Contents
Biography & Historical Record
King Su of Zhao (赵肃侯, Triệu Túc Hầu), personal name Zhao Yu (赵语), reigned from 349 BC to 326 BC as the ruler of the State of Zhao (赵国) during the middle Warring States period. He was the son of Marquis Cheng of Zhao (赵成侯) and the father of the legendary military reformer Zhao Yong (King Wuling of Zhao / 赵武灵王). Reigning for twenty-four momentous years, Marquis Su was a consummate diplomat and fortifier who transformed Zhao from an embattled northern principality into an indomitable power capable of resisting multi-state coalitions.
During his reign, Marquis Su confronted relentless invasions from Wei, Qi, and Qin. He directed massive public works, constructing the northern Great Wall of Zhao along the Zhang River to secure the realm against nomadic raids and central plain incursions. When he passed away in 326 BC, the five powers of Qin, Chu, Yan, Qi, and Wei each dispatched ten thousand heavily armed elite troops under the pretext of attending his funeral ceremonies. Foreseeing this intimidation, the young Zhao heir and veteran ministers mobilized the Zhao army to the borders in full battle array, forcing the foreign legions to disperse in awe.
Role in Romance & Historical Chronicles
“Marquis Su of Zhao was resolute and far-sighted; he built the defensive works of the Zhang and fortified the frontiers. At his passing, though five nations sent their armies to mourn, the house of Zhao stood immovable as iron.”
— Shiji (House of Zhao)
In historical literature and dramatizations of the Warring States, Marquis Su represents the foundational strength that laid the groundwork for King Wuling’s revolutionary “Hu Clothes and Horseback Archery” (胡服骑射) military doctrine.
King Su of Zhao (赵肃侯) — Historical Timeline
Accession to the Throne
Ascends the throne of Zhao following the death of Marquis Cheng, inheriting a kingdom pressured on multiple fronts by Wei and Qi.
Great Wall of Zhao & Vertical Alliance
Constructs the Southern and Northern defensive walls along the Zhang River; receives Su Qin and patronizes the Vertical Alliance (合纵) against Qin.
Passing & The Five-Nation Deterrence
Dies in Handan after a 24-year reign; the state military successfully deters armed intimidation from Qin, Wei, Qi, Yan, and Chu at his funeral.
Key Relationships
Family
- Son: Zhao Yong (King Wuling of Zhao) (赵武灵王) — Legendary sovereign who pioneered Hu clothing and mounted archery.
- Grandson: King Huiwen of Zhao (赵惠文王) — Sovereign of Zhao during the era of Lin Xiangru and Lian Po.
- Grandson: Zhao Sheng (Lord Pingyuan) (赵胜 / 平原君) — One of the Four Lords of the Warring States.
Friends / Allies
- Allied Diplomat: Su Qin (苏秦, Tô Tần) — Master strategist who united the Six States in the Vertical Alliance against Qin under Zhao sponsorship.
- Loyal Regent: Fei Yi (肥义, Phì Nghĩa) — Senior minister appointed by Marquis Su to guide and protect the young King Wuling.
Enemies / Rivals
- Western Superpower: King Huiwen of Qin (秦惠文王) — Rival western monarch whose armies attempted to partition Zhao borderlands.
- Central Rival: King Hui of Wei (魏惠王) — Longstanding antagonist of Zhao across the central plains.
Other
- Border Tribes: Linfu and Loufan Nomads (林胡、楼烦) — Northern equestrian tribes against whom Marquis Su established border frontier garrisons.
In Chronicles
Chronicles of the Warring States
- King Su of Zhao (赵肃侯, Triệu Túc Hầu): Recorded as the sagacious sovereign who welcomed Su Qin, granted him the prime minister’s seal of the Six States alliance, and permanently fortified the borders of Handan.
In History
Summary
- Zhao Yu (赵语 / 赵肃侯) ruled the State of Zhao from 349 to 326 BC, pivotal in establishing the territorial sovereignty and defense infrastructure that enabled Zhao to dominate the northern theatre.
Historical Record
- Records of the Grand Historian (史记), Volume 43 (House of Zhao / 赵世家): Detailed chronicle of his 24-year reign, wars against Wei and Yan, wall construction, and funeral.
- Zizhi Tongjian (资治通鉴), Volumes 2–3: Comprehensive political and military entries.