Lord Xinling

Lord Xinling (Chinese: 信陵君, d. 243 BC), born Wei Wuji (魏無忌), was a prominent aristocrat, statesman and general of the Warring States period and one of the Four Lords of the Warring States. The son of King Zhao of Wei, and the half-brother of King Anli of Wei, he served the State of Wei as Senior General.

Biography

The title 'Xinling' refers to Wei Wuji's fief in Xinling (present day Ningling County in Henan), which was awarded to him by his half brother King Anli on the death of their father in 277 BC.

House Guests

The concept of house guests (門客) refers to a social institution during the period when aristocrats would provide food and lodging to talented men and use them as retainers. Lord Xinling, famed for his readiness to provide for talented men, had three thousand retainers in his service at its peak.