This request enraged the emperor, who ordered Chu beheaded instead. In response, Chu clung to the balustrade and asked to be executed on the spot in the same way as another loyal minister had once been executed.
此舉感動了左將軍，為他叩頭求情，終得赦免。事後成帝不許人更換折毀的門檻，讓自己永遠記得直臣死諫的忠心。