King Wu
King Wu of Zhou, born Ji Fa, was the second son of King Wen of Zhou, the elder brother of Duke of Zhou, the father of King Cheng, and the founding monarch of the Western Zhou Dynasty. Historically, he is known as King Wu of Zhou.
After the death of King Wen, King Wu upheld his father’s principles of appointing capable individuals. He entrusted the esteemed Jiang Ziya with the position of Grand Master and enlisted the talents of virtuous ministers such as Duke of Zhou, Duke of Shao and Duke of Bi. Determined to fulfill his father's vision of overthrowing the Shang Dynasty, King Wu conducted a grand military exercise at Mengjin. Subsequently, at the Battle of Muye, he led an army of 50,000 to defeat the Shang army of 170,000, bringing the Shang dynasty to an end.
After the conquest, King Wu established the Zhou capital at Haojing. He adopted Duke of Zhou’s strategy of appeasing the remnants of the Shang populace, appointing King Zhou's son, Wu Geng, as the Marquis of Yin and leaving him in the former Shang capital. To consolidate his rule, King Wu implemented a feudal system, conferring five ranks—Duke, Marquis, Earl, Viscount and Baron—upon his relatives and meritorious officials, allowing them to establish vassal states.
King Wu valued capable individuals, appointing Duke of Zhou as Grand Steward, with Duke of Shao, Jiang Ziya, and Duke of Bi entrusted with key roles in governance. Known for his broad vision, decisive leadership, and remarkable charisma, King Wu won the admiration and support of his people, earning his place as a revered sage king of his era.