| NAME | |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 姬平, 姬平, Jī Píng |
| Nickname | King Zhao of Yan (燕昭王) |
| Other name | Cơ Bình |
| INFORMATION | |
| Died | 279 BC |
| Death Reason | Passed away due to illness or natural causes during his reign. |
| FAMILY | |
| Father | |
| Children | |
| Relatives | |
| CAREER | |
| Allegiance | State of Yan |
| Battles | War of the Five States against Qi |
Biography & Historical Record
King Zhao of Yan (姬平, Cơ Bình), born as Ji Ping, was a monarch of the State of Yan during the Warring States period. He is historically renowned as one of the most capable rulers of his era, primarily for his role in reviving the State of Yan after it was nearly decimated by the State of Qi. After ascending the throne in 312 BC, he sought to restore the honor of his state. He famously sought the advice of Guo Kui (郭隗, Quách Ngỗi) on how to attract talented scholars to his court. Following this, he built the Gold Terrace (黄金台, Hoàng Kim Đài) to welcome scholars from all over China, attracting legendary figures such as Yue Yi (乐毅, Nhạc Nghị), Su Qin (苏秦, Tô Tần), and Ju Xin (剧辛, Kịch Tân). These men helped transform Yan into a major military power. In 284 BC, King Zhao appointed Yue Yi (乐毅, Nhạc Nghị) as the commander of the allied armies of Yan, Zhao, Wei, Han, and Qin, leading a devastating campaign that crippled the State of Qi, capturing over 70 cities.
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
As a historical figure from the Warring States period, King Zhao of Yan does not appear as a character in the narrative of Luo Guanzhong’s Romance of the Three Kingdoms. However, his legend and his ‘Gold Terrace’ are frequently referenced by later strategists and warlords in the Three Kingdoms era as a paragon of a virtuous ruler who respects and seeks out talent.
Ji Ping — Historical & Literary Timeline
312 BC
Ascension to the Throne
Ji Ping becomes the King of Yan following the internal chaos and the subsequent foreign intervention in the State of Yan.
284 BC
The Defeat of Qi
Under the strategic leadership of Yue Yi (乐毅, Nhạc Nghị), the allied armies commanded by Yan crush the forces of Qi, marking the height of Yan’s power under King Zhao.
279 BC
Death of the King
King Zhao passes away, leaving a significantly strengthened state to his successor, King Hui of Yan (燕惠王, Yên Huệ Vương).
For detailed historical records, archives, and official chronicles, explore Ji Ping (King Zhao of Yan) on Wikipedia.
Key Relationships
- Key Figures in his Court
- Yue Yi (乐毅, Nhạc Nghị): The primary general and strategist who carried out the conquest of Qi.
- Guo Kui (郭隗, Quách Ngỗi): The advisor who proposed the policy of ‘Gold Terrace’ to attract talent.
- Su Qin (苏秦, Tô Tần): The diplomat who helped orchestrate the alliances against Qi.
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