The Tradition of King Shoumeng of Wu

This chapter covers the time during the reign of King Shoumeng and the reigns of his three sons, emphasizing the difference between Wu culture and the culture of the central states that is represented by Zhou ritual. It recounts the succession among King Shoumeng's sons and highlights the narrative of the rivalry between Wu and Chu. It also discusses King Shoumeng's will in passing down the throne to Jizha, Zhufan's attempt to yield the position to his brother, and his suicidal behaviors that were intended to shorten his rule and hasten the process of Jizha's accession. The chapter analyzes accounts in Sima Qian's Shiji concerning the time that describes King Shoumeng's admiration of Zhou ritual and music. It reviews the Zuozhuan and Shiji accounts, wherein Jizha was portrayed simply as a master of Zhou culture.