Tai Tian

Tai Dian was one of five major ministers for King Wen and King Wu of Zhou during the Predynastic Zhou, Battle of Muye, and Western Zhou periods of Chinese history.

Traditional historiography During the Late Shang period, the dynasty's final ruler, Di Xin, was allegedly degenerating. He was said to have become fixated with alcohol and lust, and was seen as an incompetent ruler. King Wen plotted to overthrow Di Xin following an astrological event, which brought about the idea of the Mandate of Heaven. Mozi states that it was at this time that Tai Dian would be elevated to his ministerial position, after he was found catching rabbits with net traps. Together, they served Predynastic Zhou; Mozi states that during this time, Zhou culture flourished, with farmers and artisans alike bolstering each other's virtue. This was allegedly akin to that of the days of Tang of Shang's promotion of Yi Yin. However, Marquess Hu of Chong would tell Di Xin of King Wen's plot to betray him, resulting in his imprisonment. After his release with the help of San Yisheng and Hong Yao, the plot continued.

Sometime after defeating Marquess Hu's State of Chong, King Wen died.

Historicity Some scholars, starting with the Song dynasty scholar Wu Renjie , believe that Tai Dian was a scribal error and he was actually Jiang Ziya, often known as Tai Gong Wang . This would pick up during Qing dynasty commentaries. Modern commentaries occasionally note this, but the designation is nevertheless disputed.