FDC, cover and Philatelic／enveloppe et philatélie

New Stamp: Chinese Classic Novel “The Romance of the Three Kingdoms” Postage Stamps (IV)／
Nouveau Timbre: Le roman historique chinois "L'histoire des Trois Royaumes" les Timbres (IV)



Issue Date: 29.04.2010

Chunghwa Post previously issued three sets of stamps in its Chinese Classic Novel “The Romance of the Three Kingdoms” series. The first three sets were released on April 12, 2000, April 4, 2002; and June 23, 2005 respectively. Now it is following up with a fourth set and a souvenir sheet, featuring “Shooting An Arrow at the Halberd beside the Gate of the Camp,” “Commenting on Heroes over Wine,” “Zhou Yu’s Anger at Being Tricked by Zhuge Liang Three Times,” and “Holding Meng Huo Captive Seven Times.” The designs follow:

1. Shooting An Arrow at the Halberd beside the Gate of the Camp (NT$3.50)

From Chapter Sixteen. Yuan Shu sent Ji Ling to launch an attack on Liu Bei, who in turn went to Lu Bu for help. Lu came to the rescue and invited both sides to talk peace over a drink. Both Ji and Liu agreed that they would consent to a cease fire if Lu’s arrow could hit the little side prong of the halberd. The arrow hit right on target, thus resolving the crisis.

2. Commenting on Heroes over Wine (NT$3.50)

From Chapter Twenty-One. One day, Cao Cao invited Liu Bei to his house to have a drink and enjoy the plum blossoms. During the drink, Cao talked freely about the state of political affairs. His declaration “Only you and I deserve to be called heroes” demonstrated his great judgment on others and his own ambition. Cao talked without restraint, while Liu felt perturbed and responded with great caution. The story provides a clear glimpse of their temperaments and characters as well as the state of affairs at the time.

3. Zhou Yu’s Anger at Being Tricked by Zhuge Liang Three Times (NT$5.00)

From Chapter Fifty-Six. Lu Su was entrusted with a mission to ask Liu Bei for returning Jingzhou. Zhuge Liang saw through the scheme and prepared appropriately. “It is hard to defeat the enemy when he is too strong and our calculations always come to naught in the end,” Zhou Yu lamented. He would die in remorse, not having fulfilled his expectations.

4. Holding Meng Huo Captive Seven Times (NT$20.00)

From Chapter Eighty-Seven to Ninety. The southern barbarian king Meng Huo led an army to invade Shu. There were constant battles along the border. To find a long-term solution, Zhuge Liang led an army himself on an expedition against Meng Huo. After capturing and releasing Meng seven times, Meng finally surrendered wholeheartedly.