Biography & Historical Record
Wei Xiu (韦秀, Vi Tú) was a scholar-official of Eastern Wu and the early Western Jin period. Hailing from Chun’an in Kuaiji Commandery, he was the eldest son of Wei Zhao (韦昭), the Grand Historian of Eastern Wu, compiler of the Wu Shu, and tutor to the crown princes.
Following the martyrdom of his father under the tyrannical reign of Sun Hao in 273 AD, Wei Xiu and his younger brothers endured political persecution and internal exile in Lingling. After the fall of Eastern Wu and reunification under Jin, the family’s scholarly honor was formally rehabilitated, and Wei Xiu served in the new administration, ensuring the preservation of his father’s priceless historical writings.
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Chapter 120 (Tragedy of the Grand Historian): When Grand Historian Wei Zhao gave his life rather than compromise the truth, his sons bore the noble exile with stoic dignity, safeguarding scrolls that would tell the truth of their age.
Wei Xiu — Historical & Literary Timeline
c. 235 AD
Youth in Kuaiji
Born to Wei Zhao; trained in ancient historiography, ritual texts, and calligraphic arts.
280 AD
Rehabilitation under Jin
Returns to official scholarship following the reunification, preserving the historical legacy of the Wu Shu.
Key Relationships
Family
- Wei Zhao (韦昭, Vi Chiêu) — Father; Grand Historian of Wu who chose martyrdom over falsifying imperial history.
- Wei Jie (韦节, Vi Tiết) — Younger brother; scholar and archivist exiled alongside him.
- Wei Kuan (韦宽, Vi Khoan) — Younger brother; fellow scholar of the Kuaiji Wei family.
Friends / Allies
- Eastern Wu Loyal Scholars — Intellectuals who mourned Wei Zhao’s unjust execution in Jiankang.
Enemies / Rivals
- Sun Hao (孙皓) — Tyrannical last emperor of Wu who executed Wei Zhao and exiled his sons.
Other
- Emperor Wu of Jin (Sima Yan) — Issued pardons and restored the scholarly works of the southern historians.
In Novel
Chapter 120 (The shadow of tyranny)
- Wei Xiu (韦秀, Vi Tú): When chains bound the Grand Historian, his eldest son Wei Xiu held close the bamboo scrolls, swearing that truth should outlive kings.
Chapter 120 (The vindication of history)
- Wei Xiu (韦秀, Vi Tú): Across the rivers of Lingling, the sons of Wei Zhao endured hardship with noble resolve until light returned to the realm.
In History
Summary
- Wei Xiu (韦秀) was a scholar and official of Eastern Wu and Western Jin, eldest son of the renowned historian Wei Zhao.
Year: 273–280 AD
- Exiled to Lingling by Sun Hao following his father's execution; pardoned under Jin and contributed to preserving historical manuscripts.
Historical Record
- Sanguozhi, Vol. 65 (Book of Wu, Biography of Wei Zhao): Records that after Wei Zhao was put to death by Sun Hao, his sons Wei Xiu, Wei Jie, and Wei Kuan were banished to Lingling.
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