Why did Zhong Hui want to become sworn brothers with Jiang Wei, instead of a sworn father?

Age Difference Among Siblings

Zhonghui: “My dad is 75 years older than me, so you can only call yourself a brother at that age.”

What can you be when your stepfather is incapable, your father-in-law has no daughters, and your eldest maternal uncle has no sisters? On the contrary, the same goes for Jiang Wei.

Zhong Hui cannot become an adoptive father, and neither can Jiang Wei.

An adoptive father is equivalent to a father, at most can be a stepfather.

Zhong Hui is not superior to Jiang Wei, so he cannot become a stepfather.

The same goes for Jiang Wei.

Just like Duke Huan of Qi who considered Guan Zhong talented and called him “Zhang Fu” (a respectful title for the eldest maternal uncle).

“Bao Pu Zi, Wai Pian, Ren Neng”: Duke Huan killed his brother and established himself as ruler. Birds and beasts behaved in accordance, hair was measured with wine vessels, and he had 300 wives. He entrusted government affairs to “Zhang Fu”. “Zhang Fu” originally referred to the eldest uncle in terms of age, later becoming a respectful title for important ministers in Chinese monarchies, specifically referring to Guan Zhong, who was the first to receive this title.

For example, Zhuge Liang and Liu Shan. After Liu Bei entrusted his orphaned son to Liu Shan, he made Zhuge Liang the boy’s adoptive father because of his talent.

“Records of Shu”: Among them, [Liu Bei] said to [Zhuge] Liang, “Your talent surpasses Cao Pi tenfold. You will surely bring peace to the country and accomplish great things. If my son is capable, assist him. If he is unworthy, you may take control.” Liang tearfully said, “I am willing to exert all my efforts, to devote myself loyally, and to continue even unto death.” Prime Minister [Liu] Bei also issued an instruction to his successor, King Wen, saying, “You will work with the Prime Minister. Treat him as a father.”

For Zhong Hui, the best option would be to become a father-in-law, or a brother-in-law (making Jiang Wei his brother-in-law). Unfortunately, Zhong Hui has no sisters, and even more so, no biological children, only an adopted son.

Siblings: Zhong Yu, styled Zhishu, half-brother of Zhong Hui. In the second year of Taihe (228 AD), he served as a Yellow Door Attendant. He inherited the noble title of Marquis of Dingling from Zhong Yao, and later held positions as Minister of Justice, Imperial Secretary, and General of Chariots and Cavalry in the state of Cao Wei. After his death, he was posthumously granted the title of General of Chariots and Cavalry and his posthumous name was “Huihou” (Marquis Huai). Zhong Shao. “Records of the Three Kingdoms, Biography of Zhong Yao”: “Initially, Emperor Wen divided the Fu lineage and enfeoffed Zhong Yao’s younger brother Zhong Yan, his son Zhong Shao, and his grandson Zhong Yu.” This can be interpreted as either Zhong Yao’s son or as Zhong Yan’s son, Zhong Yao being Zhong Hui’s half-brother. Adopted son: Zhong Yi, son of Zhong Yu and adopted by Zhong Hui. After Zhong Hui’s downfall, he was executed.

When your stepfather is incapable, your father-in-law has no daughters, and your eldest maternal uncle has no sisters, what else can you be?

On the other hand, Jiang Wei is the same.

So, they can only become sworn brothers in the novel “Romance of the Three Kingdoms”.

The Records of the Three Kingdoms only mentioned that Zhong Hui treated Jiang Wei well, but there is no record of them becoming sworn brothers. The so-called sworn brotherhood is a fabrication in the novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

First ask whether it is true, then ask why.

When did Zhong Hui “swear brotherhood with Jiang Wei”? There is absolutely no such record in history.

The Records of the Three Kingdoms and Pei’s annotations only mentioned that Zhong Hui treated Jiang Wei well, and their relationship was very good. They even traveled together in the same carriage and dined at the same table.

But that was all there was to it, they never became sworn brothers.

Records of the Three Kingdoms, Volume 28: “At this time, Zhong Hui restrained and won over the Shu officials, forming a good relationship with Wei.”
Records of the Three Kingdoms, Volume 44: “Hui treated Wei and others well, returning their official seals and authority. When Hui and Wei went out, they rode in the same carriage and sat at the same table. Hui said to the Chief Clerk Du Yu, ‘Compared to famous talents in the central region, such as Boyue, Gongxiu, and Tai Chu, I cannot surpass them.'”
Pei’s annotations in Records of the Three Kingdoms, Volume 44, quoting “Annals of the Han and Jin Dynasties”: “Hui harbored secret intentions, and Wei recognized his intentions. Wei cunningly said to Hui, ‘I have heard that since your arrival from Huainan, you have never made any flawed strategies. Your contributions were instrumental in the victories of Jin and the restoration of Chang’an, and the people admire your achievements. The ruler fears your plans and desires to use them to secure his own position. Is it not time for you to return in peace? Han Xin did not betray Han during a time of chaos, but was suspected after the rebellion was suppressed. The Grandee Zhongyu did not listen to Fan Li in the Five Lakes region and eventually died in vain. How could they be considered foolish rulers and ignorant subjects? It was the circumstances that forced them to act so. Now that you have achieved great deeds and established a lofty reputation, why not follow the example of Tao Zhu Gong, travel to secluded places, protect your accomplishments, and ascend the peaks of Emei to roam with the red pines?'” Hui replied, ‘Your words are far-reaching, but I am unable to do such things. Besides, the present situation may offer other opportunities.'" Wei said, ‘Other matters are within the capabilities of your wisdom and strength, and there is no need to trouble this old man." Their relationship became even closer due to this exchange.

