Abstract
Liu Bei’s (刘备) portrayal in Romance of the Three Kingdoms《三国 演义》not only reflects his political wisdom and strategic vision but also highlights his human brilliance and emotional depth. As the sage monarch of the Shu Kingdom, Liu Bei’s historical image in traditional culture often intertwines with his portrayal in Tang poetry, especially in showcasing his benevolence, magnanimity, and national righteousness. In Tang dynasty poetry, Liu Bei’s image as a sage monarch is manifested as both a ruler of loyalty and righteousness and a leader of heroes. Together with Zhuge Liang (诸葛亮), they established a paradigm of sage monarch and virtuous minister in Chinese history; however, his image is also tinged with tragic elements. The dissemination of Liu Bei’s image across different times, groups, and channels in Tang poetry provided a broad stage and background for his portrayal. This image construction is closely intertextual with the political demands of the Tang dynasty after the An Shi Rebellion. This multidimensional analysis of Liu Bei’s image enriches historical understanding and offers insight into the complexities of loyalty, ideological aspirations, and their interplay with political reality. The examination of Liu Bei’s sage monarch image and its dissemination holds both historical significance and contemporary relevance.