Jiang Ziya

Introduction to Jiang Ziya

Jiang Ziya (c. ? – 1015 BC or 1036 BC), also known as Lü Shang, Lü Wang, Jiang Shang, Qi Taigong, or Taigong Wang, bore the courtesy name Ziya (or simply "Ya"). His ancestral origins are disputed—claimed as "East Sea Coast" (modern Rizhao, Shandong) or Henei Jixian (modern Weihui, Henan). A military strategist, statesman, and philosopher of late Shang dynasty China, he became a founding architect of the Western Zhou dynasty.

 

Renowned for his erudition and mastery of astronomy, geography, and statecraft, Jiang initially lived under the tyrannical King Zhou of Shang. Unable to deploy his talents, he "butchered livestock in Zhaoge and sold liquor in Mengjin." According to tradition, King Wen of Zhou encountered him fishing by the Wei River and appointed him "Royal Mentor." Alternate accounts describe him as a recluse recruited by nobles San Yisheng and Hong Yao.

 

Honored as "Shi Shangfu" (Mentor-Father) by King Wu of Zhou, Jiang masterminded the overthrow of Shang, commanding decisive victory at the Battle of Muye. For his contributions, he was enfeoffed as Duke of Qi, establishing its capital at Yingqiu. After King Wu’s death, as Grand Tutor of Zhou, he co-governed with the Duke of Zhou, quelling the Rebellion of the Three Guards and securing autonomous military authority. He died aged over 100.

 

Legacy

 

• Governed four Zhou kings (Wen, Wu, Cheng, Kang), excelling in military and civil administration

   

• Founder of Qi state and its distinct culture

   

• Revered as:

   

  • Taoist Patriarch

     

  • Military Sage (patron deity of strategists)

     

  • Intellectual Progenitor for Confucian, Legalist, and Diplomacy schools, earning the epithet "Patriarch of All Schools"

     

• Posthumously titled King Wu Cheng (武成王) in Tang dynasty, with a state temple paralleling Confucius’s; Song dynasty elevated him to King Zhao Lie Wu Cheng (昭烈武成王)

   

• Deified in folklore, inspiring literature, opera, and film

   

• Attributed (disputed) authorship of lost texts like Taigong’s Art of War and Six Secret Teachings

   

Jiang Ziya's Wikipedia

full name	Jiang Taigong
alias	Lv Wang, Qi Taigong, Taigong Wang, Shi Shangfu, Lv Shang, Jiang Shang, Lv Ya, Jiang Wang, Jiang Ziya
character	Ziya (or single call "tooth")
title	King Zhaolie Wucheng
surname	ginger
surname	Lv
The era in which it is located	At the end of the business week and the beginning of the week
date of death	1015 BC (some say 1036 BC)
Main achievements	Assist King Wu of Zhou in defeating Shang and establishing the state of Qi in Zhou
Main works	Book of Zhou, Taigong's Art of War, Taigong's Golden Chamber
native place	There are different sayings such as' East Sea '(now Rizhao, Shandong) and' Ji County in Hanoi '(now Weihui, Henan)

Jiang Ziya (also known as Jiang Taigong) lived in poverty for half his life.

Jiang Taigong's ancestors once held the prestigious position of "Siyue," assisting Emperor Yu the Great in controlling floods and managing land, for which they made significant contributions. During the reigns of Emperor Shun and Emperor Yu, they were enfeoffed in the land of Lü. Over the generations, some descendants inherited noble titles, while others fell into commoner status, and Jiang Taigong was one of their distant descendants.

 

Due to his family's decline, Jiang Taigong had to take on various jobs to make a living. He once worked as a food vendor in Jijin, a butcher in Chaoge, and a retainer for the Shang dynasty noble Ziliang, but was eventually expelled for his inability to ingratiate himself with the powerful. There is also another account suggesting that Jiang Taigong was once a live-in son-in-law but was later driven out by his wife's family due to his inability to provide for the household. In any case, by his later years, Jiang Taigong remained impoverished and unsuccessful, having achieved nothing of note.

 

Jiang Ziya’s Later Years and His Return to Zhou

Later in life, Jiang Taigong fished by the banks of the Wei River (later believed to be at Panxi, in present-day Baoji, Shaanxi), using fishing as a means to seek an audience with Ji Chang, the Earl of the West (later known as King Wen of Zhou). Before setting out on a hunting expedition, King Wen consulted the oracle, which foretold: "What you will obtain is neither dragon nor serpent, neither tiger nor bear, but a minister destined to aid in the rise of a hegemon." Indeed, during the hunt, he encountered Jiang Taigong on the northern shore of the Wei River. Recognizing his importance, King Wen engaged him in deep discussion. Jiang Taigong expounded on principles such as "benevolence," "virtue," "righteousness," and "the Way," teaching King Wen how to win "the allegiance of all under heaven."

