Shi Hu
Pú Jiàn was born, as Pu Hong (蒲洪)'s third son, by Lady Jiang, in 317, while Pu Hong was a Di chieftain under Han Zhao. However, he grew up largely during the time when Pu Hong served under Later Zhao's emperor Shi Hu. Shi Hu, while outwardly appreciative of Pu Hong's service, was deeply apprehensive of the loyalty Pu's Di soldiers had for him, and so secretly killed Pu Hong's two oldest sons. However, impressed with Pú Jiàn's bravery, archery, horsemanship, and generosity, Shi Hu favored him greatly and spared him.