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卷五十二 吳書七 張顧諸葛步傳

Volume 52: Book of Wu 7 - Biographies of Zhang, Gu, Zhuge, and Bu

Chapter 52 of 三國志 · Records of the Three Kingdoms
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Chapter 52
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1
簿 退 退 " !"
Zhang Zhao, styled Zibu, hailed from Pengcheng. As a youth he loved books, wrote a fine clerical hand, studied the Zuo commentary under Bai Hou Zi’an, read omnivorously, and made his name alongside Zhao Yu of Langye and Wang Lang of Donghai. Recommended as filially pious and incorrupt at his capping, he refused appointment. He argued with Wang Lang over taboos for former rulers; local talents such as Chen Lin praised his performance. 〈Ying Shao of Runan had argued for tabooing former masters; the dispute is recorded in the Fengsu tong.) Zhang Zhao wrote that someone cited court debate: since Guangwu, fifty-six rulers’ names were taboo—students must never echo those syllables. Drawn from canonical gloss and matched to precedent, the rhetoric glows—yet something troubles me. Forgive a shallow mind—I cannot quite agree. Once heaven and earth divided and creation took shape, the bonds of parent and child, ruler and subject, appeared. The sage fashioned ritual from heaven’s nature: lords feed us under the “three that endure”; they mourn with us—nothing outweighs that debt. How can subjects rank them with ordinary kin? Yet kinship weakens by generation and mourning scales down—hence hemp stops short of the fifth grandfather above and the fifth grandson below. Genealogies say after four generations one wears only thin hemp. After five generations one merely bares head and wrist—the mourning grade fades even within the clan. By the sixth generation kinship ends. The Summary of Etiquette also exempts those who never served a lord from tabooing him—that ends obligation to a mere name. If distant kin need not rhyme away syllables, why taboo scores of dead kings? When the Zhu ruler met allies and Jiyou came home, the classic wrote his style, not his name—Lu admired the tact. So why insist clerks taboo every syllable of old patrons? Zhou King Mu banned “Man,” yet under King Ding a minister Wangsun Man served—a subject bore the sovereign’s taboo. King Li banned “Hu,” yet Zhuang’s son was Hu—examples abound. Advice must rest on canonical proof and commentary precedent—otherwise posterity laughs. Ying Shao honors old masters’ names yet sets no clear rule below—it stays muddled. The Summary of Etiquette passages he cites prove nothing; pretty words without law teach nothing. Loosen tongues and you scoop sewage—bad rhetoric spreads before you can repent. Prefect Tao Qian nominated him for office; when Zhang Zhao declined, Tao felt insulted and jailed him. Zhao Yu spent himself on bail until Zhang Zhao went free. Late Han turmoil drove Xu refugees south—Zhang Zhao crossed with them. Sun Ce named him chief clerk and general who pacifies the army, treated him like family before Lady Wu, and handed him every civil and military file. 〈The Wu shu: Sun Ce rejoiced: I mean to stride the empire—among scholar-advisers I must honor you. So he raised him to colonel and courted him as mentor. Northern letters flattered Zhang Zhao alone; silence seemed sneaky, publication awkward—he squirmed either way. Sun Ce laughed: Guan Zhong called Huan Gong Father twice—and Huan became hegemon. Zibu is worthy; if I use him well, the glory is surely mine!
2
便 西 " 滿 " "?使 ?"" " 使 " " 使" " " "" "
Dying, Sun Ce left Sun Quan to Zhang Zhao, who enthroned him with the whole civil staff. 〈The Wu li: Sun Ce told Zhang Zhao: If Zhongmou fails, take the throne yourself. If all else fails, retreat west—no shame. He petitioned the Han, ordered every garrison, while Sun Quan still wept; Zhang Zhao said: An heir must shoulder his brother’s work and finish the house God gave him. The world seethes with rebels—how can you hide in mourning like a common mourner? He hoisted Sun Quan into the saddle, paraded the army, and gave the realm something to follow. Zhang Zhao served again as chief clerk with the same powers. 〈The Wu shu: the empire shattered into warlords.) Sun Ce had ruled briefly; favor had not sunk in—when he died overnight, people panicked and opinions split. Zhang Zhao calmed the people and found posts for every refugee scholar. Whenever Sun Quan marched, Zhang Zhao held headquarters. When Yellow Turbans flared, Zhang Zhao crushed them. Sun Quan besieged Hefei while Zhang Zhao struck Kuangqi, then led generals to smash Zhou Feng’s bandits at Nancheng. After that he seldom commanded troops—he stayed at Sun Quan’s side as strategist. Sun Quan favored him as an elder statesman.〉 When Liu Bei petitioned Sun Quan as acting chariots-and-cavalry general, Zhang Zhao became army adviser. Sun Quan loved to hunt tigers on horseback—beasts often leaped at his saddle. Zhang Zhao stepped up pale: What sort of ruler races beasts in the brush? One misstep and the world mocks you. Sun Quan apologized: I am young and shortsighted. Yet he kept hunting—he built a screened chariot with square peepholes, a driver outside, himself shooting within. Monstrous brutes charged the car; Sun Quan thrashed them for sport. Zhang Zhao argued; Sun Quan only smiled. In Wei Huangchu 2 envoy Xing Zhen came to enfeoff Sun Quan as king of Wu. Xing Zhen rode through the gate without alighting. Zhang Zhao said: Ritual demands respect—law follows. You swagger because you think the south unarmed? Xing Zhen scrambled down. The court named Zhang Zhao General Who Pacifies the Distance and marquis of Youquan. 〈The Wu lu: Zhang Zhao, Sun Shao, Teng Yin, and Zheng Li codified court ceremony from Zhou and Han.〉 At Wuchang Sun Quan drank himself stupid on the fishing terrace. He ordered aides to splash ministers: “We stop only when someone falls off this terrace drunk.” Zhang Zhao sat mute in his coach. Sun Quan called him back: We were only celebrating—why anger? Zhang Zhao answered: Zhou of Shang held orgies on his wine hill—his court called it fun. Sun Quan fell silent. Ashamed, he ended the banquet.
