Romance of Three Kingdoms Pang Tong

Pang Tong was a Chinese politician and a key adviser to the warlord Liu Bei during the late Eastern Han dynasty. Despite his plain appearance, Pang Tong was highly esteemed by the renowned hermit scholar Sima Hui, who referred to him as the "Crown of Scholars in Jing Province." A contemporary of Zhuge Liang, Xu Shu, and Xiang Lang, Pang Tong studied under Sima Hui and earned the nickname "Fledgling Phoenix" for his potential and intellect.

Known for his warm demeanor, Pang Tong served as an appraiser in Nan Commandery, where he prioritized virtue over ability when assessing others, encouraging them to contribute to society. In the 14th-century historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, which dramatizes events of the Three Kingdoms period, Pang Tong is portrayed as a brilliant military strategist, considered equal to Zhuge Liang in intellect and strategic prowess. His character in the novel highlights his pivotal role in Liu Bei's campaigns and his lasting legacy as one of the era's great minds.