Zhu Ju (simplified: 朱据, traditional: 朱據, pinyin: Zhū Jù), courtesy name Zifan (子範 Zǐfàn), was a general and official of Eastern Wu who supported Crown Prince Sun He in the Two Palaces conflict. He was married to Sun Quan’s daughter Sun Luban. When Sun Quan turned against Sun He’s faction, Zhu Ju was implicated, demoted, and exiled. He continued to memorialise in Sun He’s defence; Sun Quan had him flogged and then ordered him to commit suicide in 250. Chen Shou grouped him with Wu Can as men who “lost their lives for what was right” (以正喪身).
Biography
Support for Sun He
Zhu Ju held military and civil posts under Sun Quan and was one of the officials who backed Sun He as crown prince. He argued against deposing Sun He and opposed the faction around Sun Ba. As the Two Palaces conflict intensified, Sun Quan came to see Sun He’s supporters as a threat.
Fall and death
Zhu Ju was demoted and sent away. From exile he sent memorials defending Sun He. Sun Quan was angered and had him interrogated and flogged; he then ordered Zhu Ju to commit suicide. Zhu Ju died in 250. His wife Sun Luban had already been turned against him in the succession struggle. Wu Can suffered a similar fate for supporting Sun He.
Legacy
Zhu Ju is remembered as a loyal supporter of the deposed heir who refused to recant and was killed for it. He is often cited together with Wu Can as examples of officials who died for their principles during the Two Palaces conflict.