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Du Zhen
杜軫
Administrator of Qianwei
(犍為太守)
In office
? (?)–? (?)
MonarchSima Yan
Succeeded byDu Lie
Gentleman of the Masters of Writing
(尚書郎)
In office
? (?)–? (?)
MonarchSima Yan
Prefect of Chiyang
(池陽令)
In office
? (?)–? (?)
MonarchSima Yan
Prefect of Jianning
(建寧令)
In office
? (?)–? (?)
Monarch?[a]
Officer of Merit
(功曹)
In office
? (?)–263 (263)
MonarchLiu Shan
Personal details
BornUnknown [b]
Chengdu, Sichuan
DiedUnknown (aged 57)[b]
Pengshan County, Sichuan
Relations
  • Du Lie (brother)
  • Du Liang (brother)
Children
  • Du Pi
  • Du Xiu
Parent
  • Du Xiong (father)
OccupationOfficial, scholar
Courtesy nameChaozong (超宗)
Nickname"Erlang of Shu" (蜀有二郎)

Du Zhen (fl. 250s–280s),[b] courtesy name Chaozong, was an official and scholar of the state of Shu Han in the Three Kingdoms period of China. After the fall of Shu in 263, he continued serving under the Jin dynasty, that succeeded Cao Wei state in 266.

Life[edit]

Du Zhen was born in Chengdu, Shu Commandery (蜀郡), which is present-day Chengdu, Sichuan. His father, Du Xiong (杜雄), whose courtesy name, was Boxiong (伯雄) had served as the Prefect (令) of Han'an (漢安), Luo County (雒縣) and Mianzhu (綿竹).[3][4] In his youth, Du Zhen was a student of Qiao Zhou. Du Zhen demonstrated his unique insight and made important discoveries in classic writing under the guidance of his teacher. After he completed his scholarship, he was appointed by the Shu Han's government as Officer of Merit (功曹).[5]

In 263, when Deng Ai conquered Shu Han, Du Zhen was conscripted by the local commandery. Later, as Zhong Hui led his army to enter Chengdu. The current Administrator (太守) of Nanyang (南陽), Zhang Fujun (張府君) refused to leave his post. Seeing this, Du Zhen warned him: "Zhong Hui just recently imprisoned Deng Ai, his army and soldiers are close to us. In such turbulent times, fortune and misfortune are unpredictable. You should leave your office before trouble arrive." Zhang Fujun was convinced by this advice and left his post to go into hiding in a nearby residence.[6] As predicted, Zhong Hui did dispatch Deng Ai's subordinate Qian Hong to take office as the new Administrator leading hundreds of armed horsemen in the commandery. When they arrived, Qian Hong inquired about the absence of the former Administrator to which Du Zhen replied that he already left knowing someone would be sent to replace him. This answer satisfied him.[7][8] Impressed by Du Zhen, Qian Hong wanted to keep employing him as Officer of Merit (功曹), however Du Zhen insisted to resign his post.[9][10]

After this, Du Zhen was nominated as a xiaolian (civil service candidate) and appointed as Prefect of Jianning (建寧令).[11] During his tenure, Du Zhen ruled his administration by promoting virtue. He greatly improved social customs and practiced enlightenment among the ethnic tribes who were soon convinced of his sincerity and integrity. When they learned that his term office had reached his end, they all assembled to bid him goodbye bringing along with them many gifts. However, Du Zhen declined to accept even one gift leaving his office as he arrived with no personal gain.[12] Following this, he worked successively as the Prefect (令) of Shanyang (山陽) and Xincheng (新城) where he achieved great governance.[13] Next, he was transferred as Prefect (令) of Chiyang (池陽) enhanced it as the most prosperous county (among the eleven) of Yong Province (雍州).[14] Under his jurisdiction, people would build shrines to pray for him. And when he pronounced sentence, none would bear a grudge against him.[15]

