Hu Ban is a character in the novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Wikidata names him Hu Ban. The cited article calls him fictional and says he was the son of Hu Hua, a gentleman-consultant in the reign of Emperor Huan. This entry records him as a commander under Liu Bei and dates his death to 234. The article does not give a year of death, so the stored year is repeated and no death scene is added. The story is set in the Han.[1][2]
Xingyang
He began as an aide of Wang Zhi, governor of Xingyang. After Guan Yu had forced the passes, Wang Zhi received him warmly and secretly ordered Hu Ban to burn Guan Yu's lodging. Hu Ban wanted to see Guan Yu's face, and on seeing him cried out in admiration. Guan Yu asked his name and showed him Hu Hua's letter. Hu Ban then told him of Wang Zhi's plan. Guan Yu escorted his two sisters-in-law out of the post station. Wang Zhi pursued and was cut in two at the waist.[2]
Joining Liu Bei
Hu Ban later came to Jing province and surrendered to Guan Yu, who remembered the old rescue. When Liu Bei became king of Hanzhong, he sent Hu Ban with Fei Shi into Shu to see the king receive the title. Hu Ban was made general of the standard gate. Liu Bei then had him assist Zhang Fei in holding Langzhong. After Zhang Fei's officers Fan Qiang and Zhang Da killed Zhang Fei, the article says Hu Ban reported directly to Liu Bei, and notes that this reporter is also written Wu Ban. Zhang Fei's elder son Zhang Bao coffined the body, the second son Zhang Shao held Langzhong, and Zhang Bao was sent to Chengdu. Both names appear for that report, so the title stays Hu Ban.[2]