3
" ""? "
When Sun Quan first chose a chancellor, everyone picked Zhang Zhao. Sun Quan said: “Times are hard—the chancellor’s burden is cruel; I am not favoring anyone.” After Sun Shao died they nominated Zhang Zhao again; Sun Quan said: It is not fondness—his temper is stiff; if I ignore him we quarrel. So he picked Gu Yong.
4
使 " """ " """
Once Sun Quan declared himself emperor, Zhang Zhao, old and ill, returned his seals. 〈The Jiangbiao zhuan: enthroned, Sun Quan toasted Zhou Yu first.) Zhang Zhao lifted his hu to praise Sun Quan—who cut him off: “Had I listened to you I would beg for supper.” Zhang Zhao dropped sweating. Zhang Zhao was bluntly loyal; Sun Quan honored him yet withheld the chancellorship because Zhang had opposed Zhou Yu and Lu Su. Pei Songzhi asks: Zhang Zhao urged yielding to Cao Cao—was that vision not long? He lent the Suns full loyalty because chaos had just begun—Sun Ce and Sun Quan could use his counsel to shield the Han symbol and the people. Partition was never his first choice. Cao Cao claimed the mandate to reunify north China and the middle Yangzi—the moment favored unity. Had Zhang Zhao prevailed, one empire might have returned—no endless wars. It would have helped China more than the Sun house. Dou Rong joined the Han and rose with it. Zhang Lu yielded to Wei and his heirs thrived. Sun Quan offering Wu intact could have won vast favor. Zhang Zhao’s advice served loyalty and right.〉 He became General Who Assists Wu, rank just below the Three Ducal ministers, marquis of Lou with ten thousand households. Retired at home he wrote a Zuo commentary and Analects glosses. Sun Quan asked Yan Jun whether he still knew his childhood texts. Yan Jun began the Classic of Filial Piety with Zhongni dwelt… Zhang Zhao said: “Yan Jun is crude—let me recite for you.” He chose “The gentleman’s serving superiors”—everyone saw the point.
5
使"使?"使 " 使 "
At court Zhang Zhao’s voice cut; once Sun Quan barred him for blunt words. When Shu envoys boasted and Wu had no answer, Sun Quan sighed: “Had Zhang Zhao been here they would have fled mute.” Next day he sent envoys to coax Zhang Zhao back. Zhang Zhao rose to apologize; Sun Quan knelt to stop him. Seated, Zhang Zhao said: Lady Wu and Prince Ce left you to me—not me to you—so I owe you perfect loyalty. I expected to die disgraced for defying you—never dreamed you would recall me to council. Still my service aims only at your good—unto death. Ask me to trim sails for favor—I cannot. Sun Quan apologized.
6
" 使?" " "" " 忿 使 齿 退忿 西 忿
When Gongsun Yuan submitted as a client king, Sun Quan sent Zhang Mi and Xu Yan to Liaodong to enfeoff him as king of Yan. Zhang Zhao argued: Yuan broke with Wei out of fear—that plea for help is opportunism, not conviction. If he swings back to Wei, two dead envoys will make us the empire’s laughingstock. Sun Quan argued harder; Zhang Zhao doubled down. Sun Quan slammed his blade down: Courtiers bow to me inside and to you outside—I honor you past measure—yet you shame me in public till I doubt myself. Zhang Zhao held his gaze: I nag though you ignore me because Lady Wu’s deathbed charge still rings in my ears. Tears streamed down his face. Sun Quan dropped his sword and wept with Zhang Zhao. Still he sent Zhang Mi and Xu Yan. Zhang Zhao boycotted court, feigning illness. Sun Quan piled earth against his door; Zhang Zhao walled himself in from within. Gongsun Yuan executed both envoys. Sun Quan apologized again and again; Zhang Zhao stayed “sick”; when the sovereign called at his gate he pleaded mortal illness. Sun Quan set fire to the gate to scare him—Zhang Zhao only barred his doors tighter. Sun Quan called off the blaze, waited at the door until Zhang Zhao’s sons carried him out, drove him to the palace, and scourged himself. Zhang Zhao yielded and returned to court. 〈Xi Zuochi: Zhang Zhao ceased behaving as a subject!) A minister who is ignored thrice should resign alive—no cause for spite. Duke Mu defied advice yet conquered the west; Duke Wen of Jin flared yet finished the work. Old oaths forgive slips—Hu Yan did not storm off—good rulers and ministers thrive together. Sun Quan admitted fault and humbled himself—that was virtue. Yet Zhang Zhao as minister never measured whether Sun Quan had mended—he sulked, blamed his lord, and waited for the fire—mad conduct.〉
7
" " 使使
Zhang Zhao looked formidable; Sun Quan said: With Zhang Gong I watch every word. The whole court stood in awe. He died at eighty-one in Jiahe 5. He asked for a simple headcloth, plain coffin, and everyday clothes. Sun Quan wore mourning and gave him the posthumous name Marquis Wen. 〈The Dian lüe: Liu Biao once drafted a letter for Sun Ce and showed Mi Heng; Mi sneered—did Liu mean Sun Ce’s boys or Zhang Zhao to read it? Did Mi mean Zhang Zhao outshone him? Still the draft was polished—far from illiterate. Wu dubbed Zhang Zhao its Guan Zhong—what a minister—yet Pei regrets he bloomed in the south, not the Central Plain.〉 Eldest son Zhang Cheng already held a marquisate; younger Zhang Xiu inherited.
8
Nephew Zhang Fen
9
"?"" "
At twenty Zhang Fen built a heavy siege engine on Bu Zhi’s recommendation. Zhang Zhao protested: “You are too young for camp.” Zhang Fen cited boy-warriors and Ziqi of E— “Talent matters, not age.” He took command, won repeated victories, and rose to (Ping province) inspector-in-chief with the village marquisate of Lexiang.
