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2023

Romance of the Three Kingdoms

White Horse Follower (白馬義從, Baima Yicong) was an elite cavalry unit within the army of the warlord Gongsun Zan during the late Eastern Han Dynasty. While no single individual is explicitly named "White Horse Follower" as a character in *Romance of the Three Kingdoms*, the unit itself is significant and its leader, Zhao Yun (under Gongsun Zan), is sometimes indirectly associated with them.

The White Horse Followers were renowned for their valor and effectiveness, particularly against nomadic tribes. They were distinguished by their preference for white horses, creating a visually striking and intimidating force. Gongsun Zan relied heavily on them for scouting and swift raids.

Although Zhao Yun’s direct connection to leading the entire White Horse Follower unit isn't definitively stated in the novel, his time serving under Gongsun Zan placed him within that military context. The unit's reputation and the implied skill of its members contribute to the overall portrayal of Gongsun Zan's military strength and, indirectly, to the early development of characters like Zhao Yun.