Echoes of History Biography: Goujian (King of Yue), Fuchai (King of Wu) 越王勾践、吴王夫差
Goujian (King of Yue) & Fuchai (King of Wu) 越王勾践、吴王夫差
(Pre-Qin, Spring and Autumn period; 496 BC - 465 BC, 495 BC - 473 BC)
The Wu-Yue Contention
A cautionary tale against complacency and indulgence;
An affirmation of the power of will and perseverance.
During the Spring and Autumn period, the Kingdom of Wu and the Kingdom of Yue fought for dominance over the Gusu area, today named Suzhou.
In the year 494 BCE, Fuchai, King of Wu, successfully defeated the Yue army and surrounded their king, Goujian. Fuchai had thus fulfilled his vow and avenged his father, who died fighting Goujian’s army.
Goujian conceded defeat, swore loyalty to Fuchai, and annexed substantial lands to the Kingdom of Wu. He even agreed to be Fuchai’s menial servant, driving his carriage and caring for his horse.
Against the vehement advice of his chief advisor, Wu Zixu, Fuchai spared the lives of Goujian and his men. After three years of service, Fuchai became convinced by Goujian’s act and pledges of loyalty, and released him back to the land of Yue.
Upon his return, Goujian never gave himself a day’s rest. To reaffirm his will and remind himself of the humiliation he went through, Goujian would sleep on rough straws and taste gall from a gallbladder hung from the ceiling everyday. For ten long years, he schemed to topple the Kingdom of Wu while Fuchai indulged in his victories and the luxuries that followed.
Goujian played by actor Chen Daoming from the TV series “The Great Revival”.
To hasten his downfall, Goujian often sent gifts and beautiful women as offerings to Fuchai. Herein comes one of the famed four great beauties of ancient China - Xishi (西施).
Legend has it that one of Goujian’s chief advisors, Fan Li, discovered Xishi while she was washing clothes by the river. She was described to possess beauty that shamed the moon and flowers. Fan Li presented her to Goujian as an offering for Fuchai.
Fuchai of course took to this offer with delight. He neglected governance of his kingdom, to the chagrin of his advisor, Wu Zixu.
Wu Zixu pressed the importance of getting rid of Goujian, “Goujian eat no more than two dishes for his meals, and shares in the hardship of his people. If he stays, he will one day be a great threat to us.”
But Fuchai ignored his advice. After repeated clashes, the prideful Fuchai ordered Wu Zixu to take his own life.
Wu Zixu’s warnings were prophetic, as Fuchai realised, after misstep by misstep, he found himself surrounded by Goujian’s army. In despair, he said, “I am old, and can no longer serve the King of Yue. I regret not listening to Wu Zixu, which has led me to this!” Fuchai then ended his own life, so too the existence of the Kingdom of Wu.
Goujian emerged as the victor of this generational rivalry.
All of which are but brief flashes in the grand scheme of history, a prelude for countless tales to come.
***
Other than stories, they also left us magnificent archeological findings - The Sword of Goujian and the Spear of Fuchai, both displayed in the Hubei Provincial Museum presently.
“Lying on straws and tasting gall” (卧薪尝胆）is an idiom still used to describe someone very committed to turn oneself around. It is also the original Chinese title of “The Great Revival”.
No comments:
Post a Comment