Lu Yusheng (Chinese: 陸鬱生, pinyin: Lù Yùshēng) was a Chinese woman from the Eastern Wu state during the Three Kingdoms period (220-280 AD). She was the daughter of Lu Ji and wife of Zhang Bai.[2] Her loyalty and unwavering courage led to her receiving the honorary title of "Yigū". Her exemplary conduct illuminated the virtuous mores of the time, reshaping the perceptions of men and women. Her case was written in the Records of the Three Kingdoms, "Biography of Lu Ji".[3]
Biography
Lu Yusheng's family hailed from Wuxian, Yang province, and was the daughter of Lu Ji, with siblings Lu Hong and Lu Rui. She received her given name "Yusheng" due to her birth in Yulin in modern-day Guangxi.[4] From her early childhood, Lu Yusheng exhibited a resolute determination. In the year 219, following her father's passing, she returned to her family's hometown of Wuxian alongside her two brothers. As all three were still very young at the time, they were taken in and cared for by their elder cousin, Lu Mao.[5]
As she grew older, Lu Yusheng parted ways with Lu Mao. At the age of thirteen, Lu Yusheng married Zhang Bai, who hailed from the same county. When Zhang Wen (Zhang Bai's brother) was on his deathbed, he entrusted household affairs to her sister-in-law, Lu Yusheng.[6] After Zhang Bai became embroiled in political disputes and was subsequently exiled, he passed away within three months, leaving Lu Yusheng a widow.[7] Despite her financial difficulties, she steadfastly maintained her chastity in memory of her husband and rejected all marriage proposals. She continued to serve Zhang Bai's sisters faithfully.
Later, Yao Xin (Lu Xun's nephew) honored Lu Yusheng with the title "Yigū" (義姑), recognizing her for her unwavering commitment to chastity. This act drew admiration and praise from all quarters.[3]
References
^Lu Yusheng was noted to be still young when her father died in 219, and Lu Ji was born in 188. Therefore, her birth year should be in the mid-200s to early 210s.
^(績於鬱林所生女，名曰鬱生，適張溫弟白。) Annotation in Sanguozhi vol. 57.
^ abCommentary by Pei Songzhi in Records of the Three Kingdoms, "Lu Ji's Biography," citing "Yao Xin Collection": Yao Xin honored Lu Yusheng with the title "Yigū," recognizing her as a virtuous sister-in-law. This exemplary conduct illuminated the virtuous customs of the time, reshaping the perceptions of men and women alike.
^"Wu County Records, Volume Twenty-Seven": Lu Yusheng, the daughter of Lu Ji. She was named so because she was born while her father was stationed in Yulin.
^"Records of the Three Kingdoms, Lu Mao's Biography": Lu Mao adopted Lu Ji's two sons and one daughter after Lu Ji's early demise, raising them until they were of age.
^"Exemplary Acts of Filial Piety and Noble Mothers": On his deathbed, Zhang Bai entrusted household matters to his sister-in-law, Lu Yusheng.
^Commentary by Pei Songzhi in "Records of the Three Kingdoms, Lu Ji's Biography," citing "Yao Xin Collection": I have personally witnessed Lu Yusheng, the daughter of Yulin's prefect Lu Ji. From a young age, she exhibited the qualities of chastity and integrity. At the tender age of thirteen, she married Zhang Bai, who hailed from the same county. Just three months into her marriage, Zhang Bai faced familial misfortunes and was exiled to a distant land, where he met his death. Lu Yusheng resolutely maintained her virtue, her unwavering commitment evident in her demeanor. She remained firm in her resolve, rejecting all suitors, and diligently served Zhang Bai's sisters in their distress.
