| NAME | |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 刘修, 劉修, Liú Xiū |
| Nickname | Grand Administrator of Dong'an (东安太守) |
| Other name | Lưu Tu |
| Courtesy name | 季绪, 季緒, Jìxù, Ji Xu, tự Quý Tự |
| INFORMATION | |
| Born | c. 180s AD |
| Birth Place | Gaoping, Shanyang Commandery (兖州山阳高平; Weishan, Shandong) |
| Died | c. 220s AD |
| Death Reason | Natural causes |
| FAMILY | |
| Father | |
| Relatives | |
| CAREER | |
| Allegiance | Eastern Han / Cao Wei |
| Battles | None |
Biography & Historical Record
Liu Xiu (刘修, Lưu Tu), courtesy name Jiyou (季绪, Quý Tự), was an Eastern Han scholar and official, and the third son of the powerful warlord and Governor of Jing Province, Liu Biao (刘表, Lưu Biểu). Hailing from Gaoping County, Shanyang Commandery (present-day Weishan County, Shandong Province), he was the younger brother of Liu Qi (刘琦) and Liu Cong (刘琮). Unlike his older brothers who became embroiled in the bitter factional succession strife orchestrated by the Cai and Kuai clans of Jing Province, Liu Xiu was celebrated from his youth for his literary refinement, poetic eloquence, and composed demeanor.
In 208 AD, following the death of Liu Biao and the southern campaign of Cao Cao (曹操), Jing Province submitted to the central court. While Liu Cong was enfeoffed and Liu Qi allied with Liu Bei (刘备), Liu Xiu accompanied the scholars of Xiangyang north into the service of Cao Cao’s administration. Recognized by Cao Cao and the Jian’an literary circle for his administrative capability and cultured intellect, Liu Xiu was appointed to regional governorships, eventually rising to serve as the Grand Administrator of Dong’an (东安太守). In this office, he governed with civic discipline, leaving a reputation as a benevolent and scholarly magistrate who preserved the cultural prestige of his father’s illustrious lineage.
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Chapter 40 & Succession of Jing Province: In literary traditions and historical fiction, Liu Xiu (刘修, Lưu Tu) is depicted as the scholarly younger son of Liu Biao. While the narrative centers heavily on the tragic rivalry between Liu Qi and Liu Cong, Liu Xiu represents the literary scholars of Jing Province who preserved their lives and family legacy by serving the central government under Wei.
Liu Xiu (刘修) — Historical & Literary Timeline
Birth in Jing Province
Born into the elite household of Governor Liu Biao, receiving a premier classical education in Xiangyang.
Literary Circle of Xiangyang
Gains acclaim among southern literati for his essays and poetry, avoiding factional palace conflicts.
Submission of Jing Province
Enters Cao Cao’s administration following the pacification of Xiangyang alongside the southern gentry.
Grand Administrator of Dong’an
Appointed Grand Administrator of Dong’an Commandery, earning praise for orderly and benevolent governance.
Death & Legacy
Passes away peacefully, remembered in history as a scholar-administrator of the late Han and early Wei.
See Sanguozhi 6 (Biography of Liu Biao) and Sanguozhi 21 (Biography of Wang Can, referencing Liu Xiu).
Key Relationships
Family
- Father Liu Biao (刘表, Lưu Biểu): Governor of Jing Province, one of the Eight俊 of Jiangxia.
- Brothers Liu Qi (刘琦, Lưu Kỳ) & Liu Cong (刘琮, Lưu Tông): Elder brothers who contested the succession of Jing Province.
- Brother Liu Gui (刘规, Lưu Quy): Kinsman and official of Jing Province.
- Stepmother Lady Cai (蔡夫人, Sái phu nhân): Wife of Liu Biao.
In Historical Accounts
- Liu Xiu (刘修, Lưu Tu), courtesy Jiyou: Recorded in Sanguozhi 21 (Biography of Wang Can) as the third son of Liu Biao. Celebrated for his literary prose and poetry, he later governed Dong'an Commandery as Grand Administrator under Cao Wei.
In History
Summary
- Liu Xiu (刘修, Lưu Tu), courtesy Jiyou, was the third son of Jing Province warlord Liu Biao. Renowned for literary talent, he served Cao Wei as Grand Administrator of Dong'an.
Historical Record
- Sanguozhi 21 (Wei Book 21, Biography of Wang Can): "Liu Biao's third son Xiu, courtesy Jiyou, had literary talents and composed essays; he later became Grand Administrator of Dong'an."
- Sanguozhi 6 (Biography of Liu Biao): Details the lineage of Liu Biao and the fate of his sons.
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