Wu Zixu (?—484 BC), named Yuan and styled Zixu, was a native of the State of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period. He was the second son of the imperial tutor (Tai Shi) Wu She. In the 5th year of the reign of the Wu State king Liao’s reign (522 BC), Wu Zixu escaped to the State Wu, because his father was executed by King Ping of Chu. As a man of strategy, courage and insight, Wu Zixu assisted He Lv to kill King Liao of Wu and seize the throne. He was then appointed as the official in charge of protocol and could participate in national affairs. The new capital known as the Great City of He Lv was built under his supervision. In addition to his recommendation of Sun Wu to He Lv, Wu Zixu helped the king not only rectify state affairs but also strengthen military forces and equipment, which allowed the Wu State to grow increasingly mightier. Since the 3rd year of He Lv’s reign (512 BC), Wu sent troops to attack Chu, assail Yue and defeat Qi. The king appointed Wu Zixu to the highest post in Shen due to his outstanding military success, and the place was thus called Shenxu as well. The Wu State king Fu Chai trusted his favorite minister Bo Pi and gave the order to make peace with Yue. But, to eradicate possible future troubles, Wu Zixu strongly opposed this decision and strenuously advised that the king should change his mind. He even proposed that the king should stop sending troops to conquer the State of Qi. Eventually, he incurred an imperial order of suicide.
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