Subsequently, he was promoted to the position of Gentleman of the Masters of Writing (尚書郎), where he was responsible for assisting with administration. With each new appointments, he quickly accomplish his tasks.[16] He was also known for his imposing appearance and impressive demeanor. Thus, he was highly regarded by the imperial court.[17] Moreover, Du Zhen had an extensive knowledge and a quick mind hence his arguments were often reused by others in memorials and refutations.[18] At the time, his fame was on par with Li Xiang who was also from Shu and served in a similar position. Every time, there was a discussion or debate at the court no one could beat them. Therefore, contemporary scholars gave them the nickname of "Erlang of Shu" (蜀有二郎).[19]

Thereafter, he was transferred as Administrator of Qianwei Commandery (犍為太守), where he showed great love and concern for the people.[20] Which, additionally improved his great reputation.[21] Furthermore, he was appointed as dazhongzheng (大中正; official responsible for identifying future talents for the government). Du Zhen was not only knowledgeable and talented but also charming and magnanime.[22] Emperor Wu knew about him and wanted to employ him as his personal attendant. However, Du Zhen passed away due to illness before taking up the post, at the age of 58 (by East Asian age reckoning).[23] or at the age of 51 (by East Asian age reckoning).[24]

Appraisal[edit]

Chang Qu, who wrote Du Zhen's biography in the Chronicles of Huayang (Huayang Guo Zhi),[c] appraised Du Zhen as follows: "Strong with a prosperous apparence, friendly and firm."[25] Du Zhen was among the descendants of former Shu officials recommended by Luo Xian to Sima Yan to be employed. At the time, each of them were renowned.[26]

Du Lie[edit]

Du Lie (杜烈), whose courtesy name, was Zhongwu (仲武) was Du Zhen's younger brother. He was known for his integrity toward his work and keen intellect. Along with his kind composure and gentle personality, he earned a reputation that matched his elder brother's.[27] With interest for politics, like Du Zhen, he was nominated as a xiaolian (civil service candidate) and successively served as the Prefect (令) of Pingkang (平康), Niubing (牛鞞), Nanzheng (南鄭), and Anyang (安陽). When the Jin dynasty was established, he was appointed as Prefect of the Gentlemen of the Palace (郎中令). Thereafter, he was transferred to be the Administrator of Hengyang (衡陽太守).[28][29]

When he learned of the death of his elder brother. Du Lie sent a request to the imperial court to resign from his post, as he wanted to take care of his orphaned young nephews (Du Pi and Du Xiu), who were left in a difficult situation after Du Zhen's passing. Du Lie also intended to assist in the burial of his brother's remains in their ancestral tomb. Emperor Wu lamented that Du Zhen's talents had not been fully utilized but also appreciated Du Lie's piety toward his family. Therefore, he respected his wishes and had Du Lie succeeded his brother in Sichuan as Administrator of Qianwei (犍為太守), people of the province honored him.[30] Then, he was transferred as Administrator of Xiangdong (湘東太守).[31] After, he was reassigned to serve as Gentleman of the Palace (郎中) to Sima Ying, at the time Prince of Chengdu (成都王). He died of illness while serving in office.[32]

Du Liang[edit]

Du Liang (杜良), whose courtesy name, was Youlun (幼倫) was the youngest brother. He also had notable talents of his time.[33] He was recommended as a xiucai (秀才; person who passed the county level imperial exam). He served as the Prefect (令) of Chaling (茶陵) and Xindu (新都). Like his brother, Du Lie. Du Liang also worked as Prefect of the Gentlemen of the Palace (郎中令). He was reassigned as Administrator (太守) of Fuling (涪陵) and Jianning (建寧).[34] All of the three brothers flourished in their political careers, which was considered an admirable story by many people of their homeland in Yi Province.[35]

Du Pi[edit]

