King Liao of Wu (simplified: 僚, traditional: 僚, pinyin: Liáo, jyutping: liu4; full title 吴王僚 — Wú Wáng Liáo) was a king of the State of Wu during the Spring and Autumn period. He was assassinated by Zhuan Zhu (专诸) using the legendary short sword Yuchang (鱼肠) at a banquet. The assassination allowed King Helü of Wu (阖庐) to take the throne.
History
Liao had been placed on the throne ahead of Helü (who had expected to succeed). Helü plotted with Zhuan Zhu, who hid Yuchang inside a fish and stabbed Liao when presenting the fish. Liao’s death enabled Helü to become king and later strengthen Wu against Yue.
In Sword of the Yue Maiden
In Jin Yong’s Sword of the Yue Maiden, the novel’s focus on famous swords and the Wu court places King Liao, Zhuan Zhu, and the Yuchang sword within the same legendary and historical framework.
Behind the scenes
The name follows the project’s SYM taxonomy (僚 — The Sword of the Yue Maiden terms).
See also
- Zhuan Zhu — The assassin who killed Liao
- Yuchang — The sword used in the assassination
- King Helü of Wu — The successor to the throne
- State of Wu — Liao’s state
- Sword of the Yue Maiden characters