Yu Zhong (Eastern Wu)

Yu Zhong (虞忠) (died 266), courtesy name Shize (世則), was an official of the state of Eastern Wu during the Three Kingdoms period of China.

Life

Yu Zhong was a native of Yuyao County, Kuaiji Commandery (present-day Yuyao, Zhejiang). He was the son of Yu Fan, a prominent scholar and official who served under the warlord Sun Ce and later the Wu emperors Sun Quan and Sun Liang.

Yu Zhong initially served as a clerk in the Crown Prince's (Sun Quan's heir apparent, Sun Deng) office. He was known for his talent and dedication to his duties. He later held various positions, including Commandant of Jianchang (建昌都尉), Administrator of Yulin (鬱林太守), and General Who Pacifies the South (安南將軍). He played a significant role in maintaining stability and suppressing rebellions in the southern regions under Wu's control.

In 264, after the death of Sun Xiu, the third emperor of Wu, the regent Puyang Xing initially intended to install Sun Hao, a son of Sun He, as the new emperor. However, Yu Zhong, along with Wan Yu and others, opposed the decision, fearing Sun Hao's perceived lack of virtue and potential for tyranny. They argued for the ascension of Sun He's other son, Sun Qian. However, Puyang Xing and Zhang Bu ultimately prevailed, and Sun Hao became emperor.

Yu Zhong correctly predicted that Sun Hao would be a tyrannical ruler. He warned against supporting Sun Hao's ascension and after Sun Hao took the throne, he often submitted memorials criticizing the emperor's policies and urging him to rule with benevolence and justice.

Yu Zhong died in 266 CE. He was respected for his integrity and loyalty to the Wu state. His warnings about Sun Hao's reign proved prescient, as Sun Hao's rule became increasingly oppressive and ultimately led to the downfall of Eastern Wu.