18 Facts About Li Dian

Li Dian participated in the Battle of Guandu in 200 between Cao Cao and Yuan Shao.

Li Dian was from Juye County, Shanyang Commandery, which is in present-day Juye County, Shandong.

Li Dian's uncle, Li Qian, was an influential man in the region and had thousands of retainers working under him in Chengshi County.

Li Dian was appointed as the Inspector of Qing Province.

Li Dian was known to be very studious since he was a youth, and he showed little interest in military affairs.

Li Dian read classics such as the Spring and Autumn Annals and the Zuo Zhuan.

Cao Cao was pleased with Li Dian and wanted to test his abilities.

Li Dian reassigned Li Dian to be the Administrator of Lihu Commandery, where Li was primarily in charge of managing civil affairs.

Li Dian defeated Guan Cheng at Changguang County, and was promoted to General Who Captures Barbarians and made a Marquis of a Chief Village for his achievements.

Liu Bei retreated when he saw that Li Dian's reinforcements had arrived.

Li Dian had over 3,000 families in his clansmen and close followers, all of whom lived in Chengshi County.

Li Dian proposed to Cao Cao to have them relocated to Wei Commandery, Cao Cao's base of operations during his campaigns in northern China.

Li Dian was rewarded with an additional 100 taxable households in his marquisate, bringing the total number of households to 300.

Li Dian's titles were inherited by his son, Li Zhen.

Li Zhen was awarded another 100 taxable households in his marquisate, while another of Li Dian's sons received the title of a Secondary Marquis and 100 taxable households.

Li Dian did not fight with others for merits, and he regarded official duties as more important than his personal affairs.

Chen Shou, who wrote Li Dian's biography, praised Li for his noble and gentlemanly demeanour, and for his 'duty before self' attitude.

Li Dian is first introduced as a playable character in the eighth instalment of Koei's Dynasty Warriors video game series.