The General of the Front (前将军 qián jiāngjūn) commanded vanguard forces and was one of the four directional general ranks. In Shu Han, Guan Yu held this title, making it one of the most prestigious military posts. In Wei, the position was held by various senior commanders.
Historical context
The four directional generals (前后左右将军) were among the most important military positions in the Han dynasty. During the Three Kingdoms period, these titles were used by all three kingdoms to designate their senior military commanders.
References
- Chen Shou, Records of the Three Kingdoms (三国志)
- Fan Ye, Book of the Later Han (后汉书)