29 Facts About Gu Yong

Gu Yong, courtesy name Yuantan, was a Chinese calligrapher, musician, and politician.

Gu Yong served as a minister and the second Imperial Chancellor of the state of Eastern Wu during the Three Kingdoms period of China.

Gu Yong started his career as a county chief and served in various counties throughout Jiangdong.

Gu Yong held office for about 19 years from 225 until his death in 243.

Gu Yong was born in Wu County, Wu Commandery, which is present-day Suzhou, Jiangsu, towards the end of the Eastern Han dynasty.

Gu Yong's great-grandfather Gu Feng was a former Administrator of Yingchuan Commandery.

Sometime in the 180s, when Cai Yong was living in Wu Commandery, Gu Yong met him and learnt calligraphy and music from him.

Gu Yong adopted "Yuantan", which literally means "top praise", as his courtesy name to reflect the high praise he received from his mentor.

Gu Yong earned much respect from his subordinates and the people alike for his good performance.

Gu Yong enfeoffed Gu Yong as the Marquis of Yangsui District.

In 225, Gu Yong fetched his mother from his hometown in Wu County to live with him in Wuchang, the imperial capital of Eastern Wu.

Gu Yong assigned his subordinates to their respective appointments in a way which not only generally suited their preferences, but allowed them to put their talents to good use.

Gu Yong often went on inspection tours to assess local conditions and see if policy changes could be made to improve the people's lives.

Gu Yong presented the findings he collected over a period of time, and pointed out that the laws were too strict and the penalties for crimes were too harsh.

The Eastern Jin dynasty historian Xu Zhong disapproved of Gu Yong's handling of Lu Yi's case.

Gu Yong pointed out that Lu Yi's actions had severely damaged the integrity of the Eastern Wu government and reduced people's trust in the government.

Xu Zhong argued that Gu Yong should not even provide Lu Yi an opportunity to defend himself, because if Lu Yi pleaded not guilty and Gu Yong submitted his plea to Sun Quan, there was a risk that Sun Quan might believe that Lu Yi was innocent and therefore release him.

Gu Yong felt extremely embarrassed and upset with his grandson's behaviour but he did not say anything.

Gu Yong then faced away as he lay on his couch and rested.

Gu Yong commissioned Gu Yong's youngest son, Gu Ji, as a Cavalry Commandant.

Gu Yong honoured Gu Yong with the posthumous title "Marquis Su", which means "serious marquis".

Gu Yong was known for his abstinence from alcohol and for being a reserved and quiet person.

Gu Yong maintained proper conduct and behaviour all the time, even in casual and informal settings.

Gu Yong married a daughter of Lu Kang, an official who served as the Administrator of Lujiang Commandery in the late Eastern Han dynasty.

Gu Yong had three sons: Gu Shao, Gu Yu and Gu Ji.

Gu Yong married a niece of Sun Quan, and had two sons, Gu Tan and Gu Cheng, who served as officials under Sun Quan but were eventually exiled to the remote Jiao Province.

Gu Yong served as the Administrator of Yidu Commandery and was known for being in poor health.

Gu Yong served as a Regular Mounted Attendant under the Jin dynasty but died early.

Gu Yong played a supportive role to the State with his graciousness.