生平

奉為謀主

盧志早年曾任公府掾、尚書郎和鄴縣縣令。成都王司馬穎鎮守鄴城時，欣賞其才智和度量，視為心腹並以其為謀主。永康二年（301年），趙王司馬倫稱帝，引來齊王司馬冏起兵討伐，並派使者聯絡司馬穎，司馬穎找盧志商討，盧志主張司馬穎親自率兵響應，並建議司馬穎徵任賢才，借機取得名望。司馬穎十分同意，並改選屬官，以盧志為諮議參軍，補左長史。及後前鋒都督趙驤被司馬倫擊敗，司馬穎部眾都十分害怕，不少人更建議司馬穎退保朝歌。但盧志則認為戰爭不會沒勝負，敵軍新勝必然有輕敵之心，而軍隊停駐只會令士兵畏懼，應該挑選精兵，並加快行軍，出其不意地進攻。司馬穎聽從，繼續前進。不久司馬倫兵敗，盧志又以司馬穎戰功高，日後將與齊王輔政，但兩雄不兩立，建議司馬穎因程太妃（司馬穎生母）患病而求退，推崇齊王，可獲全國的稱譽。司馬穎聽從；後又聽從盧志的建議，做了援助受戰爭影響的平民和收斂陣亡士卒的行動，最終得到全國稱頌，天下歸心。戰後盧志獲封為武強侯，加散騎常侍。

屢拒諫言

司馬冏掌權後不久即因驕奢專橫而令眾人失望，司馬穎因獲天下歸心，於是被任命輔政，但司馬穎以程太妃留戀鄴城為由留在鄴城。太安元年（302年），河間王司馬顒聽從李含的計謀，命長沙王司馬乂討伐司馬冏，實質是望借司馬冏之手除去司馬乂，自己再以為司馬乂報仇為名討伐司馬冏，再立司馬穎為帝，自己總攬大權。於是司馬顒聯絡司馬穎，司馬穎即答應，盧志勸諫但無法阻止。及後司馬乂擊敗並殺死司馬冏，總掌大權，但事無鉅細都會諮詢司馬穎，司馬穎實際上在遙控朝政。但因司馬顒的計劃不成，司馬穎亦因司馬乂在朝而未能專擅，二人於是密謀誅除司馬乂。太安二年（303年）司馬穎以荊州張昌作亂而請求親征，但未到已被陶侃平定；司馬穎於是決定進攻洛陽。盧志即勸諫司馬穎，認為司馬穎已得百姓歸心，又協助討平張昌叛亂，應該在關外駐兵，文服入朝，才是霸王者行的事。但司馬穎不聽，仍堅持進攻洛陽。

司馬穎用名士陸機統兵。盧志嫉妒陸機得寵，指陸機不可用，司馬穎沒有回答。後來陸機大敗，司馬穎聽信誣陷以為陸機私通司馬乂，殺了他，又猶豫是否殺陸機的弟弟陸雲。盧志說當初司馬倫殺中護軍趙浚而赦免趙浚子趙驤，結果趙驤就在司馬穎麾下為父報仇。最後陸雲及陸機三族都被殺。

次年，司馬穎與司馬顒的聯軍成功攻破洛陽，並殺死司馬乂；司馬穎被立為皇太弟，任丞相，又表盧志為中書監，留鄴城參署丞相府事。司馬穎不久亦回到鄴城遙控朝政。同年，東海王司馬越與晉惠帝親征司馬穎，但在蕩陰被司馬穎擊敗，晉惠帝遭亂軍所棄被擄，盧志於是被派到當地迎接惠帝回鄴城。

