Biography
Early life and adoption
Zhu Ran was born in 182 CE in Guzhang, Danyang Commandery (present-day Anji, Zhejiang). His original name was Shi Ran (施然). He was the son of Shi Chong, Administrator of Qinghe, and Lady Zhu, sister of Zhu Zhi.
In 194 CE, when Zhu Ran was thirteen years old, Zhu Zhi had no sons. Zhu Zhi requested Sun Ce to allow him to adopt Shi Ran, his sister’s son, as his heir.
Sun Ce followed Zhu Zhi’s wish and ordered the Administrator of Danyang to summon Shi Ran with sheep and wine as gifts. When Shi Ran arrived in Wu Commandery, Sun Ce treated him with great courtesy, and Shi Ran changed his name to Zhu Ran.
Childhood friendship with Sun Quan
Zhu Ran had studied together with Sun Quan and formed a deep friendship.
Early service
In 200 CE, when Sun Quan succeeded Sun Ce in leading Jiangdong, he appointed Zhu Ran as Prefect of Yuyao. At that time, Zhu Ran was nineteen years old.
Later, Zhu Ran was transferred to Prefect of Shanyin, given the additional title of Colonel Who Breaks Through, and commanded five counties.
Sun Quan was surprised by Zhu Ran’s ability and divided Danyang to create Linchuan Commandery, appointing Zhu Ran as Administrator and giving him two thousand troops.
At that time, mountain bandits were active. Zhu Ran sent troops to attack them and pacified the chaos in about one month.
Campaigns at Ruxukou
In 217 CE, Cao Cao sent troops to Ruxukou. Zhu Ran stationed defences at Dawu and Sanguan and was appointed General of the Side.
After the battle, Sun Quan wanted to make Zhou Tai Commander of Ruxukou. At that time, Zhu Ran, Xu Sheng, and other generals stationed near Ruxukou would be forced to obey Zhou Tai’s commands, so they were dissatisfied in their hearts.
Sun Quan specially gathered the various generals, went to Zhou Tai’s seat with wine, ordered Zhou Tai to remove his clothes, and personally pointed to his scars, asking about the reason for each injury. Zhou Tai recalled and answered one by one, and therefore Zhu Ran, Xu Sheng, and others were convinced.
Campaign against Guan Yu
In the eighth month of 219 CE, the Han River overflowed due to heavy rain, causing a natural disaster that harmed the people. Guan Yu took the opportunity to attack by large ship and captured Yu Jin’s tens of thousands of troops.
Guan Yu then claimed a lack of grain and arbitrarily took grain from Xiangguan.
Sun Quan therefore sent Zhu Ran to follow Lü Meng to attack Guan Yu. Zhu Ran, together with Pan Zhang, intercepted Guan Yu at Linju, captured Guan Yu, Guan Ping, and Zhao Lei.
Zhu Ran was transferred to General Who Spreads Martial Might and enfeoffed as Marquis of Xi’an Township.
Succeeding Lü Meng
Later, Lü Meng, General of Tigers and Ferocity, became seriously ill. Sun Quan asked Lü Meng: “If you cannot recover, who can replace you?”
Lü Meng replied: “Zhu Ran’s courage, strategy, and ability to maintain positions are more than sufficient. I believe he can succeed me.”
After Lü Meng died, Sun Quan granted Zhu Ran credentials and had him guard Jiangling.
Battle of Yiling
In 222 CE, the first year of Huangwu, Liu Bei campaigned east and attacked Yidu.
Zhu Ran commanded five thousand men and, together with Lu Xun, totalling fifty thousand men, resisted Liu Bei. Together with Lu Xun and Han Dang, they greatly defeated Liu Bei at Zhuoxiang.
Zhu Ran separately attacked, broke through Liu Bei’s vanguard, and cut off Liu Bei’s rear route. Liu Bei therefore fled in defeat and retreated to Baidicheng.
Zhu Ran was appointed General Who Conquers the North and enfeoffed as Marquis of Yong’an.
