Zhuge Jin

Zhuge Jin
A Qing dynasty illustration of Zhuge Jin
Official of Eastern Wu
Born	174
Died	241 (aged 67)
Names
Traditional Chinese	諸葛瑾
Simplified Chinese	诸葛瑾
Pinyin	Zhūgě Jǐn
Wade–Giles	Chu-ko Chin
Courtesy name	Ziyu (Chinese: 子瑜; pinyin: Zǐyú; Wade–Giles: Tzu-yü)

Zhuge Jin (174–241),courtesy name Ziyu, was an official of the state of Eastern Wu during the Three Kingdoms period. He was also the elder brother of Zhuge Liang, the chancellor-regent of Wu's ally state, Shu Han. As one of Sun Quan's most trusted aides, Zhuge Jin's most important contributions to Wu was in smoothing relations between Wu and Shu.

Zhuge Jin was born in Yangdu County (陽都) in Langya Commandery (琅琊), in present-day Yinan County, Shandong. He was the eldest of three brothers and became orphaned at a young age. His uncle raised him and his siblings. When Cao Cao invaded Shandong in 195, his family was forced to flee south to Jing Province and his uncle soon died of illness. After his two sisters married into notable families with numerous relations in the area, Zhuge Jin started his journey to the east.

In 200, Zhuge Jin's talent was discovered by Hong Zi, an official in service of Sun Quan. The latter employed Zhuge Jin and made him Chief Clerk. He was quite respected within Sun Quan's court and known to be very persuasive. Sun Quan's subjects Zhu Zhi and Yin Mo angered the former on one occasion and Zhuge Jin was able to calm him down, saving the two. During that time, he also befriended Bu Zhi and they became known as two of the greatest talents in Wu.

After the Yang Province warlord, Sun Ce, was assassinated, Zhuge Jin was referred to Sun Ce's successor, Sun Quan, and became his Chief Clerk (長史). He was soon reassigned to serve as a Central Army Major (中司馬).

After the Battle of Red Cliffs, Liu Bei eventually took control over Jing Province. After Liu Bei's takeover of Yi Province, Sun Quan sent Zhuge Jin to Liu Bei and demanded the return of Jing Province. Liu Bei refused, causing Sun Quan to send troops to occupy three commanderies in southern Jing Province by force. At the same time, Cao Cao led a campaign to conquer Hanzhong Commandery and Liu Bei sought to renew his alliance with Sun Quan. Zhuge Jin was sent as Sun Quan's diplomatic representative to meet Liu Bei and the two warlords agreed to divide Jing Province between them. Due to Zhuge Liang's service under Liu Bei, Zhuge Jin would only meet him in public places to prevent any thoughts on him being disloyal.