The so-called sworn brotherhood between the two is purely a fabrication in Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Chapter 118: “Then, at Jiange Pass, they raised countless surrender flags and immediately sent someone to report to Zhong Hui’s camp, saying that Jiang Wei had led Zhang Yi, Liao Hua, Dong Jue, and others to surrender. Zhong Hui was overjoyed and had someone welcome Wei into his tent. Hui said, ‘Bo Yue, why are you late?’ Wei’s expression was solemn, and tears flowed as he said, ‘The fate of the entire country lies with me. Coming here today is still not fast enough.’ Hui was greatly amazed, got up and bowed to Wei, treating him as an honored guest. Wei said to Hui, ‘I have heard of General’s unparalleled strategies since your arrival from Huainan. The excellence of the Sima family is all thanks to your efforts. That is why Wei was willing to humble myself and submit. If you decide to have a life-or-death battle like Deng Shizai did, I will fight alongside you. How can I possibly surrender?’ Hui then broke an arrow as an oath and became sworn brothers with Wei. Their bond was deep, and Hui allowed Wei to continue leading troops as before.”

Therefore, the correct question you should be asking is, “Why did the author of Romance of the Three Kingdoms design Zhong Hui and Jiang Wei to become sworn brothers?” as it has no relation to the historical Zhong Hui at all.

It is impossible for Zhong Hui to become sworn brothers with Jiang Wei because Zhong Hui is from the Zhong family in Yingchuan, belonging to the central Plains gentry. People from the central Plains do not practice the customs of sworn brotherhood or father-son relationships.

There are only a few recorded cases of sworn brotherhood and father-son relationships: Liu Bei and Qian Zhao, Ma Teng and Han Sui, Dong Zhuo and Lu Bu, Ma Chao and Han Sui.

These individuals all have one thing in common: none of them are from the central Plains. Liu Bei is from Youzhou, Ma Teng and Han Sui are from the Western Liang, Dong Zhuo is from Bingzhou. They are all from the northern border regions and are closer to the Hu people. The practice of sworn brotherhood originates from the covenant between tribes of ethnic minorities in the north. The central Plains gentry do not engage in such practices.

Therefore, as a member of the Yingchuan gentry, Zhong Hui would not be able to become sworn brothers with anyone.

Possible Reasons for the Surname “Lü”

Perhaps it’s because he doesn’t have the surname “Lü”?

Questioning the Practice of the Victor Worshiping the Vanquished as a Foster Father

Based on what you said, it has always been the low-ranking individual who worships the high-ranking individual as a foster father. How can there be a case where the victor worships the vanquished as a foster father? So, if you surrender to me, you would be my subordinate, and yet you still want to be my foster father?

Zhong Hui was a fanatic admirer of scholars and had a favorable impression of Jiang Wei. Moreover, Jiang Wei was over twenty years older than Zhong Hui. That’s why Zhong Hui worshipped Jiang Wei as his elder brother. Not only did Jiang Wei not feel humiliated, but he also became the victor’s elder brother. They shared meals at the same table and traveled in the same carriage. For a surrendered general, this was already extraordinary treatment.

If the roles were reversed, with Zhong Hui being over twenty years older than Jiang Wei, then it would be more appropriate for Jiang Wei to worship Zhong Hui as a foster father. Now, you want Zhong Hui to worship Jiang Wei as a foster father, isn’t that insulting Zhong Hui? Even if Zhong Hui is willing to worship Jiang Wei as a foster father, would Jiang Wei dare to accept it?

Thoughts of Zhong Hui

I always have this feeling

That Zhong Hui wants to sleep with him.

Why does Zhihu play this kind of question?

Actually, it’s quite simple: Batman was raised by Alfred, so why doesn’t Batman consider Alfred as his father?

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I’ve always believed that this kind of question is a bait, so I pushed it several times but didn’t receive any answers.

Now it’s not only trending, but there are also 5 people who have highlighted it as a good question, which is truly unbelievable.

So, is this how Zhihu plays the game?

A furious stare from Jiang Wei.

The relationship between Zhong Hui and Jiang Wei is not brothers, the novel may not be reliable.

The words of the novelist are not to be fully trusted.

The Records of the Three Kingdoms does not depict Zhong Hui and Jiang Wei becoming brothers. It only mentions that the two had a good relationship, often traveling together and dining at the same table. Furthermore, in fact, Jiang Wei seems to be about twenty years older than Zhong Hui. Generally speaking, such a significant age difference is not suitable for becoming brothers, but rather more suitable for a father-son relationship, like being adopted as father and son, perhaps?

It is a bit far-fetched and fictional for Romance of the Three Kingdoms to claim they became brothers. It is an inaccurate account and not trustworthy.