28 generals of the Cloud Terrace


In 60 CE, Emperor Ming of the Eastern Han dynasty honored 28 founding generals of the dynasty, who had served his father Emperor Guangwu, by painting their portraits on the Cloud Terrace of the South Palace in the capital Luoyang. They became known as the twenty-eight generals of the Cloud Terrace .
One criterion Emperor Ming used for his selection was that the men honored must not be relatives of the imperial family. Thus, Ma Yuan and Lai Xi were not selected, despite their great contributions.
Unusual in Chinese history, the 28 generals all had natural deaths or died while in service to Emperor Guangwu. Guangwu himself was lauded for his trust of these men who helped him forge his empire.

Order

  1. Grand Tutor, Marquis of Gaomi, Deng Yu
  2. Grand Marshal, Marquis of Guangping, Wu Han
  3. Left general, Marquis of Jiaodong,
  4. Grand general who establishes might, Marquis of Haozhi, Geng Yan
  5. Commander of the capital guards, Marquis of Yongnu,
  6. Grand general who conquers the south, Marquis of Wuyang,
  7. Grand general who conquers the west, Marquis of Yangxia, Feng Yi
  8. Grand general who establishes virtue, Marquis of Ge,
  9. General who conquers barbarians, Marquis of Yingyang, Zhai Zun
  10. Grand general of swift cavalry, Marquis of Yueyang
  11. Grand general of the tiger corps, Marquis of Anping,
  12. Commander of the palace guards, Marquis of Ancheng,
  13. Governor of Dong, Marquis of Dongguang,
  14. Colonel of the capital gate, Marquis of Langling,
  15. General who captures barbarians, Marquis of Yangxu, Ma Wu
  16. General of swift cavalry, Marquis of Shen,
  17. Governor of Zhongshan, Marquis of Quanjiao,
  18. Governor of Henan, Marquis of Fucheng,
  19. Governor of Langya, Marquis of Zhu'e,
  20. Grand general of swift cavalry, Marquis of Canqu,
  21. General of repeating crossbow, Marquis of Kunyang,
  22. Left minister of war, Marquis of Hefei,
  23. Governor of Shanggu, Marquis of Huailing,
  24. Governor of Xindu, Marquis of Eling,
  25. Governor of Yuzhang, Marquis of Zhongshui,
  26. Right general, Marquis of Huaili,
  27. Minister of ceremonies, Marquis of Lingshou,
  28. General of brave cavalry, Marquis of Changcheng,

    Other honorees

In addition to the 28 generals, Emperor Ming hung the portraits of four other men in the Cloud Terrace. They are:
  1. Wang Chang
  2. Li Tong ; Li was also Emperor Ming's uncle-in-law as his wife is Emperor Ming's aunt Liu Boji.
  3. Dou Rong
  4. Zhuo Mao