Wu Qi (440-381 B.C.) was a prominent military commander, strategist, and political reformer during China’s early Warring States period. A native of Zuo in the State of Wei, he studied Confucianism under Zeng Shen, better known as Zengzi. Bold in carrying out reforms and highly skilled in warfare, Wu Qi became one of the most formidable military figures of his age. Yet his ambition and uncompromising nature also made him a controversial figure and contributed to both his rise and his downfall.
A ruthless pursuit of military glory
Wu Qi once held office in the State of Lu. As Lu prepared for war against the State of Qi, its ruler considered appointing him commander. One concern, however, was that Wu Qi’s wife was from Qi, raising doubts about where his loyalties lay. Determined to obtain the command and make a name for himself, he killed his own wife to prove that he had no allegiance to Qi. History came to know the episode as “killing his wife to seek command.” Wu Qi was subsequently appointed general and defeated the Qi army.
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