Wang Fu

Historical Record

Wang Fu, styled Guoshan, was a native of Qi County in Guanghan. He was known for his skill in evaluating men and current affairs. During Liu Zhang's rule over Yi Province, Wang Fu served as a registrar-clerk of the province^[1]. After Liu Bei pacified Yi Province, Wang Fu was appointed Magistrate of Mianzhu County and later transferred to Attendant Officer of the Bureau of Deliberation in Jing Province. In 222 CE, Liu Bei launched the Battle of Xiaoting, personally leading a large army against Eastern Wu, and Wang Fu accompanied the army on campaign. However, the Shu Han army suffered a crushing defeat at Zigui, and Wang Fu unfortunately perished in this battle^[1]. Wang Fu's son Wang You inherited his father's fine character, rising to the office of Right Selection Gentleman of the Masters of Writing, and likewise achieved distinction.

In the Novel

In the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Wang Fu is given a fuller portrayal, becoming a loyal and devoted adviser at Guan Yu's side, his deeds centered chiefly on the period when Guan Yu garrisoned Jing Province and was defeated at Maicheng. The Wang Fu of the novel is not only Guan Yu's army marshal but also a far-sighted, loyal minister who dares to remonstrate frankly. On his first appearance he warns Guan Yu, pointing out that Lü Meng of Eastern Wu covets Jing Province and advising Guan Yu to set up beacon towers along the river against any contingency^[2]. Wang Fu also strongly recommends the loyal and upright Zhao Lei to replace Pan Jun as overseer of Jing Province's affairs, but Guan Yu fails to adopt his advice, laying the groundwork for the later loss of Jing Province^[2].

During the siege of Maicheng, Wang Fu's loyalty and righteousness reach their height. Facing the desperate straits of the encircling Wu army, with no relief arriving and provisions about to run out, Wang Fu still holds firmly to his post. When Guan Yu regrets not having heeded his earlier words, Wang Fu sorrowfully replies that even if Jiang Ziya were to come back to life there would be nothing to be done^[3]. When Guan Yu resolves to break out, Wang Fu again remonstrates, urging Guan Yu to take the main road rather than the side path, but Guan Yu does not heed him^[3]. In the end, Wang Fu stays behind to defend Maicheng together with Zhou Cang, vowing to die rather than surrender. When the Wu troops bring the heads of Guan Yu and his son to the foot of the city to demand its surrender, Wang Fu, overcome with grief and indignation, gives a great cry and falls from the wall to his death, sacrificing himself for his lord and displaying the stern integrity of one who dies for loyalty and righteousness^[4]. The Wang Fu of the novel, in his loyalty and foresight, echoes the historical note that he "loved to discuss men and affairs," but his specific remonstrances and final martyrdom are literary creations with no clear basis in history.

Key Relationships

* Shu Han (dies_in): In history, Wang Fu accompanied Liu Bei on the campaign against Wu and perished in the defeat at Zigui, giving his life for Shu Han^[1]. In the novel he goes further, ultimately dying a martyr at Maicheng in defense of Shu Han's foundation in Jing Province, loyal and devoted to the end^[4].
* Guan Yu (advises_in): In the novel, Wang Fu is Guan Yu's capable adviser, repeatedly offering important counsel—such as guarding against Eastern Wu and employing worthy men—though his advice is often not adopted^[2].
* Zhou Cang (friend_of): In the novel, Wang Fu stays behind to defend Maicheng together with Zhou Cang, facing the Wu army's siege side by side; after the deaths of Guan Yu and his son, the two die as martyrs in turn—loyal and righteous men who shared adversity together (novel only)^[4].

Signature Scenes

* Earnestly urging Lord Guan not to take the side path (novel only): When Maicheng was besieged and Guan Yu resolved to break out, Wang Fu, weeping, advised Guan Yu to take the main road rather than the side path, foreseeing the ambush that might lie on the lesser road. Guan Yu, however, did not heed him, and was ultimately ambushed and captured by the Wu army on the side path^[3]. This scene profoundly displays Wang Fu's foresight and his loyalty to Guan Yu.
* Martyrdom at Maicheng: This is Wang Fu's most signature scene in the novel. When the Wu troops bring the heads of Guan Yu and his son before Maicheng to display them, Wang Fu, overcome with grief and indignation, gives a great cry and falls from the wall to his death, embodying with his own life the virtue of "dying for loyalty and righteousness"^[4]. This moment greatly elevates Wang Fu's heroic image, becoming the swan song of his loyal and steadfast life.
* Warning Guan Yu to guard against Eastern Wu (novel only): After Guan Yu took Xiangyang, Wang Fu keenly pointed out that Lü Meng of Eastern Wu intended to annex Jing Province and advised setting up beacon towers as a precaution^[2]. This reflects Wang Fu's strategic vision as an adviser and his clear grasp of the situation, and also laid the groundwork for the later loss of Jing Province.