King Zhao of Yan
King Zhao of Yan (Chinese: 燕昭王, died 279 BC), ancestral name Jī (姬), clan name Yān (燕), personal name Zhí (職), was the fourth king of the state of Yan in Warring States period of Chinese history. He ruled the kingdom between 311 BC until his death in 279 BC.[1]
| King Zhao of Yan | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | |||||||||
| King of Yan | |||||||||
| Reign | 311 BCE - 279 BCE | ||||||||
| Predecessor | Zi Zhi (usurper) | ||||||||
| Successor | King Hui | ||||||||
| Born | ? | ||||||||
| Died | 279 BC | ||||||||
| Issue | King Hui of Yan | ||||||||
| |||||||||
| Father | Kuai, King of Yan | ||||||||
Zhí was a son of Kuai, King of Yan. In early years, he was chosen to serve as a political hostage in the Kingdom of Han.[2]
In 314 BC, Yan was attacked and practically conquered by Qi, both Kuai and the usurper Zizhi (子之) were killed.[3] However, Qi was unable to put down the rebellion in Yan area and had to withdraw. Finally, the Yan Kingdom was restored. Zhí was installed as the new king by King Wuling of Zhao, and sent back to Yan.[2]
King Zhao was judicious and measured in his actions toward his subordinates. He hired talents with high salary, these talents include: Yue Yi from Wei, Zou Yan (鄒衍) from Qi, and Ju Xin (劇辛) from Zhao.[4] Yan became a powerful kingdom and was able to take revenge on Qi. In 284, he plotted with the states of Zhao, Qin, Han and Wei for a joint expedition against Qi. Led by the brilliant general Yue Yi, seventy walled cities were taken by the joint expedition, with the exception of Jimo (即墨) and Ju (莒). King Zhao died in 279 BC, succeeded by his son King Hui of Yan.[2]
References
- Cihai (small print edition) (5th ed.). Shanghai Lexicographical Publishing House. p. 2509. ISBN 7-5326-0630-9.
- Cihai (small print edition) (5th ed.). Shanghai Lexicographical Publishing House. p. 1501. ISBN 7-5326-0630-9.
- Lee Mosol, MD, MPH (2013). Ancient History of the Manchuria: Redefining the past.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
- Records of the Grand Historian. 34.
燕昭王於破燕之後即位，卑身厚币以招贤者。谓郭隗曰：“齐因孤之国乱而袭破燕，孤极知燕小力少，不足以报。然诚得贤士以共国，以雪先王之耻，孤之原也。先生视可者，得身事之。”郭隗曰：“王必欲致士，先从隗始。况贤於隗者，岂远千里哉！”於是昭王为隗改筑宫而师事之。乐毅自魏往，邹衍自齐往，剧辛自赵往，士争趋燕。