Du Zeng was a Chinese military general and rebel of the Jin dynasty.
24 Facts About Du Zeng
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Du Zeng was a thorn in the side of Jin as he often defeated their forces and held out in Jing province for many years.
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Du Zeng was from Xinye County in Nanyang Commandery and started his career under the Prince of Xinye, Sima Xin, son of Sima Jun, Prince Wu of Fufeng.
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Du Zeng was said to be a very strong man, being able to swim across a river while wearing armor.
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Du Zeng joined Hu Kang and became his provisional Administrator of Jingling.
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Du Zeng plotted to get rid of him, but feigned loyalty at first to gain his trust.
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In 313, Du Zeng supported Hu Kang's decision to campaign against the bandit Wang Chong.
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Du Zeng had artisans to tamper with Hu Kang's personal guards' weapons before secretly enticing Wang Chong to attack.
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Du Zeng then assassinated him and declared himself General of the Household Gentlemen and acting Administrator of Jingling.
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Shortly after seizing power, Du Zeng wanted to enter an alliance with the Administrator of Nan Commandery, Liu Wu.
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When Liu Wu refused to marry his daughter to Du Zeng, Du Zeng had him and his family killed.
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However, Du Zeng refused to answer a summoning from Tao Kan, which caused Wang Gong to panic.
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In 315, Emperor Min of Jin sent Diwu Yi to Jing province, so Du Zeng welcomed him and made diplomatic ties by marrying his nephew to Diwu's daughter.
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Du Zeng had many cavalry units, and after secretly opening the city gates, they quickly broke through Tao Kan's formation.
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Du Zeng then attacked Xun Song at Wancheng to follow up his recent victories.
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When Jin reinforcements arrived, Du Zeng was forced to lift his siege.
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Wang Yi sent several armies to campaign against the rebels, but Du Zeng defeated them in every bout.
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Du Zeng pressed on to Miankou, so Sima Rui responded by sending Zhou Fang to deal with him.
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Zhou Fang and Du Zeng faced each other at Dunyang.
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Du Zeng knew that Zhou Fang was leading the central army and was wary of his abilities, so he focused on destroying Zhou's left and right flanks.
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Du Zeng then approached the centre when suddenly, Zhou Fang and his men started beating their drums.
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In 319, Du Zeng was caught in a surprise attack by Zhou Fang, causing chaos among Du Zeng's men.
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Overwhelmed, Du Zeng's generals arrested him and gave themselves up to Zhou Fang.
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Du Zeng's body was later chopped up and consumed by Zhao Yin and Zhu Chang.