“Early hegemon that declined through strategic overextension. Strong bureaucratic tradition. Economically sophisticated but gradually squeezed between Qin and Qi. A cautionary tale of power squandered.”
Biography 傳
Wu Qi was a brilliant but controversial military commander and political reformer who served both Wei and Chu. He was a master of both military strategy and statecraft — his Wuzi is traditionally grouped with Sunzi's Art of War as one of the Seven Military Classics of China. After studying under Zengzi (a disciple of Confucius), Wu Qi served Wei's Marquis Wen, winning decisive victories and transforming Wei into the leading state of the early Warring States period. Political rivals forced him to flee to Chu, where King Dao appointed him chancellor. In Chu, Wu Qi implemented sweeping Legalist-style reforms — reducing aristocratic power, centralizing authority, and strengthening the military. These reforms generated bitter enmity among the nobility. When King Dao died, Wu Qi was assassinated by nobles at the king's funeral.