Qiao Zhou (simplified: 谯周, traditional: 譙周, pinyin: Qiáo Zhōu), courtesy name Yunnan (允南 Yǔnnán), was a scholar and official of Shu Han. He studied under Qin Mi and became an authority on the classics and history. He served Liu Shan in various posts. When Deng Ai led Wei forces through the mountains and reached the Chengdu plain in 263, the court debated whether to resist or flee. Qiao Zhou argued that the dynasty’s fate was exhausted and that surrender would spare the people; he advised Liu Shan to surrender. Liu Shan followed his advice and surrendered to Deng Ai. Qiao Zhou was then honoured by Wei (later Jin) and enfeoffed. He died in Luoyang in 270. Later historians have debated whether his counsel was pragmatic and humane or disloyal to Shu.
Biography
Scholarship and service
Qiao Zhou was from Baxi and studied under Qin Mi. He was known for his learning and for his modest, reclusive habits. He held court offices under Liu Shan and was involved in ritual and historical matters. He wrote on the Spring and Autumn and other texts and compiled or contributed to historical works.
Advice to surrender
When Deng Ai emerged from the Yinping route and approached Chengdu, Liu Shan consulted his officials. Some proposed fleeing to the south or to Wu; Qiao Zhou argued that the Mandate had left Shu, that flight would only prolong suffering, and that surrender would preserve the people and the ancestral temples. Liu Shan accepted and sent a surrender envoy. Qiao Zhou’s role made him a controversial figure: praised by some for saving lives, criticised by others for counselling the end of the kingdom.
Legacy
Qiao Zhou is remembered as the scholar who advised surrender in 263 and as a major classicist and historian of the period. His surrender advice is still debated in Chinese historiography.