Contents
Biography & Historical Record
Wu Ju was a regional official who served under Liu Biao, the Governor of Jing Province, who appointed him as the Administrator of Cangwu Commandery. Following Liu Biao’s death and the subsequent rise of the Sun family in the south, Wu Ju maintained a relationship with Liu Bei when the latter passed through the region. He was noted for his hospitality toward Liu Bei, providing him with supplies and support. However, his tenure ended after Sun Quan sent Bu Zhi to take control of the region; suspecting Wu Ju of having ulterior motives or independent tendencies, Bu Zhi invited Wu Ju to a meeting and had him executed.
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
In the narrative, Wu Ju appears as a loyal supporter who assists Liu Bei during his time of need. He serves as an example of the fragmented loyalties in the southern territories during the transition period of the late Han Dynasty.
Wu Ju — Historical & Literary Timeline
Administrator of Cangwu
Serving under Liu Biao, Wu Ju controls Cangwu Commandery and provides significant aid to Liu Bei during his retreat.
Execution
Sun Quan sends Bu Zhi to assume command of the southern regions; Bu Zhi executes Wu Ju to consolidate power.
Key Relationships
Family
- No information
Friends
- Liu Biao (刘表, Lưu Biểu): Governor of Jing Province. Appointed Wu Ju as Grand Administrator of Cangwu (Cangwu Taishou) to expand Jingzhou influence into Jiaozhou.
- Liu Bei (刘备, Lưu Bị): Founding First Sovereign of Shu Han. Maintained an intimate friendship with Wu Ju; when Liu Bei suffered defeat in 208 AD, Lu Su famously proposed seeking refuge with Wu Ju in Cangwu before forming the alliance with Sun Quan.
Enemies
- Bu Zhi (步骘, Bộ Chất): Grand General and Inspector of Jiaozhou for Eastern Wu. Dispatched by Sun Quan in 210 AD to annex the southern commanderies; lured Wu Ju to a diplomatic banquet under the guise of an alliance, surrounded him with elite guards, and summarily decapitated him.
- Lai Gong (赖恭, Lại Cung): Inspector of Jiaozhou appointed by Liu Biao. Clashed with Wu Ju over provincial administrative authority in Cangwu, resulting in Wu Ju driving Lai Gong out of the commandery (200s AD).
- Sun Quan (孙权, Tôn Quyền): Founding Emperor of Eastern Wu who ordered Bu Zhi to eliminate Wu Ju and seize direct control of Jiaozhou (210 AD).
Others
- No information
In Novel
Chapter 41
- Wu Ju (吴巨, Ngô Cự): Wu Ju is associated with the forces in Jiaozhi and is mentioned in connection with the southern territories during Liu Bei’s flight south. His appearance is brief and does not develop into an independent campaign.
History
Summary
- Wu Ju (吴巨, Ngô Cự) was a regional military commander in southern China during the late Eastern Han.
Service in Jing and Jiaozhi
- Wu Ju became associated with the political and military struggles involving Liu Bei, Liu Zhang and Sun Quan’s sphere of influence.
- He controlled territory in the south and was involved in the shifting alliances of the period.
Later Career
- His position was ultimately overtaken by the larger powers competing for control of southern China.
Classification
- Historical / Briefly Attested.