Contents
Biography & Historical Record
Mi Zhu (165–221 AD), courtesy name Zizhong, was a wealthy merchant, influential gentry leader, and trusted advisor of Liu Bei during the late Eastern Han dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period. Born in Ju County, Donghai Commandery (modern-day Lianyungang, Jiangsu), Mi Zhu came from a prominent, affluent family whose household possessed massive wealth and commanded over ten thousand servants. Initially serving under the Xu Province governor Tao Qian, Mi Zhu played a pivotal role in the regional transition of power. When Tao Qian was on his deathbed, he entrusted the governance of Xu Province to Liu Bei, and Mi Zhu actively led the local gentry and residents to install Liu Bei as the new regional governor.
In 196 AD, when Lü Bu launched a surprise attack and seized Xiapi while Liu Bei was away campaigning against Yuan Shu, Mi Zhu demonstrated legendary loyalty by contributing his enormous personal fortune, thousands of horses, and supplies to fund Liu Bei’s shattered army. Furthermore, he offered his younger sister, Lady Mi, in marriage to Liu Bei to cement their political and familial alliance. His financial backing was vital in keeping Liu Bei’s political and military survival afloat through repeated setbacks. Later, Mi Zhu followed Liu Bei through his trials across central and western China, eventually serving as Aide to the General of the Left and receiving high honors when Liu Bei established the Shu Han dynasty. However, tragedy struck near the end of his life when his younger brother, Mi Fang, defected to Eastern Wu, causing the capture and execution of Guan Yu. Overwhelmed by shame and grief despite Liu Bei’s constant reassurances, Mi Zhu fell ill and passed away in 221 AD.
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
In Luo Guanzhong’s epic novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Mi Zhu is portrayed as a loyal, dignified, and exceptionally generous scholar-merchant who dedicates his entire family fortune to assist Liu Bei in his benevolent quest to restore the Han dynasty. First appearing when Liu Bei arrives in Xu Province to assist Tao Qian, Mi Zhu acts as a primary mediator and steadfast supporter. Following Tao Qian’s death, it is Mi Zhu who insists that Liu Bei take control of Xu Province.
When Lü Bu betrays Liu Bei and captures Xiapi, Mi Zhu rescues Liu Bei’s family and later facilitates contacts with Cao Cao and Yuan Shao. His unwavering dedication during Liu Bei’s most destitute moments exemplifies the ideal of righteous fealty in the novel. His tragic final days, marked by deep humiliation over his brother Mi Fang’s treasonous surrender to Eastern Wu, bring a poignant conclusion to his life of service.
Notable Quotes & Famous Sayings
- “My late lord Tao Qian expressly stated on his deathbed that unless Liu Bei takes charge of Xu Province, the people will have no peace.” — Mi Zhu urging Liu Bei to accept the governorship of Xu Province.
- “Though my brother has committed an unforgivable crime against the state, I deserve death for failing to instruct him properly.” — Mi Zhu presenting himself bound in ropes before Liu Bei after Mi Fang’s betrayal.
Mi Zhu (麋竺) — Historical & Literary Timeline
Entrusting Xu Province
As Tao Qian lies dying, he formally urges Mi Zhu and the gentry of Xu Province to pass the governorship to Liu Bei, initiating Mi Zhu’s lifelong allegiance to Liu Bei.
Financially Rescuing Liu Bei
After Lü Bu seizes Xiapi by treachery, Mi Zhu uses his vast personal wealth and horses to rebuild Liu Bei’s army and gives his sister in marriage to secure their alliance.
Reuniting with Liu Bei
Mi Zhu assists in reuniting Liu Bei with his family and followers after the dispersion caused by Cao Cao’s invasion of Xuzhou.
Flight to Changban
Mi Zhu accompanies Liu Bei during the desperate civilian exodus from Jing Province, surviving the chaos of Cao Cao’s pursuit at Changban.
The Betrayal of Mi Fang & Guan Yu’s Fall
Mi Fang defects to Eastern Wu during the campaign against Fan Castle, leading to Guan Yu’s capture and death. A mortified Mi Zhu binds himself in ropes to confess to Liu Bei.
Death from Shame
Though treated kindly by Liu Bei, Mi Zhu consumes himself with shame over his brother’s treason, falling ill and passing away shortly before Liu Bei ascends the throne.
Key Relationships
Family
- Mi Fang (麋芳, Mi Phương): Younger brother whose defection to Eastern Wu in 219 AD during the Fan Castle campaign caused the capture and death of Guan Yu, leading to Mi Zhu’s profound shame and eventual death.
- Lady Mi (麋夫人, Mi phu nhân): Younger sister who was married to Liu Bei in 196 AD to solidify the political and military alliance between the Mi family and Liu Bei.
Friends
- Liu Bei (刘备, Lưu Bị): Sovereign and brother-in-law to whom Mi Zhu provided his entire fortune, horses, and supplies to sustain his army during his most destitute periods.
- Sun Qian (孙乾, Tôn Càn): Fellow administrative officer and long-time colleague who served alongside Mi Zhu in the service of Liu Bei.
