Bu Zhi

Bộ Chất

NAME
Chinese Name步骘, 步騭, Bù Zhì
Other nameBộ Chất
Courtesy name子山, 子山, Zǐshān, Zi Shan, tự Tử Sơn
INFORMATION
Birth PlaceHuaiyin County, Linhuai Commandery (临淮郡淮阴县; huyện Hoài Âm, quận Lâm Hoài)
Died247
Death ReasonDied of natural causes (247 AD)
FAMILY
Children
Relatives
CAREER
AllegianceWu

Biography & Historical Record

Bu Zhi (died 247 AD), courtesy name Zishan, was a high-ranking official and statesman of Eastern Wu during the Three Kingdoms period. Born in Linhuai (modern-day Linyi, Shandong), he was a descendant of the famous philosopher Bu Shang. Driven south by the chaos of the late Han Dynasty, he sought refuge in Jiangdong where he eventually joined Sun Quan’s service. Renowned for his integrity, intelligence, and calm demeanor, Bu Zhi held various significant posts, serving as the Governor of Jiaozhou, where he successfully extended Wu’s influence into modern-day Vietnam and southern China, and later as the Chancellor of Eastern Wu. Throughout his long career, he was a trusted advisor, often counseling Sun Quan on internal administration and military appointments, and was recognized as one of the most respected figures in the Wu court. He died in 247 AD.

Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms

In the novel, Bu Zhi is portrayed as a loyal and capable strategist of Eastern Wu. He first gains prominence as one of the key advisors who supports the alliance against Cao Cao. He is often seen participating in major debates at court, providing measured counsel alongside fellow ministers like Zhang Zhao and Gu Yong. During critical moments, such as the tensions with Shu or the defense against Wei, Bu Zhi is instrumental in maintaining the stability of the state and ensuring the smooth implementation of Sun Quan’s policies.

For detailed historical records, archives, and official chronicles, explore Bu Zhi on Wikipedia.

Key Relationships

Family

  • Bu Xie (步协, Bộ Hiệp): Son who followed in his father’s footsteps to serve as a general for the state of Eastern Wu.
  • Bu Chan (步阐, Bộ Xiển): Grandson who served as a military commander for Eastern Wu before his eventual defection to the Jin dynasty.

Friends

  • Zhang Zhao (张昭, Trương Chiêu): A fellow senior statesman and advisor who served alongside Bu Zhi in the Eastern Wu court for many years.
  • Lu Xun (陆逊, Lục Tốn): A prominent colleague and high-ranking official with whom Bu Zhi collaborated on administrative and military matters.
  • Zhuge Jin (诸葛瑾, Gia Cát Cẩn): A fellow senior official and diplomat who worked closely with Bu Zhi to maintain the stability of the Wu government.

Enemies

  • Cao Cao (曹操, Tào Tháo): The powerful warlord of Wei who served as the primary geopolitical opponent to the sovereignty of Eastern Wu.

Other

  • Sun Quan (孙权, Tôn Quyền): The founding Emperor of Eastern Wu whom Bu Zhi served with unwavering loyalty and counsel for several decades.

In Novel

Chapter 84

  • Bu Zhi (步骘, Bộ Chất): Bu Zhi is one of the senior Wu officials who doubts Lu Xun's ability to defeat Liu Bei. Together with Zhang Zhao and Gu Yong, he is associated with the court opposition to Lu Xun's appointment and strategy. After Lu Xun's fire attack destroys Liu Bei's seven-hundred-li encampment, the novel's commentary specifically contrasts Lu Xun's success with the doubts previously expressed by Bu Zhi and other senior officials.

Chapter 85

  • Bu Zhi (步骘, Bộ Chất): After Liu Bei's defeat at Yiling and the retreat to Baidicheng, Bu Zhi remains part of the senior Wu political establishment. He participates in the continuing court discussions as Sun Quan manages the aftermath of the victory and the changing relationship between Wu and Shu.

Chapter 86

  • Bu Zhi (步骘, Bộ Chất): Bu Zhi continues to serve Sun Quan as a senior civil official while Wu deals with Cao Pi's attempt to induce Sun Quan to attack Shu. The chapter emphasizes the strategic discussion among Sun Quan's advisers after Lu Xun's victory and before the next confrontation with Wei.

In History

Summary

  • Bu Zhi (步骘, Bộ Chất), courtesy name Zishan, was a senior statesman of Eastern Wu who rose from a poor background to become one of the most important civil and military officials under Sun Quan (孙权, Tôn Quyền).
  • He served as a governor, diplomat, military commander, and ultimately Chancellor of Wu.

Early Career

  • Bu Zhi (步骘, Bộ Chất) moved south during the turmoil of the late Han and established himself in the Jiangdong region. His reputation for learning and administrative ability brought him into Sun Quan's service.

Year: 210s AD

  • He served in important southern and central appointments and became involved in the administration of territories newly incorporated into Wu.
  • Bu Zhi (步骘, Bộ Chất) also developed a reputation for treating local populations and scholars with moderation, helping consolidate Wu's southern territories.

Year: 229 AD onward

  • After Sun Quan formally became emperor, Bu Zhi (步骘, Bộ Chất) held increasingly senior offices. He served as Governor of Jiaozhou and later as Grand Administrator and military commander in important frontier regions.

Final Career

  • Bu Zhi (步骘, Bộ Chất) eventually became Imperial Chancellor of Wu. He remained a senior political figure until his death in 247 AD.

Historical Reputation

  • The Sanguozhi presents Bu Zhi (步骘, Bộ Chất) as a capable and cultivated administrator whose long career helped stabilize Wu's territories.

Historical Record

  • Bu Zhi (步骘, Bộ Chất) was a real historical statesman and one of Eastern Wu's major senior officials. His career extended from the late Han into the mature imperial period of Wu.

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