 

Delighted, King Wen declared him a rare talent, saying: "Our late ruler, the Grand Duke, once prophesied: 'A sage shall come to Zhou, and through him, our kingdom shall prosper.' Could this sage be you? Our Grand Duke has long awaited your arrival!" Thus, he honored Jiang Taigong as "Taigong Wang" (The Grand Duke's Hope), and they returned together in the same chariot, with Jiang Taigong being revered as "Grand Tutor" (historical accounts vary on his age at this time—some say 70, others 80 or 90). This encounter gave rise to the famous saying: "Like Jiang Taigong fishing—only those willing take the bait."

 

Alternate Accounts of His Return to Zhou

One account suggests that Jiang Taigong, being widely learned, once served under King Zhou of Shang. However, repelled by the tyrant’s cruelty, he left and traveled among various states, seeking a worthy ruler but finding none—until he turned west and joined King Wen.

 

Another version claims he was a recluse living in seclusion by the sea at Jijin (in present-day Nanpi, Hebei). When King Wen was imprisoned in Youli, his ministers—San Yisheng and Hong Yao, who had long admired Jiang Taigong—sought his counsel. Jiang Taigong agreed, saying: "I have heard that the Earl of the West is virtuous and reveres the elderly. Why not go to him?" Together, the three devised a plan to rescue King Wen by offering rare treasures and beautiful women to King Zhou in exchange for his release. This successful stratagem earned Jiang Taigong King Wen’s deep respect, and he was thereafter regarded as a key strategist.

 

According to "Guiguzi · Wuhe", "Lü Shang (Jiang Taigong) submitted three times to King Wen and three times to the Shang, yet his brilliance remained unrecognized—until he finally aligned with King Wen." This implies that before fully committing to Zhou, he made multiple attempts to serve both sides without gaining prominence.

 

Though legends vary regarding Jiang Taigong’s return to Zhou, they all agree on one point: he became the revered mentor of both King Wen and his son, King Wu of Zhou (Ji Fa).

 

Jiang Ziya Establishes and Governs the State of Qi

After King Wu of Zhou overthrew the Shang dynasty, he consulted with Jiang Ziya (Jiang Taigong), the Duke of Zhou (Zhou Gongdan), and others to divide the realm into numerous feudal states. These were granted to royal relatives and meritorious ministers who had contributed to the conquest, serving as protective barriers for the Zhou court—hence the principle of "enfeoffing kin to shield the Zhou." Due to Jiang Ziya's outstanding contributions in aiding the Zhou rise and overthrowing Shang, he was granted the first and most important fiefdom: the land of Qi, where he established the State of Qi with its capital at Yingqiu, ensuring stability in the eastern territories.

 

Swift Action Secures Yingqiu

Jiang Ziya led his troops toward Yingqiu, but the long journey left them exhausted, slowing their progress. One evening, as they camped near Yingqiu, intending to arrive the next day, someone remarked: "Opportunities are rare. These men sleep soundly, hardly like men hastening to establish a capital!" Realizing the urgency, Jiang Ziya immediately ordered his forces to march through the night. By dawn, they reached the west bank of the Zi River—just in time to confront the army of the Lai State, which was already wading across the river to seize Yingqiu.

 

Facing imminent conflict, Jiang Ziya first sought diplomacy, praising King Wu’s virtue and benevolent governance, urging the Marquis of Lai to submit to Zhou and join the new dynasty. However, the Marquis, relying on his military strength, refused. Jiang Ziya then decisively defeated the Lai forces in battle, securing Yingqiu for Qi.

 

Suppressing Internal Opposition

After establishing Qi, Jiang Ziya faced resistance from local "stubborn elites." According to Chunqiu Fanlu, Ying Tang, the Minister of Justice, acted deceitfully—taking bribes, oppressing the people, and spreading misleading doctrines, claiming that Qi should be ruled by so-called "benevolence and righteousness."

 

Jiang Ziya summoned Ying Tang to discuss governance. When asked about his principles, Ying Tang replied: "To govern, one needs only benevolence and righteousness."

 

• Jiang Ziya: "What do you mean by benevolence and righteousness?"

   

• Ying Tang: "Benevolence means loving others—so much that a father would not expect his son to labor for him. Righteousness means revering the elderly—so much that a husband would bow to his aging wife."

