1. Overview
Lu Kang (陸康Lù KāngChinese), courtesy name Jining, was a prominent Chinese politician who served during the late Eastern Han dynasty (126-195). Hailing from Wu Commandery, he was renowned for his unwavering loyalty to the Han imperial court and his commitment to the welfare of the common people. Throughout his career as a local official and later as Administrator of various commanderies, Lu Kang consistently demonstrated principled governance, advocating for the populace against burdensome policies and successfully suppressing rebellions. His steadfastness was particularly evident in his defiance of the warlord Yuan Shu and his prolonged defense of Lujiang Commandery against Sun Ce, even at great personal cost. Lu Kang's life exemplifies integrity and dedication to public service, leaving a lasting legacy through his notable descendants, including his son Lu Ji and grandnephew Lu Xun.
2. Early Life and Background
Lu Kang's early life was marked by a strong family lineage and a reputation for virtue, which laid the foundation for his distinguished career in public service.
2.1. Birth and Family
Lu Kang was born in 126 in Wu County, Wu Commandery, which is located in present-day Suzhou, Jiangsu province. His family had a history of upright conduct and minor official service. His grandfather, Lu Xu (陸續Lù XùChinese), served as a minor officer in a commandery during the early Eastern Han dynasty. Lu Xu was once implicated in a plot by Prince Liu Ying to overthrow Emperor Ming of Han, leading to his arrest and torture. Although Emperor Ming eventually pardoned him, Lu Xu was placed under permanent house arrest until his death from old age. Lu Kang's father, Lu Bao (陸襃Lù BāoChinese), was widely respected for his morally upright character and strong principles. Despite repeated invitations from the Han government to join the civil service, Lu Bao consistently refused to take up an official position, preferring to maintain his integrity outside of public office. Lu Kang also had a brother, Lu Yu (陸紆Lù YūChinese), whose courtesy name was Shuban (叔盤ShūpánChinese). Lu Yu served as a City Gate Commandant (城門校尉chéngmén xiàowèiChinese) and was the paternal grandfather of Lu Xun.
2.2. Childhood and Education
From a young age, Lu Kang was recognized for his virtuous character, filial piety towards his parents, and diligence. His strong moral compass and commitment to ethical conduct were evident early on. He was nominated as a xiaolian (civil service candidate) by Li Su (李肅Lǐ SùChinese), the Administrator of Wu Commandery. After Li Su was executed in November 162 for defeat in battle, Lu Kang demonstrated his loyalty and respect by personally collecting Li Su's body, transporting it back to Li's home in Yingchuan Commandery (潁川郡Yǐngchuān JùnChinese) for burial, and observing a period of mourning. This act of profound loyalty and filial conduct further solidified his reputation.
3. Career and Official Life
Lu Kang's career progressed steadily through various administrative roles, where he consistently applied his principles of benevolent governance and strict adherence to law.
3.1. Early Career and Appointment
Following his nomination as a xiaolian, Lu Kang was appointed as a minor officer within Wu Commandery. His reputation for integrity and strong character continued to grow. Later, Zang Min (臧旻Zāng MínChinese), the Inspector of Yang Province, recognized Lu Kang's talents and nominated him as a maocai (茂才màocáiChinese), leading to his appointment as the Prefect (令lìngChinese) of Gaocheng County (高成縣; around present-day Yanshan County, Hebei). Gaocheng County was a remote and insecure region, where it was customary for every household to be armed with bows and arrows for defense, and new Prefects would typically conscript locals to build and repair city walls. Upon his arrival, Lu Kang immediately abolished these burdensome practices, freeing the laborers and governing the county with such compassion and trust that the people were greatly pleased. Under his administration, criminal activity ceased, and his achievements were reported to the Han imperial court by the commandery office.
