Zhao Lei

Zhao Lei (onyomi: Chō Rui) is well known as subordinate of Guan Yu, who served uner him while Guan Yu was the governor of Jingzhou.

Role in Games

In Dynasty Warriors 7, Zhao Lei acts as one of Guan Yu's subordinates, fighting to secure Xiangyang to secure the banks in preparation of flooding Fan Castle. He attempts to stop the forces under Yu Jin, but will need help stopping the Wei reinforcements. When the Wu army arrives Zhao Lei follows Guan Suo, helping him escort Guan Yu to Mai castle. On the Wu side of the engagement, Lei attempts to stop Lu Meng from returning to Jiangying in his pursuit of Guan Yu.

Dynasty Warriors 8 has Zhao Lei continue fighting to protect Guan Yu's retreat from Fan Castle. As Guan Yu flees Fan, he join Guan Ping in holding off the advancing Wei forces from the north.

In Romance of the Three Kingdoms, he generally becomes available during the scenarios set after the year 208. His stats are focused on politics and charisma, which typically hover around 70. Even his lesser stats, Leadership and intelligence have decent scores of 67 and 68 respectively. Zhao Lei not very good at fighting but considered to be an officer with moderate stats.

In Sangokushi Eiketsuden, he appears when Zhuge Liang ordered Guan Yu to take care Jingzhou, along with Liao Hua and Wang Fu. When Lu Meng invade Jingzhou, he act as one of bodyguard of Guan Yu to moved to goal point. There was very little chance of saving his life because he quickly slain by the enemy during the retreat.

Quotes

"This is getting worse by the moment. We have to get out of here!"
"Lord Guan Yu’s movements are so slow. I fear his injuries are serious."
"My lord, you must keep him safe! Show the enemy, show the world that you have the power to lead!"

Historical Information

Nothing is known about Zhao Lei's early life, as the first historical reference we have of him indicates his service under Guan Yu when the god of war governed Jingzhou. Zhao Lei accompanied his lord on the campaign against Fan Castle in 219. When Wu invaded Jingzhou while Guan Yu was away Guan Yu led Zhao Lei and others in retreat to Mai Castle. By the time they arrived, Zhao Lei was one of the few remaining officers still following Guan Yu. When they realized all hope was lost, Guan Yu sent a false surrender and left straw dummies to appear the walls were still manned as he, Zhao Lei, and the remaining followers fled. Unfortunately for them, Guan Yu's army met Wu officers Pan Zhang and Zhu Ran along the road, lying in ambush for such an escape attempt. They easily captured everyone fleeing. Guan Yu and Guan Ping were subsequently executed when they refused to join Wu. Zhao Lei was also captured, by Ma Zhong, but his final fate is not recorded.

Romance of the Three Kingdoms

In chapter 73, Wang Fu praises Zhao Lei's skill and character, recommending he protect Jingzhou. However, Guan Yu believed Zhao Lei's responsibility as supply commander was a better job for him to fulfill. In chapter 76, when Guan Yu finds himself in the trap between We and Wu, Zhao Lei recommends sending for aid and trying to retake Jingzhou. He also proposes seeking aid from Meng Da and Liu Feng for help when they learn how surrounded they truly are and holed up at Mai Castle.

When Guan Yu was surround at Mai Castle, Zhao Lei convinced Guan Yu to make one last desperate escape attempt for Yi Province. He and Guan Ping joined Guan Yu in his retreat, while Wang Fu and Zhou Cang stayed at Mai to make a last stand. Despite managing to sneak out in the dead of night, Zhao Lei and his party met several Wu ambushes along the way. Zhao Lei died in the battle in the second ambush led by Pan Zhang, making Guan Yu cry to him.