Zi Lu

Also known as Zhong You · Ji Lu

Zilu, personal name Zhong You, also styled Jilu, came from Bian in Lu; the Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji) says he was nine years younger than Confucius, rough and fond of feats of strength. Under Duke Ding of Lu he served as steward of the Ji family, and he later followed Confucius on his travels. He governed Pu for the state of Wey and then became steward to Kong Kui, the chief minister of Wey. In 480 BC the exiled heir Kuai Kui forced his way back and seized Kong Kui; Zilu rushed into the city, and when a blow cut his cap strings he retied them, saying a gentleman does not die with his cap off, and was killed. The Zuozhuan has Confucius predicting his death as soon as he heard of the trouble. The Analects lists him with Ran You under government affairs, the basis for counting him among the Ten Wise disciples.