3.2. Activities as a Local Official
In 178, during the reign of Emperor Ling of Han, Lu Kang was promoted to serve as the Administrator (太守tàishǒuChinese) of Wuling Commandery (武陵郡; around present-day Changde, Hunan). His effective governance led to further reassignments, first as Administrator of Guiyang (桂陽; around present-day Chenzhou, Hunan) and then Le'an (樂安; around present-day Zibo, Shandong) commanderies. In each of these jurisdictions, Lu Kang was consistently praised for his administrative competence and his dedication to the welfare of the local populace.
4. Major Activities and Achievements
Lu Kang's career was marked by several significant events that highlighted his courage, integrity, and administrative prowess, particularly his principled stands against imperial excess and local rebellion, and his steadfast loyalty to the Han dynasty.
4.1. Memorial to Emperor Ling
Around 185, Emperor Ling of Han decided to construct elaborate bronze statues. Facing a depleted imperial treasury, he issued a decree to levy an additional tax of 10 qian per mu (畝mǔChinese) of farmland and conscript labor from the populace. Lu Kang observed that the people were already suffering immensely from a series of natural disasters, including floods and droughts, which had severely damaged their crops and left them impoverished. Deeply concerned for their plight, he submitted a memorial to Emperor Ling, strongly advising against the construction of the bronze statues and urging the emperor to alleviate the burdens on the people.
In his memorial, Lu Kang passionately argued:
"I have heard that the ancient kings, in governing the world, valued the love of the people above all else. They reduced corvée labor and lightened taxes to bring peace to the realm, simplifying complex regulations to promote ease and simplicity. Thus, the myriad people followed their transformation, and spiritual beings responded to their virtue. In later generations, decadent rulers indulged in extreme extravagance, endlessly creating new projects and implementing countless regulations, exploiting those below to satisfy their fleeting desires. Consequently, the common people sighed in distress, and the balance of yin and yang was disturbed. Your Majesty, with your sacred virtue, inherited the mandate of Heaven and ought to promote flourishing transformation. Yet, I have just read the imperial decree to levy money on farmland per mu for the casting of bronze statues, and as I humbly read it, I am filled with sorrow and despair. The Classic of Changes states that a tax of one-tenth was called che by the Zhou dynasty. Che means 'to pass through,' implying that its laws and regulations could be passed down and practiced for ten thousand generations. Thus, when Duke Xuan of Lu implemented the tax on mu, locust plagues arose; when Duke Ai increased taxes, Confucius condemned it. How can one plunder the people's wealth to construct useless bronze statues, abandon the sacred warnings, and tread the path of fallen kings? The Zuo Zhuan says: 'When a ruler acts, it must be recorded; if the record is not lawful, how will future generations speak of it?' Your Majesty should carefully consider this, abandon harmful practices, and embrace goodness, thereby quelling the resentment of the myriad people."
This bold remonstrance angered the powerful eunuchs close to Emperor Ling, who accused Lu Kang of defaming the emperor and showing great disrespect. He was arrested and brought to the office of the Minister of Justice (廷尉tíngwèiChinese) for interrogation. However, Liu Dai, an Imperial Clerk (侍御史shìyùshǐChinese), carefully examined Lu Kang's case and wrote to the imperial court, explaining the situation and clearing Lu Kang's name. As a result, Lu Kang was released, although he was initially dismissed from office and sent home. Not long after, he was recalled to the court to serve as a Consultant (議郎yìlángChinese).
4.2. Suppression of Huang Rang's Rebellion
Around 180, a significant rebellion erupted in Lujiang Commandery (廬江; around present-day Lu'an, Anhui). A bandit chief named Huang Rang (黃穰Huáng RángChinese) allied with tribal groups from Jiangxia Commandery (江夏; around present-day Xinzhou District, Wuhan, Hubei), amassing an army of over 100,000 men. This formidable force attacked and conquered four counties in the region, causing widespread chaos for several years. Lu Kang was appointed as the Administrator of Lujiang Commandery with the specific task of suppressing this large-scale rebellion. Upon assuming office, he swiftly re-established law and order, clearly defining rewards and punishments. Through his decisive actions, he succeeded in defeating Huang Rang's forces, compelling the remaining rebels to surrender. The imperial court highly praised Lu Kang for his achievement, and in recognition of his success, his grandson Lu Shang was appointed as a Gentleman.
