Zong Yu

Zong Yu (died 263), courtesy name Deyan, was a minister of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period. He hailed from Anzhong (安衆) in Nanyang (南陽) commandery, Jing Province.

Life

After Zhuge Liang was made chancellor, Zong Yu became his chief secretary. Upon Zhuge Liang's death, Eastern Wu began building up its defences at Baqiu in fear that Cao Wei would take advantage of the event and invade Shu, believing Shu would fall should this happen. In response, Shu began increasing its defenses at Yong'an. Zong Yu was then sent as an emissary to Wu to speak with Sun Quan. Sun Quan inquired into Shu's military buildup, but Zong Yu informed Sun Quan that their actions were not driven by the same circumstances as Wu's similar buildup and that it was none of his concern. Sun Quan praised Zong Yu's frankness and he was highly valued within the court.

In 247, Zong Yu was promoted to "Colonel of the Garrison Cavalry". At that time, Deng Zhi, the "General of the Chariots and Cavalry", paid Zong Yu a visit and condescendingly asked why a man of over 60 years old would accept a new military command. Zong Yu retorted "Sir, being seventy already, you still have not relinquished your command. Why can’t I, being but sixty, accept one?" Zong Yu is noted as being the only person who stood up to Deng Zhi.