A Chinese Biographical Dictionary/Chao Kua

by Herbert A. Giles

167 Chao Kua 趙括. Son of Chao Shê. From his youth upwards he thought and spoke of nothing but war and military matters, to the dismay of his father, who prophesied that he would bring ruin upon the Chao State. After the death of his father, war broke out with the Ch'in State, and he was appointed to the command. His mother, however, was anxious for him not to go, and petitioned the Prince of Chao to that effect, quoting also his father's prophecy. He was sent in spite of her; the result being that he himself was slain, and his whole army, amounting to 450,000 men, was destroyed.