Duke Zhuang II of Wey

Duke Zhuang of Wey (Chinese: 衛莊公, died 478 BC) was 30th ruler of the ancient Chinese state of Wey. He ruled the duchy between 480 BC until his death in 478 BC.[1] His given name was Kuǎikùi (蒯聵).

Duke Zhuang II of Wey
衛後莊公
Duke of Wey
Reign480-478 BC
PredecessorDuke Chu
SuccessorBanshi
IssueDuke Chu of Wey
Crown Prince Jí
Prince Qīng
Full name
ancestral name Jī (姬)
clan name Wèi (衛)
Given name Kuǎikùi (蒯聵)
Posthumous name
Duke Zhuang (莊公)
FatherDuke Ling of Wey

Kuaikui was the eldest of Duke Ling of Wey. He was appointed the heir apparent to the throne, though he was born to a concubine. He was at odds with his Di mother Duchess Nan Zi (南子). Later, he attempted to murder Nan Zi. The hired help bungled the attempt, Kuaikui had to flee his father's anger. He was harbored by Zhao Jianzi (趙簡子), a powerful minister of Jin.[2][3] However, his son Zhé stayed in Wey.

In 493 BC, Zhé succeeded Duke Ling and was known as Duke Chu of Wey. In the same year, Kuaikui attempted to overthrow his son with the armed assistance of Zhao Jianzi. The plan was not successful.[2]

In 480 BC, Kuaikui successfully deposed his son in a coup and ascended the throne. Zhong You, one of the best known and most faithful disciples of Confucius, was killed in this incident. It proved that Kuaikui was an unpopular tyrant that many retainers attempted to overthrow him.[3] In 478 BC, Kuaikui ordered to tear down the walled city Rongzhou (戎州), which was built by "the Rong of Jishi" (己氏之戎, a semi-pastoral, semi-agricultural people residing in the region from Shandong to Henan). His actions infuriated Rong barbarians; what was worse, he maltreated the workers.[4] His minister Shi Pu (石圃) incited the workers to revolt against him. Kuaikui escaped by climbing a wall, but he broke his leg.[3] He was killed in Rongzhou by the angry Rong barbarians.[4]

In media

Kuaikui is played by Li Huan in the biographical fantasy adventure drama film Confucius.

References
  1. Cihai (small print edition) (5th ed.). Shanghai Lexicographical Publishing House. p. 2506. ISBN 7-5326-0630-9.
  2. David Jones (2015). Confucius Now: Contemporary Encounters with the Analects. p. 225.
  3. Records of the Grand Historian. 37.
  4. Cihai (small print edition) (5th ed.). Shanghai Lexicographical Publishing House. p. 499. ISBN 7-5326-0630-9.
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