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Zhen Ji Wikipedia

Zhen Ji (甄姫) Lady Zhen was a minor character in Romance of the Three Kingdoms novel.

Lady Zhen grew up in humble surroundings during later years of the Han Dynasty of China. She was known as a serene young woman with a noble heart and exquisite beauty and skill in music. She was later chosen to be the wife of Yuan Xi, the second son of the distinguished Yuan Shao.

Lady Zhen was dutiful and loyal to her husband until her father-in-law began battle with the warlord Cao Cao. Yuan Shao was thoroughly defeated and his armies fled back into their lands. Yuan Xi, along with his brothers tried and failed to defeat the invading Wei forces.

Cao Cao's son, Cao Pi led the attack into the late Yuan Xi's territories and quickly took all the land. It was here that he found Lady Zhen. Cao Pi fell in love with her at first sight saying "Ah... such a pretty flower to be found on the battlefield. Come with me." Lady Zhen accepted Cao Pi's offer and they were married.

Lady Zhen was known to be fair and generous to the people and respectful to others. She and Cao Pi later had a son, Cao Rui. According to certain stories, Zhen was secretly in love with Cao Pi's brother Cao Zhi.

Tragically, Lady Zhen's life came to an end when one of Cao Pi's concubines made it appear Zhen was trying to kill him with magic. Furious, Cao Pi ordered her to commit suicide. According to legend, after her death she became the Goddess of the River Luo.

Although Lady Zhen's full name is never given, the name Zhen Ji comes from the video game Dynasty Warriors in which she is a playable character ("Ji" means Lady in Chinese Language|Chinese). In the game, Zhen Ji fights with a large flute which she uses to strike her enemies. It also unleashes a powerful force-field when she plays it.

Zhen Ji's Dynasty Warriors persona is similar to how she is described in history. She, for the most part, has a very calm and serene demeanor. However, she is also depicted at times as slightly arrogant and snobby; sort of a vague "spoiled princess" stereotype.

Also in the game, unlike the novel and actual history, Cao Pi seems to genuinely love Zhen, claiming in her ending that he conquered the land for her. The game also suggests that Zhen Ji lives out her life in happiness with Cao Pi.

Category:People of the Three Kingdoms

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Last Modified:   2005-11-29