Wang Shuang

Wang Shuang (onyomi: Ō Sō) is one of Cao Zhen's retainers present at Chencang. When Zhuge Liang's forces withdrew from the castle, Wang Shuang is one of the cavalry retainers who pursued and perished in Shu's counteroffensive. His historical mention ends here, but Romance of the Three Kingdoms exaggerates his strengths and importance.

Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Romance of the Three Kingdoms embellishes him with a style name and Didao, Longxi Commandery origins. He had a dark complexion, yellowish eyes, and stood at six feet tall with a burly figure. Wang Shuang is first mentioned joining his lord's march in chapter 85. Cao Zhen later recommends him to Cao Rui who was impressed to grant Wang Shuang the titles General Who Possesses Tiger Majesty and leader of the vanguard. Cao Rui laughed and remarked there was nothing to fear with Wang Shuang in the fray.

When Zhuge Liang's army of 300,000 surrounded Chencang in chapter 97, their initial hurdle was Wang Shuang's might. He swiftly killed Xie Xiong and Gong Qi with his great sword; Zhang Ni was severely wounded to one of Wang Shuang's meteor hammers. Wang Ping and Liao Hua struggled against him and were forced to withdraw. Zhang Ni commented that the enemy general was a living terror to their forces.

Since Sima Yi cautioned against direct warfare with Zhuge Liang, Wang Shuang was ordered to intimidate the roads for Shu's supply line. To counter, Zhuge Liang ordered Wei Yan to feign a retreat toward and distract Wang Shuang with a fire near his rear; he would then ambush the general with thirty men. Wang Shuang was caught off guard by the ruse and was killed by Wei Yan. His death is counted as a glorious feat for Shu in Zhuge Liang's second northern campaign.