侍奉帝側

但不久，安北將軍王浚又與司馬騰等領兵討伐司馬穎，更擊敗迎擊的王斌，盧志見形勢危急，勸司馬穎帶惠帝到洛陽。當晚尚有部眾一萬五千人，但因程太妃留戀鄴城而令司馬穎猶豫不決，士眾到日出時已經潰散，僅有殿中武賁一千人在，盧志於是再勸，但直至程太妃相信的道士逃跑後才決意逃走。當時人馬已散，盧志在營陣間找到數輛鹿車，司馬督韓玄收集黃門亦得百多人，成功帶惠帝啟程。同時惠帝又召領兵八千戍守洛陽的屯騎校尉郝昌迎駕，後在汲郡與郝昌會合後才有盛兵護駕。盧志此時則建議惠帝大赦天下，與民休息。到洛陽後又請求以滿奮為司隸校尉，最終令很多逃散者都回來，百官大致都齊集了，惠帝感到高興而賞賜盧志。

當時在洛陽擁兵專政的司馬顒部將張方將洛陽搜刮殆盡，更意圖逼惠帝遷都長安；但惠帝和大臣都不順從，張方於是以武力脅逼惠帝，更加意圖焚毀洛陽宮室以絕眾心。盧志知道後則以當日董卓焚毀洛陽的事游說張方，成功保住洛陽城。但惠帝始終被張方脅逼到長安，只有盧志侍奉在側。到長安後，司馬穎被廢，遣回封地成都，盧志亦被免官。

隨主左右

永興二年（305年），東海王司馬越以讓晉惠帝還都洛陽為名起兵，而司馬顒見司馬穎在鄴城仍有支持者，於是命司馬穎回鄴城，盧志亦任命為魏郡太守，加左將軍，隨同司馬穎到鄴城。次年，司馬穎到洛陽，但遇到司馬越大軍，受平昌公司馬模前鋒督護馮嵩所拒，被逼回長安，但途中又得悉司馬顒斬張方求和及司馬越攻破洛陽。司馬穎走向華陰而盧志回長安，盧志向中央陳謝後到武關會合司馬穎，但在南陽新野被劉陶追捕，司馬穎和盧志於是逃到河北。司馬穎到後被范陽王司馬虓幽禁，一個多月後司馬虓暴斃，司馬穎則被司馬虓長史劉輿殺害，其官屬見此逃散，僅盧志親自送殯，此舉亦得到當時人的嘉許。

平陽遇害

司馬越後來任命盧志為軍諮祭酒，遷衛尉。永嘉末年任尚書。永嘉五年（311年）發生永嘉之亂後，盧志與妻兒北上投靠并州刺史劉琨，但在陽邑被漢國河內王劉粲擄去。次年，盧志與妻子和兒子盧謐和盧詵都被送往漢國首都平陽。同年劉琨率兵擊敗劉粲，盧志長子盧諶投歸劉琨，盧志和其在平陽的家人都被殺。

其他

盧志曾在在大庭廣眾之下問陸機：「陸遜、陸抗是你的什麼人？」 陸機回答：「就像你和盧毓、盧珽的關係。」陸雲變了臉色，從屋子裏出來以後，對哥哥陸機說：「何必這樣？他可能真的不知道。」陸機嚴肅說道：「父親和祖父名揚四海，難道會不知道？這個鬼子當著我們的面直呼他們的名諱，如此無禮！」

家族

夫人

• 清河崔氏，御史中丞崔參之女

子女

• 盧諶：盧志長子，隨父亡歸劉琨，劉琨死後先後流落北方，被段部鮮卑首領段末波所留而不得南渡東晉，後於後趙中任官。

• 盧謐：盧志次子，與盧志同於平陽被殺。

• 盧詵：盧志子，與盧志同於平陽被殺。

Background

Lu Zhi was a native of Zhuo County, Fanyang Commandery and was the great-grandson of the Han dynasty military general, Lu Zhi (盧植; note the different character from his great-grandson's name). His grandfather, Lu Yu, uncle Lu Qin (盧欽) and father Lu Ting (盧珽; Lu Qin's younger brother), were officials for the Cao Wei dynasty, with the latter two going on to serve under Wei's successor, Western Jin. Early in his career, Lu Zhi served as an official in the government and Prefect of the Masters of Writing before leaving the capital, Luoyang to serve as the Prefect of Ye.

