Du Yu (222-285), courtesy name Yuan Kai, was a native of Duling, Jingzhao (today's Xi'an, Shaanxi Province). He was an outstanding statesman, military strategist and scholar during the Western Jin Dynasty. He was famous for his versatility in both civil and military affairs. He was born into a family of officials and was well-read in his early years. Although he was not good at riding and shooting, he was known for his foresight. He became an official during the Cao Wei period and later became an important member of the Sima Group by marrying Sima Zhao's sister, Princess Gaolu. After the establishment of the Western Jin Dynasty, Du Yu served as Duzhi Shangshu and other positions. He was proficient in financial management, reformed water transportation, and participated in the formulation of "Taishi Law". Due to his comprehensive abilities, he was praised as "Du Wenku" by the world.
In 278 AD, Du Yu succeeded Yang Hu as General Zhennan, took charge of Jingzhou's military affairs, and became the key executor of Jin's strategy to destroy Wu. In the Battle of Pingwu in the first year of Taikang (280), he insisted on marching against all odds, commanded decisively, and put forward the famous conclusion that "the momentum is as strong as breaking the bamboo". He coordinated with Wang Jun's navy to go eastward, and finally achieved the great cause of the unification of the Western Jin Dynasty, and was awarded the title of Marquis of Dangyang County for his merits. After the war, he guarded Xiangyang, built water conservancy projects and developed agriculture and mulberry trees. He was deeply loved by the people and was honored as "Father Du".
In academic terms, Du Yu also made great achievements. His "Collected Commentary on Zuo's Classics in the Spring and Autumn Period" is a landmark work in the history of "Zuo Zhuan" research. It was included in "Commentaries on the Thirteen Classics" and had a profound influence. He was also familiar with the calendar and formulated the "Dual-Gand Calendar". Du Yu is an extremely rare talent in history who can "become a general and become a prime minister". During the Tang Dynasty, he became the only person who was entitled to enjoy both the Confucian Temple and the Martial Arts Temple. His posthumous title was "Cheng", which fully reflected the high recognition of his life of both civil and military skills and outstanding achievements by later generations.
