Book of Wu · Biographies of Zhu Zhi, Zhu Ran, Lü Fan, and Zhu Huan

Zhu Zhi, courtesy name Junli, was from Guzhang in Danyang. Beginning as a county official, he was recommended as Filial and Incorrupt, recruited as provincial attendant officer, and followed Sun Jian on campaign. In Zhongping 5 he became army major. Merits against Zhou Chao, Su Ma, and other rebels in Changsha, Lingling, and Guiyang brought recommendation as acting commandant. He helped defeat Dong Zhuo at Yangren and enter Luoyang, then became acting Colonel Who Supervises the Army, leading a separate force east to assist Governor of Xu Province Tao Qian against Yellow Turbans. After Sun Jian died, he supported Sun Ce under Yuan Shu. Recognizing Yuan Shu lacked political virtue, he urged Sun Ce to return and pacify the east. Grand Tutor Ma Midi, then at Shouchun, recruited him as aide, later Commandant of Wu. Wu Jing was in Danyang while Sun Ce attacked Lujiang for Yuan Shu. Fearing annexation by Yuan and Sun, Liu Yao created hostility. Sun Ce's family remained under the provincial government; Zhu Zhi sent men to Qu'a to receive the Grand Consort (Lady Wu) <Sun Quan's mother> and Sun Quan's brothers, providing generous protection. Advancing from Qiantang to Wu, he defeated Administrator Xu Gong at Youquan. Xu Gong fled to mountain leader Yan Baihu [the supplied text writes Yan Zihu], and Zhu Zhi entered Wu as acting administrator. Sun Ce drove off Liu Yao and settled Kuaiji. At fifteen, Sun Quan was recommended by Zhu Zhi as Filial and Incorrupt. After Sun Ce died, Zhu Zhi and Zhang Zhao supported Sun Quan. [Translator's note: The supplied 馬日碑 is identified contextually as 馬日磾, Ma Midi.]

In Jian'an 7, Sun Quan recommended Zhu Zhi as Administrator of Wu and acting General Who Supports Righteousness. Lou, Youquan, Wuxi, and Piling became his revenue districts, with local officials appointed. Campaigning against Yue peoples, he helped settle the southeast and captured Yellow Turban remnants Chen Bai, Wan Bing, and others. In Huangwu 1 he became Marquis of Piling, retaining the commandery.

In the second year he became General Who Pacifies the State, with gold seal and purple ribbon, his fief moved to Guzhang. As Sun Quan rose through high command and became King of Wu (Sun Quan) <his royal title before imperial accession>, he always personally welcomed Zhu Zhi, exchanged bows holding tablets, and gave especially generous feasts and gifts. Even accompanying officials could present gifts and have private audiences. Such was his exceptional treatment.

Sun Quan's younger brother Sun Yi was sharp-tempered and followed his emotions. Zhu Zhi repeatedly rebuked and instructed him in the Way and righteousness. Sun Quan's elder cousin Sun Ben, Administrator of Yuzhang, had married his daughter to Lord Cao (Cao Cao)'s son. When Lord Cao (Cao Cao) <a respectful designation before later royal and imperial honors> took Jing Province and shook the south, Sun Ben feared him and wished to send a son as hostage. Zhu Zhi sought a meeting and explained safety and danger.

Sun Ben abandoned the proposal. Sun Quan often praised Zhu Zhi's diligence for the state. Frugal despite wealth and rank, he used vehicles and clothes only for practical needs. Sun Quan had the Army-Supervising Censor handle subordinate cities' documents, leaving Zhu Zhi only the taxes of four counties. Yet many ruling kinsmen and members of Wu's Four Surnames served in the commandery, its officials often numbering a thousand. Every few years he sent several hundred to the royal headquarters. Seasonal offerings received exceptionally rich returns. Danyang's remote districts remained rebellious. Growing old and longing for home customs, Zhu Zhi requested Guzhang to pacify the Shanyue. Elders and old friends came to his gate; he welcomed and feasted them, bringing honor to the district. After over a year he returned to Wu. He died at sixty-nine in Huangwu 3, having served in the commandery thirty-one years.

His son Zhu Cai, already a colonel commanding troops, inherited the title and became Assistant General.

