250s–280s),[b] courtesy name Chaozong, was a Chinese philosopher and politician of the state of Shu Han in the Three Kingdoms period of China.
His father, Du Xiong (杜雄), whose courtesy name, was Boxiong (伯雄) had served as the Prefect (令) of Han'an (漢安), Luo County (雒縣) and Mianzhu (綿竹).
Du Zhen demonstrated his unique insight and made important discoveries in classic writing under the guidance of his teacher.
The current Administrator (太守) of Nanyang (南陽), Zhang Fujun (張府君) refused to leave his post.
Seeing this, Du Zhen warned him: "Zhong Hui just recently imprisoned Deng Ai, his army and soldiers are close to us.
[6] As predicted, Zhong Hui did dispatch Deng Ai's subordinate Qian Hong to take office as the new Administrator leading hundreds of armed horsemen in the commandery.
When they arrived, Qian Hong inquired about the absence of the former Administrator to which Du Zhen replied that he already left knowing someone would be sent to replace him.
[9][10] After this, Du Zhen was nominated as a xiaolian (civil service candidate) and appointed as Prefect of Jianning (建寧令).
[13] Next, he was transferred as Prefect (令) of Chiyang (池陽) enhanced it as the most prosperous county (among the eleven) of Yong Province (雍州).
"[25] Du Zhen was among the descendants of former Shu officials recommended by Luo Xian to Sima Yan to be employed.
[27] With interest for politics, like Du Zhen, he was nominated as a xiaolian (civil service candidate) and successively served as the Prefect (令) of Pingkang (平康), Niubing (牛鞞), Nanzheng (南鄭), and Anyang (安陽).
Therefore, he respected his wishes and had Du Lie succeeded his brother in Sichuan as Administrator of Qianwei (犍為太守), people of the province honored him.
[34] All of the three brothers flourished in their political careers, which was considered an admirable story by many people of their homeland in Yi Province.
[37] During the period of the Disaster of Yongjia, Wang Dun recommended him to serve as Inspector of Yi Province (益州刺史).
[38] He was instructed to assist Liu Chun (柳純) the Administrator (太守) of Yidu (宜都) in the defence of Baidicheng (帝城).
Li Xiong wanted to recruit him as his Major (司馬) but Du Xiu refused to serve him, therefore he was executed and died at a young age.