Du Zhen had two sons. Du Pi (杜毗), whose courtesy name, was Changji (長基) was the elder.[36] Like his uncle Du Liang, he was recommended as a xiucai (秀才). Sima Ying assignated him to serve as a retainer. Thereafter, he was relocated to assist the army and successively served as a General's Auxiliary (掾屬), Grand Tutor (太傅) of the Army, Chief Clerk (長史) of Pingtung (屏東) and Gentleman of the Masters of Writing (尚書郎).[37] During the period of the Disaster of Yongjia, Wang Dun recommended him to serve as Inspector of Yi Province (益州刺史).[38] He was instructed to assist Liu Chun (柳純) the Administrator (太守) of Yidu (宜都) in the defence of Baidicheng (帝城). However, Du Tao sent soldiers to attack him and he was killed.[39] Du Pi's second son, Du Xin (杜歆) was also recommended as a xiucai (秀才).[40]

Du Xiu[edit]

Du Xiu (杜秀), whose courtesy name, was Yanying (彥穎), was the younger.[41] He served as a Registrar (主簿) in the imperial administration, under Luo Shang. At this time, there were great chaos and the Yi Province soon fell to Li Xiong. Li Xiong wanted to recruit him as his Major (司馬) but Du Xiu refused to serve him, therefore he was executed and died at a young age.[42][43] Du Pi and Du Xiu were famous and talented, hence people at the time referred to them as the "Two Phoenixes" (二鳳).[44]

See also[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ There is a two years span between the fall of Shu Han and the establishment of the Jin dynasty, It isn't recorded if Du Zhen served the Cao Wei state in between 264 and 266 or after his abdication to Jin.
  2. ^ a b c Du Zhen's biography in the Huayang Guo Zhi recorded that he died at the age of 58 (by East Asian age reckoning).[1] Du Zhen's other biography in the Jin Shu recorded that he died at the age of 51 (by East Asian age reckoning).[2] However the Huayang Guo Zhi is considered as more reliable since is a near contemporary source compiled between 348 and 354 by Chang Qu while the Jin Shu is compiled in 648, some 300 years later.
  3. ^ Du Zhen's biography is recorded in the eleventh volume of the Huayang Guo Zhi, titled Biographies of later worthies (後賢志), covering the life of notable persons from the Sichuan region who lived during the Jin dynasty.

References[edit]