When the Prince of Chengdu, Sima Ying, was assigned to defend Ye, he met with Lu Zhi and was deeply impressed by his talents. The two men trusted each other, and eventually, Lu Zhi became a key advisor for the prince.

War of the Eight Princes

Coalition against Sima Lun

In 301, the Prince of Zhao, Sima Lun, usurped the throne from Emperor Hui of Jin. In response, the Prince of Qi, Sima Jiong, began a coalition to depose Lun and urged Sima Ying to join him. Sima Ying consulted Lu Zhi for a strategy, and he opined, "The Prince of Zhao Lun is unjust, acting with tyranny and rebellion. He has aroused the anger of the people and spirits within the Four Seas. Currently, Your Highness commands the three armies, and should we react quickly at the right time, the people will flock to you without being summoned. As we will be sweeping away the wicked and treacherous, conquest can be achieved without a battle. However, military affairs are of the utmost importance and therefore should be cautiously handled by the sages. It is best that we appoint and promote talented individuals to win the support and respect of the people." Sima Ying agreed and made Lu Zhi his Consultant Advisor and Chief Clerk of the Left. He was also placed in charge of handling official documents.

As Sima Ying marched to Luoyang, he and his soldiers were met by Sima Lun's army at Huangqiao (黃橋, around present-day Wen County, Henan). Ying's vanguard was badly defeated at first, causing him to consider retreating to defend Zhaoge. However, Lu Zhi insisted that they surprise their enemies by advancing quickly with their best soldiers during the early morning, believing that they had become overconfident from their recent victory. Sima Ying agreed and sent his general, Zhao Xiang (趙驤), with 80,000 to advance with Wang Yan (王彥). As predicted, the enemy commander, Shi Yi (士猗) underestimated their momentum, allowing Ying's forces to win a great victory and cross the Yellow River.

Regency of Sima Jiong

Before the coalition could arrive, Sima Lun was overthrown and killed in a coup in Luoyang. Sima Ying's forces were the first to arrive at the capital, but as leader of the coalition, Sima Jiong took power as regent following Emperor Hui's restoration. Lu Zhi warned Sima Ying, "The Prince of Qi Jiong commanded a million soldiers, yet he could not defeat Zhang Hong (張泓) and the like. Meanwhile, you, Great Prince, crossed the Yellow River and achieved exceptional merits. Now, the Prince of Qi wishes to share power over the court with you. However, it is said that two heroes cannot coexist, and their deeds cannot be equal. Thus, you should cite your mother's illness and request to return to your base. Honour the Prince of Qi and gradually win the support of the people within the Four Seas. This is the best strategy to take."

Sima Ying accepted his suggestion and handed over all major responsibilities to Sima Jiong before returning to Ye. His actions garnered much praise and support from the people. For his contribution in the war, Lu Zhi was awarded the title of Marquis of Wuqiang and promoted to Cavalier in Regular Attendance. While in Ye, Ying entrusted all affairs to Lu Zhi and through his guidance become increasingly popular among the people while Jiong lost favour due to his arrogant personality.

On one occasion, as summer was approaching, Lu Zhi reminded Ying of the more than 8,000 men who were killed at the Battle of Huangqiao. Not wanting the bodies to go to waste, he advised the prince to carry out burials for them, citing King Wen of Zhou who once ordered the burial of the skeletal remains of an unknown person he found in the wild. Ying commissioned for more than 8,000 coffins built and used funds from his fief to acquire clothing. The bodies were buried north of Huangqiao, and a stele was erected to commemorate the soldiers' deeds. Meanwhile, families of the fallen soldiers were honoured and ordered to perform seasonal sacrifices for them. Ying also submitted a petition concerning family matters and posthumously promoted the soldiers by two ranks. Additionally, he had more than 14,000 troops who died fighting for Sima Lun buried in Wen County.

In 302, the Prince of Hejian, Sima Yong, was raising troops to campaign against Sima Jiong and informed Ying about it. Lu Zhi attempted to dissuade Ying from joining the plot, but the prince refused to heed his advice. However, before they could launch their campaign, Jiong was killed in Luoyang by the Prince of Changsha, Sima Ai, and the latter began holding considerable power over the imperial government.