4.3. Confrontation with Yuan Shu and Sun Ce
By the 190s, when Emperor Xian of Han ascended the throne, the Han Empire was in a state of advanced decline, with a weakened central government and various warlords vying for power. Despite the perilous conditions, Lu Kang demonstrated his unwavering loyalty to the Han court. Aware of the high risks involved, as convoys transporting tribute to the capital were frequently attacked and robbed, he nonetheless ordered his men to escort the tribute to the capital, and they successfully delivered it. Emperor Xian issued a decree praising Lu Kang, promoting him to General of Loyalty and Righteousness (忠義將軍Zhōngyì JiāngjūnChinese), and increasing his income to 2,000 dan (石dànChinese).
Around 194, the warlord Yuan Shu had established his base in Shouchun (壽春; present-day Shou County, Anhui) and was planning to attack Xu Province following the death of Tao Qian, the Governor of Xu Province. Facing a shortage of supplies, Yuan Shu dispatched a messenger to Lujiang Commandery, demanding 30,000 hu (斛húChinese) of grain from Lu Kang. Lu Kang, viewing Yuan Shu as a traitor to the Han dynasty, resolutely refused to comply with his demands or engage in any contact. Instead, he fortified Lujiang's defenses and prepared for war. Enraged by Lu Kang's defiance, Yuan Shu dispatched his general Sun Ce to lead an army to attack Lujiang Commandery. Sun Ce harbored a personal grudge against Lu Kang; he had once visited Lu Kang, but Lu Kang had refused to meet him in person, instead sending a Registrar (主簿zhǔbùChinese) to receive him. This animosity was further fueled by an earlier incident where Sun Ce's father, Sun Jian, had rescued a cousin of Lu Kang, yet Lu Kang had reportedly treated Sun Ce disrespectfully during a visit.
Sun Ce's forces laid siege to Lujiang Commandery, surrounding the city with multiple layers of troops. Lu Kang's troops held their ground with remarkable resilience. Even subordinates and soldiers who were on leave returned to Lujiang Commandery, sneaking back into the city under the cover of night to aid Lu Kang in its defense. The siege lasted for two years, a testament to Lu Kang's determined resistance and the loyalty of his men. However, the city eventually fell to Sun Ce's forces. Approximately one month after the fall of Lujiang, Lu Kang succumbed to illness, passing away at the age of 70 (by East Asian age reckoning) in Shu County (舒縣Shū XiànChinese), Lujiang Commandery. His family, numbering over 100 members, suffered greatly during this period of chaos, with more than half perishing from starvation or in the conflict.
5. Personal Life and Family
Lu Kang's personal life was deeply intertwined with his extensive family, many of whom also achieved prominence in later generations.
5.1. Children and Descendants
Lu Kang had two known sons. His elder son, Lu Jun (陸儁Lù JùnChinese), was appointed as a Gentleman (郎中lángzhōngChinese) by the Han imperial court. This appointment was a direct recognition of Lu Kang's unwavering loyalty and principled stand during the siege of Lujiang Commandery. His younger son, Lu Ji, became a distinguished scholar and later served under the warlord Sun Quan as the Administrator of Yulin Commandery (鬱林郡Yùlín JùnChinese). Lu Ji was also celebrated as one of The Twenty-four Filial Exemplars, renowned for his profound learning and effective governance. An anecdote recounts that as a child, Lu Ji once visited Yuan Shu and secretly took two oranges, which he dropped upon leaving. When asked, he explained he intended to give them to his mother, demonstrating his filial piety. Lu Ji had several children, including sons Lu Hong (陸宏Lù HóngChinese) and Lu Rui (陸叡Lù RuìChinese), and a daughter, Lu Yusheng (陸鬱生Lù YùshēngChinese). Lu Kang also had a daughter who married Gu Yong, a prominent official who later served Eastern Wu. Their son, Gu Shao, was said to be as famous as his maternal uncle Lu Ji in his youth.
