King Wen of Zhou (around 1152–1056 B.C.), personal name Ji Chang, was born in present-day Qishan, Shaanxi Province. His father was a duke of the Shang Dynasty. After his father’s death, Ji Chang took over his position. He was a paragon of virtue and a model ruler.
Throughout the thousands of years of Chinese history, whenever an emperor was wimpy or the country underwent trials and tribulations, people would look back and remember the society under the reign of King Wen of Zhou, where harmony and goodwill prevailed. During that time, farmers renounced their claims to the land, officials relinquished their positions, and everybody was benevolent and observed propriety. King Wen of Zhou set an example for future generations to follow.
