Zhong You (542–480 BC), commonly known by his courtesy names Zilu and Jilu, was one of the best known and most faithful disciples of Confucius.

In one of Confucius's famous lectures to Zilu, the Master warned that pursuing virtues without learning will result in error.

[1] Zilu served as an officer in the house of Jisun, the noble family that dominated the politics of Lu.

[2] He later served as chief magistrate of Pu (蒲; modern-day Changyuan County), a strategic city in the neighbouring state of Wey.

He ran into Gao Chai, another disciple of Confucius who was also serving in Wey, outside the city gate.

[8] According to Records of the Grand Historian, during combat, the string attaching Zilu's hat was cut.

According to legend, he was from a poor family and often foraged wild greens to feed himself, but he would carry rice from more than 100 li away for his parents.

[3] During the Tang dynasty, Emperor Xuanzong posthumously awarded Zhong You the nobility title of Marquis of Wey (衛侯).