Zhu Cai's younger brother Zhu Ji married Sun Ce's daughter at Sun Quan's arrangement and commanded troops as colonel. Younger brothers Zhu Wei and Zhu Wansui died early. Zhu Cai's son Zhu Wan inherited and rose to General Who Guards the West.

Zhu Ran, courtesy name Yifeng, was Zhu Zhi's sister's son, originally surnamed Shi. Childless, Zhu Zhi asked Sun Ce to adopt him at thirteen. Sun Ce ordered Danyang to summon him with sheep and wine and honored him with congratulations at Wu.

Zhu Ran had studied alongside Sun Quan, forming affection. On taking charge, Sun Quan made him Chief of Yuyao at nineteen, then Magistrate of Shanyin and additionally Commandant Who Breaks the Enemy's Charge, supervising five counties. Admiring his ability, Sun Quan divided Danyang to establish Linchuan Commandery and made him administrator.

He received two thousand men and pacified a great mountain uprising within weeks. At Ruxu he defended the great fortress and three passes against Lord Cao (Cao Cao), becoming Assistant General. In Jian'an 24 he joined the Guan Yu campaign, separately going with Pan Zhang to Linju to capture him. He became General Who Displays Martial Might and Marquis of Xi'an District.

When General of Tiger Might Lü Meng was dying, Sun Quan asked who could replace him. He said: “Zhu Ran has abundant courage and firmness. I consider him suitable.” After Lü Meng died, Zhu Ran received acting credentials and command at Jiangling. In Huangwu 1, Liu Bei attacked Yidu. With five thousand men, Zhu Ran joined Lu Xun, defeated Liu Bei's vanguard, and cut the road behind him, causing his rout. He became General Who Conquers the North and Marquis of Yong'an.

Wei sent Cao Zhen, Xiahou Shang, Zhang He, and others against Jiangling, while Emperor Wen of Wei (Cao Pi) <Civil Emperor; a posthumous title> supported them from Wan. Their camps surrounded the city. Sun Quan sent Sun Sheng with ten thousand men to build an external relief fortress on the island. Zhang He crossed and drove Sun Sheng back, occupying it and cutting Zhu Ran off. Pan Zhang, Yang Can, and others could not lift the siege. Many defenders suffered swelling illness; barely five thousand could fight. Wei raised mounds, dug tunnels, and built towers overlooking the city, raining arrows. Officers and soldiers blanched, but Zhu Ran calmly encouraged them and found openings to destroy two camps. The siege lasted six months. Magistrate of Jiangling Yao Tai, guarding the northern gate, saw the enemy's strength, few defenders, and dwindling grain, and secretly planned to help them. Discovered before action, he was executed. Xiahou Shang and the others failed and withdrew. Zhu Ran's fame shook the enemy state, and his fief changed to Dangyang.

In the sixth year Sun Quan attacked Shiyang, then withdrew with Pan Zhang in the rear. A confused night departure exposed Pan Zhang to pursuit. Zhu Ran turned back, held the enemy until the leading ships were far away, and departed slowly. In Huanglong 1 he became General of Chariots and Cavalry, Protector of the Army of the Right, and concurrent Governor of Yan Province, relinquishing that governorship when Yan fell within Shu's allocated share. In Jiahe 3, Sun Quan coordinated a great expedition with Shu, personally advancing on New City while Zhu Ran and Quan Cong received punitive authority as Left and Right Commanders. Illness among the troops caused withdrawal before attack.

In Chiwu 5, he attacked Zhazhong.

Wei generals Pu Zhong and Hu Zhi each brought several thousand men. Pu Zhong blocked a pass to cut Zhu Ran's rear while Hu Zhi supported him. Zhu Ran's forces had dispersed, leaving no time to gather them. He immediately surprised Pu Zhong with eight hundred headquarters men. Pu Zhong lost, and Hu Zhi and the others withdrew.

