馬騰

Profile

Descendant of the great Han general Ma Yuan, warlord of Xiliang, and father of Ma Chao. Born so poor he once cut firewood for a living, he rose through the ranks on stature and character, sharing — and disputing — the northwest with his sworn brother Han Sui for decades. Summoned to court in his later years, he was executed with his clan when Ma Chao rose in revolt. The dread of the Xiliang cavalry passed to his son.

Key events

1. 212

   Execution of Ma Teng

   In reprisal for Ma Chao’s rising, Cao Cao executes Ma Teng and his kin at court — deepening the son’s thirst for vengeance.

   Ma ChaoCao Cao

History vs. the novelHistoryvsNovel

The novel enrolls him in the secret plot against Cao Cao, giving his son’s revolt the color of revenge. History runs backward from the legend: the son rebelled first, and the father paid for it.