- Jian Yong (简雍, Giản Ung): Senior diplomat and advisor who worked closely with Mi Zhu as part of Liu Bei’s core administrative staff.
Enemies
- Lü Bu (吕布, Lữ Bố): Warlord who betrayed Liu Bei in 196 AD and seized Xiapi, forcing Mi Zhu to provide his personal wealth to fund Liu Bei’s recovery.
- Cao Cao (曹操, Tào Tháo): Northern warlord whose repeated invasions of Xuzhou forced Mi Zhu and Liu Bei into years of exile and military struggle.
- Sun Quan (孙权, Tôn Quyền): Ruler of Eastern Wu whose forces accepted the surrender of Mi Fang in 219 AD, resulting in the execution of Guan Yu.
Other
- Tao Qian (陶谦, Đào Khiêm): Former governor of Xu Province who, on his deathbed, entrusted the governance of the region to Liu Bei through the mediation of Mi Zhu.
- Zhuge Liang (诸葛亮, Gia Cát Lượng): Fellow senior statesman and chancellor of the Shu Han state who served alongside Mi Zhu during the later years of the dynasty.
In Novel
Chapter 11
- Mi Zhu (糜竺, Mi Trúc): Mi Zhu is introduced as a wealthy merchant from Donghai. After a supernatural warning allows him to save his valuables from a fire, he becomes known for distributing his wealth to help the poor. Tao Qian appoints him as an important official of Xu Province. When Kong Rong’s Beihai is threatened by the Yellow Turbans, Mi Zhu proposes going to Beihai to seek aid for Tao Qian and helps bring Liu Bei into the crisis surrounding Xu Province.
Chapter 12
- Mi Zhu (糜竺, Mi Trúc): When Tao Qian becomes gravely ill, he summons Mi Zhu and Chen Deng to discuss the future of Xu Province. Mi Zhu argues that Tao Qian should again offer the governorship to Liu Bei because Cao Cao is likely to return. Tao Qian agrees and tells Mi Zhu that Liu Bei is a man of extraordinary ability and that Mi Zhu should serve him faithfully. After Tao Qian’s death, Liu Bei accepts temporary control of Xu Province and appoints Sun Qian and Mi Zhu as his principal assistants.
Chapter 16
- Mi Zhu (糜竺, Mi Trúc): After Lü Bu’s seizure of Xiapi and Liu Bei’s repeated reversals of fortune, Mi Zhu remains one of Liu Bei’s trusted supporters. The novel also identifies Mi Zhu’s sister as Liu Bei’s wife and places Mi Zhu and Mi Fang among the officers protecting Liu Bei’s household and central position during the fighting around Xu Province.
Chapter 27
- Mi Zhu (糜竺, Mi Trúc): During the period when Liu Bei’s forces are scattered, Mi Zhu remains associated with Liu Bei’s household and officials while the family and followers are reunited after the campaigns against Cao Cao.
Chapter 41
- Mi Zhu (糜竺, Mi Trúc): During Liu Bei’s desperate retreat from Jingzhou, Mi Zhu travels with Liu Bei, Mi Fang and Jian Yong. The group is separated during Cao Cao’s pursuit at Changban. Zhao Yun later finds Mi Zhu captured by Cao Ren’s officer Chunyu Dao and leading more than 1,000 troops. Zhao Yun attacks, kills Chunyu Dao, frees Mi Zhu and gives him horses so that he can escort Lady Gan to safety. Mi Zhu then continues with the rescued group while Zhao Yun returns to search for Lady Mi and Liu Shan.
Chapter 65
- Mi Zhu (糜竺, Mi Trúc): After Liu Bei takes Chengdu and establishes control over Yi Province, Mi Zhu is explicitly listed among the old Jingzhou officials who are promoted and rewarded. His continued position confirms that he remains one of Liu Bei’s senior trusted officials after the conquest of Yi Province.
Chapter 80
- Mi Zhu (糜竺, Mi Trúc): When Liu Bei is persuaded to accept the imperial title, Mi Zhu appears among the senior officials assembled to urge him to proceed with the ceremony. He is identified as Anhan General and is part of the political establishment supporting Liu Bei’s new imperial court.
In History
Summary
- Mi Zhu (糜竺, Mi Trúc), courtesy name Zizhong, was a wealthy Xu Province official who became one of Liu Bei (刘备, Lưu Bị)‘s most important supporters.
Year: 196 AD
- Mi Zhu (糜竺, Mi Trúc) supported Liu Bei after Lü Bu seized Xiapi and provided substantial financial and material resources, including arranging the marriage of his younger sister to Liu Bei.
Year: 214 AD
- Mi Zhu (糜竺, Mi Trúc) was appointed General Who Secures Han after Liu Bei took control of Yi Province.
Historical Record
- Mi Zhu (糜竺, Mi Trúc) was a real historical official and one of Liu Bei’s most loyal supporters. The Sanguozhi records his exceptional wealth, political service, and close relationship with Liu Bei. citeturn0search1turn0search6
Gallery
Famous Allusion
Zhao Yun Rescues A'Dou at Dangyang