Wuzhi (; died 685 BC), also called Gongsun Wuzhi (公孫無知, ''Gongsun'' meaning grandson of a duke), was for a few months in early 685 BC ruler of the

State of Qi Qi, or Ch'i in Wade–Giles romanization, was a state of the Zhou dynasty-era in ancient China, variously reckoned as a march, duchy, and independent kingdom. Its capital was Linzi, located in present-day Shandong. Qi was founded sh ...

during the Spring and Autumn period of ancient China. His personal name was Lü Wuzhi (呂無知),

ancestral name In some cultures, a surname, family name, or last name is the portion of one's personal name that indicates one's family, tribe or community. Practices vary by culture. The family name may be placed at either the start of a person's full name ...

Jiang ( 姜). Unlike most rulers, he was not given a

posthumous title A posthumous name is an honorary name given mostly to the notable dead in East Asian culture. It is predominantly practiced in East Asian countries such as China, Korea, Vietnam, Japan, and Thailand. Reflecting on the person's accomplishments o ...

because he killed the monarch and usurped the throne.

Early life

Wuzhi's father Yi Zhongnian was a son of

Duke Zhuang I of Qi Duke Zhuang I of Qi (; died 731 BC) was from 794 to 731 BC the twelfth recorded ruler of the State of Qi during the Zhou dynasty of ancient China. His personal name was Lü Gou (呂購), ancestral name Jiang ( 姜), and Duke Zhuang was his posth ...

and younger brother of

Duke Xi of Qi Duke Xi of Qi (; died 698 BC) was from 730 to 698 BC the thirteenth recorded ruler of the State of Qi during the Spring and Autumn period of ancient China. His personal name was Lü Lufu (呂祿甫), ancestral name Jiang ( 姜), and Duke Xi was ...

. Yi Zhongnian died in 699 BC, but Wuzhi's uncle Duke Xi loved him and gave him the same treatment as his son, Crown Prince Zhu'er. However, the next year Duke Xi died and Zhu'er, Wuzhi's cousin, ascended the throne (posthumously known as

Duke Xiang of Qi Duke Xiang of Qi (; died 686 BC) was from 697 to 686 BC the fourteenth recorded ruler of the State of Qi, a major power during the Spring and Autumn period of ancient China. His personal name was Lü Zhu'er (呂諸兒), ancestral name Jiang ( � ...

). Duke Xiang disliked Wuzhi and demoted his status.

Murdering Duke Xiang

In the twelfth month of 686 BC, the twelfth year of his reign, Duke Xiang injured his foot on a hunting trip. When the duke was recovering in his palace, Wuzhi killed him with the help of generals Lian Cheng (連稱) and Guan Zhifu (管至父), who had been mistreated by Duke Xiang.

Death and succession

Wuzhi usurped the Qi throne after murdering Duke Xiang, but was killed by minister Yong Lin (雍廩) just a few months later in spring 685 BC. After a brief struggle between Duke Xiang's two younger brothers Prince Jiu and Prince Xiaobai, Xiaobai would prevail and ascend the throne, posthumously known as Duke Huan of Qi. Qi would grow strong under Duke Huan's rule, and Duke Huan subsequently became the first of the

Five Hegemons The Five Hegemons () refers to several especially powerful rulers of Chinese states of the Spring and Autumn period of Chinese history (770 to 476 BCE), sometimes alternatively referred to as the "Age of Hegemons". There are various lists of five ...

of the Spring and Autumn period.

Ancestry

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Wuzhi Monarchs of Qi (state) 7th-century BC Chinese monarchs 685 BC deaths Year of birth unknown 7th-century BC murdered monarchs Assassinated Chinese politicians