Tao Qian (Han dynasty)
Tao Qian (pronunciationⓘ) (132–194),[1] courtesy name Gongzu, was a government official and warlord who lived during the late Eastern Han dynasty of China.
Gan Gong replied that Tao Qian has a unique appearance and will surely accomplish great things in the future.
The then-Administrator, Zhang Pan (張磐), had served at the same commandery since the previous generation and was friends with Tao Qian's father.
When he served in office, Tao Qian was noted for his pure conduct and noble character as he didn't mix private dealings with his duties.
Tao Qian was convinced to show that he felt sorry for his insult while Zhang Wen received encouragement to resume his good treatment of him.
[8][9] In the chaos of Dong Zhuo's coup d'état and the battles that followed, Tao Qian was appointed as Inspector of Xu Province (徐州刺史), where remnants of the Yellow Turbans still existed.
After the failed campaign against Dong Zhuo, Tao Qian sent tributes to the imperial court located at Chang'an and received the titles of General Who Stabilises the East (安東將軍) and Governor of Xu Province (徐州牧) with a peerage as Marquis of Liyang (溧陽侯).
Tao Qian was responsible for starting the careers of Wang Lang, Zhu Zhi and Chen Deng, all of whom would play fairly important roles in the historical events leading to the end of the Han dynasty.
However, at the same time, he was prone to joining forces with unscrupulous characters, such as Ze Rong, Cao Hong (曹宏) and Que Xuan (闕宣), and on the other hand not appointing Zhao Yu (趙昱), a loyal and capable subordinate, to a position of trust.
Tao Qian's subordinate, Zhang Kai (張闓), attacked the baggage train, killing Cao Song and escaping with the loot.
Zhang Zhao along with other officials realized a Dirge to lament his death as follows: "Your Lordship, who served as General and Marquis, you had and maintained virtue while directing military and civil matters.
As the Emperor heard about your achievements, you received rank and honor accordingly, both title of Governor and peerage as Marquis to propagate your enlightened rule.
Oh Alas!”[14]When he was seriously ill, Tao Qian told his subordinate Mi Zhu that only Liu Bei could keep this land safe.
Liu Bei initially declined and offered the governorship to Yuan Shu, but Kong Rong eventually convinced him to accept.
[15] In the 14th-century historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Tao Qian is described as a ‘warm and sincere man’, and Zhang Kai's attack on Cao Song is depicted as being done against his will.