10
Zhang Cheng
11
西西 婿 婿
Zhang Cheng, styled Zhongsi, famous young for scholarship; befriended Zhuge Jin, Bu Zhi, and Yan Jun. Sun Quan as agile-cavalry general named him western bureau aide, then west commandant of Changsha. He crushed hill bandits and raised fifteen thousand elite men. Later he commanded Ruxu, became General Who Displays Might, marquis of Dou township, with five thousand household troops. Staunch and blunt, he spotted Cai Kuan and Xie Jing as boys in obscurity; both rose—Cai to commandant of the guards, Xie to Yuzhang prefect. 〈The Wu lu: Cai Kuan, styled Wende, served everywhere and shone for integrity.) He later combined commandant of the guards with palace secretary and received the marquisate of Liu. Two sons: Cai Tiao and Cai Ji. Cai Tiao rose under Sun Hao to secretary director and junior tutor to the heir. Cai Ji became Linchuan prefect. Xie Jing’s story appears under Sun Deng.〉 When young Zhuge Ke dazzled everyone. Zhang Cheng predicted Zhuge Ke would ruin the Zhuge house. He promoted talent tirelessly, visited every promising scholar, died at sixty-seven in Chiwu 7 with posthumous name Ding. Son Zhang Zhen inherited. When Zhang Cheng was widowed, Zhang Zhao wanted Zhuge Jin’s daughter; Zhang Cheng hesitated because they were friends—Sun Quan urged the match. 〈Pei Songzhi: Zhang Cheng and Zhuge Jin died the same years—Zhang Cheng only four years younger.〉 Their daughter married Sun Quan’s son Sun He. Sun Quan told Sun He to honor Zhang Cheng as his father-in-law. Zhang Zhen died when Zhuge Ke fell.
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Zhang Xiu
13
忿
Zhang Xiu, styled Shusi, joined Zhuge Ke and Gu Tan as companions to heir Sun Deng and taught him the Han Records. 〈The Wu shu: Zhang Xiu parsed texts into neat sections.) At banquets Sun Deng joined the music and drank with him. Sun Deng adored his frank wit and kept him close.〉 He moved from heir’s attendant to right aide commandant. Sun Quan hunted till dusk; Zhang Xiu remonstrated; Sun Quan praised him and showed Zhang Zhao. After Sun Deng died he rose to attendant-in-chief, colonel of the Feathered Forest, overseer of three military offices, then General Who Displays Might. Prince Lu’s clique framed him with Gu Tan and Gu Cheng over credit for Shao Lake—he and Gu Cheng colluded with Chen Xun to pad the tally—and all were exiled to Jiao. The flatterer Sun Hong angered Zhang Xiu 〈The Wu lu: Sun Hong came from Kuaiji.〉 Sun Hong denounced him; an edict forced Zhang Xiu to die at forty-one.
14
鸿
Gu Yong, styled Yutan, from Wu commandery. 〈The Wu lu: great-grandfather Gu Feng, styled Jihong, was Yingchuan prefect.〉 Cai Yong fled to Wu from Shuofang; Gu Yong studied music and calligraphy under him. 〈The Jiangbiao zhuan: Gu Yong studied with Cai Yong—quiet, sharp, teachable.) Cai Yong said: “You will accomplish much—I lend you my given name.” Hence Gu Yong shares Cai Yong’s name. (The Wu lu: “Yutan” means “the one Cai Yong praised.”〉 Recommended young, he served Hefei, then Lou, Qu’e, and Shangyu with a fine record. Sun Quan held Kuaiji in title; Gu Yong ran it as aide, crushed bandits, won the people, then entered as left marshal. As king of Wu Gu Yong rose to grand judge, minister of ceremonies, and secretary director, marquis of Yangsui—his household learned only when he came home enfeoffed.
15
使 访 退 便 访 怀 怀
In Huangwu 4 he brought his mother to Wu. Sun Quan greeted her, bowed to Lady Gu in court, filled the hall with lords, and sent the heir to honor her. Gu Yong drank nothing, spoke little, moved with quiet propriety. Sun Quan said: “When Gu Yong speaks, he hits the mark.” At feasts attendants feared Gu Yong’s gaze and checked their cups. Sun Quan joked: “Gu Yong kills the mood.” Everyone feared him. That year he became minister of ceremonies. Promoted to marquis of Liling, he succeeded Sun Shao as chancellor over the secretariat. He placed civil and military men strictly on merit without favoritism. He toured the folkways and whispered policy notes to the throne. If Sun Quan acted on his tip, Gu Yong credited the ruler; if ignored, he stayed silent. Sun Quan valued his discretion; in council Gu Yong spoke softly but held firm. Once Sun Quan asked for counsel; Zhang Zhao said laws were thick and penalties harsh. Sun Quan turned to Gu Yong: “Your view?” Gu Yong said: “I agree with Zhang Zhao.” Sun Quan relaxed criminal law. 〈The Jiangbiao zhuan: Sun Quan sent secretariat clerks to consult Gu Yong.) If the clerk’s plan matched Gu Yong’s, they refined it over dinner.) If Gu Yong disagreed, his face went cold; he said nothing, offered nothing, withdrew, and reported. Sun Quan said: "If Gu Yong smiles, the plan is sound. When he stays silent, the matter is still wrong—I must think again." Such was the trust he commanded. Frontier generals pitched raids for glory. Sun Quan asked Gu Yong, who said: "The Art of War warns against petty gains—these men chase credit, not the realm—stop them. Unless a strike truly hurts the foe, ignore it." Sun Quan agreed. He never spoke policy aloud except face-to-face.〉 Lu Yi and Qin Bo ran the palace secretariat and audited every office. Lu Yi abused the audit to tax salt and wine, hunt petty guilt, slander chiefs, and shame Gu Yong until ministers were censured. When Lu Yi's crimes surfaced, the court jailed him. Gu Yong tried the case. Yi as prisoner met—Yong with harmonious countenance asked his plea statement—at departure—again said to Yi: "Lord—could it be you wish to say something?" Lu Yi kowtowed in silence. Secretariat clerk Huai Xu cursed Lu Yi; Gu Yong scolded him: "We have laws—no street abuse." 