At this time, Xu Sheng, Pan Zhang, and Song Qian all submitted memorials saying Liu Bei could certainly be captured. However, Zhu Ran, together with Lu Xun and Luo Tong, believed that Cao Pi was greatly combining troops and, on the surface, was helping them attack Liu Bei, but in reality, he harboured treacherous intentions. They should carefully decide strategy and recall the main army.
Not long after, Wei troops indeed attacked, and Wu was attacked from three sides.
Defence of Jiangling
In 223 CE, the second year of Huangwu, Wei sent Cao Zhen, Xiahou Shang, Zhang He, and other generals to attack Jiangling, building several camp fortifications to surround the city. Cao Pi personally went to Wancheng to station and provide support.
Sun Quan sent Sun Sheng to lead ten thousand men to set up defences on the islet and build a defensive wall as Zhu Ran’s external rescue force.
Zhang He led troops to attack Sun Sheng. Sun Sheng could not resist and immediately retreated. Zhang He stationed troops on the islet and maintained the siege, cutting off Zhu Ran’s internal and external connections.
Sun Quan again sent Pan Zhang, Yang Can, and other generals to relieve the siege, but they still could not relieve it.
At that time, many of the city’s defending soldiers suffered from swelling disease, and only about five thousand could fight.
Cao Zhen and others piled up earth mounds, dug tunnels, and built watchtowers approaching the city walls. Arrows fell like rain, and the officers and soldiers were all frightened and pale.
However, Zhu Ran was calm and showed no fear. He encouraged the officers and soldiers and, taking advantage of gaps in the enemy’s tactics, broke through two enemy camp fortifications.
Wei troops surrounded and attacked Jiangling for six months and still had not withdrawn.
Yao Tai, Prefect of Jiangling, led troops to guard the north gate. Seeing that Wei troops were strong, the city’s defenders were few, and grain was about to run out, he communicated with Wei troops, plotting to act as an inside agent.
When he was about to act, the matter was discovered, and Zhu Ran therefore executed Yao Tai according to military law.
Xiahou Shang and others could not capture Jiangling and therefore stopped attacking and withdrew their troops.
Zhu Ran’s name therefore shook the enemy state, and he was changed to Marquis of Dangyang.
Later campaigns
In 224 CE, the third year of Huangwu, Zhu Zhi, Zhu Ran’s adoptive father, died. Zhu Zhi already had a son Zhu Cai, who inherited his father’s title.
After completing Zhu Zhi’s funeral, Zhu Ran requested Sun Quan to change back to the Shi surname, but Sun Quan did not allow it.
In 227 CE, the sixth year of Huangwu, Sun Quan sent Zhu Ran and other generals to lead twenty thousand men to surround Jiangxia Commandery but were repelled by Hu Zhi.
In the same year, Sun Quan personally led troops to attack Shiyang. When the main army withdrew, Pan Zhang covered the rear.
At night, the army became confused, and the enemy pursued Pan Zhang. Pan Zhang could not resist.
Zhu Ran immediately returned to help Pan Zhang resist the enemy. After the front ships had gone far enough, he slowly led the army to withdraw.
Service under Sun Quan as emperor
In 229 CE, the first year of Huanglong, Sun Quan became emperor and appointed Zhu Ran as General of Chariots and Cavalry and Right Protector, with the additional title of Inspector of Yan Province.
Soon after, Yan Province was assigned to Shu Han in the “division of territory” between Shu and Wu, and Zhu Ran’s position as Inspector of Yan Province was therefore removed.
Campaigns against Wei
In 234 CE, the third year of Jiahe, Sun Quan and Zhuge Liang, Chancellor of Shu, agreed on a date to greatly raise troops and attack Wei. Sun Quan personally attacked Hefei Xincheng.
Zhu Ran and Quan Cong each received axes and halberds and separately served as Left and Right Commanders. However, many officers and soldiers suffered from disease, so they withdrew without attacking.