Lu Kang's grandson, Lu Shang (陸尙Lù ShàngChinese), whose father is not explicitly recorded, was also appointed as a Gentleman by the Han court. This honor was bestowed in recognition of Lu Kang's success in suppressing the Huang Rang rebellion.
5.2. Family Tree and Kinship
Lu Kang's family was a prominent clan in the Jiangdong region, with extensive kinship connections. His grandnephew, Lu Xun, who would later become a highly influential general and chancellor of Eastern Wu, was orphaned at a young age and raised by Lu Kang. Lu Xun was the grandson of Lu Kang's brother, Lu Yu. Before Yuan Shu's forces, led by Sun Ce, attacked Lujiang, Lu Kang, foreseeing the danger, took measures to ensure the safety of his relatives. He sent Lu Xun and other family members back to their ancestral home in Wu County. After Lu Kang's death, Lu Xun, despite being a grandnephew, assumed the role of the new head of the Lu clan. This was because he was significantly older than Lu Kang's young son, Lu Ji, and therefore better positioned to manage the family's affairs during that tumultuous period. The Lu clan, comprising some 100 members, endured severe hardship during the chaos at the end of the Han dynasty, with over half of them succumbing to starvation or dying in the ongoing wars.
6. Death
Lu Kang died in 195, at the age of 70 (by East Asian age reckoning). His death occurred approximately one month after Lujiang Commandery finally fell to Sun Ce's forces, following a prolonged and arduous two-year siege. He succumbed to illness, a likely consequence of the immense stress and hardship endured during the protracted defense of the city.
7. Evaluation and Impact
Lu Kang's life and career left a significant mark on the late Eastern Han dynasty, remembered for his unwavering principles and the enduring legacy of his family.
7.1. Loyalty and Benevolent Governance
Lu Kang is highly regarded for his steadfast loyalty to the Han dynasty, even as the central government weakened and warlords seized power. His commitment to the welfare of the people was a defining characteristic of his governance. He consistently prioritized the needs of the populace, as demonstrated by his courageous memorial to Emperor Ling, where he risked his own position to oppose burdensome taxes and excessive imperial spending. As an administrator in various commanderies, he was consistently praised for his integrity, upright governance, and ability to bring order and prosperity to the regions under his control, such as his successful suppression of the Huang Rang rebellion in Lujiang. His decision to continue sending tribute to Emperor Xian despite the dangers of the chaotic era further underscores his profound loyalty and sense of duty.
7.2. Impact on Later Generations
Lu Kang's most significant impact on later generations is largely through his prominent descendants. His son, Lu Ji, became a respected scholar and official under Sun Quan, known for his erudition and administrative skills. More notably, his grandnephew, Lu Xun, whom Lu Kang raised, rose to become one of the most distinguished generals and strategists of Eastern Wu. Lu Xun's military victories and political acumen played a crucial role in establishing and defending the Wu state. The continued prominence of the Lu clan in the subsequent Three Kingdoms period, with many members serving in high capacities, is a testament to the foundation of integrity and public service laid by figures like Lu Kang. His life served as an example of principled resistance against corruption and unwavering dedication to the state and its people.
8. Portrayal in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
In the historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Lu Kang's portrayal is notably brief. He is only mentioned in Chapter 15, where his defeat and the fall of Lujiang Commandery to Sun Ce are recounted summarily. This depiction contrasts with historical records, which provide a more detailed account of his significant administrative achievements, his principled stand against Emperor Ling's policies, and his prolonged, valiant defense against Sun Ce, highlighting his character and contributions more extensively than the novel suggests.