| NAME | |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 燕王哙, 燕王噲, Yān Wáng Kuài |
| Other name | Yên Vương Khoái |
| INFORMATION | |
| Birth Place | Ji, State of Yan (燕国蓟城; thành Kế, nước Yên) |
| Died | 314 BC |
| Death Reason | Killed during civil rebellion |
| FAMILY | |
| Children | |
| Relatives | |
| CAREER | |
| Allegiance | State of Yan (Warring States Period) |
King Kuai of Yan (燕王哙, Yến vương Khoái; d. 314 BC), was the tragic ruler of the State of Yan during the Warring States period, celebrated and condemned for his disastrous decision to abdicate his throne to his chancellor Zizhi (子之).
Obsessed with gaining renown as an ancient sage king like Yao and Shun, King Kuai fell victim to the flattery of Su Dai and Lu Maoxu, voluntarily surrendering the royal seal and state administration to chancellor Zizhi in 318 BC. The abdication sparked furious civil war led by Crown Prince Ping. Taking advantage of the chaos, King Xuan of Qi (King Xuan of Qi) dispatched general Kuang Zhang with a massive army; Qi troops stormed the capital of Ji, butchering Zizhi and slaughtering King Kuai, nearly extinguishing the state of Yan.
Role in History (Shiji & Zhan Guo Ce)
Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji, vol. 34): “King Kuai foolishly yielded his realm to Zizhi; civil strife erupted, and the banners of Qi entered Ji. King Kuai died in disgrace, and his state was plundered.”
King Kuai of Yan — Historical & Literary Timeline
321 BC
Accession in Yan
Succeeds King Yi of Yan.
318 BC
The Fateful Abdication
Surrenders the royal seal and kingdom to chancellor Zizhi.
314 BC
Civil War & Qi Invasion
Crown Prince Ping rebels; Qi armies storm Ji and King Kuai is slain.
Key Relationships
Family
- Son King Zhao of Yan (燕昭王 – Crown Prince Ping): Rebuilt Yan from the ashes and built the Golden Terrace.
Friends
- Usurping Chancellor Zizhi (子之): Chancellor who seized the throne through flattery and was minced into meat.
Enemies
- Qi Invader King Xuan of Qi, Kuang Zhang: Conquered Yan and plundered its palaces.
Other
- Diplomatic Instigator Su Dai (苏代): Strategist who persuaded King Kuai to abdicate.
In Zhan Guo Ce
"He sought the fame of sage Yao, but brought upon his people the butchers of Qi."
Historical Context
The tragedy of King Kuai led directly to King Zhao's recruitment of Yue Yi and Yan's epic revenge campaign that conquered seventy cities of Qi.
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