Zhou Yafu

Drilled troops with strict discipline at Xiliu Camp and put down the Rebellion of the Seven States in three months.

Life

Xiliu Camp

Zhou Yafu was the son of Zhou Bo. When the Xiongnu invaded in 158 BCE, he stationed his army at Xiliu. When Emperor Wen came to reward the troops, the gate guards said, "In the army we heed the general's orders, not the edicts of the Son of Heaven," and Emperor Wen exclaimed in admiration, "This is a true general!"

Pacified the Seven States

When the Rebellion of the Seven States broke out in 154 BCE, Emperor Jing appointed him grand commandant. He held out at Changyi and sent light cavalry to cut the supply lines of the Wu–Chu coalition, so that the rebels starved and scattered; he put down the rebellion in only three months.

Death of an upright man

He later became chancellor but lost favor for openly opposing some of Emperor Jing's decisions. In 143 BCE his son privately bought armor and shields as funerary goods; implicated, he was imprisoned, went on hunger strike for five days and died vomiting blood.

Legacy

Zhou Yafu's suppression of the Rebellion of the Seven States consolidated centralization, and "Xiliu Camp" became a byword for strict military discipline.

Major works & achievements

• Put down the Rebellion of the Seven States

Did you know? When Emperor Wen of Han entered the Xiliu Camp, even he had to hold his reins and proceed at a walk; galloping was not allowed.

Key dates

• 158 BCEDrilled troops at Xiliu Camp
• 154 BCEPut down the Rebellion of the Seven States in three months
• 150 BCEBecame chancellor
• 143 BCEImprisoned; starved himself to death