Du Wei (Three Kingdoms)

Du Wei (杜微), courtesy name Guoyou (國猷), was a scholar and official who lived during the late Eastern Han dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. He primarily served under Liu Zhang, the Governor of Yi Province (益州, covering present-day Sichuan and Chongqing), and later under Liu Bei after Liu Bei conquered Yi Province.

Du Wei was renowned for his extensive knowledge of the Confucian classics and his upright character. He held several administrative positions under Liu Zhang, often offering advice based on Confucian principles. Despite Liu Zhang's eventual defeat and surrender to Liu Bei, Du Wei remained loyal and steadfast, earning the respect of Liu Bei himself.

Following Liu Bei's takeover of Yi Province and the establishment of the Shu Han kingdom, Du Wei continued to serve in the government. He was particularly known for his role in educating the Crown Prince, Liu Shan (later known as the Emperor of Shu Han), in Confucian ethics and principles of governance. His teachings were intended to instill virtue and prepare Liu Shan for his eventual role as ruler.

While Du Wei did not hold prominent military or political positions, his contributions lay in his role as a scholar, advisor, and educator. His commitment to Confucian ideals and his dedication to shaping the future emperor made him a significant, though often overlooked, figure in the history of the Three Kingdoms period. His legacy is primarily associated with the preservation and transmission of Confucian values during a time of significant political upheaval and warfare.