King Helü of Wu
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King Helü (Simplified Chinese: 阖闾; Traditional Chinese: 闔閭) of the state of Wu (Simplified Chinese: 吴; Traditional Chinese: 吳), a state in ancient China, was initially known as Prince Guang (Chinese: 光). He reigned towards the end of the Spring and Autumn Period. As Prince Guang wanted to kill King Liao of Wu and take the throne himself, Zhuan Zhu was recommended to Prince Guang by Wu Zixü (Chinese: 伍子胥;? - 484 BC). After Zhuan Zhu accomplished his mission in 515 BC the prince ascended the throne of Wu and became King Helü. The king assigned Wu Zixü to lead the design and building of the "great city," which evolved into the Suzhou (Simplified Chinese: 苏州; Traditional Chinese: 蘇州) of today. In 506 BC Helü with the help of Wu Zixü and Sun-tzu (Simplified Chinese: 孙子; Traditional Chinese: 孫子; pinyin: Sūnzǐ), the author of The Art of War, launched major offensives against the state of Chu. They prevailed in five battles, one of which was the Battle of Baiju, and conquered the capital of Ying (Chinese: 郢). His son, King Fu Chai of Wu, succeeded him in 495 BC.
