Duke Chu of Wey (, died 469 BC) was 29th ruler of the ancient Chinese state of Wey. He ruled the duchy twice: the first time between 493 BC and 481 BC, the second time between 477 BC and 470 BC. His given name was Zhé (輒). Zhé was the son of Kuǎikùi, whom was the

heir apparent An heir apparent, often shortened to heir, is a person who is first in an order of succession and cannot be displaced from inheriting by the birth of another person; a person who is first in the order of succession but can be displaced by the b ...

to the throne. Kuǎikùi was at odds with the Duchess Nan Zi (南子) and fled to Jin, but Zhé stayed in Wey. In 493 BC,

Duke Ling of Wey Duke Ling of Wey () (ruled 534 — 492 BC) was the 28th ruler of the ancient Chinese state of Wey, the son of Duke Xiang of Wey. He was the subject of Chapter 15 of the ''Analects'' of Confucius. His given name was Yuan (). Family Duke Ling was ...

died. Though Duchess Nanzi (南子) wanted to enthrone her son Prince Yǐng (公子郢), but Yǐng refused the proposition. Instead, Yǐng recommended Zhé as the successor. Consequently, Zhé succeeded Duke Ling and was known as Duke Chu of Wey. Supported by Jin, his father Kuǎikùi attempted a comeback. However, in the same year, with the help of Qi, Duke Chu laid siege to his father. Since then, the father and son became enemies.

Confucius Confucius ( ; zh, s=, p=Kǒng Fūzǐ, "Master Kǒng"; or commonly zh, s=, p=Kǒngzǐ, labels=no; – ) was a Chinese philosopher and politician of the Spring and Autumn period who is traditionally considered the paragon of Chinese sages. C ...

was at least a partial witness to the ensuing family melodrama, it broke his heart. According to the '' Analects'', Confucius hinted that he would support neither Duke Chu nor Kuǎikùi. In another dialogue with

Zhong You Zhong You (542–480BC), commonly known by his courtesy names Zilu and Jilu, was one of the best known and most faithful disciples of Confucius. Among Confucius's disciples, he was the second in terms of ability and accomplishment in statesmans ...

, Confucius said if he was a governor of Wey, he would consider " rectifying names" (正名) as the first thing to be done. Duke Chu was deposed by his father in 480 BC, the latter was known as

Duke Zhuang II of Wey Duke Zhuang of Wey (, died 478 BC) was a ruler of the Chinese state of Wey. He ruled the duchy between 480 BC until his death in 478 BC. His given name was Kuǎikùi (蒯聵). Kuaikui was the eldest son of Duke Ling of Wey. He was appointed th ...

. He fled to Lu, later, he returned with the armed assistance of Qi and restored in 477 BC. Duke Chu was overthrown by his uncle Qián in 470 BC, the latter was known as Duke Dao of Wey. He fled to

Song A song is a musical composition intended to be performed by the human voice. This is often done at distinct and fixed pitches (melodies) using patterns of sound and silence. Songs contain various forms, such as those including the repetit ...

then to Yue to seek for help. In the next year, he returned with the joint expedition of Yue, Lu and Song, however, he dare not enter the capital. He died in Yue.'' Zuo zhuan''
BOOK XII. DUKE AI.
XXV. Twenty-sixth year

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Chu of Wey, Duke Year of birth unknown Zhou dynasty nobility 469 BC deaths Monarchs of Wey (state)