King Zhuang of Chu

Zhuang, King of Chu (Chinese楚庄王/楚庄王, Pinyin Chǔ Zhuāngwáng; † 591 BC) was from 613 BC until his death King of Chu in China and one of the five hegemons in time the Spring and autumn Annals.

When he ascended the throne of Chu, his empire was in disarray. In the early years he wasted his time hunting and at festivals. Many of the courtiers disliked this behavior, but no one dared to speak to him on it. Only after three years a minister likened him to a bird who has not sung for three years and did not fly. The king replied that if the bird would sing and fly again, the world would marvel at him. This saying ( Yi Jing Mǐng Rén ,一 呜 惊人- approximately: surprise With a reputation ) was a Chinese proverb.

According to other sources, his wife Fan Ji led him to take more care of his affairs.

He made Sunshu Ao Chancellor and prompted reforms. The agricultural income of Chu enlarged under his rule, as Sunshu Ao allowed to create in the north of present-day Anhui province dams and reservoirs. Also, he annexed the state Yong Chu and strengthened thereby further.

After some brilliant victories of his army, he tried to take the place of the King of Zhou. He asked a messenger of Zhou after the weight of the Nine Ding of Zhou, who had dominion symbols, but was rejected by him.

In the battle of Bi his army defeated the Jin State, another powerful state this time. He later gained control of several other states.

Zhuang was regarded as a just ruler of high morals. He is said, for example, have broken the siege of a city, when he heard of a famine among the residents.

• King (China)
• Time of the Spring and Autumn Annals
• Chinese
• Born in the 7th century BC
• Died 591 BC
• Man