In the ninth year he again attacked Zhazhong. Wei's Li Xing and others, hearing he had advanced deeply, brought six thousand infantry and cavalry to cut his rear. He attacked by night and returned victorious. Earlier Ma Mao, who had submitted in allegiance, was executed for treachery, deeply angering Sun Quan. Before departure, Zhu Ran wrote: “That fellow betrayed your favor. If Heaven grants success, I wish to fill the river with captured vessels, displaying victory far and near and relieving everyone's anger. Remember my words and demand their fulfillment.” Sun Quan withheld the memorial. After victory, amid congratulations, he produced it over wine and music: “I thought his earlier promise difficult to guarantee. Now he has fulfilled it, showing clear judgment.” An envoy appointed Zhu Ran Grand Marshal of the Left and Military Adviser of the Right.

Under seven chi tall, Zhu Ran was clear in bearing, disciplined in private life, and plain except for ornamented weapons. Constantly alert as on a battlefield, his composure in emergencies surpassed others. Even in peace, drums sounded morning and evening and camp troops formed fully equipped. This kept enemies uncertain, and expeditions repeatedly succeeded. Though Zhuge Rong and Bu Xie inherited their fathers' commands, Sun Quan placed Zhu Ran over them as grand commander. Lu Xun had also died, leaving no surviving meritorious general of equal eminence. Ill for two years and worsening, he received Sun Quan's constant concern. The ruler ate less by day, slept poorly by night, and sent an unbroken stream of doctors, medicines, and food. Each messenger from Zhu Ran was personally questioned and rewarded. Among sick founding ministers, Lü Meng and Ling Tong had received the most concern; Zhu Ran ranked next. He died at sixty-eight in Chiwu 12. Sun Quan mourned in plain dress with deep grief. His son Zhu Ji succeeded. [Translator's note: The supplied 陸遜亦本 is read contextually as Lu Xun's death; the graph is not changed in the Chinese.]

Zhu Ji, courtesy name Gongxu, became Gentleman of the Palace through his father, then Commandant Who Establishes Loyalty. After his uncle Zhu Cai died, he inherited the troops and distinguished himself with Grand Minister of Ceremonies Pan Jun against the Five Streams. As Assistant General and Camp Commander handling bandit cases, he enforced law impartially. The King of Lu (Sun Ba) <a royal title> sought his friendship and visited his office, but Zhu Ji stood below the seating platform and respectfully declined. After Zhu Ran died, he inherited as General Who Pacifies Wei and Commander of Lexiang.

The next year, Wei's General Who Conquers the South Wang Chang failed at Jiangling and withdrew. Zhu Ji wrote General of Rousing Might Zhuge Rong: “He is weary from afar, his horses unfed, retreating exhausted: Heaven helps us. I lack troops for pursuit. Follow me, and I shall break him in front while you exploit it behind, sharing glory rather than one man's achievement.” Zhuge Rong agreed. Zhu Ji caught Wang Chang at Jinan, thirty li from the city, and initially won, but Zhuge Rong failed to advance, causing his later reverse. Sun Quan praised Zhu Ji and rebuked Zhuge Rong severely, though his powerful brother General-in-Chief Zhuge Ke prevented dismissal. Existing hostility between Zhu Ji and the brothers deepened. In Jianxing 1 he became General Who Guards the East.

In spring of the second year, Zhuge Ke demanded his cooperation against New City but left him at Banzhou and put Zhuge Rong over his command. After both brothers were killed that winter, Zhu Ji returned to Lexiang with acting credentials. In Taiping 2 he became General of Agile Cavalry. Under Sun Chen's regency, ministers were divided. Fearing disorder and a northern attack, he secretly sought Shu's preparations against such danger. Shu sent General of the Right Yan Yu with five thousand more defenders to Baidi, awaiting his further word. Early in Yong'an he became Supreme General-in-Chief and Protector-General, commanding from Baqiu upriver to Xiling. In Yuanxing 1 he became Grand Marshal of the Left in his existing post. After mourning Zhu Zhi, Zhu Ran had requested restoration of his original surname, but Sun Quan refused. During Wufeng, Zhu Ji successfully petitioned to become Shi again. He died in Jianheng 2. [Translator's note: He is henceforth also known as Shi Ji. The source's 並兼之慮 is rendered as preparation against danger of annexation, without silently assigning a different diplomatic aim.]