In 242 CE, the fifth year of Chiwu, Zhu Ran campaigned against Zuzhong. Wei generals Pu Zhong and Hu Zhi each led several thousand troops. Pu Zhong controlled a dangerous position, attempting to cut off Zhu Ran’s rear route, and Hu Zhi followed Pu Zhong as support.
At that time, Zhu Ran’s troops and generals were attacking on all sides. When they heard this news, they had no time to gather and reorganize. Zhu Ran therefore led only eight hundred men from his tent to counterattack.
Pu Zhong’s battle was unfavourable, and Hu Zhi and others also led their troops to withdraw.
Final campaigns
In 246 CE, the ninth year of Chiwu, Zhu Ran again campaigned against Zuzhong. Wei generals Li Xing and others heard that Zhu Ran had advanced deep and therefore led six thousand infantry and cavalry to cut off Zhu Ran’s rear route.
Zhu Ran took advantage of the night to attack and meet the Wei army, and the battle was ultimately victorious. They cut off heads and captured several thousand, and the army returned in triumph.
Earlier, in the previous year, the eighth year of Chiwu (245 CE), Ma Mao had harboured treacherous intentions, was discovered, and was executed. Sun Quan was very angry.
On this occasion, when Zhu Ran campaigned against Zuzhong, before setting out, he submitted a memorial saying: “Ma Mao is a petty man who actually dared to betray the state’s favour. Your servant now receives the Son of Heaven’s authority. If the battle is fortunate enough to report victory and achieve captures, it will shake near and far. Combined ships will fill the rivers, making it sufficient to be a great spectacle, to resolve the anger of superior and inferior. I hope Your Majesty understands your servant’s previous words and will later hold your servant accountable for future achievements.”
At that time, Sun Quan received this memorial but did not announce it to the ministers. When Zhu Ran returned in triumph, the ministers submitted memorials to congratulate him. Sun Quan raised wine and made merry, then took out Zhu Ran’s previous memorial and said: “This family previously submitted a memorial. I believed it would be difficult to succeed. Now it is indeed as he said. He can be said to be clear in seeing affairs.”
He therefore sent an envoy to appoint Zhu Ran as Left Grand Marshal and Right Army Advisor.
Final years
In 247 CE, the tenth year of Chiwu, Zhuge Jin and Bu Zhi had both died. Although Zhuge Rong and Bu Xie separately inherited their fathers’ positions, Sun Quan still appointed Zhu Ran as Grand Commander to oversee military affairs.
At this time, Lu Xun had also died. Among the meritorious ministers and famous generals, only Zhu Ran remained alive, so his treatment was incomparably grand.
However, Zhu Ran began to be bedridden with illness from this year.
In 248 CE, the eleventh year of Chiwu, Zhu Ran built a fortress at Jiangling while ill.
In the third month of 249 CE, the twelfth year of Chiwu, Zhu Ran’s illness became increasingly serious. Sun Quan reduced his meals during the day and had difficulty sleeping at night. Envoys sent to deliver medicine and food to Zhu Ran could see each other on the road (later envoys could see earlier envoys).
Every time Zhu Ran sent an envoy to report his illness, Sun Quan would personally summon him, personally ask about the situation, give wine and food when he came, and send cloth and silk when he left.
Since the founding meritorious ministers became ill, among those Sun Quan cared about most, Lü Meng and Ling Tong were the most important, and Zhu Ran was next.
In the third month of 249 CE, Zhu Ran died of illness at the age of sixty-eight. Sun Quan wore plain clothes and held mourning, feeling deeply grieved.
His son Shi Ji (Zhu Ji) inherited the position.
Personality
Zhu Ran was known for being calm and composed under pressure. During the siege of Jiangling, when arrows fell like rain and the officers and soldiers were frightened, Zhu Ran remained calm and showed no fear, encouraging his troops and achieving victory.
He was also known for his diligence and preparation. Even when there were no battles, he would strictly beat drums every morning and evening, and the soldiers in camp would all put on equipment and form ranks. This action confused the enemy, making them not know when to prepare, so Zhu Ran achieved merit whenever he sent out troops.
