24 Facts About Chu Pou

Chu Pou, courtesy name Jiye, was a Chinese military general and politician of the Eastern Jin.

Chu Pou's daughter was Chu Suanzi, the wife of Emperor Kang of Jin and empress dowager to three subsequent emperors.

Chu Pou was at first a mid-level ranking official in the dynasty but held several prominent posts after his daughter became empress.

Chu Pou was from Yangdi County in Henan Commandery.

Chu Pou's grandfather, Chu Lue, was a reputable man who served as General Who Maintains The East, while Chu Pou's father, Chu Qia, served as Prefect of Wuchang.

When Chu Pou first entered the government, he served on the staff of the Prince of Xiyang, Sima Yang and the Prince of Wu, Sima Yue.

Chu Pou was Xi Jian's Army Advisor during Su Jun's rebellion in 328, and after it ended, Chu Pou became Marquis of the Capital District.

Chu Pou grew to become Attendant Officer of the Household Gentlemen to the Minister Over The Masses and later transferred to Attendant Gentleman of the Yellow Gate.

However, Chu Pou was not keen on accepting his position in the capital, as he feared he would hold too much power for being the empress's father.

Chu Pou refused to take any more offices in Jiankang, so in 344, he was made Inspector of Yanzhou and set out for Jincheng.

Chu Pou was showered with many offices and was allowed to retain his old ones, but Chu Pou feared that this would only result in criticism from the other ministers.

Chu Pou asked to receive a border post instead, so the court sent him to Jingkou, where he held command over Xuzhou, Yanzhou, and Qingzhou and two commanderies in Yangzhou.

Chu Pou was again summoned to Jiankang to become Inspector of Yangzhou and chief of affairs of the Masters of Writing.

In 346, Chu Pou recommended Gu He and Yin Hao serve in the Jin administration.

Chu Pou became Grand Commander, and as his men captured Pengcheng, many of the Han Chinese came out and surrendered to him.

The people of Lu Commandery rose against Zhao and asked Chu Pou to help them.

Chu Pou sent Wang Kan and Li Mai to welcome them.

Li Nong destroyed the Jin army and killed Wang Kan, prompting Chu Pou to make a panicked retreat to Guangling.

Many Chinese had openly fled in thousands to the south after hearing Chu Pou had led troops to help them, but after he was defeated, many were defenceless and slaughtered by the Zhao army.

Chu Pou arrived at Jingkou and saw many people in mourning.

Chu Pou was known to have at least 2 wives who predeceased him, Lady Xun and Lady Bian.

Chu Pou had another wife, Lady Xie Zhenshi, who gave birth to his daughter Chu Suanzi in 324.

Chu Pou Shuang had a daughter, Chu Pou Lingyuan, who was the last empress consort of the Eastern Jin, as the wife of Emperor Gong.

Chu Pou Shuang had at least 3 sons: Xiuzhi, Yanzhi and Yuzhi.