〈The Jiangbiao zhuan: Sun Quan wed a niece to the Gus and invited Gu Yong and Sun Tan—then chief of personnel.) Sun Quan reveled that night. Sun Tan danced drunk and would not stop. Gu Yong seethed. Next day he rebuked Sun Tan: "Rulers endure slights; ministers stay humble. Xiao He froze before Gaozu; Wu Han served Guangwu with sober zeal. What great deeds have you for Wu? You ride family rank—how dare you dance on like a fool? Drunk or not, you forgot respect. You will ruin our house." He turned to the wall; Sun Tan stood an hour before dismissal. Xu Zhong: Gu Yong stayed kind to Lu Yi despite past slanders—a true elder. Yet inviting Lu Yi's last words was wrong. Lu Yi wrecked loyal men; from Sun Deng and Lu Xun down everyone begged his death—Pan Jun meant to stab him at court—yet Gu Yong coaxed his confession. If Lu Yi pleaded innocence without proof, the trial failed. If Sun Quan spared Lu Yi on Gu Yong's word, Lu Xun and Sun Deng would rage. Huai Xu bore Lu Yi no grudge—he cursed out justice. When Jiwuzi died, Zeng Dian sang at his gate. Zi Xi cut his hair; Zi Chan ordered suicide. So Gu Yong should not have scolded Huai Xu.〉
16
簿 巿使 怀使 宿 寿
Gu Yong served nineteen years as chancellor and died at seventy-six in Chiwu 6. Early in his illness Sun Quan sent Physician Zhao Quan. He promoted youngest son Gu Ji as chief of cavalry. Gu Yong said: "Zhao Quan reads life and death—I will die—so the sovereign promotes Ji while I can see." Sun Quan mourned in plain dress and named him Marquis Su. Eldest Gu Shao died young; second Gu Yu was chronically ill; Gu Ji inherited but left no sons—the line ended. Yong'an first year edict stated: "Former chancellor Yong—ultimate virtue loyal worthy—aided state with ritual—yet marquis lineage ended. The throne mourned. Let Yong's second son Yu inherit noble rank as Marquis of Liling—to clearly display old merit." 〈The Wu lu: Gu Yu, alias Mu, died as Yidu prefect.) His son was Gu Rong. (The Jin shu: Gu Rong, styled Yanxian, famed in the southeast; Yellow Gates under Wu, high Jin offices.) When Sima Rui secured Jiangdong he named Gu Rong army marshal with great honor. Dead, he won posthumous attendant-in-chief, agile cavalry, Three Ducal honors. Nephew Gu Yu, styled Mengzhu, was a rising Jin officer who died young. (The Wu shu: younger brother Gu Hui.) Styled Zitan, learned abroad, silver-tongued. Sun Quan heard his rhetoric and made him chief clerk. Once he stopped a hanging over one hundred cash. He raced to court: "We need soldiers against Wei—spare this strong thief over pennies. Sun Quan agreed. Promoted to eastern bureau aide. Rumors said Cao Cao would march east; Sun Quan sent Gu Hui: "Learn his mind." Named aide who aids righteousness; he met Cao Cao. Cao Cao asked after Wu; Gu Hui said harvests were rich and bandits had yielded. Cao Cao laughed: "Sun Quan and I are kin—we aid the Han—why spin yarns?" Gu Hui answered: "You are family—I report southland news." Cao Cao treated him well and sent him home. Sun Quan asked what he learned; Gu Hui said spying was hard. Yet he heard Cao Cao was busy fighting Yuan Tan." Sun Quan named him Badong prefect but he died first. Son Gu Yu, styled Jize, rose to General Who Guards the East. Kinsman Gu Ti, styled Zitong, famed for filial honor. County clerk at fifteen, gentleman of the palace, then partial general. Late in Sun Quan's reign he and Zhu Ju warned bluntly about the succession. He visited his wife only nights—almost never saw her by day. Even sick he dressed fully when his wife visited—pure ritual. His father served four counties; Gu Ti swept the room, dressed up, and knelt to read each letter. Ill news brought tears mid-read. He fasted five days when his father died. Sun Quan gave him padded coats and forced him out of deepest mourning. Though public duty cut mourning short, he painted a coffin on his wall and wept till he died unfinished. Four sons: Yan, Li, Qian, Mi. Gu Mi became Jin prefect of Jiao. Gu Mi's son Zhong rose to vice secretary.〉
17
Gu Shao
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西簿 " " 使
Gu Shao, styled Xiaze, read widely and loved ethics. As a youth he rivaled uncle Lu Ji; Lu Xun, Zhang Dun, and Bu Jing stood slightly below. 〈The Wu lu: Zhang Dun styled Shufang; Bu Jing styled Xuanfeng—both from Wu.) Zhang Dun was deep, quiet, and literary. Sun Quan named him aide and Haihun magistrate; he died at thirty-two. Bu Jing died as magistrate of Yan.〉 Scholars everywhere sought him out and praised his name. Sun Quan married him to Sun Ce's daughter. At twenty-seven he became Yuzhang prefect. On arrival he sacrificed at Xu Ruzi's grave. He cared for Xu's descendants. He banned illicit shrines. He sent promising clerks to school, promoted the best, and spread decorum. He lifted Ding Xu from the ranks and Zhang Bing from commoners. He befriended Wu Can and Yin Li from humble roots. When Zhang Bing mourned, Gu Shao wore hemp for him. Leaving for Yuzhang near home, Zhang Bing fell ill—hundreds came to see him off. Gu Shao told guests: "Zhang Bing is too sick to say goodbye—I must see him—wait here briefly." He fussed over humble clients like this. Ding Xu rose to colonel of the household army; Zhang Bing and Yin Li became prefects. 〈Yin Li's son Yin Ji wrote Tongyu: Yin Li, styled Desi, was grave even as a boy.) At nineteen he was assistant magistrate of Wu. Sun Quan as king named him gentleman of the palace. Later he joined Zhang Wen's mission to Shu and impressed Zhuge Liang. He rose to Lingling prefect and died in harness. (Wenshi zhuan: Yin Ji commanded the Feathered Forest and wrote Tongyu.) He had three sons. Eldest Yin Ju became general and Cangwu prefect after Jin conquered Wu. Youngest Yin You was Wu prefect.〉 Wu Can rose to junior tutor to the heir. His generation called Gu Shao a judge of character. After five years as prefect he died; sons Gu Tan and Gu Cheng survived.