He was described as “not reaching seven chi in height” (about 161 cm) but having a clear bearing, being pure in conduct, and being simple and unadorned except for military equipment.
Military achievements
Pacifying bandits
Zhu Ran successfully pacified mountain bandits in Linchuan Commandery in about one month, showing his military ability.
Campaign against Guan Yu
Zhu Ran participated in Lü Meng’s campaign against Guan Yu, intercepting and capturing Guan Yu, Guan Ping, and Zhao Lei at Linju.
Battle of Yiling
Zhu Ran participated in the Battle of Yiling, breaking through Liu Bei’s vanguard and cutting off his rear route, contributing to the victory.
Defence of Jiangling
Zhu Ran’s greatest achievement was defending Jiangling for six months against a Wei siege. Despite being cut off from external aid and having many soldiers ill, he remained calm, encouraged his troops, broke through two enemy camp fortifications, and forced the Wei army to withdraw.
Campaigns against Wei
Zhu Ran achieved victories in campaigns against Zuzhong, defeating Pu Zhong, Hu Zhi, and Li Xing.
Relationships
With Sun Quan
Zhu Ran was Sun Quan’s childhood friend and had a deep friendship with him. Sun Quan greatly valued Zhu Ran and showed great concern when he was ill, personally visiting him and sending medicine and food.
With Lü Meng
Lü Meng greatly valued Zhu Ran’s ability and recommended him as his successor. After Lü Meng’s death, Zhu Ran succeeded him in guarding Jiangling.
With Lu Xun
Zhu Ran worked together with Lu Xun at the Battle of Yiling and achieved victory. They both correctly identified Cao Pi’s treacherous intentions.
Anecdotes
The adoption
When Zhu Ran was thirteen, Zhu Zhi had no sons and requested to adopt him. Sun Ce treated Zhu Ran with great courtesy, showing the importance placed on him.
The childhood friendship
Zhu Ran studied together with Sun Quan and formed a deep friendship, which lasted throughout their lives.
The defence of Jiangling
During the six-month siege of Jiangling, Zhu Ran remained calm despite arrows falling like rain and many soldiers being ill. He encouraged his troops and broke through enemy camp fortifications, showing his courage and leadership.
The request to change surname
After Zhu Zhi died, Zhu Ran requested to change back to the Shi surname, but Sun Quan did not allow it. Only after Sun Quan’s death did his son Shi Ji change back to the Shi surname.
Sun Quan’s concern
When Zhu Ran was ill, Sun Quan showed great concern, reducing his meals and having difficulty sleeping. Envoys sent to deliver medicine and food could see each other on the road, showing the frequency of Sun Quan’s concern.
Achievements
- Pacified mountain bandits in Linchuan Commandery
- Participated in capturing Guan Yu
- Participated in Battle of Yiling
- Defended Jiangling for six months against Wei siege
- Achieved victories in campaigns against Zuzhong
- Achieved rank of Left Grand Marshal
- Last surviving meritorious minister and famous general
Behind the scenes
Historical sources
Zhu Ran’s biography appears in Records of the Three Kingdoms by Chen Shou, where he is grouped with Zhu Zhi, Lü Fan, and Zhu Huan. Chen Shou wrote: “Zhu Zhi and Lü Fan were employed as old ministers. Zhu Ran and Zhu Huan were famous for their courage and ferocity.”
The surname
Zhu Ran was originally named Shi Ran but was adopted by Zhu Zhi and changed his name to Zhu Ran. After Zhu Zhi died, he requested to change back to the Shi surname, but Sun Quan did not allow it. Only after Sun Quan’s death did his son Shi Ji change back to the Shi surname.
The defence of Jiangling
Zhu Ran’s defence of Jiangling for six months is considered one of the great defensive achievements of the Three Kingdoms period. Despite being cut off from external aid and having many soldiers ill, he remained calm and achieved victory.
The last meritorious minister
After Lu Xun died, Zhu Ran was the last surviving meritorious minister and famous general, so Sun Quan treated him with incomparable grandeur.
