Romance of Wu Zixu

Author: Jia Chuan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-11-01
Features: This book tells the story of Wu Zixu, a famous minister and strategist during China's Spring and Autumn Period. His entire family was cruelly persecuted by King Ping of Chu, and he fled alone from Chu, only to be filled with sorrow as he aged overnight while passing through Zhao Pass. He begged for food in Wu City playing the flute, and eventually joined Prince Guang (who later became known as King Helü) and helped him become a hegemon among the feudal lords. When Wu conquered Chu's capital, Wu Zixu whipped the corpse of King Ping to avenge his family. Later, when King Fuchai ascended the throne, Wu Zixu offered blunt advice but was envied and executed by taking his own life with the sword Zulu. Wu Zixu's life was one of unwavering loyalty and fierce integrity, marked by both wisdom and bravery, and his tragic end left people in awe. The book revolves around Wu Zixu's life, depicting many historical figures and the intricate alliances, struggles, and wars among the feudal states during the Spring and Autumn Period, such as "Zuan Zhu assassinating King Liao," "Yao Li assassinating King Qingji," "Sun Wu training troops," "Gan Jiang and Mo Ye forging swords," and "Burning the Bed and Tasting the Gall." The entire story is vivid and full of twists, with a legendary charm that allows readers to both appreciate life's philosophy and understand the cultural and social atmosphere of that era.