Zhao Shuo Explained

Viscount Zhuang of Zhao
趙莊子
Succession:Leader of Zhao clan
Reign:601–597 BC
Predecessor1:Viscount Xuan
Successor1:Viscount Wen
Full Name:Ancestral name

Yíng (嬴)
Lineage name: Zhào (趙)
Given name: Shuò (朔)

Posthumous Name:Viscount Zhuang (莊子)
Death Date:597 BC
Father:Zhao Dun (Viscount Xuan)
Spouse:Zhuang Ji (莊姬; daughter of Duke Cheng of Jin)
Issue:Zhao Wu (Viscount Wen)
House:Ying

Zhao Shuo, also known by his posthumous name as the Viscount Zhuang of Zhao, was a leader of the Zhao clan in the Jin state, where he served as dafu (大夫). He was a son of his predecessor, Zhao Dun (Viscount Xuan).

Life

In 597 BCE, Zhao Shuo participated in the Battle of Bi between the states of Jin and Chu. He was the commander of the lower army; one of the three armies of Jin. [1]

He was presumably murdered during the disaster of Xiagong. However, no other mentions of Zhao Shuo were found in Zuo Zhuan, the primary historical record of the Spring and Autumn period.

In 583 BCE, Duke Jing of Jin attacked the vassal State of Zhao. Xuanzi's brothers Zhao Tong and Zhao Kuo were killed. Han Jue lamented Zhao's imminent fall. He reasoned with Duke Jing by arguing that Xuanzi served loyally the state of Jin. According to Han Jue, Zhao Shuo had died before the year of 583 BCE. The only remaining successor was Zhao Wu, Zhao Shuo's son.

With the help of Han Jue, Zhao's power was restored and Zhao Wu succeeded his father.[2]

Sources

  1. Zuo Zhuan, Duke Xuan, 12th year of
  2. Zuo Zhuan, Duke Cheng, 8th year of