Chinese Rulers

Goujian of Yue

Sleeping on Brushwood

Goujian of Yue was a Chinese king active in the 5th c. BC during the Spring & Autumn period from the state of Yue. Died of natural causes.

Historical Note

After defeat by Wu, he served as the King of Wu's groom for three years, then returned home to plot revenge — sleeping on brushwood and tasting bile to remember his shame. Eventually destroyed Wu.

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