Zhou Yu, styled Gongjin, was a famous general of the Eastern Wu and known as "the Beautiful Bearded Lord". In the novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, he is portrayed as a handsome, elegant, intelligent, and courageous hero. However, the cause of his death in official history remains unknown. This article will introduce the cause of Zhou Yu's death and the reasons for his untimely demise in official history.

Firstly, the cause of Zhou Yu's death in official history. According to the "Records of the Three Kingdoms," Zhou Yu passed away due to illness in 210 AD, at the age of only 36. Although the cause of his death is not explicitly recorded in historical texts, some historical materials suggest that he may have died of illness. In the "Biography of Zhou Yu" in the "Records of the Three Kingdoms," it is mentioned: "Yu's illness was severe, and the emperor sent the imperial doctor to examine him. The doctor said, 'Zi Jing (Lu Su)'s illness is also very severe and cannot be cured by medicine or stones.'" The term "severe illness" implies that Zhou Yu's death was caused by a serious illness, rather than an external injury. Therefore, we can initially judge that Zhou Yu died of illness.

Secondly, the reasons for Zhou Yu's untimely demise. Overwork: Zhou Yu held many important positions in his lifetime, such as the commander-in-chief of the Eastern Wu and the governor of Jingzhou, shoulders the heavy responsibility of defending Jiangdong and expanding territory. In the Battle of Red Cliffs, he defeated Cao Cao with fewer troops, laying the foundation for the Three Kingdoms' coexistence. However, behind these glorious achievements, there were Zhou Yu's long-term exhaustion and mental stress. Long-term exhaustion and mental stress may have gradually weakened his body, ultimately leading to his death from illness.

2. War Trauma: Zhou Yu lived in an era of frequent warfare and fought wars outside the country all year round, so his body inevitably sustained some degree of injury. Although there is no explicit record of Zhou Yu being injured in battle in official history, we cannot rule out the possibility that he sustained trauma during the war. War trauma may have exacerbated his illness and accelerated the loss of his life.

3. Genetic Factors: Some scholars believe that Zhou Yu's untimely demise may be related to genetic factors. In the "Biography of Zhou Yu" in the "Records of the Three Kingdoms," it is mentioned: "Yu's nephew Ce also possesses talent and strategy." This suggests that Zhou Yu's family may have had high genetic qualities. However, genetic factors may also pose certain risks, such as familial diseases. These diseases may have begun to manifest in Zhou Yu's youth and ultimately led to his untimely demise.

In summary, Zhou Yu in official history was a brave and intelligent general. His cause of death was likely due to illness. The reasons for his untimely demise may include overwork, war trauma, and genetic factors. Zhou Yu's passing was undoubtedly a great loss for the Eastern Wu and even the entire history of the Three Kingdoms. His heroic deeds will forever be remembered and sung by later generations.

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