Du Zhen ( 250s–280s), 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
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). 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).
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. 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. 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.
After this, Du Zhen was nominated as a xiaolian (civil service candidate) and appointed as Prefect of Jianning (建寧令). 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. Following this, he worked successively as the Prefect (令) of Shanyang (山陽) and Xincheng (新城) where he achieved great governance. 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). Under his jurisdiction, people would build shrines to pray for him. And when he pronounced sentence, none would bear a grudge against him.
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. He was also known for his imposing appearance and impressive demeanor. Thus, he was highly regarded by the imperial court. Moreover, Du Zhen had an extensive knhowledge and a quick mind hence his arguments were often reused by others in memorials and refutations. 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).
Thereafter, he was transferred as Administrator of Qianwei Commandery (犍為太守), where he showed great love and concern for the people. Which, additionally improved his great reputation. 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. 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). or at the age of 51 (by East Asian age reckoning).
Appraisal
Chang Qu, who wrote Du Zhen's biography in the Chronicles of Huayang (Huayang Guo Zhi), appraised Du Zhen as follows: "Strong with a prosperous apparence, friendly and firm." 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.