Lü Fan, courtesy name Ziheng, was from Xiyang in Runan. Young, he was a county official, handsome and dignified. He sought the beautiful daughter of a wealthy local Liu household. Her mother objected, but her father said: “Could Lü Ziheng (Lü Fan) remain poor long?” They married. Later a refugee at Shouchun, he impressed Sun Ce and committed himself with a hundred private retainers. Sun Ce sent him to Jiangdu for the Grand Consort (Lady Wu). Thinking him a Yuan spy, Governor of Xu Province Tao Qian urged county officials to torture him, but his brave retainers rescued him. Only Lü Fan and Sun He then constantly accompanied Sun Ce through hardships. Sun Ce treated them like kin and feasted with them before his mother. Lü Fan helped take Lujiang, crossed east, defeated Zhang Ying and Yu Mi at Hengjiang and Dangli, took Lesser Danyang and Hushu, and concurrently governed Hushu. After Moling and Qu'a, and absorption of Ze Rong's and Liu Yao's remaining men, he received two thousand additional troops and fifty horses. Later Magistrate of Wanling, he defeated Danyang rebels, returned to Wu, and became commander-in-chief. [Translator's note: The supplied 長英 is identified contextually as 張英, Zhang Ying, without changing the source.]

Chen Yu of Xiapi called himself Administrator of Wu Commandery and camped at Haixi, allied with Yan Baihu. Sun Ce attacked Yan Baihu himself and separately sent Lü Fan and Xu Yi against Haixi, where they beheaded Chen Yu's chief general Chen Mu.

Lü Fan also attacked Zu Lang at Lingyang and Taishi Ci at Yongli. After seven counties were pacified, he became General of the Household Who Conquers the Enemy, campaigned against Jiangxia, and returned to Poyang. At Sun Ce's death he hurried to the funeral at Wu. During Sun Quan's later Jiangxia campaign, he and Zhang Zhao guarded home. He joined Zhou Yu at Red Cliffs against Lord Cao (Cao Cao), became Deputy General and Administrator of Pengze, with Pengze, Chaisang, and Liyang as revenue districts. When Liu Bei visited Sun Quan at Jing, Lü Fan secretly advised detaining him. Later he became General Who Pacifies the South at Chaisang.

Passing Lü Fan's residence on the Guan Yu campaign, Sun Quan said: “Had I followed your advice early, this labor would be unnecessary. I now go upriver to take him. Guard Jianye for me.” After victory and moving his capital to Wuchang, he made Lü Fan General Who Establishes Might, Marquis of Wanling, and Administrator of Danyang at Jianye, commanding from Fuzhou to the sea, with Liyang, Huai'an, and Ningguo as revenue districts. When Cao Xiu, Zhang Liao, and Zang Ba invaded, Lü Fan led Xu Sheng, Quan Cong, and Sun Shao's fleet against them at Dongkou. He became General of the Front, Acting Bearer of Credentials, and Marquis of Nanchang. A great storm drowned several thousand men and overturned boats. Returning, he became Governor of Yang Province.

He liked imposing ceremony. Provincial men such as Lu Xun, Quan Cong, and noble youths treated him reverently. His residence and clothing were extravagant, but diligence and obedience to law made Sun Quan value his loyalty and overlook luxury.

Sun Ce had entrusted Lü Fan with finances. When the young Sun Quan privately requested things, Lü Fan always reported and never authorized them alone, causing resentment then. As acting Chief of Yangxian, Sun Quan used funds privately. When Sun Ce reviewed accounts, Merit Officer Zhou Gu altered registers to avoid blame, pleasing Sun Quan at the time. Later, governing himself, Sun Quan deeply trusted Lü Fan's loyalty but refused to employ Zhou Gu, who could falsify accounts.

In Huangwu 7, Lü Fan became Grand Marshal but died before his seal and ribbon arrived. Sun Quan mourned in plain dress and sent an envoy to grant them posthumously. After returning the capital to Jianye, he passed Lü Fan's grave, called “Ziheng (Lü Fan)!” with tears, and sacrificed an ox, sheep, and pig.

Lü Fan's eldest son died before him; the second, Lü Ju, inherited.