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Gu Tan
20
簿
Gu Tan, styled Zimo, was one of Sun Deng's four companions and became aide commandant. 〈Lu Ji's biography of Gu Tan: when Sun Deng took the eastern palace, the court packed his salon with talent.) Zhuge Ke dominated the heir's court, yet Gu Tan's clarity won highest esteem. Men like Fan Shen lauded Gu Tan above themselves.〉 In Chiwu he succeeded Zhuge Ke as left quartermaster. 〈Wu shu: Sun Quan skipped a meal praising his first memorial.) His lofty cold manner drew resentment. Sun Quan still favored and enriched him.〉 He audited ledgers in his head without counting rods and caught every error. He added chief of carriages and cavalry. Personnel chief Xue Zong ceded the post: Gu Tong exceeds me in every way. Gu Tan took personnel.
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Months after Gu Yong died he became minister of ceremonies and ran the secretariat. Prince Lu rivaled Crown Prince He; Gu Tan warned:
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使 使退 便
States must separate heir and younger princes by rank or invite ruin. Jia Yi warned that overweight feudal power invites revolt even among kin. Too much power cost Liu Chang his kingdom. Weak Wu Rui kept Changsha for generations. When Han Wendi seated his favorite beside the empress, Yuan Ang intervened. Yuan Ang cited the human-pig story and forced sense into the court. Gu Tan claimed he meant to secure both heir and Prince Lu.
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婿 退 退
Prince Lu now hated Gu Tan. Quan Ji served Prince Lu; Gu Tan spurned him. Earlier Gu Cheng and Zhang Xiu fought Wang Ling at Shao Lake; Wei troops crushed five Wu camps (text reads Qin Er) until Zhang Xiu and Gu Cheng counterattacked. They halted Wang Ling. Quan Xu and Quan Duan charged once the line steadied. Wang Ling pulled back. The court debated credit. Stopping the rout outweighed chasing the retreat. So Zhang Xiu and Gu Cheng won major general ranks; Quan sons only minor. Quan Ji and his father framed Gu Tan. 〈Wu lu: the Quans said Chen Xun padded Gu Cheng’s record.) Sun Quan jailed Zhang Xiu but hesitated for Gu Tan's sake. At court Sun Quan asked Gu Tan to apologize; Gu Tan cried conspiracy. (Officials sought Gu Tan’s death for lèse-majesté.) Sun Quan spared him for Gu Yong and exiled the clan.〉 Exiled to Jiao, Gu Tan wrote New Discourses in twenty chapters. The essay “Knowing Difficulty” vents his grief. After two years in exile he died at forty-two in Jiaozhi.
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Gu Cheng
25
" " 西
Gu Cheng, styled Zizhi, was summoned with Lu Mao in Jiahe. Sun Quan wrote Gu Yong: “Your grandson exceeds his fame.” Sun Quan named him chief of cavalry over the Feathered Forest. He pacified hill tribes with Zhuge Ke, took eight thousand men, garrisoned Zhangkeng, then entered court. After Shao Lake he became General Who Displays Might below the capital. Years later he was exiled with Gu Tan and Zhang Xiu and died at thirty-seven.
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Zhuge Jin
27
婿 使退
Zhuge Jin, styled Ziyu, from Yangdu in Langye. 〈Wu shu: the Ge clan came from Zhuge county.) Locals merged two Ge lines into Zhuge. He studied the Mao Odes, Documents, and Zuo commentary in the capital. He mourned his mother deeply and honored his stepmother. (Fengsu tong gives another origin for the Zhuge surname.) (Pei notes variant genealogy.〉 At Han’s fall he fled east. Hong Zi introduced him to Sun Quan with Lu Su. He served as chief clerk and central marshal. In Jian’an 20 he visited Shu with Zhuge Liang and kept their talks official.
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忿忿 使 " """
He remonstrated Sun Quan without blunt confrontation. He circled back by analogy until Sun Quan cooled. Sun Quan nursed a grudge against Zhu Zhi yet could not confront him. Zhuge Jin drafted a tactful letter about hierarchy to vent Sun Quan’s spleen. Sun Quan laughed: You untied my knot. “Is this not the courtesy Yuan Ang praised?” Sun Quan also meant to execute Yin Mo. Courtiers pleaded; Sun Quan grew fiercer while Zhuge Jin stayed mute. Sun Quan snapped: “Why don’t you speak?” Zhuge Jin rose: “We fled annihilation with Yin Mo.” You gave us life—we failed to keep Mo honest. Mo betrayed your grace. I am too ashamed to argue. Sun Quan spared Yin Mo for Zhuge Jin.