   

Jiang Ziya responded:
"I, too, advocate ruling with benevolence and righteousness—but my interpretation differs. Benevolence means sharing the wealth of heaven and earth with the people. Righteousness means uniting with them in joy and sorrow, in likes and dislikes—so that all under heaven strive together for justice. Most importantly, these virtues must be practiced, not just preached. You speak of righteousness yet act corruptly—taking bribes, killing the innocent. If your ‘benevolence and righteousness’ were imposed, Qi would descend into chaos, not prosperity. You must change your ways."

 

When Ying Tang refused to repent, Jiang Ziya had him executed to uphold the law. Thereafter, defiance ceased, and order was swiftly restored.

 

Rapid Stabilization and Governance

Within just five months, Jiang Ziya reported his success to the Duke of Zhou, who asked in surprise: "How was this achieved so quickly?"
Jiang Ziya replied: "I simplified the rituals between ruler and subjects but left their customs unchanged."

 

By balancing firm governance with cultural respect, Jiang Ziya solidified Qi’s foundation, ensuring its rise as a powerful and enduring state.

 

Jiang Ziya Strengthens the State and Enriches the People

After stabilizing the political situation, Jiang Ziya immediately embarked on large-scale economic development, with Yingqiu as the center of his political, economic, and cultural reforms. Originally an ancient city dating back to the Xia and Shang dynasties, Jiang Ziya fortified Yingqiu, using its natural terrain to build a strong capital.

 

Political Reforms: Meritocracy and Inclusivity

In governance, Jiang Ziya implemented a policy of "respecting the worthy and honoring achievement." He appointed officials based on talent rather than lineage, actively recruiting capable individuals from the local Dongyi tribes into Qi's ruling class. Those who met the selection criteria—regardless of background—were given positions suited to their strengths, maximizing their initiative and creativity.

 

Cultural Policy: Adapting Customs, Simplifying Rituals

Culturally, he adopted an enlightened approach: "Follow local customs, simplify rituals." Recognizing that forcibly imposing Zhou court etiquette could breed resentment, he pragmatically tailored policies to Qi’s realities. He preserved indigenous traditions while subtly harmonizing them with Zhou norms, creating a system that was both culturally acceptable and politically aligned.

 

Economic Development: Overcoming Harsh Conditions

Historical records like Hanshu·Geography note: "Qi’s land borders the sea, with saline soil unfit for crops, and a sparse population." Similarly, Salt and Iron Debate states: "When Taigong was enfeoffed at Yingqiu, he cleared wilderness to settle. The land was barren, the people few."

 

Faced with these challenges, Jiang Ziya launched a multifaceted economic strategy:

 

1. Agriculture: Promoted drought-resistant crops like millet and rice.

    

2. Handicrafts & Industry: Leveraged Qi’s abundant minerals, fish, and salt to develop metallurgy, silk-hemp textiles, and salt-fishing trades.

    

3. Commerce: Capitalized on Qi’s trade-friendly location and mercantile traditions, implementing open trade policies with other states.

    

Under this "Three Essentials" (agriculture, industry, commerce) model, Qi’s goods—from fine clothing to fish and salt—became sought-after commodities across the realm. Nobles flocked to trade, transforming Qi from a backwater into a prosperous eastern power.

 

Legacy: From Barren Land to Thriving Nation

Through pragmatic governance and economic innovation, Jiang Ziya turned Qi into a wealthy, influential state. His policies not only secured Qi’s survival but laid the foundation for its future dominance during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods. The phrase "Qi’s robes and caps clothe the world; its fish and salt supply the states" became a testament to his visionary leadership.

 

Jiang Ziya's Longevity and Death

Jiang Ziya (Jiang Taigong) enjoyed an exceptionally long life, said to have lived over a hundred years. However, historical records differ regarding his exact death date:

 

1. According to Bamboo Annals (Zhushu Jinian), he died in the sixth year of King Kang of Zhou (1015 BCE, based on the Xia-Shang-Zhou Chronology Project).

    

2. Alternative Research Perspective: Some scholars argue that he passed away earlier, during King Cheng of Zhou's reign (1036 BCE, per the same chronology). Their reasoning stems from:

    

   • The Book of Documents (Shangshu·Zhoushu·Junshi) mentions the Duke of Shao and the Duke of Zhou as King Cheng's key regents but omits Jiang Ziya.

      

   • The chapter "Guming" (King Cheng's deathbed decree) only names the Duke of Shao and the Duke of Bi to assist King Kang, with no reference to Jiang Ziya.

