King Goujian of Yue vs Shi Xie

King Goujian of Yue defeated the invading Wu army at Zuili, mortally wounding King Helu of Wu. This victory marked Yue's emergence as a rival to Wu, but also provoked a future Wu invasion that would nearly destroy Yue.

King Fuchai of Wu besieged Goujian's forces at Mount Kuaiji after defeating Yue. Goujian surrendered and became a hostage in Wu, enduring humiliation as a servant. This event began his period of hardship and eventual revenge.

After returning from captivity, Goujian slept on brushwood and hung a gall bladder to taste daily, symbolizing his determination to never forget his humiliation. This practice became a Chinese idiom for perseverance and fueled his long-term plan to conquer Wu.

Goujian launched a successful invasion of Wu, capturing its capital and forcing King Fuchai to commit suicide. This conquest ended Wu's existence and made Yue the dominant state in the region. Goujian then became a hegemon among the Spring and Autumn states.

Shi Xie was appointed Administrator of Jiaozhi commandery by the Han court. He governed the southern region with wisdom, maintaining peace and stability while the north was engulfed in chaos.

Shi Xie promoted Chinese learning, Confucianism, and administrative practices in Jiaozhi (modern northern Vietnam). He welcomed Chinese scholars fleeing the chaos of the north, making Jiaozhi a cultural center.

Shi Xie nominally submitted to Sun Quan of Wu but effectively ruled Jiaozhi independently. He paid tribute to Sun Quan while governing his territory without interference, preserving stability in the south.

Shi Xie died in 226, and his son Shi Hui succeeded him. However, Sun Quan soon moved to assert direct control over Jiaozhi, leading to conflict and the end of the Shi family's autonomous rule.