Lü Ju, courtesy name Shiyi, became Gentleman of the Palace through his father. During Lü Fan's illness he became Deputy Army Colonel assisting command, then General of the Household Who Secures the Army. He defeated mountain rebels in difficult districts and distinguished himself with Pan Jun against the Five Streams. With Zhu Ran against Fan, he and Zhu Yi broke the outer defenses. Returning as Assistant General, he commanded the Right Division of the Horse Establishment and became Colonel of Elite Cavalry. In Taiyuan 1, a great wind flooded city gates. Sent to inspect, Sun Quan saw only Lü Ju had arranged great boats against danger. He made him General Who Sweeps Away Wei, then, during illness, Commander of the Crown Prince's Right Division. After accession he became General of the Right and distinguished himself at Dongxing. After Sun Jun killed Zhuge Ke the next year, Lü Ju became General of Agile Cavalry, overseeing the Western Palace. In Wufeng 2 he received acting credentials, joined the Shouchun expedition, and defeated Wei's Cao Zhen at Gaoting on returning. In Taiping 1 he advanced against Wei but, before reaching the Huai, heard Sun Jun had died and appointed his younger cousin Sun Chen. Furious, he turned back to depose Sun Chen, who ordered Wen Qin, Liu Zuan, Tang Zi, and others to seize him and sent elder cousin Sun Lü with capital troops against him at Jiangdu. Urged to surrender to Wei, Lü Ju said: “I am ashamed to become a rebel minister,” and killed himself. His three kinship groups were exterminated. [Translator's note: The Gaoting officer is 曹珍, distinct from the better-known 曹真; the shared romanization is retained with this distinction.]

Zhu Huan, courtesy name Xiumu, was from Wu County. He served Sun Quan's headquarters, then became Chief of Yuyao. Arriving amid epidemic and costly grain, he assigned good officials to provide personal medical care and continual porridge, earning gratitude. As Commandant Who Sweeps Away Bandits with two thousand men, he gathered scattered troops in Wu and Kuaiji, obtaining more than ten thousand within a year. When Danyang and Poyang mountain bands took cities and killed officials, he commanded campaigns that pacified all. He rose to Deputy General and Marquis of Xincheng Village, later replacing Zhou Tai at Ruxu.

In Huangwu 1, Wei's Grand Marshal Cao Ren brought tens of thousands to Ruxu. Intending to seize the island, he feigned an eastern attack on Xianxi. Zhu Huan detached troops there, then learned Cao Ren was only seventy li from Ruxu. Recalled troops had not arrived when Cao Ren appeared. Zhu Huan had five thousand, and the generals feared. He said: “Victory depends on generals, not numbers. How does Cao Ren compare with me? Military principles concerning double-strength attackers against half-strength defenders assume open plains and equal courage, without fortified cities. Here he lacks wisdom and courage, his men are timid and weary after a thousand li, while we hold high walls, backed by hills and facing the river, rested against exhausted invaders. This is certain victory. Even Cao Pi himself would not worry me, much less Cao Ren.” Lowering flags and drums, he feigned weakness. Cao Ren sent his son Cao Tai against the city and Generals Chang Diao, Zhuge Qian, and Wang Shuang in oil-treated boats against the central island, where soldiers' families lived. He kept ten thousand at Tuogao as support. Zhu Huan's men seized the boats and attacked Chang Diao while he opposed Cao Tai, burning camps and withdrawing. Chang Diao was beheaded and Wang Shuang captured alive and sent to Wuchang. More than a thousand were killed or drowned. Sun Quan made Zhu Huan Marquis of Jiaxing, General Who Rouses Martial Might, and concurrent Chancellor of Pengcheng.

In Huangwu 7, Administrator of Poyang Zhou Fang deceived Wei's Grand Marshal Cao Xiu into coming to Wan with a hundred thousand infantry and cavalry. Lu Xun commanded, with Quan Cong and Zhu Huan each leading thirty thousand as Left and Right Commanders. Discovering the deception, Cao Xiu intended to withdraw but trusted his numbers and offered battle. Zhu Huan proposed: “Cao Xiu holds command through kinship, not talent, and must lose. Retreat will pass Jiashi and Guache, both narrow. Block them with ten thousand men and we can destroy his army and capture him alive. Let me do it. Victory then opens Shouchun and the Huai, allowing plans against Xu and Luo. This is a once-in-ten-thousand-generations chance.” Sun Quan consulted Lu Xun, who opposed it, so the plan was not used.