Coalition against Sima Ai

Unsatisfied with the outcome, Yong and Ying started another coalition in 303, this time to overthrow Sima Ai. Lu Zhi tried again to persuade him from joining, stating, "Lord, previously you had achieved great merits, willingly relinquished your power and refused honours, all which earned you immense respect and admiration. Right now, you should be stationing your armies outside the passes and entering the court in ceremonial robes. This is the act of a hegemon." However, Ying ignored him and proceeded with Sima Yong's forces to lay siege on Sima Ai in Luoyang. After Ai's defeat in 304, Ying returned to Ye and became prime minister. He also appointed Lu Zhi as Chief of the Palace Secretariat, providing him with advice for his duty as prime minister.

Sima Ying as Crown Younger Brother

Later in 304, Sima Ying was appointed Crown Younger Brother, allowing him to inherit the throne after Emperor Hui dies. Afterwards, he was said to have grown more arrogant and corrupt, losing some support from the people. Soon, the Prince of Donghai, Sima Yue, started a coalition from Luoyang to depose him but was defeated. Emperor Hui, who was following Sima Yue's forces, was captured by Ying's men, so the prince sent Lu Zhi to escort him to Ye.

Not long after, the Chief Controller of Youzhou, Wang Jun, and the Inspector of Bingzhou, Sima Teng, also started their campaign against Ying. Wang Jun was victorious in every bout on the way to Ye, and when he reached the city, many of Ying's officials, generals and soldiers fled. Lu Zhi urged the prince to fall back to Luoyang with Emperor Hui, and he agreed. However, Ying's mother, Grand Consort Cheng (程太妃), was fond of the city and refused to leave, causing Ying to hesitate with his decision. Soon, many of the remaining soldiers also fled, leaving only Lu Zhi, his son Lu Mi (盧謐), his nephew Lu Chen (盧綝) and a thousand palace troops.

Lu Zhi urged Ying to carry out the plan, but it was only after the departure Taoist diviner surnamed Huang (黃), whom the Grand Consort deeply trusted, that they could finally leave. With no horses and porters, Lu Zhi had to acquire ropes and deer carts from the barracks to escape on calf-drawn carts. On the way to Luoyang, Ying's party was joined by the general, Hao Chang (郝昌), and his soldiers at Ji Commandery (汲郡; around present-day Weihui, Henan). With the party rejuvenated, Lu Zhi suggested to Emperor Hui that he issue a letter of amnesty so that the emperor would be received and assisted by the common people. The party reached Luoyang, where they were placed under the authority of Sima Yong's general, Zhang Fang. Lu Zhi recommended that Man Fen (滿奮) be appointed the Colonel-Director of Retainers as many of Ying's followers who had fled earlier returned to restore some function to the government. Emperor Hui was pleased and greatly rewarded Lu Zhi.

As Zhang Fang controlled the military in Luoyang, he dominated Emperor Hui and Sima Ying was powerless to stop him. After staying at the capital for so long, Zhang Fang's men were becoming restless and planned to move the emperor to Yong's base in Chang'an. In December 304, Zhang Fang ordered Emperor Hui out of the city to stay at the ramparts. The emperor was reluctant at first, but Lu Zhi persuaded him to follow Zhang Fang's command. At this point, many of the ministers had fled and gone into hiding, but only Lu Zhi stayed by the emperor's side. While Emperor Hui was away, Zhang Fang's men began pillaging Luoyang. Zhang Fang even planned to burn down the Ancestral Temple, but Lu Zhi intervened and said, "In the past, Dong Zhuo was a tyrant who burned down Luoyang, and the resentment towards him has lasted for a hundred years. Why would you want to imitate that?" Thus, Zhang Fang decided against it. After three days, Zhang Fang brought Emperor Hui to Chang'an, and Lu Zhi followed them. There, Sima Ying was demoted from his position as Crown Younger Prince, while Lu Zhi was stripped of his position.

