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
King Liao is mentioned in the account of the five swords Ouyezi forged for Yue: Helü sent Zhuan Zhu to kill him with Yuchang, one of the three blades Yue had yielded to Wu.1
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