典韋

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Cao Cao’s bodyguard captain, wielder of twin iron halberds. Rescuing his lord at Puyang, he reportedly said "tell me when they’re ten paces away" — then cleared the road with thrown halberds. When Zhang Xiu struck at night in Wancheng, Dian Wei alone barred the camp gate, fighting bare-handed after his weapons broke until he died on his feet. Cao Cao wept aloud for him.

Key events

1. 194

   Cao Cao vs. Lü Bu for Yan Province

   On Chen Gong’s counsel, Lü Bu storms Cao Cao’s home province of Yan; savage fighting at Puyang follows before Cao Cao claws it back.

   Cao CaoLü BuChen GongXiahou Dun

2. 197

   Battle of Wancheng — Dian Wei’s Last Stand

   The surrendered Zhang Xiu strikes at night on Jia Xu’s plan; Cao Cao escapes with his life only through bodyguard Dian Wei’s dying stand.

   Cao CaoJia Xu

History vs. the novelHistoryvsNovel

The nickname "E Lai of old" and the last stand at Wancheng are straight from the histories — the novel merely added flesh to a man who was already legend on the page.