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King Li of Zhou

King Li of Zhou (died 828 BC) (Chinese: 周厲王; pinyin: Zhōu Lì Wáng) was the tenth king of the Chinese zhou dynasty. Estimated dates of his reign are 877–841 BC or 857–842 BC (Cambridge History of Ancient China).

King Li was a corrupt and decadent king. To pay for his pleasures and vices, King Li raised taxes and caused misery among his subjects. He enstated a new law which allowed him to punish anyone, by death, who dared to speak against him. King Li's bad rule soon forced many peasants and soldiers into revolt, and Li was sent into exile at a place called Zhi near Linfen (842 BC). His son was taken by one of King Li's ministers and hidden. The angry mob couldn't find the prince and soon dispersed.

The officials elected Gong Bo He as regent, who ruled for fourteen years.

The Gonghe Regency: Sima Qian took Gong He (interpreted as "joint harmony") to be an era name for the joint rule of the Duke of Shao and the Duke of Zhou. The Bamboo Annals, however, says that Gong He (interpreted as "He of Gong") was a person. This view has been confirmed by a bronze inscription. From the few records we have, his rule was uneventful. When King Li died in exile in 828 BC, power was passed to his son, King Xuan of Zhou.

Last update 19-06-2012

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