Zhu Jun

Zhu Jun is an officer of the late Han who helped Sun Jian during the Yellow Turbans Rebellion.

Historical Information
Zhu Jun originated from the Guiji Commandery, Shangyu (modern day Shaoxing). His sons were Zhu Hao and Zhu Fu.

Losing his father while he was young, Zhu Jun's mother sold silk to support her family. Zhu Jun was devoted to her and helped her business, earning him a reputation as a loyal son. He was eventually promoted to become the gate keeper of the same commandery. Due to his modest nature and attachment for heroic traits, he was well liked by the public. Around this time, other law officials from the surrounding area were given an imperial decree to give the resources within their warehouses (collectively one million in worth) to the crown. When the officials came for the said amount, the law officials of his commandery were too poor to pay the amount. To compensate, Zhu Jun presented the collectors his mother's silk. His mother was upset that they could no longer support their family business and scolded her son. Zhu Jun justified his actions by stating that small losses were expected if one wanted a larger fortune in the future.

His actions were reviewed and appraised as he continued his duties, leading to his promotion as regional governor of Weiyi. After performing his services for a time, he then transfered to become archivist under the regional governor of Yinduan. In 173, the province was pillaged by raiders and the officials were defeated. The area was impeached and the law keepers at Yinduan were charged with execution for the loss. Zhu Jun disguised himself in rags and secretly made his way towards the capital. With the hundreds of gold coins he held, he bribed the judges to drop the charges held against the local officials from Yinduan. While his comrades rejoiced with their considerably reduced punishment, they never knew the reasons why as Zhu Jun never told them.

Around this time, the regional governor of Xugui held the xiaolian for Zhu Jun and he was promoted by two degrees. He became the commander magistrate of Lanling and his rule attracted attention to him. He was said to have ruled superbly, as his distinguished accomplishments were known even to the Donghai Commandery. Revolts from Jiaozhi also occurred shortly after. The tales for the rebellion are mixed between two accounts: either the rioters from Jiaozhi killed a provincial governor, or a civil conflict between the regional governors occurred with Jiaozhi's support. Whatever the case, Zhu Jun was selected to become an inspector for Jiaozhi in 178 and was ordered to lead a suppression. He gathered 5,000 troops and provisions as he marched his army through two roads. Stopping at the state boundaries, he first spied on his opponent's movements for a time. After ample observation and shaking the enemy morale with their numbers, he and the armies of seven commandaries subjugated them. In a month's time, tens of thousands of rebels surrendered and the area was pacified. As a reward, Zhu Jun was given 1,500 hu, 50 gold jin, and the seal of Duting marquis. His just and chivalrous reputation soared with his new appointment.

When the Yellow Turban Rebellion occurred, Zhu Jun's reputation was well known and he was appointed to be the Right Imperial General for the conflict. Working together with Huangfu Song, they defeated the rioters in Yinchuan, Runan, and Chenguo. When the rebellion was suppressed on their end, Huangfu Song reported the situation and Zhu Jun was distinguished for his services. He was promoted as lord of the west country and commander of the palace guards who suppresses bandits. Shortly after, several thousands of Yellow Turbans rose again in Nanyang under the banner "Superior Envoy of God". Killing one of the governors, they occupied the castle within hundreds of days. The regional governor of Nanyang, Qin Jie, then plotted to kill Zhang Man to regain control, but insurgents lead by Zhao Hong intercepted his plans and continued to grow in numbers.

Zhu Jun, together with Xu Qiu and Qin Jie, lead an army of 18,000 to suppress Zhao Hong and the insurgents. Through June and August, the fighting dragged on without the rebels faltering. When the imperial court was requesting Zhu Jun's forces to retreat, Zhang Wen -a native of Nanyang- reported, "In the past, Qin had their Bai Qi and Yan had their Yue Yi; each age had their time of absolute victory over their foes. Zhu Jun subjugated Yinchuan with high honors, returned his army south, and has already conceived of a strategy for his enemies. In the near future, the commander in chief will be redistributing for battle and urging the soldiers to move. We ask a delay for the command and prayers for our success." Emperor Ling called off the retreat after being read the report. Zhu Jun then trapped Zhao Hong in a surprise attack and the rebel leader was killed during the struggle.

However, the rebels were still at large and they banded under a insurgent named Han Zhong. Han Zhong gathered the rebels to attack Zhu Jun's position once more. As Zhu Jun's army were lower in number, they withdrew from the front and set up a new camp at Mount Tu near the rebels' base at Wancheng. He sent a portion of his troops to pound drums on the south side of the castle as ruse. While the rebels directed their entire force toward the sound of the drums, Zhu Jun personally lead 5,000 elite soldiers to take the castle from the north-eastern front. He then barricaded himself and his troops within the castle. Han Zhong's forces fled to a smaller fort and the frightened troops applied for a surrender. The other generals were ready to accept, but Zhu Jun said, "Though they act like soldiers, they are anything but what they appear to be. Long ago, when the Qin and Xiang Yu fought at a juncture, the people had no fixed lord to lead them. Their only choice was to submit to the one who took the prize for himself. Only the Yellow Turbans rebel now with the world united as one. If we accept this surrender, it will be impossible to encourage the right; should we defeat them now, we may still be able to punish their vice. Again, if we were to allow this surrender -with the possibility that the rioters' hearts were to once again become arrogant, they may turn against their original wish and fight us. Then, at their own leisure, they might once more exploit the honor of surrender as soon as they falter. We shouldn't become impudent to these scoundrels' plot." The forces fought countless times afterwards, but neither side could emerge victorious over the other.

One day, Zhu Jun climbed to the top of Mount Tu and squinted at his surroundings. He then turned to his subordinate Zhang Chao and stated, "I know what must what be done."