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" 忿 ? " "" 使 退
He took Nan commandery after Lü Meng’s strike on Guan Yu. He urged Liu Bei from Baidi to weigh Shu against Wu against Wei. Consider what truly matters. Lower your rage and decide without the crowd. Compare Guan Yu to the First Ruler; compare Jingzhou to the empire. Which feud should come first? The math is simple. 〈Pei Songzhi: Liu Bei’s Jingzhou wedge mattered strategically.) Pei argues Sun Quan aided Cao Pi against Han restoration. Just war should target Sun Quan. Zhuge Jin could answer Liu Bei on moral grounds without lacking arguments. Liu Bei and Guan Yu were limbs; grief ran too deep for a letter to heal. Recording Pei’s rant wastes ink.〉 Rumors linked Zhuge Jin to Liu Bei; Sun Quan swore mutual loyalty. 〈The Jiangbiao zhuan: secret slander at Nan commandery.) Lu Xun vouched for Zhuge Jin. Sun Quan vouched for Zhuge Jin’s integrity. Sun Quan recalled asking Zhuge Jin to keep Zhuge Liang. Sun Quan would have written Liu Bei if Zhuge Liang had stayed. Zhuge Jin said Liang had pledged Shu forever. His staying was like my going to Shu. His words rang true as oath. How could Jin plot now? Sun Quan showed Jin slander letters; Jin replied on duty. They trusted each other beyond rumor. Sun Quan forwarded Lu Xun’s memorial to Jin.〉 Huangwu 1: General of the Left at Gong’an with axe and Wanling marquisate. 〈Wu lu: Zhuge Jin relieved Zhu Ran at Jiangling.) Zhuge Jin was slow; Sun Quan faulted the stalled siege. Spring floods let Wu float bridges and drive Wei back. No grand victory, yet he saved the army.〉
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Zhuge Jin pleaded for Yu Fan’s exile. Yu Fan thanked Zhuge Jin. Yet Yu feared his crimes were too deep to clear.)
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" 使 西 ! "
Men admired Zhuge Jin’s poise. Sun Quan consulted him on policy. Sun Quan cited Lu Xun: Wei should crumble after Cao Pi’s death. Lu Xun saw Wei reform under Cao Rui. Sun Quan disagreed. Cao Cao’s cruelty was killing and splitting families. Few matched Cao’s generalship. Cao Pi fell far short of Cao Cao. Cao Rui fell shorter still. Sun Quan called Rui’s reforms panic favors, not strength. Who could fierce generals obey—scholar ministers? Divided power breeds chaos. Zhang Er and Chen Yu were friends— —yet turned on each other when powerful. Ministers obeyed only from fear of Cao Cao. Cao Pi won loyalty by grown age and grace. A child ruler invites faction war. Slander would split Wei. A boy cannot steer factions. That collapse cannot last. Sun Quan predicted Wei fracturing under shared justice power. He told Zhuge Jin Lu Xun might be wrong on Wei.) 〈Pei Songzhi: Cao Rui was capable; Sun Quan wrong yet prophetic for later Wei.) Pei ties Sun Quan’s words to later Wei collapse. Historians kept Sun Quan’s essay as veiled critique.〉
32
Sun Quan made Zhuge Jin grand general and nominal Yu inspector. After Lu Yi fell, Sun Quan’s edict to Jin is under Sun Quan’s bio. Zhuge Jin answered with tact. Sun Quan prized Zhuge Ke. Zhuge Jin feared Ke would ruin the clan. 〈Wu shu: Zhuge clan held power in three states.) Pei praises Jin’s virtue over Liang. Jin refused remarriage and exposed a concubine’s infant—such caution.〉 He died at sixty-eight in Chiwu 4, asking a simple funeral.
33
Zhuge Rong
34
西
Zhuge Ke held his own marquisate; Rong inherited Jin’s. He commanded at Gong’an— 〈Wu shu: Zhuge Rong lived for pleasure.) Wu drafted tens of thousands at Piling for colony farms. Sun Quan gave Rong Chen Biao’s post, then Jin’s command.〉 His troops loved him. When the frontier was quiet he hunted and drilled in autumn and winter, hosted banquets in spring and summer, gave clerks and troops leave, and drew guests from a thousand li away. Each gathering matched guests by skill for chess, chupu, pitch-pot, or archery; fruit and wine flowed while Rong watched all day. His kin dressed plainly— —while Rong wore silk finery. After Sun Quan died he became General Who Displays Might. Zhuge Ke sent him up the Han against Wei. After Ke fell, troops moved to arrest Rong. Rong poisoned himself; his sons died. 〈Jiangbiao zhuan: children’s song foretold Rong’s death.) Rong swallowed a gold seal and died.〉
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Bu Zhi, styled Zishan, from Huaiyin. 〈Wu shu traces Bu surname to Zhou.) Han Huaiyin marquis was ancestor.〉 He fled to the south broke. He and Wei Jing grew melons and studied by night. 〈Wu shu: Bu Zhi studied everything.〉
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" " "?"""
The magnate Jiao of Kuaiji— 〈Called Zhengqiang from a former post.〉 —ran riot with clients. Bu Zhi feared Jiao’s men. They brought melons as tribute. Jiao kept them waiting; Wei Jing wanted to leave. Bu Zhi said they came because they feared him— —leaving would only breed hate. Jiao snubbed them; Bu Zhi stayed calm. Jiao feasted while feeding them scraps. Wei Jing starved; Bu Zhi ate his fill. Bu Zhi said poverty deserved slight. 〈Wei Jing rose high.〉
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便 使 使
Sun Quan named Bu Zhi chief clerk. 〈Wu shu: Bu Zhi later toured Wu with Jin and Yan.〉 He was Haiyan magistrate then eastern aide to the chariots general. 〈Alternate post as Xuzhou aide.〉 Jian’an 15: Poyang prefect. Within the year he became Jiao inspector and Colonel Who Establishes Martial Might. He led a thousand martial archers and marched south by the nearest route. The next year he received credentials as Bearer of the Imperial Insignia and General of the South Who Campaigns. Wu Ju, whom Liu Biao had installed at Cangwu, secretly turned disloyal—outwardly submissive but inwardly defiant. Bu Zhi feigned peace to lure Wu Ju, slew him at their meeting, and displayed the corpse; his prestige thundered across the south. Shi Xie and his brothers then submitted in turn—the south began offering allegiance to Wu from that point. Yizhou magnates led by Yong Kai killed Shu’s appointee Zheng Ang, contacted Shi Xie, and sought to come over to Wu. Bu Zhi sent envoys under mandate to offer grace and bring them in; he was promoted to General Who Pacifies the Rong and enfeoffed as Marquis of Guangxin.
