Zhuge Xu

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Zhuge Xu was a Chinese general and official of the Cao Wei state during the Three Kingdoms period. He came from Yangdu in Langya Commandery, near present-day Yinan County, Shandong, and was likely a distant relative of other famous Zhuges such as Zhuge Jin, Zhuge Liang, and Zhuge Dan.

In 255, while Cao Wei was fighting a rebellion in Shouchun, Zhuge Xu served as the Administrator of Taishan Commandery and helped Wei forces under regent Sima Shi suppress the uprising. He later held the position of Inspector of Yong Province.

In 263, during the campaign against Shu, he led about 30,000 troops to block the Shu general Jiang Wei at Yinping to prevent reinforcements to Yang’an Pass. Jiang Wei used a feint to lure him; Zhuge Xu retreated, allowing Jiang Wei to cross the Yinping bridge. When Zhuge Xu attempted to stop Jiang Wei, he was a day too late. Zhong Hui then moved south from Yang’an Pass to Baishui, and Deng Ai wished to join Zhuge Xu at Jiangyou, but Zhuge Xu refused and went to Baishui to join Zhong Hui. At Baishui, Zhong Hui accused him of cowardice, took command of his troops, and sent him back as a prisoner to Yong Province.

Later, when the Western Jin dynasty succeeded Cao Wei in 266, Zhuge Xu served under Jin as Minister of Ceremonies and Minister of the Guards.

Zhuge Xu had two sons, Zhuge Chong and Zhuge Hong. His granddaughter Zhuge Wan, the daughter of Zhuge Chong, entered Sima Yan’s harem in 273. His family remained connected to Jin politics in the years that followed.