Tao Qian is a character featured in River City Saga: Three Kingdoms based off of the real-life historical figure. He was a politician in service of the Han dynasty who was entrusted with Xuzhou during the Yellow Turban Rebellion.
Background[]
Tao Qian is first mentioned by Kong Rong during the third chapter where he informs the Brothers of the Peach Garden that Xuzhou has a weak defense and Tao Qian is extremely ill. With Cao Cao (Yamada) taking advantage of the Imperial Court falling with Dong Zhuo (Sabu)'s death, the brothers tell Kong Rong that they'd be willing to help Tao Qian as they believe Cao Cao doesn't have the right to be messing around with other people's homes. When the brothers go to inform Gongsun Zan (Heilman) of their departure, he tells them that they'll be able to find Tao Qian in the castle of Xiapi.
When the brothers and Zhao Yun (Sugata) arrive at the castle, they are first accompanied by Mi Zhu (Saori) before Tao Qian introduces himself and expresses his gratitude before letting them know that he won't be able to offer anything in return for their efforts. With the brothers not interested in being rewarded for helping others, Tao Qian asks for advice on what they should do against Cao Cao's army. Mi Zhu notices Tao Qian coughing while he's talking and asks if he's alright. Liu Bei (Gōda) then suggests that they negotiate with Cao Cao for him to leave Xuzhou as the cost of fighting his army would be too much. When the group agrees to the plan, Tao Qian hands Liu Bei a letter to serve as proof that he's a messenger of Xuzhou and asks him to give it to Cao Cao.
In a side quest, Guan Yu (Kunio) will ask Tao Qian if he thinks Cao Cao's only goal is taking control of Xuzhou with Liu Bei believing his attack is more personal. Tao Qian admits that Cao Cao's true intention was because a while ago he established his own forces in Yanzhou and brought in his father Cao Song from Xuzhou. Tao Qian would send his strongest men to guard Cao Song during his travels, though he would later find out that they were actually bandits who'd kill Cao Song to steal his treasure and flee. With Tao Qian convinced that such an excuse won't convince Cao Cao, Liu Bei will understand his situation and ask where the bandits currently are. Tao Qian suggests that they likely haven't gone far and are between Xiapi and Chen Liu. If Guan Yu agrees to look for the bandits, Tao Qian thanks the brothers for helping him as he never wished to leave the situation unresolved.
Upon returning from delivering Tao Qian's letter to Yue Jin (Mochizuki), they get ready to inform Tao Qian that they've successfully negotiated with Cao Cao, though are told by Mi Zhu that he has passed away. Mi Zhu hands Liu Bei a letter left for him from Tao Qian which explains that he's heard the news and is grateful for all that they've done. He asks Liu Bei to govern over Xuzhou in his place when he's gone as he entrusts everything he has to him and hopes that he will accept the offer. With the brothers conflicted if it'd be moral for some outsiders to take over as the new leaders, Mi Zhu implores them regardless of how sudden it all is. Liu Bei believes outsiders taking over would be a good look, so he suggests that they instead live away from the castle and support Xuzhou from there.