King Goujian of Yue

Author: Yang Xiaobai
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2007-01-01
Features: Goujian was the ruler of the State of Yue during the late Spring and Autumn period. Son of King Yun Chang of Yue. He reigned from 496 BC to 465 BC. The King of Wu, Helü, was defeated by the Yue army in 496 BC. Helü was injured and died, and his son Fuchai vowed revenge. Goujian launched an offensive against Wu the following year. In a fierce battle at Fuchao Mountain (now southwest of Wuxian County, Jiangsu), the Yue army suffered a heavy defeat. To preserve strength, Goujian retreated to Kuaiji Mountain (now south of Shaoxing, Zhejiang) and, using the strategy of Fan Li, submitted to Wu and begged for peace. After returning to his homeland, Goujian endured hardships and tasted bitterness, never forgetting to (eliminate Wu) and avenge his nation. He appointed figures like Fan Li and Wen Zhong to reform domestic policies and restore the nation. Later, Goujian seized the opportunity when Fuchai was vying for hegemony in the north and the state of Wu was vulnerable, launching a decisive attack and killing the crown prince of Wu. Upon Fuchai's return, he had no choice but to agree to peace. Goujian repeatedly launched campaigns against Wu. In the 24th year of his reign, after a three-year siege, the capital of Wu was captured, and Fuchai committed suicide. Wu was destroyed. Subsequently, Goujian advanced northward by boat, and the states of Song, Zheng, Lu, and Wei submitted to him. He moved the capital to Langya (now south of Jiaonan, Shandong) and held an alliance with the feudal lords of Qi and Jin. He was formally recognized as a hegemon by King Yuanyuan of Zhou. Goujian was a visionary leader, cunning and resolute, decisive in battle, and adept at strategic flexibility. With the spirit of enduring hardships and tasting bitterness, he underwent "ten years of growth and ten years of discipline," transforming a weak nation once dismissed as "the people of Yue are light and turbid, hence their ignorance is extreme and their filth is profound" into a prosperous and powerful state. This ruler, who once tasted human bile, slept on reeds, destroyed Wu, and achieved hegemony, led a life so arduous that it was enough to move heaven and earth and shake the hearts of all! Yang Xiaobai, drawing inspiration from the legendary life of Goujian and setting the historical context of his time, weaves a vivid and profound portrayal of Goujian.