Zhu Cai 朱才

Zhu Cai 朱才 was a son of Zhu Zhi 朱治.

Biography
Zhu Cai excelled in archery and riding, and Sun Quan 孫權 especially liked him; as such, a Regular Attendant would follow Cai around as he played in order to keep an eye on him.

While young, Zhu Cai was given the rank of Colonel of the Firm Guard due to his father's accomplishments. Cai had his own command and accompanied his father in campaigns, where he repeatedly earned merit.

Some commentators back in Zhu Cai's home commandery thought that, with all the glory and honours he was getting whilst young, he would soon forget all about his home commandery. When Cai heard, he sighed and said:


 * "Earlier I became an officer, I had thought that by serving in the vanguard, jumping on a horse and trampling the enemy would be sufficient to gain renown; I had no idea that the locals would follow in my footsteps and comment on my deeds!"

Thereafter, Zhu Cai changed and became more respectful; he would pay attention to his guest; he shunned wealth and valued virtue; and if he performed a good deed he did not expect compensation. He also took to studying military law and his reputation started being heard near and far.

In 224 A.D., his father, Zhu Zhi 朱治, died. Cai inherited his father's rank and was also promoted to Lieutenant-General.

In time, Zhu Cai fell ill and died.

Family
Father Brothers Sons
 * Zhu Zhi 朱治
 * Zhu Ran 朱然 - Adoptive brother and biological cousin.
 * Zhu Ji (朱紀) - Younger brother to Cai. Married to one of Sun Ce's daughters.
 * Zhu Wei (朱緯) - Younger brother to Ji. Died young.
 * Zhu Wansui (朱萬歲) - Younger brother to Wei. Died young.
 * Zhu Wan (朱琬) - Became General Who Maintains the West in Peace.

Fact vs. Fiction
Historically…