refers to Xiao He, Zhang Liang, and Han Xin, the three who made the greatest achievements of the meritorious retainers who served Gaozu (first emperor) of the Former Han Dynasty, Liu Bang.
前漢の高祖劉邦に仕えた功臣のうち、特に功績の大きかった3人、蕭何・張良・韓信を指す。