KnowraWu ZixuWu ZixuWu Zixu was a Spring and Autumn period statesman and general who served the state of Wu and helped King Helü defeat Chu.BriefConnectKing Helü of Wu: The ruler of Wu who expanded its power and defeated Chu with strategic and military support from Wu Zixu. Wu Zixu entered Helü’s service and advised the king during Wu’s rise.Spring and Autumn period: A period of Chinese history conventionally dated from 770 to 476 BCE, marked by competing regional states. Wu Zixu’s life unfolded amid the rivalry among states in this era.Wu–Chu wars: A series of conflicts between the ancient states of Wu and Chu during the Spring and Autumn period. Wu Zixu helped shape the campaigns that brought Wu into direct conflict with Chu.Wu Zixu's execution: The execution of Wu Zixu by order of King Fuchai, traditionally dated to 484 BCE. Fuchai’s decision fulfilled Wu Zixu’s conflict with the court and made his fate exemplary.King Fuchai of Wu: The last major king of Wu, defeated by Yue after succeeding Helü. Fuchai later turned against Wu Zixu’s counsel and ordered his death.Chu state: A powerful state in ancient China that competed with Wu and other states during the Zhou dynasty. Wu Zixu was born in Chu and fled after his family was persecuted there.Battle of Boju: A decisive 506 BCE battle in which Wu forces defeated the army of Chu. Wu Zixu’s strategic counsel contributed to the campaign’s victory over Chu.Wu's fall: The defeat and annexation of the state of Wu by Yue in 473 BCE. Wu Zixu had warned that Fuchai’s policies would leave Wu vulnerable to Yue.King Ping of Chu: A ruler of Chu during the late Spring and Autumn period, associated with the persecution of Wu Zixu’s family. Wu Zixu’s flight from Chu began with his family’s conflict with King Ping.Wu state: An ancient state in the lower Yangtze region that became a major power during the Spring and Autumn period. Wu became Wu Zixu’s refuge, political base, and instrument of revenge against Chu.Show all 20Linked from 1 pageDragon Boat FestivalRelated: Some regional accounts connect the festival to commemorations of Wu Zixu rather than Qu Yuan.