Yuan Shu Biography

Yuan Shu (Gonglu)

Destiny of an Emperor : Destiny of an Emperor II (2)

155 - 199

Historical Analysis : Yuan Shu was a prominent figure in China whose misuse and corruption of power brought about numerous failures and subsequently an early death. He clashed with numerous warlords, including the forces of Cao Cao, Liu Bei, Dong Zhuo, and his brother Yuan Shao. In turn Yuan Shu allied with several southern generals, including Sun Jian and his son Sun Ce. However this alliance was later broken up as Yuan Shu, wary of foul play on Jian's part, broke off supplies to Sun Jian's army and ultimately cost him the battle. The two would make up and Sun Jian would present the Imperial Jade Seal to Yuan Shu.

After Dong Zhuo had been driven back by the allied forces, Yuan Shu was arguably at his most powerful stage. Cao Cao had driven him back towards the Shou Chun area, but with Sun Ce's help Yuan Shu was able to destroy Liu Yao of Shou Chun. Yuan Shu then proceeded to label himself the Emperor in dramatic fashion, a move that turned many a ruler and officer against him. His own troops were deserting him, yet he had this to say; The Yuan line springs from the Chen; the Chen descends from the Shun. The sequence of the elements dictates that the earth sign of the Chen will supplant the fire sign of the Han. Moreover, it has been predicted that whoever follows the Han will "take the high road": my style, Gonglu, or Lord's Way, fits the prognostication. finally, we hold the imperial seal. Thus for me to decline the leadership of the realm would be to turn against Heaven. My decision stands. Whoever says more, dies" (Three Kingdoms ch. 17 p.287).

Yuan Shu was being attacked from all sides at this point. With his general Liu Xun defeated and with Liu Bei, Cao Cao, Lu Bu, and Sun Ce all after him, he attempted to flee to his brother Yuan Shao in the north to present him the imperial seal and in turn reviving the friendship between the two. Liu Bei and Cao Cao were worried of the two joining, so Liu Bei and friends were sent to intercept Yuan Shu at Xuzhou before he made it north. His top general Ji Ling was taken out by Guan Yu, and then Yuan got in a verbal spat with Liu Xuande (Bei). "Miserable mat-weaver! Sandal-maker! Will you insult me?" denounced Yuan Shu. Alas, Yuan Shu was cut off on all ends, with his former generals Lei Bo and Chen Lan plundering his treasure and grain. Food was scarce and his family and army was dying off rapidly.

"He had thirty pecks of wheat to feed his followers. Many of his own family had already starved to death. Shu could not swallow the coarse meal and asked the cook to find some honeyed water to ease his thirst. "We have bloody water," the cook said, "no honey." Suddenly Shu, who had been seated on his couch, groaned and toppled over. He spit up mouthfuls of blood and died. It was the sixth month of the fourth year of Jian An (A.D. 199)" (TK ch. 21 p.361).

Destiny of an Emperor : Str. 142 - Int. 152 - Soldiers - 899

Destiny of an Emperor Analysis : In the first Destiny of an Emperor for the Nintendo Entertainment System, Yuan Shu is one of the main generals you face (as Liu Bei) along your way as you unify China. Many of his primary generals from the Three Kingdoms novel are in the game, including Yuan Yin, Ji Ling, Zhang Xun, Lei Bo, Chen Ji, Li Feng, Han Xian, Liang Ji, Lu Fan, Liang Gang, Chen Lan and Lu Bu.

You can potentially fight Yuan Shu twice. Initially you fight him at Nan Yang, with Lu Fan, Yuan Yin, and Lu Bu if you didn't recruit him. If Zhang Fei survives the fight, you'll catch Yuan Shu with the option to let him go or kill him. If you choose not to let him go three times (maybe four) he'll die. If you let him go, he'll fight you at Ji Zhou castle with Yuan Shao, later in the game. Yuan Shu himself is quite difficult when you fight him at Nan Yang. His soldier level is higher than anyone you've seen at this point in the game, and his stats are pretty balanced. If you're playing Yuan Shu when he has Lu Bu, it's even more difficult obviously. Take out Lu Bu first and Yuan Shu after that, and the battle should turn your way.

Destiny of an Emperor II : Str. 190 - Int. 135 - Agi. 115 - Soldiers - 400

Destiny of an Emperor 2 Analysis : Being that DoaE2 starts off later on in time as opposed to DoaE, you end up fighting Yuan Shu right away. He has stolen the seal and you're under Cao Cao's reign; he has you going after Yuan. You'll fight a few of Yuan Shu's lackeys before you get to him in the northeastern cave (of Xuzhou). He's with Ji Ling, Yue Jiu, Lei Bo and Zhang Xun. Yuan Shu himself is much tougher than he was in DoaE, as his strength is 190 instead of 142. However, this is so early in the game that it's an easy battle, although if you didn't take Lu Zhao and Zhu Ling from Cao Cao it might be a bit more difficult. Yuan Shu should be taken out first, and his army will crumble after that.

Romance of the Three Kingdoms III : Int. 67 - Pol. 61 - War 79 - Chrm. 53 - Army 71 - Navy 63

Lord Yuan Shu is a unique character in this game, as he has the opportunity to formally claim himself as Emperor (look above). He is available for use as a ruler in both 189 and 194. While not the best ruler to be, he is generally pretty competitive. Generals Ji Ling and Zhang Xun are solid, and his force is always loyal to him. However, the people of Wan tend to disprove of his actions time and time again, and often rebel.

Thanks to the Three Kingdoms novel and to Slickslicer for the historical info.