After Sima Yings removal

In 305, using the pretext of the emperor's forced relocation to Chang'an, Sima Yue began a coalition against Sima Yong. At the same time, a general of Sima Ying, Gongshi Fan, also rebelled in Hebei in protest of the prince's removal from power. Faced with multiple threats from the east, Sima Yong assigned Ying to Ye to appease Gongshi Fan's rebels. Lu Zhi was also brought back as Administrator of Wei Commandery and then promoted to General of the Left to follow Ying to his post. However, after the two left for Ye, they were blocked by the Duke of Pingchang, Sima Mo's forces at Luoyang, so they returned to Chang'an.

Before they could arrive, there were news that Sima Yong was suing for peace with Sima Yue, so Ying went to Huayin (華陰; in modern Weinan, Shaanxi) instead. Lu Zhi continued to Chang'an, where he explained his actions and apologized to the court before returning to Ying at Wuguan. From Wuguan, they fled to Nanyang but were attacked by the general, Liu Tao (劉陶), so they planned to go to Hebei to join Gongshi Fan. However, Ying was caught and placed under house arrest by the Prince of Fanyang, Sima Xiao in Ye. After Xiao died at the end of 306, his Chief Clerk, Liu Yu, had Ying killed during the night. By the time of Ying's death, all of his subordinates had already left him, but Lu Zhi remained with him until the end. He personally carried out the prince's funeral and subsequently became a subject of praise at the time.

Final years and death

After the death of Sima Ying, Lu Zhi was appointed by Sima Yue as an Army Libationer-Consultant. He was then transferred to Commandant of the Guards, and by 311, he was serving as the Master of Writing.

In 311, Luoyang fell to Han-Zhao forces and Emperor Huai of Jin was captured in an event known as the Disaster of Yongjia. Lu Zhi brought his wife and sons north to join the Inspector of Bingzhou, Liu Kun, who was resisting the growing Han threat. However, they were captured by Han forces at Yangyi (陽邑; in present-day Handan, Hebei) and sent to the Han capital, Pingyang. There are two accounts of Lu Zhi's death. According to the entry of his eldest son, Lu Chen (盧諶; note the different character from his cousin) in the Book of Jin, after Liu Kun recaptured his base, Jinyang in 312, Lu Chen fled Han to join him. As a result, Lu Zhi and his two other sons, Lu Mi and Lu Shen (盧詵), were executed.

The second account comes from the biography of the Han emperor, Liu Cong in the Book of Jin. After his capture, Lu Zhi was appointed by Liu Cong as the Grand Instructor of the Crown Yonger Brother, Liu Ai (劉乂). In 315, Lu Zhi and his fellow former Jin officials, Xu Xia (許遐) and Cui Wei (崔瑋), plotted to get Liu Ai to rebel against Liu Cong. Liu Ai was losing favour as he was constantly slandered by Liu Cong's eldest son, Liu Can and his supporters, but he refused to go along with the conspirators' plans. After the official, Xun Yu (荀裕), revealed their plot, Lu Zhi, Xu Xia and Cui Wei were arrested, interrogated and executed.

Anecdotes

Once, in public, Lu Zhi asked the Lu brothers (Lu Ji and Lu Yun), "How are Lu Xun and Lu Kang related to you?" Lu Ji replied, "Just like how Lu Yu and Lu Ting are related to you." Lu Yun went pale upon hearing his elder brother's reply. Once they left Lu Zhi's presence, Lu Yun said to Lu Ji, "Was that really necessary? Maybe he has not heard about them (their grandfather and father)?" Lu Ji replied sternly, "Our grandfather's and father's fame has spread far and wide; how could he have not heard of them?"

Later, when they were both working under Sima Ying, Lu Zhi, fearing that Lu Ji would gain favour with Sima Ying, advised his master, "Lu Ji compares himself to Guan Zhong and Yue Yi; he is implying that you are an incompetent master. Since ancient times, when appointing generals to lead expeditions, there has never been a subordinate who has been insolent to his master and still able to help matters."