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Zhou Tai (Youping) 163 - Circa 222-28 A.D.San Guo Zhi Translation by Lady Sun Zhou Tai, styled Youping, was from Xiacai in Jiujiang. He and Jiang Qin served as Sun Ce’s bodyguards, and were known both for their respectful performance of their duties and their deeds in battle. When Ce entered Huiji, Zhou Tai was made Major with a Separate Command, and was given troops to command. Sun Quan liked Zhou Tai’s character a lot, and requested for Tai to be transferred to himself. Once, while Sun Ce was out fighting bandits from six prefectures, Sun Quan was left in Xuan city with less than a thousand guards. Out of negligence, he left the defenses down, and several thousand of bandits came to attack. By the time Sun Quan mounted his horse, the bandits had swarmed to surround him already. Their weapons, hitting here and there, slashed Sun Quan’s saddle, causing great panic all around. Only Zhou Tai, his spirits roused, defended Sun Quan personally, emboldening those near him and making them able to fight again. When the bandits were dispersed, Zhou Tai was found with twelve deep wounds, which took a long time to heal. If Zhou Tai were not there on that day, Sun Quan might have perished in the dangers. This deed was greatly appreciated by Sun Ce, who added the title of Chief of Chunju to Zhou Tai. Some time after that, Zhou Tai followed Sun Ce to attack Wan and Jiangxia, and upon his return he passed by Yuzhang and there he was made Chief of Yichun as well. These prefectures generated all the supplies needed by his troops Zhou Tai gained merit in the battle against Huang Zu. Then, he defended against Cao Cao with Zhou Yu and Cheng Pu at Chibi, and attacked Cao Ren at Nanjun. Once Jingzhou was settled, he and his troops were garrisoned at Cen. When Lord Cao’s army launched an assault from Ruxu, Zhou Tai went to meet the attack. Lord Cao retreated, and Zhou Tai remained to be Controller of Ruxu. He was also made General who Pacifies the Caitiffs. At that time, Zhu Ran, Xu Sheng, and some others were located there as well, and did not want to concede to Zhou Tai’s command. And so Sun Quan made a special trip to the Ruxu forts to meet with all the officers there. A great party was held, and Sun Quan personally brought wine to Zhou Tai, and ordered him to remove his outer garments. Sun Quan pointed at each scar, and asked for the story behind it. Zhou Tai responded with his memories of each battle. At the end, Sun Quan had him dressed again, and together they reveled through the night. When the next day came, Sun Quan had someone give him his imperial parasol (1). Thus Xu Sheng and company conceded. After Sun Quan had defeated Guan Yu, he planned to invade Shu. He made Zhou Tai Grand Administrator of Hanzhong [in name] and General of Roused Valor. He also conferred the title of Marquis of Lingyang onto Zhou Tai. Zhou Tai died in the middle of the Huangwu year (AD 222). Zhou Tai’s son, Shao, also commanded troops, in the position of Chief Commandant of the Cavalry. He gained merits in the battle when Cao Ren attacked from Ruxu, and he also served in Sun Quan’s campaign against Cao Xiu. Thus he was promoted to the rank of major-general. He died in the second year of Huanglong (AD 230). His younger brother, Zhou Cheng, took command of the troops and inherited the marquisate. (1) Jiangbiao Zhuan: Sun Qun held his [Zhou Tai’s] arm, and tears crossed his face. He called him by his style name, saying, “Youping, you have fought like a bear and a tiger for us two brothers, and not holding back your own life you have been wounded in several tens of places, and your skin is as if it’s been etched on. Can I not treat you as one of my brothers, and bestow the powers of command upon you? You have done great service for Wu, and I would stand with you in times of honor and shame, in joy and sorrow. Youping, be merry. Do not let the fact that you lack pedigree make you back down from your tasks!” And at that he commanded for the imperial silk parasol of blue veils to be bestowed upon Zhou Tai. After all that, he had his mounts prepared to go, and ordered Zhou Tai lead the way out, in the midst of drums and horns. <return> © Copyright Lady
Sun 2002 |