Chang Xu (died 266), courtesy name Xiuye, was an official and scholar of the state of Shu Han in the Three Kingdoms period of China. After the fall of Shu in 263, he continued serving under the Cao Wei state, then the succeeding Jin dynasty in 266.

Life Chang Xu was born in Jiangyuan, Shu Commandery (蜀郡), which is in present-day Chengdu, Sichuan.(常勗，字脩業，蜀郡江原人也。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 05. His grandfather, Chang Yuan (常員), served as the Administrator (太守) of Zangke (牂柯) and Yongchang (永昌). His uncle, Chang Gao (常高), died at a young age. His father, Chang Hong (常閎), was also appointed as Administrator (太守) of Hanzhong (漢中) and Guanghan (廣漢郡).(祖父「原」〔員〕，柯、永昌太守。父，高「廟」〔廣〕令。從父閎，漢中、廣漢太守。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 05.

In his youth, Chang Xu was well-known along with his younger brother Chang Ji, both of whom valued simplicity and enjoyed the pursuit of knowledge. They were dedicated to the study of the ancient classic texts and excelled in the Classic of Poetry and the Book of Documents. Chang Xu was well-read in various books and his knowledge was extensive.(勗少與閎子忌齊名，安貧樂道，志篤墳典。治《毛詩》、《尚書》。涉洽群籍，多所通覽。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 05.

He was appointed as an official by Shu Han and later entered the imperial court as guanglu langzhong (光祿郎中; "Gentleman of the Household and Palace") and served as Main Adviser (主事; host and manage affairs). Furthermore, he was promoted to shangshu zuoxuan lang (尚書左選郎; "Gentleman Elected on the Left of the Secretariat"). Chang Xu was welcomed by the officials of his home commandery Shu, to serve as Officer of Merit (功曹).(州命辟從事。入為光祿郎中、主事。又為尚書左選郎。郡請迎為功曹。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 05. At that time in Shu, the commandery military and government's affairs, such as the selection of officials and management of the prisons, were under the control of generals. Chang Xu was known for his integrity, therefore he was appointed as a military commander. He was fair and just in handling lawsuits.(時州將董軍政，置從事，職典刑獄；以勗清亮，復為督軍；治訟平當。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 05. Moreover, he was nominated as xiaolian (civil service candidate) and relocated as Prefect of Pi County (郫縣令). His administration was simple and did not trouble the people.(還察孝廉。除郫令。為政簡而不煩。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 05.

During the Conquest of Shu by Wei, Deng Ai defeated Zhuge Zhan at Mianzhu, causing panic in the whole region. The prefects and officials of various counties either surrendered to the Wei forces or abandoned their posts and fled.(魏征西將軍鄧艾伐蜀，破諸葛瞻於綿竹，威振西土，諸縣長吏或望風降下，或委官奔走。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 05. Chang Xu, however rallied the local officials and people to defend their city. He surrendered only after receiving an imperial edict from the Shu emperor, Liu Shan. Then, Chang Xu went to meet with Deng Ai, ensuring that the supplies and money in his county were preserved.(勗獨率吏民固城拒守。〔得〕後主檄令，乃詣艾，故郫穀帛全完。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 05.

The Inspector of Yi Province (益州刺史), Yuan Shao (袁邵), praised Chang Xu's commitment and integrity so he appointed him as his Registrar (主簿). Chang Xu had a handsome appearance and was admired for his refined demeanor and eloquence.(刺史袁邵嘉勗志節，辟為主簿。勗善儀容，翔集，動為表觀。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 05. Furthermore, his manner of speech was heroic and impressive hence, he was highly regarded by his peers. However, he only associated with virtuous people and did not befriend those he considered of lower moral character than him. Despite this, he was generous and respectful toward others.(言論壯烈，州里重之。然交友惟賢，不交下己者，汎愛之恩猶不足。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 05. In 266, when Yuan Shao was summoned to the capital of Luoyang, Chang Xu accompanied him until he died of illness on the way.(〔從〕邵徵還，道卒。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 05.

Appraisal Chang Qu, who wrote Chang Xu's biography in the Chronicles of Huayang (Huayang Guo Zhi), appraised Chang Xu as follows: "Raise heroic voice, his foundation solid and powerful."(郫令、州主簿常勗脩業：郫君「騫」〔謇〕諤，自固厎身。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 01.

See also Lists of people of the Three Kingdoms

Notes

References

Chang Qu (4th century). Chronicles of Huayang (Huayang Guo Zhi).