  1. ^ (武帝雅識之，方用內侍，會卒。時年五十八。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 10.
  2. ^ (當遷，會病卒，年五十一。) Jin Shu vol. 90.
  3. ^ (杜軫，字超宗，蜀郡成都人也。父雄，字伯休，安漢、雒令。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 10.
  4. ^ (父雄，綿竹令。) Jin Shu vol. 90.
  5. ^ (軫少師譙周，發明高經於譙氏之門。郡命為功曹。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 10.
  6. ^ (鄧艾既破蜀，被徵。鍾會進成都，時太守南陽張府君不肯出官。軫進曰：「征西囚執，鎮西在近，必有所遣。軍亂之際，交害無常。宜避正殿。」) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 10.
  7. ^ (府君即出住下舍。會果遣參軍牽弘為太守，數百騎擐甲馳馬入郡。前驅問侯所在。云：「已出。」善之。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 10.
  8. ^ (艾果遣其參軍牽弘自之郡，弘問軫前守所在，軫正色對曰：「前守達去就之機，輒自出官舍以俟君子。」) Jin Shu vol. 90.
  9. ^ (弘復召為功曹。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 10.
  10. ^ (弘器之，命復為功曹，軫固辭。) Jin Shu vol. 90.
  11. ^ (察孝廉，除建寧令。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 10.
  12. ^ (導以德政，風化大行，夷夏悅服。秩滿將歸，群蠻追送，賂遺甚多，軫一無所受，去如初至。) Jin Shu vol. 90.
  13. ^ (徙任山陽、新城、池陽，所在有治。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 10.
  14. ^ (又除池陽令，為雍州十一郡最。) Jin Shu vol. 90.
  15. ^ (百姓生為立祠，得罪者無怨言。) Jin Shu vol. 90.
  16. ^ (入為尚書郎，每升降趍他各本作趨。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 10.
  17. ^ (翔廊閣之下，威容可觀，中朝偉之。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 10.
  18. ^ (軫博聞廣涉，奏議駁論多見施用。) Jin Shu vol. 90.
  19. ^ (時涪人李驤亦為尚書郎，與軫齊名，每有論議，朝廷莫能逾之，號蜀有二郎。) Jin Shu vol. 90.
  20. ^ (遷犍為太守，惠愛在民。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 10.
  21. ^ (軫後拜犍為太守，甚有聲譽。) Jin Shu vol. 90.
  22. ^ (還為州大中正。軫既才學兼該，而氣量倜儻，) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 10.
  23. ^ (武帝雅識之，方用內侍，會卒。時年五十八。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 10.
  24. ^ (當遷，會病卒，年五十一。) Jin Shu vol. 90.
  25. ^ (犍為太守杜軫超宗：犍為卬卬，友于寔令。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 01.
  26. ^ ([泰始]四年三月，從帝宴于華林園，詔問蜀大臣子弟，後問先輩宜時叙用者，憲薦蜀郡常忌、杜軫、壽良、巴西陳壽、南郡高軌、南陽呂雅、許國、江夏費恭、琅邪諸葛京、汝南陳裕，即皆叙用，咸顯於世。) Xiangyang Ji annotation in Sanguozhi vol. 41.
  27. ^ (弟烈，字仲武，貞幹敏識，平坦和粹，名譽侔軫。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 10.
  28. ^ (察孝廉，歷平康、牛鞞、南鄭、安陽令。王國建，首選為郎中令。遷衡陽太守。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 10.
  29. ^ (軫弟烈，明政事，察孝廉，曆平康、安陽令，所居有異績，遷衡陽太守。) Jin Shu vol. 90.
  30. ^ (聞軫亡，因自表兄子幼弱，求去官，詔轉犍為太守，蜀土榮之。) Jin Shu vol. 90.
  31. ^ (兄軫喪，自上求去官，以兄子幼弱，軫喪飄颻，欲扶將靈柩葬舊墳。武帝歎惜軫能用未盡，而嘉烈弟意，轉拜，徙官犍為太守。又轉湘東。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 10.
  32. ^ (後遷湘東太守，為成都王穎郎中令，病卒。) Jin Shu vol. 90.
  33. ^ (少弟良，字幼倫，亦有當世局分。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 10.
  34. ^ (舉秀才，茶陵、新都令，國王郎中令，遷涪陵、建寧太守。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 10.
  35. ^ (兄弟並「典」〔興〕，州里以為美譚。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 10.
  36. ^ (軫二子：長子毗，字長基。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 10.
  37. ^ (毗舉秀才，大將軍辟掾，太傅參軍，平東長史，尚書郎。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 10.
  38. ^ (稍遷鎮南軍司，益州刺史。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 10.
  39. ^ (毗字長基。州舉秀才，成都王穎辟大將軍掾，遷尚書郎，參太傅軍事。及洛陽覆沒，毗南渡江，王敦表為益州刺史，將與宜都太守柳純共固白帝。杜弢遣軍要毗，遂遇害。) Jin Shu vol. 90.
  40. ^ (毗次子歆，舉秀才。) Jin Shu vol. 90.
  41. ^ (少子秀，字彥穎。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 10.
  42. ^ (〔秀州〕主簿，早卒。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 10.
  43. ^ (毗弟秀，字彥穎，為羅尚主簿。州沒，為氏賊李驤所得，欲用為司馬。秀不受，見害。) Jin Shu vol. 90.
  44. ^ (珪璋琬琰，世號「二鳳」。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 10.
source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Du_Zhen

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