Chu Zhanzhi 褚湛之

Chu Zhanzhi 褚湛之(411-460), courtesy name Xiuxuan 休玄 was a high minister of the Liu-Song dynasty 劉宋 (420-479), one of the Southern Dynasties 南朝 (420-589). His brother Chu Xiuzhi 褚秀之 (378-424) and his son Chu Yuan 褚淵 (435-482) also stood in the service of the dynasty.

He was a native of Yangzhai 陽翟 in the commandery of Henan 河南. He first married Princess Ai of Shi'an 始安哀公主, daughter of Emperor Wu 宋武帝 (r. 420-422), and was appointed Commandant-Escort (fuma duwei 駙馬都尉, i.e., Prince Consort) and Editorial Director of the Palace Library (zhuzuolang 著作郎). After Princess Ai passed away, he married Princess Xuan of the Commandery of Wu 吳郡宣公主.

He was known for his prudence and sincerity, with ambitions for service, and was recognized by Emperor Wen 宋文帝 (r. 424-453). He successively served as General Rising Authority (yangwu jiangjun 揚武將軍), governor (taishou 太守) of the two commanderies of Nanjun 南郡 and Pengcheng 彭城, Palace Cadet in the Household of the Heir Apparent (taizi zhongshuzi 太子中庶子), General of the Left Guard (zuo wei jiangjun 左衛將軍), Minister of Civil Affairs (zuo min shangshu 左民尚書), and metropolitan magistrate (yin 尹) of Danyang 丹陽.

When Liu Shao 劉劭 (424-453) killed Emperor Wen and usurped the throne, he appointed him as Minister of Personnel (libu shangshu 吏部尚書). He was again sent out as Bulwark-of-the-State General (fuguo jiangjun 輔國將軍) and was ordered to lead the naval forces in a joint advance.

Chu Zhanzhi then fled south with his two sons. One of his sons was killed by Liu Shao. After Emperor Xiaowu 宋孝武帝 (r. 453-464) ascended the throne, he was reinstated as magistrate of Danyang and Right Vice Director of the Imperial Secretariat (shengshu you puye 尚書右僕射) and Director of the Palace Secretariat (zhongshu ling 中書令). Later, because of involvement in the affair of Liu Yixuan 劉義宣 (415-454), Prince of Nanjun 南郡, he was dismissed from office and placed under house arrest. Soon after, he was appointed Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary (sanji changshi 散騎常侍). Later, for his earlier defection to the south, he was granted the title of Marquis of Duxiang 都鄉都鄉. He was posthumously named Marquis Jing 都鄉敬都鄉.