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In Yankang 1 (220 ce), Sun Quan sent Lü Dai to replace Bu Zhi, who led ten thousand loyal troops from Jiaozhou out of Changsha. When Liu Bei marched east, Wuling tribes stirred; Sun Quan ordered Bu Zhi up to Yiyang. After Liu Bei’s defeat, Ling and Gui commanderies still rioted and barred roads with arms; Bu Zhi campaigned until every pocket was quiet. In Huangwu 2 (223 ce) he became General of the Right and Left Protector of the Army and was re-enfeoffed as Marquis of Linxiang. In the fifth year he received the tally and moved his camp to Oukou.
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西 " ? "
When Sun Quan took the imperial title, Bu Zhi became General of Agile Cavalry and nominal shepherd of Ji Province. That year he took overall command at Xiling. He succeeded Lu Xun on both frontiers; soon he shed the Ji shepherd title because that province lay in Shu’s nominal sphere. Crown Prince Deng was at Wuchang, gracious and eager for good counsel, and wrote Bu Zhi: “The worthy are the ones who enlarge the kingly transformation and steady the times.” “My own gifts are dull; though I mean to cleave to virtue and wise men, I am still unsure how to order near and distant talents.” The Tradition says: “To love them is to labor for them; loyalty means teaching them.” “That is the idea—and it is what I expect of noble men!” Bu Zhi then catalogued worthies active in Jingzhou—Zhuge Jin, Lu Xun, Zhu Ran, Cheng Pu, Pan Jun, Pei Xuan, Xiahou Cheng, Wei Jing, Li Su, 〈The Wu shu: Li Su, courtesy name Weigong, was from Nanyang.) From youth he was known for talent and debate; he ranked men fairly, singled out the unusual, promoted juniors, and earned general respect. Sun Quan raised him to head the Selection Bureau; his appointments were called adept. He asked for a field post and served as Guiyang prefect; officials and commoners were glad to obey. He was recalled to court rank. When he died suddenly, all who knew him mourned. (End Wu shu note.〉 Bu Zhi named eleven men in all, closing with Zhou Tiao and Shi Gan. He assessed each man’s service and submitted a memorial of commendation:
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西
“I have heard that the ruler does not busy himself with trifles—each office carries its charge.” So Shun appointed nine sages and could rule the realm without leaving his hall—playing the five strings and singing the “South Wind.” Duke Huan of Qi used Guan Zhong—unkempt in his carriage—yet Qi was ordered and the alliances followed. Gaozu of Han drew the Three Heroes and built an empire; Western Chu lost great captains and fell; with Ji An at court Huainan’s plots slept. When Zhi Du held the frontier, the Xiongnu vanished from it. Where a worthy stands, he turns battle ten thousand li away—he is the state’s keen blade and the hinge of fortune. Royal virtue has not yet reached north of the Han; along the Yellow and Luo usurpers still lurk—this is the hour to gather heroes and elevate the capable. “If the heir weighs these classics deeply, the realm will be all the better for it.”
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Later, when Lü Yi audited documents and impeached widely, Bu Zhi memorialized:
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使?
“I hear your inspectors seize on trivia and invent guilt—heavy charges and deep slander—to build their own terror and favor.” “The innocent are tortured until everyone cowers. Ancient jailers were chosen for virtue—Gao Yao as minister, the Lüxing code, Zhang and Yu as commandants—so the people were free of injustice and peace flourished.” “Today’s petty clerks diverge from that—cases close by bribery and life is cheap; blame rebounds on the throne and breeds national resentment—a single cry of complaint can wound the kingly way.” Bright virtue and cautious punishment—the wise attend to punishments—the classics praise this. “Henceforth let hidden trials at the capital go to Gu Yong, and at Wuchang to Lu Xun and Pan Jun—fair minds bent on truth—verdicts clear as spirits—then who would resent his sentence?”
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宿 ?
He also said: “The Son of Heaven takes Heaven as father and Earth as mother—so palace and bureaucracy mirror the constellations.” “When policy follows the seasons and each post holds the right man, yin and yang balance and the seven luminaries keep their courses.” “Yet now offices stand empty; though great ministers remain, they are not trusted—how should Heaven and Earth show no omens? Hence these years of drought—the reply of fierce yang.” “On Jiahe 6.5.14, and on Red Raven 2.1.1 and 2.1.27, the earth quaked.” “Earth is yin—the image of ministers—yin qi surges so it moves; ministers below wield power.” “Heaven and Earth send warnings—should not the ruler ponder them deeply?”
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使殿
He added: Chancellor Gu Yong— Grand General Lu Xun and Grand Master Pan Jun—deeply burdened and utterly loyal, sleepless for state and people—are the spine and limbs of the altars of soil and grain. “Entrust them fully—do not set other offices over their bureaus—demand results and grade failure.” “These three—if their counsel fails, so be it—would they abuse majesty and bully their sovereign?”
45
使
He also asked: “With rewards for good, punishments for evil, worthies in place, and law applied with clarity—what task would not succeed or sense fail?” “If every prefect and magistrate were the right man and they coordinated, would government not thrive?” “I hear counties swarm with extra clerks—the people are worn and usage rots.” “Petty men clutch commissions, throw weight around, help nothing, and harm the people—I say abolish them outright.”
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Sun Quan took the point and executed Lü Yi. Bu Zhi repeatedly recommended the overlooked and rescued people in trouble—dozens of memorials. Sun Quan could not adopt everything but often heeded him, and many were saved. 〈The Wu lu: Bu Zhi reported northern defectors saying Wei lined up east, sewing sacks to fill the Yangtze with sand against Jingzhou.) Now preparations not advance set—hard respond sudden—ought for it guard. Sun Quan replied: That lot is feeble—what scheme could they have? They will not dare come. If I am wrong, I owe you a thousand head of cattle for a feast. Later Lü Fan and Zhuge Ke relayed Bu Zhi’s words: Every time we read his memorial we burst out laughing. This river has flowed since creation—who could dam it with sandbags! (End Wu lu.
