Li Tong (168–209), courtesy name Wenda, was a military general serving under the warlord Cao Cao during the late Eastern Han dynasty of China. Li Tong came to serve Cao Cao when the latter was at war with rival warlords Liu Biao and Zhang Xiu. During the Battle of Nan Commandery in 208, Li Tong broke through the defence lines guarded by Guan Yu and supported Cao Ren at Jiangling. He fell sick during this time and eventually succumbed to illness. He had two sons: Li Xu () and Li Ji ().
Descendants Li Xu's son Li Bing (李秉; died 271), courtesy name Xuanzhou (玄胄), was Inspector of Qinzhou under the Jin dynasty.(绪子秉，字玄胄，有俊才，为时所贵，官至秦州刺史。) Jin Shu (by Wang Yin) annotation in Sanguozhi, vol.18 Li Bing presumably died young as his son Li Zhong (李重; courtesy name Maozeng [茂曾]; 253-300) was said to be orphaned at a young age.Jin Shu, vol.46 Li Zhong's younger brother was Li Shang (李尚), courtesy name Maozhong (茂仲). Li Zhong's other younger Li Ju (李矩), courtesy name Maoyue (茂约), was Inspector of Jiangzhou during the Jin dynasty,Jin Zhugong Zan annotation in Sanguozhi, vol.18. He should not be confused with the Jin general of the same name, who has a biography in Book of Jin (vol.63). while Li Ju's son Li Chong (李充; courtesy name Hongdu [弘度]) was a poet and calligrapher; Li Ju presumably also died young as Li Chong was said to be orphaned at a young age.Jin Shu, vol.92 Li Chong's mother and Li Ju's wife was Wei Shuo.Quan Jin Wen, vol.144
In Romance of the Three Kingdoms In the 14th-century historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Li Tong was defeated and slain by Ma Chao in a duel during the Battle of Tong Pass in 211.
See also Lists of people of the Three Kingdoms
Notes
References
Chen, Shou (3rd century). Records of the Three Kingdoms (Sanguozhi). Luo, Guanzhong (14th century). Romance of the Three Kingdoms (Sanguo Yanyi). Pei, Songzhi (5th century). Annotated Records of the Three Kingdoms (Sanguozhi zhu).