In Huanglong 1 he became General of the Front, concurrent Governor of Qing Province, and Acting Bearer of Credentials. In Jiahe 6, Wei's Lujiang Registrar Lü Xi requested troops, promising to open the gate. Zhu Huan and General of the Guards Quan Cong went, but discovery of the plot forced return. A stream a li outside the city was over thirty zhang wide, eight or nine chi deep in places. As troops crossed, Zhu Huan guarded the rear. Administrator Li Ying prepared cavalry to strike halfway across, but seeing Zhu Huan's credentials and canopy, dared not emerge. Quan Cong commanded, while Sun Quan had Assistant General Hu Zong convey edicts and assist military affairs. With no gain, Quan Cong proposed detached raids. Proud and ashamed of subordination, Zhu Huan angrily argued. Quan Cong sought escape: “The sovereign made Hu Zong commander; this is his idea.” Zhu Huan summoned Hu Zong in fury. As he approached the camp gate, Zhu Huan told attendants, “When I act, all of you leave.” One slipped out to warn Hu Zong back.

Finding Hu Zong absent, Zhu Huan realized his attendants' action and killed the responsible man. When his Army Assistant remonstrated, he stabbed him too, then claimed madness and went to Jianye for treatment. Sun Quan prized his abilities and did not punish him.

His son Zhu Yi temporarily commanded while doctors cared for him. Months later Sun Quan sent him back to the island and personally saw him off: “Enemies remain and the royal Way is not united. I wish to give you fifty thousand men on one front to settle the realm with me. I hope your illness will not recur.” Zhu Huan replied: “Heaven gave Your Majesty sage qualities to rule the four seas. Entrusted to remove rebels, my illness should cure itself.”

Zhu Huan guarded his precedence and hated being beneath others, growing angry when battlefield orders restricted him. Yet he valued righteousness above wealth and possessed strong memory, recognizing men decades after one meeting and knowing all ten thousand followers and their families. He supported soldiers and kin, sharing salary and property. His grave illness distressed the entire camp. He died at sixty-two in Chiwu 1, mourned by all. With no surplus wealth, his household received five thousand hu of salt from Sun Quan for the funeral. His son Zhu Yi succeeded.

Zhu Yi, courtesy name Jiwen, became Gentleman of the Palace through his father.

As Commandant of Cavalry he succeeded to Zhu Huan's troops. In Chiwu 4 he joined Zhu Ran against Fan, planned the breach of outer defenses, and became Assistant General. Wei Administrator of Lujiang Wen Qin built many camps at Liu'an to attract fugitives and raid the border. Zhu Yi surprised seven with two thousand men, took several hundred heads, and became General Who Raises Martial Might. Discussing warfare with him, Sun Quan told his paternal kinsman Zhu Ju: “I knew Jiwen (Zhu Yi) was steady and brave; meeting him exceeds the report.” In the thirteenth year, Wen Qin falsely offered surrender and requested an escort. Zhu Yi submitted the letter, explained the fraud, and opposed going. Sun Quan ordered an expedition anyway, with precautions to trap deceit. Lü Ju led twenty thousand with Zhu Yi, but Wen Qin indeed did not surrender. In Jianxing 1, Zhu Yi became General Who Guards the South. At Dongxing that year, he commanded the fleet against the floating bridge, destroyed it, and helped crush Wei.

In Taiping 2 he received acting credentials as Grand Commander-in-Chief to relieve Shouchun but failed. Returning, he was unjustly killed by Sun Chen.

The appraisal says: Zhu Zhi and Lü Fan were employed as old ministers; Zhu Ran and Zhu Huan became known for martial courage. Lü Ju, Zhu Yi, and Shi Ji all possessed command ability and continued their fathers' work. Lü Fan and Zhu Huan exceeded proper bounds yet ended well, while Lü Ju and Zhu Yi, without those faults, met disaster. The times they encountered differed.