Is “Selecting and appointing worthy scholars and the crown prince's early death” true?
The Records of the Three Kingdoms, Book of Wu, Biography of Sun Deng records the historical facts that Sun Deng honored worthy scholars, held the position of crown prince for thirty years, and died early. The Romance of the Three Kingdoms' depiction of his image as a wise crown prince is based on official history. The original text says, 「是岁,立登为太子,选置师傅,铨简秀士,以为宾友,于是诸葛恪、张休、顾谭、陈表等以选入」 and also says, 「立凡二十一年,年三十三卒。」 (Records of the Three Kingdoms, Book of Wu, Biographies of the Five Sons of the Wu Ruler)
Both official histories and novels record that he respected and honored worthy scholars, held the position of crown prince for thirty years, and died young after submitting a memorial recommending worthy men.
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