Zhou Fang

Zhou Fang (260–320), courtesy name Shida, was a Chinese military general of the Jin dynasty (266–420). He was a key commander of Sima Rui, the future Emperor Yuan of Jin, who helped in laying the foundation of the Eastern Jin dynasty. Under Sima Rui, Zhou Fang defeated the Inspector of Jiangzhou, Hua Yi, contributed in the quelling of Du Tao's rebellion and captured the notorious warlord, Du Zeng. Whilst alive, he also deterred the powerful commander, Wang Dun from rebelling against Jin through his presence and opposition. Apart from his military talents, Zhou Fang was also known for his friendship with another famous general, Tao Kan. Early life Zhou Fang was a member of the Zhou clan of Runan Commandery, who claimed descent from Ji Lie (姬烈), the youngest son of King Ping of Zhou. Due to the conflicts during the end of the Han dynasty, his family's branch migrated south of the Yangzi River to Xunyang County (尋陽; southwest of present-day Huangmei County, Hubei), Lujiang Commandery (廬江郡). Zhou Fang's grandfather, Zhou Zuan (周纂), and his father, Zhou Min (周敏), both served as generals under the Eastern Wu state during the Three Kingdoms period. By the time Zhou Fang was born, his family had lived in Xunyang for four generations. According to the Book of Jin, Zhou Fang was described as resolute, modest and decisive since his youth. He was willing to turn down offices, and would always give away his wealth, although his family was always short on funds as a result. He eventually became an Officer of Merit in Anyang County, and during his tenure, he met an official serving in Lujiang Commandery named Tao Kan. The two became close friends, and to solidify their friendship, Zhou Fang married his daughter to Tao Kan's son, Tao Zhan (陶瞻). Soon, Zhou Fang was nominated as a Xiaolian, and he was appointed as Gentleman of the Household and Prefect of Shangjia, but he declined the offers. Around this time, a person from Zhou Fang's village stole a cow from his home and had it slaughtered among the tombs. Zhou Fang found the cow's remains, but rather than reporting the incident and punishing the perpetrator, he secretly buried the cow so that no one knew what had happened. Service under Sima Rui In 307, the Prince of Langya, Sima Rui, was assigned to Jianye, and in 311, he was appointed Senior General Who Guards the East. After receiving that office, Sima Rui appointed Zhou Fang as one of this Army Advisors.