Biography of Fan Li - (Illustrated Edition)

Author: Chen Wende
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features: Fan Li, a military and political strategist from Wanyang (now Nanyang, Henan) in the State of Chu during the late Spring and Autumn Period, was known for his eccentric and disdainful demeanor. He entered the State of Yue alongside Wen Zhong and was employed by King Goujian of Yue as a strategist. Using the strategy of "ten years of accumulation and ten years of discipline," he helped Goujian completely defeat King Fuchai of Wu, avenging Yue and restoring its sovereignty. Subsequently, he assisted Goujian in expanding northward and establishing dominance in the Central Plains. After completing his mission, Fan Li resigned from his high-ranking position and left with the renowned beauty Xi Shi, sailing to the State of Qi to engage in business. He accumulated immense wealth, amassing a fortune of millions. The King of Qi offered him the position of Prime Minister, but Fan Li returned the seal of office, dispersed his entire fortune, and moved with his clan to Tao (now Dingtao, Shandong), where he styled himself as Lord Zhu Gong. In Tao, Fan Li amassed enormous wealth three times over the course of nineteen years, ultimately becoming one of China's most prominent merchants and tycoons in history, hailed as the "Founder of Chinese Business Warfare." This book vividly and comprehensively narrates the rational, pragmatic, and romantic life of Fan Li, while also inspiring readers to reflect on strategies for life and business management through the deeds of this god of commerce. The storyline is full of twists and turns, with every detail meticulously crafted, and the legend of Fan Li and the washing-woman Xi Shi is particularly captivating.