• Zhu Ran can discard any number of cards that he would like.  The effect varies depending on the number that he discards.

• When Zhu Ran uses "Nerves of Steel", he can discard both hand cards and equipped cards.

• Zhu Ran can discard more than four cards, but the effect will not change.  There is nothing to gain by discarding more than four cards at a time.  

• Zhu Ran's ability offers a wide range of effects, making him flexible in both offensive and supportive roles.

• Discarding four cards allows both Zhu Ran and the target to draw two cards each, enabling him to refresh his hand while potentially aiding teammates.

• His ability pressures opponents to manage their cards carefully, as he can force discards or inflict damage.

• Zhu Ran performs exceptionally well when he has a surplus of cards, as it maximizes his ability to discard and achieve high-value effects.

• Zhu Ran's effectiveness diminishes if he runs out of cards, making him susceptible to targeted discards or effects that deplete his hand.

• His ability only targets players within his attack range, so opponents can mitigate its impact by staying out of range.

• Zhu Ran lacks defensive abilities, making him vulnerable to sustained aggression.

• Supportive Generals:
  Characters who can supply Zhu Ran with cards, like Guo Jia or Liu Bei, enhance his ability to use "Nerves of Steel" effectively. By providing additional cards, Zhu Ran can better cycle through the effects and maintain his presence on the battlefield.

• Card Targeting Characters:
  Pairing Zhu Ran with generals that attack his hand will make things more difficult for Zhu Ran. Enemies like Gan Ning or Zhang Liao will attack his hand cards, making it harder to ues "Nerves of Steel".

• Discard Synergy:
  Generals like Cao Zhi, who benefit from discards or penalize opponents for losing cards, synergize well with Zhu Ran. His ability to force discards disrupts enemy plans and opens opportunities for these allies to capitalize on the situation.

King

• • Zhu Ran's adaptability makes him a solid King, as he can use his ability to balance offense and defense, disrupting Rebels and aiding Loyalists.

Loyalist

• • His flexible effects help support the King or hinder Rebel strategies, making him a valuable Loyalist.

Rebel

• • Zhu Ran excels as a Rebel by disrupting the King's card flow and dealing targeted damage.

Spy

• • His adaptability is useful for maintaining balance among factions, as he can switch between offensive and supportive roles as needed.

Zhu Ran is a versatile general whose ability "Nerves of Steel" allows him to adapt to a wide range of situations. Whether forcing discards, gaining resources, or dealing damage, he is a consistent threat to opponents and a reliable asset to his team. However, his reliance on maintaining a large hand and his lack of defense require careful resource management and positioning to avoid becoming an easy target. Players who enjoy flexibility and strategic planning will find Zhu Ran an engaging and rewarding choice.

Zhu Ran was a Chinese general of Eastern Wu during the Three Kingdoms period. He grew up alongside Sun Quan, Wu's eventual emperor. Despite their close relationship, Zhu Ran initially held minor positions until he proved his merit during Lu Meng's campaign to capture Jing Province. In this campaign, Zhu Ran played a key role in the eventual defeat of Guan Yu, though Pan Zhang received greater credit for Guan Yu's capture.

Zhu Ran's most famous achievement was his defense of Jiangling during Cao Pi's three-pronged invasion of Eastern Wu. With only 5,000 troops, he held the city against a Wei force that was nearly ten times larger, led by generals like Xiahou Shang and Cao Zhen. Zhu Ran's resilience and tactical brilliance, including crushing an internal plot to betray the city and burning Wei's pontoon bridges with Pan Zhang’s assistance, cemented his reputation as a formidable commander. His efforts forced the Wei forces to retreat, earning him fame and fear among Wu's enemies. 

This event ties closely to his game ability, "Nerves of Steel," which reflects his ability to adapt his strategy based on the situation. Whether discarding cards to weaken his opponent, gain resources, or deal direct damage, Zhu Ran’s in-game mechanics mirror his capacity to remain calm under pressure and find ways to exploit the battlefield conditions.

In later campaigns, Zhu Ran continued to demonstrate strategic prowess, although his successes were mixed. He participated in offensives against Wei, such as the assault on Fancheng, but these ultimately failed to achieve significant objectives. Before his death, Sun Quan entrusted him with command of Wu's armies, signifying the emperor’s deep trust and admiration.