Ancient China · Ruler

King Wen 文王

Wen Wang

Attested c. BC 1100 - c. BC 1050

Passages: 1
Chapters: 1
Histories: 1

Overview

King Wen was a ruler.

Life and dates

Attested activity

c. BC 1100 to c. BC 1050 文王
Strongly inferred · Old History of the Five Dynasties 60, passage 30

Assessments and attributes

Assessment prized friends who came running at his call · Mode quoted-document Speaker Li Keyong (李克用)
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 60, passage 30

Source notes

Value historical
Directly stated · Old History of the Five Dynasties 60, passage 30

References in the histories

Old History of the Five Dynasties, Chapter 60Volume 60 Book of Later Tang 36: Biographies 12: Li Xiji, Wang Jian, Li Jingyi, Lu Rubi, Li Dexiu, Su Xun · 1 passage

文王貴奔走之交，仲尼譚損益之友，仆顧慚虛薄，舊忝眷私，一言許心，萬死不悔，壯懷忠力，猶勝他人，盟於三光，願赴湯火。 King Wen prized friends who came running at his call; Confucius spoke of companions who could tell gain from loss. I know myself shallow and unworthy, yet I was once honored with your private regard; one pledged word bound my heart, and I would not repent though I died ten thousand deaths. My loyal strength still outmatches other men; I swear by sun, moon, and stars and would walk through fire and boiling water for you.