Cheng Pu

First-named of Sun Jian's four generals, wielding the iron-spined snake-headed lance; in the first assault on Sishui Pass he kills Hua Xiong's subordinate Hu Zhen with a thrust through the throat.

Recognizes the jade seal from the well as the Imperial Hereditary Seal and recites its whole lineage - Bian He's stone, Li Si's engraving, the broken corner mended with gold. He urges Sun Jian to leave for the south at once and aim at the imperial dignity itself.

Warns Sun Jian that Yuan Shu is not to be trusted, routs Cai Mao at the Xian Hills with the iron-spined lance, nearly captures Huang Zu, and in the night battle after his lord's death spears Lü Gong from the saddle.

Fights Taishi Ci thirty bouts when Sun Ce is challenged to a death-duel, catches his lord's runaway horse in the scramble on Shenting Hill, and later routs the White Tiger's stand at the Western Ford, chasing him to Kuaiji.

Cheng Pu; senior general at Sun Ce's death; pledges loyalty to Sun Quan.

His shout in Gan Ning's rear is what makes the pirate loose the fatal arrow rather than share the credit; the two return together with Huang Zu's head.

Leads the war party to Zhou Yu's door - then sulks when the younger man is made Commander-in-Chief over him, feigning illness and sending his son to the muster. The son's report of the dispositions converts him: 'I have always despised Zhou Yu as a mere student... I must support him' - and he goes in person to confess his fault.

Marches out with Zhou Yu and Lu Su at the head of the expedition to the Three Gorges anchorage.

Boards the flagship beside Zhou Yu to direct the four fire-squadron fleets, deeply impressed by the ordering of the grand attack.

Commands the second wing at Nanjun and the camp through Zhou Yu's convalescence - hiding the daily insults from the wounded man, counselling withdrawal, and playing chief mourner in the feigned-death ruse.

Sent ahead with the marine and land forces to Hefei, ready for Sun Quan's call, while Zhou Yu nurses his wound at Chaisang.

Brings the Red Cliffs veterans to Hefei - and saves Sun Quan's life, cutting off Zhang Liao's pursuit at the moment of the rout.

Tells Sun Quan the truth about the pursuit: the officers all fear the young lady, and no one who looks on her countenance will dare lay hands on her - the words that provoke the sword order.

Made Governor of Jiangxia in Cheng Yu's wedge-driving memorial, and ordered up with reinforcements for the borrowed-road march.

Cheng Pu; with Sun Quan.

Cheng Pu; named in passing - already dead; the old generation.