, Guan Suo clearly declared his loyalty to the Shu Han regime, enlisting during Zhuge Liang's Southern Campaign to serve Shu Han.^[1]
* Guan Yu (kin_of): Guan Suo was Guan Yu's third son (novel only). In *Romance of the Three Kingdoms* he recounts that he is Guan Yu's son, and that the fall of Jing Province kept him from avenging his father in time; his appearance also reinforces the loyal and righteous image of Guan Yu's family.^[1]
* Zhuge Liang (commands_in): After joining Shu Han, Guan Suo came directly under Zhuge Liang's command, was appointed vanguard of the forward division, took part in the Southern Campaign, and carried out his tasks under Zhuge Liang's direction.^[1],^[2]

Signature Scenes

* Enlisting for the Southern Campaign (Novel only): Guan Suo's most signature scene is undoubtedly his sudden appearance to enlist just as Zhuge Liang was preparing the Southern Campaign against Meng Huo. He told Zhuge Liang of his origins and experiences and expressed his determination to avenge his father and serve his country. On hearing this, Zhuge Liang marveled at his story and immediately appointed him vanguard of the forward division to take part in the Southern Campaign.^[1] This scene is not only Guan Suo's first appearance in the novel but also established his image as a descendant of Guan Yu and a loyal, brave general.
* The Wagon-Escort Mission (Novel only): During Zhuge Liang's Southern Campaign, in order to lure Meng Huo, when devising a feigned retreat, Zhuge Liang specially assigned Guan Suo to escort the wagons. This shows that Guan Suo played an important role in the army, was trusted by Zhuge Liang, and was responsible for guarding important supplies and personnel.^[2] Although only a passing description, it displays Guan Suo's participation in military operations and his duties as a general.