Contents
Biography & Historical Record
Zhongli Song (钟离绪 / 钟离松, Chung Ly Tự / Chung Ly Tùng) was a respected court official of Eastern Wu during the Three Kingdoms era. Hailing from Shanyin in Kuaiji Commandery, he served the state of Wu as a court gentleman and civil administrator under Emperor Sun Quan.
He was the father of the famed Eastern Wu general and incorruptible governor Zhongli Mu (钟离牧). Zhongli Song was revered for his strict family values, frugal lifestyle, and profound public integrity, attributes that directly molded Zhongli Mu into one of the most beloved and capable frontier commanders of later Eastern Wu.
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Chapter 110 (The gentry of Kuaiji): Across the gentle hills of Kuaiji, the elders of the Zhongli clan taught their sons to prize honor over gold and devotion to the realm above all personal gain.
Zhongli Song — Historical & Literary Timeline
c. 200 AD
Roots in Kuaiji
Born into the ancient Zhongli clan of Shanyin, Kuaiji Commandery.
c. 225 AD
Service in Eastern Wu
Serves as a court gentleman in Jianye, earning praise for uncorrupted conduct.
c. 250 AD
Paternal Legacy
Witnesses his son Zhongli Mu achieve renown as a governor and military pacifier.
Key Relationships
Family
- Zhongli Mu (钟离牧, Chung Ly Mục) — Son; famed Eastern Wu general, governor of Danyang, and conqueror of local insurgencies.
Friends / Allies
- Kuaiji Scholar-Officials — Gentry families of Kuaiji including the Yu, Kong, and Wei clans.
Enemies / Rivals
- Rebellious Mountain Tribes (Shanyue) — Factions creating instability in the southern commanderies.
Other
- Sun Quan (孙权) — Founding Emperor of Eastern Wu who promoted local Kuaiji talents.
In Novel
Chapter 110 (Integrity among the southern officials)
- Zhongli Song (钟离绪, Chung Ly Tùng): In the halls of Kuaiji, Zhongli Song lived with unyielding frugality, bequeathing to his sons an inheritance of virtue purer than jade.
Chapter 120 (A general molded by righteous counsel)
- Zhongli Song (钟离绪, Chung Ly Tùng): The fearless valor and benevolent governance of Zhongli Mu reflected the timeless teachings of his father Zhongli Song.
In History
Summary
- Zhongli Song (钟离绪 / 钟离松) was an official of Eastern Wu and father of General Zhongli Mu.
Year: c. 220–250 AD
- Served as a civil gentleman of the court in Eastern Wu, instilling strict moral discipline in his sons.
Historical Record
- Sanguozhi, Vol. 60 (Book of Wu, Biography of Zhongli Mu): Mentions his father Zhongli Song as a court gentleman whose frugal integrity inspired the exemplary conduct of his descendants.