Lord Pingyuan of Zhao

Lord Pingyuan maintained a household of three thousand retainers, including scholars, strategists, and assassins. This patronage network made him one of the Four Lords of the Warring States and a center of political and intellectual activity.

Lord Pingyuan (Zhao Sheng) organized the defense of Handan, the Zhao capital, during a prolonged siege by Qin forces. He sent envoys to Wei and Chu for aid, and the city was eventually relieved by allied forces, preserving Zhao's independence.