Historical evaluations
Contemporary
Lü Meng said: “Zhu Ran’s courage and ability to maintain positions are more than sufficient. I believe he can succeed me.”
Sun Quan said: “This family previously submitted a memorial. I believed it would be difficult to succeed. Now it is indeed as he said. He can be said to be clear in seeing affairs.”
Wei Zhen said: “Zhu Ran is Wu’s fierce general. He will certainly follow Sun Quan and use the situation to contain the General Who Conquers the South.”
Later historians
Chen Shou wrote: “Zhu Ran was not reaching seven chi in height but had a clear bearing. His conduct was pure, and his literary talent was only applied to military equipment—the rest was simple and unadorned. Throughout the day, he was respectful and cautious, always on the battlefield. When facing emergencies, his courage was settled, especially surpassing others. Even when there were no battles in the world, every morning and evening he would strictly beat drums, and the soldiers in camp would all put on equipment and form ranks. He used this to play with the enemy, making them not know when to prepare, so whenever he sent out troops, he achieved merit.”
Chen Shou also wrote: “Since the founding meritorious ministers became ill, among those Sun Quan cared about most, Lü Meng and Ling Tong were the most important, and Zhu Ran was next.”
Legacy
Zhu Ran is remembered as a capable general who defended Jiangling for six months against a Wei siege, showing his courage, leadership, and strategic ability. His calmness under pressure and his preparation even in peacetime show his military professionalism.
His childhood friendship with Sun Quan and Sun Quan’s great concern when he was ill show the deep relationship between them. As the last surviving meritorious minister and famous general, he represents the end of an era in Wu’s history.
His story represents both achievement and loyalty—a general who served his state loyally throughout his life and achieved great success, especially in defending Jiangling.
Timeline
- 182 CE: Born in Guzhang, Danyang Commandery
- 194 CE: Adopted by Zhu Zhi; changed name from Shi Ran to Zhu Ran
- 200 CE: Appointed Prefect of Yuyao; studied with Sun Quan
- c. 200 CE: Transferred to Prefect of Shanyin; appointed Colonel Who Breaks Through; appointed Administrator of Linchuan Commandery; pacified mountain bandits
- 217 CE: Defended at Ruxukou; appointed General of the Side
- 219 CE: Participated in campaign against Guan Yu; captured Guan Yu, Guan Ping, and Zhao Lei; appointed General Who Spreads Martial Might; enfeoffed as Marquis of Xi’an Township
- 220 CE: Succeeded Lü Meng; granted credentials; guarded Jiangling
- 222 CE: Battle of Yiling; broke through Liu Bei’s vanguard; cut off Liu Bei’s rear route; appointed General Who Conquers the North; enfeoffed as Marquis of Yong’an
- 223 CE: Defended Jiangling for six months against Wei siege; executed Yao Tai; changed to Marquis of Dangyang
- 224 CE: Zhu Zhi died; requested to change back to Shi surname (not allowed)
- 227 CE: Campaign against Jiangxia; repelled by Hu Zhi; helped Pan Zhang withdraw
- 229 CE: Appointed General of Chariots and Cavalry and Right Protector; Inspector of Yan Province (later removed)
- 234 CE: Campaign against Hefei Xincheng; withdrew due to disease
- 242 CE: Campaign against Zuzhong; defeated Pu Zhong and Hu Zhi
- 246 CE: Campaign against Zuzhong; defeated Li Xing; appointed Left Grand Marshal and Right Army Advisor
- 247 CE: Appointed Grand Commander; began to be bedridden with illness
- 248 CE: Built fortress at Jiangling while ill
- 249 CE: Died of illness in third month; age 68
See also
References
- Chen Shou. Records of the Three Kingdoms, Volume 56, Biography of Zhu Ran.
- Pei Songzhi. Annotations to Records of the Three Kingdoms.
- Yu Pu. Jiang Biao Zhuan.
- Sima Guang. Zizhi Tongjian, various volumes.