Zhuan Zhu (simplified: 专诸, traditional: 專諸, pinyin: Zhuān Zhū, jyutping: zyun1 zyu1) was the assassin who killed King Liao of Wu (吴王僚 — Wú Wáng Liáo) using the legendary short sword Yuchang (鱼肠 — Yúcháng). The assassination enabled King Helü of Wu (阖庐) to take the throne of the State of Wu.
History
Zhuan Zhu was recruited by Helü (then a prince) to kill Liao. At a banquet, Zhuan Zhu hid Yuchang inside a fish and, when presenting the fish, drew the sword and stabbed Liao. Zhuan Zhu was killed by Liao’s guards, but the deed allowed Helü to become king. The story is a classic tale of loyalty and assassination in the Spring and Autumn tradition.
In Sword of the Yue Maiden
Zhuan Zhu is mentioned twice in the account of Wu’s famous swords. Helü sent him to assassinate King Liao of Wu with Yuchang, and Goujian later cites the way Wu Zixu won him over as proof of how Wu Zixu bound men to his service.1
See also
- Yuchang — The sword Zhuan Zhu used
- King Liao of Wu — The king Zhuan Zhu assassinated
- King Helü of Wu — The prince who became king after the assassination
- Sword of the Yue Maiden characters