      

   • This suggests Jiang Ziya likely died before King Cheng's death, possibly in King Cheng's ninth year (1036 BCE).

      

Legacy of a Centenarian Strategist

Whether he died under King Cheng or King Kang, Jiang Ziya's extraordinary lifespan—spanning the late Shang to early Zhou—allowed him to witness and shape the Zhou dynasty's rise. His longevity became legendary, symbolizing wisdom and divine favor.

 

As the founding architect of Qi and a revered military strategist, his influence endured long after his death, with later generations (especially during the Warring States period) attributing texts like "Six Secret Teachings" (Liutao) to him, cementing his status as a paragon of statecraft and longevity.

 

Historical Evaluations of Jiang Ziya (Jiang Taigong)

1. Contemporary Praise (Pre-Qin Period)

• Shang Rong (商容, Shang official):
  "His bearing was like a tiger’s stance and an eagle’s grip. In battle, his wrath doubled his might; seeing advantage, he advanced without hesitation. Thus, a true leader commands decisively in war."

   

• "Great Ode·Daming" (《诗经·大雅·大明》) praises his role at the Battle of Muye:
  "Vast was the field of Mu, / Gleaming the sandalwood chariots, / Sturdy the team of steeds. / Grand Tutor Shangfu (Jiang Ziya), / Like a soaring eagle, / Aided King Wu / To strike down Great Shang, / Bringing dawn’s clarity."

   

• Zhan Xi (展喜, Lu diplomat):
  "By the decree of former kings: The Dukes of Zhou and Taigong upheld the Zhou court, assisting King Cheng, who rewarded them with an oath: ‘Let our descendants never harm each other.’ This covenant, kept in the archives, was guarded by the Grand Tutor (Jiang Ziya)."

   

2. Eastern Zhou Recognition

• King Ling of Zhou (周灵王):
  "Our uncle Taigong supported our ancestors, steadied the Zhou house, protected the people, and was enfeoffed as Grand Tutor over the Eastern Sea. The royal house’s endurance relies on his legacy."

   

• Ji Zha (季札, Wu diplomat visiting Qi):
  "Magnificent! Vast and grand! Such a mighty aura! The one who dominates the East—is it not Taigong? This state’s potential is immeasurable!"

   

• Yan Ying (晏婴, Qi statesman):
  "Had the wise always ruled Qi, Taigong and Duke Huan would still reign."

   

3. Philosophical Endorsements

• Confucius (孔子):
  "Xu You cared only for his purity; Taigong enriched the world."

   

• Sun Wu (孙武, Art of War):
  "Yin rose with Yi Zhi in Xia; Zhou rose with Lü Ya (Jiang Ziya) in Shang."

   

• Mozi (墨子):
  "King Wu was guided by Taigong and the Duke of Zhou—their influence rightly led him to rule all under heaven."

   

• Mencius (孟子):
  "From King Wen to Confucius spanned 500 years. Men like Taigong witnessed the Way; Confucius inherited it by study."

   

4. Political Legacy in Warring States Rhetoric

• Fan Ju (范雎, Qin strategist) to King Zhao:
  "Taigong, a lowly fisherman, spoke deeply to King Wen. Had Wen ignored him, Zhou would never have ruled the world."

   

• Xunzi (荀子):
  "Shang’s Yi Yin and Zhou’s Taigong were sage ministers."

   

• Yao Jia (姚贾, Qin diplomat):
  "Taigong, expelled from Qi, a failed butcher, became King Wen’s mentor. Wise rulers see past disgrace to talent."

   

• Han Fei (韩非):
  "Taigong executed the unruly to uphold law—a ruler must prune evil early, like weeding a garden."

   

5. Han Dynasty Synthesis

• Huainanzi (刘安):
  "King Wen’s rise came through Taigong; his choices revealed Qi’s destiny. Observe a state’s appointments—its fate is clear."

   

• Wei Liao (尉缭, military theorist):
  "At 70, Taigong was a butcher scorned as mad. Yet under King Wen, he commanded 30,000 to secure the realm—such is the power of strategy."

   

Conclusion: The Sage of Strategy

From Confucian "sage minister" to Legalist exemplar of ruthless efficacy, Jiang Ziya’s legacy transcended schools. His life—from落魄 exile to architect of Zhou’s triumph—embodied the meritocratic ideal, while his governance of Qi blended pragmatism with cultural adaptability. Later eras enshrined him in military texts (Six Secret Teachings) and folklore ("Jiang Taigong fishes—the willing take the bait"), immortalizing him as China’s archetypal strategist-statesman.