SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

King Zhou of Shang

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 1.6

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    Han Fei cites history: brute force fails without wisdom. Qin has unmatched strength; he risks death to offer strategies to break alliances and unify China.

  • Shi Kuang

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    Shi Kuang was a renowned court musician of the Jin state during the Spring and Autumn period (approximately 770–476 BCE). His courtesy name was Ziye. Although blind, he was exceptionally skilled at playing the qin (a seven-stringed zither) and possessed extraordinarily acute hearing, enabling him to discern and judge musical pitches with remarkable precision.

  • Bi Gan

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    Bi Gan (c. 11th century BCE) was a prominent royal kinsman and high minister during the late Shang dynasty, traditionally regarded as King Zhou of Shang’s uncle (some sources say half-brother). He served as Shaoshi—a position akin to prime minister—and was renowned for his unwavering loyalty, integrity, and fearless remonstrance.

  • King Wu of Zhou

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    King Wu of Zhou (? – 1043 BCE) was the founder of the Western Zhou dynasty. His personal name was Ji Fa, and he was the second son of King Wen of Zhou. Because his elder brother, Bo Yikao, had been executed by the tyrannical King Zhou of Shang, Ji Fa became heir and…

  • Mencius – Chapter 2.8 Justice over Tyranny

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    King Xuan of Qi asked Mencius, “Is it true that Tang banished Jie, and King Wu attacked Zhou?”