King Zhao of Chu

King Zhao of Chu , personal name Xiong Zhen, was from 515 BC to 489 BC the king of the Chu state. King Zhao succeeded his father, King Ping, and was in turn succeeded to the throne by his son, King Hui.

The Wu army pursued the remaining Chu troops, won several more battles, and captured Ying, the capital of Chu. Chu general Shen Yin Shu defeated the Wu army but was severely wounded, and was killed by a Chu officer at his own request.

In 491 BCE, King Zhao witnessed the inauspicious meteorological phenomenon known as “Clouds like numerous red birds pressing the day to fly” . Not long afterwards, King Fuchai of Wu, successor of King Hellü, attacked the State of Chen and Chen requested assistance from King Zhao. The king led his troops personally and was killed during a subsequent battle.

Family King Zhao was married to Zhen Jiang , daughter of the Marquess of Qi whilst his mother was Bo Ying . He also had one sister and at least three elder brothers born by concubines, namely Shen , Jie and Qi , sometimes known by their courtesy names as Zixi , Ziqi and Zilü .