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西
In Red Raven 9 (246 ce) he succeeded Lu Xun as chancellor, still teaching pupils and never putting down his books. His dress and quarters were as spare as a scholar’s. Yet his wives and concubines dressed lavishly, and he was faulted for it. For twenty years at Xiling neighboring enemies respected his authority. He was magnanimous and popular; pleasure and anger never showed on his face, yet discipline ran tight within and without.
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西西 西西 使西退
Section fragment. Subsection marker. He died that year; his son Bu Xie succeeded his commands as General Who Pacifies the Army. When Bu Xie died, his son Bu Ji inherited the marquisate. Bu Xie’s younger brother Bu Chan succeeded as Xiling commander, became General Who Displays Martial Might and Marquis of West Pavilion; in Phoenix 1 he was recalled as Encircling Tent commander. After generations at Xiling Bu Chan was suddenly summoned, feared demotion and slander, and surrendered the city to Jin; he sent Bu Ji and Bu Xuan to Luoyang as hostages. Jin named him commander of all Xiling forces, Guard General, ceremony equal to the Three Dukes, palace attendant, credential-bearing shepherd of Jiaozhou, and Duke of Yidu. Bu Ji supervised Jiangling operations as General of the Left. He became gentleman attendant at the palace, concurrent Luling prefect, and was re-enfeoffed as Marquis of Jiangling; Bu Xuan was palace aide, General Who Displays Might, and Metropolitan Village marquis. Jin ordered Yang Hu and Yang Zhao of Jing Province to march to relieve Bu Chan. Sun Hao sent Lu Kang west; Yang Hu and his colleagues withdrew. Lu Kang took the city and executed Bu Chan and kin—the Bu line ended except for Bu Xuan’s posterity.
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Zhou Zhao of Yingchuan wrote in praise of Bu Zhi, Yan Jun, and others:
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!使 使 祿 使 使 ! 祿 使
Worthy men who ruined name, body, house, or state did so for many reasons, but most faults fall under four kinds. Rash argument; rivalry for status; cliquishness; and reckless haste. Rash words wound; status fights ruin friendship; factions blind the ruler; haste costs virtue—unless these four are shed, no one stays whole. Some contemporaries avoid them, yet none match Gu Shao, Zhuge Jin, Chancellor Bu, Commandant Yan, and Zhang Fenwei for sheer excellence. The Analects says the Master was gentle and taught well, and that the gentleman completes others’ good, not their ill—Gu Shao embodied that. “Distantly stern, close warm, and strict in speech”—Zhuge Jin matched it. “Respectful and calm, awe-inspiring without harshness”—the chancellor walked it. “Learning not for pay, mind coveting nothing”—Yan Jun and Zhang Zhao practiced it. Those five differed in weight of virtue, yet in steering clear of the four pitfalls they were one. Once Ding Ji rose from poverty and Wu Can from herding; Gu Shao praised them until they stood with Lu Xun and Quan Cong—no talent stayed hidden and manners grew generous. Envoy Jin, Chancellor Bu, and Commandant Yan began as common friends; critics later ranked their merits. At first they named Yan first and Bu second, then Zhuge Jin last. Serving the same enlightened lord, their careers diverged; order of eminence flipped—ordinary folk took that as proof of relative effort. Yet their friendship never broke—true ancient loyalty. Lu Meng once held ten thousand men at Lukou—a shining feat—who would not covet it? When Lu Meng died, Yan Jun was offered the post; knowing he was no general, he refused until it was withdrawn. Later he rose among the Nine Ministers and the Eight Seats—yet glory did not feed his pride nor salary his needs. As for those two, both rose to supreme generalships with fabulous wealth and rank. Commandant Yan coveted nothing; the two men neither pressed nor touted him—they kept their own course. They preserved their good names. Confucius said: “The gentleman is dignified without quarrel; sociable without forming factions.” There lies true bearing in that. Zhang Fenwei too ranked next after the three—holding one frontier and a supreme general’s charge—no less than Envoy Jin or the chancellor. Yet weighing service and merit, there really was an order of precedence; hence their honors differed. Still, holding such a post, Fenwei knew his limits—no longing to stray and no grasping excess. Whenever he entered court he moved by ritual; his words were careful and always loyal. Zhang Xiu, styled Shusu, was imperial kin yet warned of Yan Jun’s fall; Cai Wenzhi, though humble and remote, praised Yan Jun’s excellence in conversation. His daughter married the heir-apparent with funeral-grade restraint; indignant yet generous, he fixed on character—outcomes matched his fears—a man who kept the Way, read the moment, and honored antiquity. In marshaling the realm or commanding armies—in the heat of crisis and king-making—they were not uniquely supreme. Yet in pure adherence to the Way, refusing easy gain, riding the age while keeping name and conduct clean—aloof from vulgar fashion—they truly had models. I sketch their deeds for gentlemen who come after.
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Zhou Zhao, courtesy name Gongyuan, helped Wei Yao, Xue Ying, and Hua He compile the Wu shu, later served as a palace secretariat officer, was jailed for an offense; Hua He appealed for him but Emperor Xiu of Wu refused, and Zhao was put to death.
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Author’s comment
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!
The appraisal says: Zhang Zhao inherited a mandate to assist, fulfilled heavy duty, and was loyal, blunt, and upright, never acting for private ends. Yet men feared his sternness and kept him at arm’s length—so he never became chancellor or imperial tutor, and ended his days at ease in retirement; that shows how Sun Quan fell short of Sun Ce. Gu Yong leaned on inherited estate and Jiang Zhi’s strategic grasp, and so reached the summit of rank. Zhuge Jin and Bu Zhi were valued for conduct and policy; Zhang Cheng and Gu Shao were modest elders who honored talent; Zhou Zhao’s essay praised them handsomely—hence the lengthy record. Gu Tan offered counsel for the public good with unwavering integrity. Zhang Xiu and Zhang Cheng held fast to their aims; their followers hoped only for goodness. Love and hatred clashed; faction washed them to the southern frontier—how tragic!”
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