The Military Exploits of Zhou Bo, Hero of the Han Dynasty

Zhou Bo, the Marquis of Jianghou, hailed from Pei. Initially, he was from Juan County, according to Xu Guang’s interpretation. Later, he moved to Pei. Zhou Bo earned his living by weaving thin silk, also known as “qu weaving” according to Su Lin’s explanation. He often played the flute at funerals, as described by Ru Chun, and was skilled in archery, serving as a military officer.

During the rise of Liu Bang as the Prince of Pei, Zhou Bo served under him and participated in campaigns against Hu Ling. He fought against Fang Yu and, after a battle, repelled them. He attacked the Qin army at Dongcheng and later returned to fight them at Xiaochun. Zhou Bo then continued to attack Cheng County, where he was the first to ascend. He was granted the title of Wudafu. Subsequently, he attacked Meng and Yu counties, both part of the Liang State, and successfully captured them. During the battle against Zhang Han’s cavalry, he was at the rear.

He later established Wei’s territory and attacked Yuanqi and Dongmian. He went on to conquer Li, which was near Lai. He also attacked Niesang and was the first to ascend the city. He attacked Li You’s army at Yongqiu and later besieged Kaifeng, where he was the first to arrive at the city gates, contributing greatly to the military campaign.

Following Zhang Han’s defeat and death by Xiang Liang, Liu Bang and Xiang Yu led their troops eastward to Dang. It took them a year and two months to travel from Pei to Dang. King Huai of Chu appointed Liu Bang as the Duke of Anwu and ruler of Chang. Liu Bang appointed Zhou Bo as the commander of Tiger Force, entrusting him to help secure Wei’s territories.

Under Liu Bang’s command, Zhou Bo attacked the Eastern County guard at Chengwu City and emerged victorious. He also defeated Wang Li’s army and seized Changshe. Zhou Bo was the first to ascend Changshe and then attacked Yingyang and Goushi, cutting off the river crossing at Jian. He fought Zhao Ben’s army to the north and attacked the South Yangzhou defender, capturing Wuguan and Yao.

He successfully conquered Quli and Haonan and then attacked the Changle army. He defeated the bandit Ba’s army and attacked Shanggui. Zhou Bo then stationed himself at Jiuliang and attacked the hostile forces in the east, ensuring the pacification of Chu’s territory. He seized twenty-two counties in total and then stationed himself at Luoyang and Linyi. Zhou Bo was awarded the title of Yinghou and was ordered to share a meal with Yonghou.

Zhou Bo’s military expeditions extended to defeating the Han Wang Xian of Qian, who was stationed at Dai and later surrendered to the Huo people. Zhou Bo led his troops to Wuchuan and fought against the Huqi, defeating them north of Wuquan. He then attacked Han Xin’s army at Tongdi and emerged victorious. He returned and captured six cities in Taiyuan. Zhou Bo defeated Han Xin’s cavalry below Jinyang and then besieged Jinyang.

Later, he attacked Han Xin’s army at Gushishi, defeated them, and pursued them eighty miles north. He then attacked three cities in Loufan and continued to attack the Huqi at Pingcheng. Zhou Bo’s troops were always ready to charge and were often victorious. Zhou Bo was promoted to Grand Commandant.

Zhou Bo fought and slaughtered Chen Xi and captured Mayi. His soldiers slew Chen’s general, Chengma Chi. Zhou Bo fought against Han Xin, Chen Xi, and Zhao