King Daoxiang of Zhao
King Daoxiang of Zhao (Chinese: 趙悼襄王) (died 236 BCE, reigned 244 BCE – 236 BCE) reigned in the State of Zhao during the Warring States period of Chinese history.
| King Daoxiang of Zhao | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| King of Zhao | |||||||||
| Reign | 244 BCE-236 BCE | ||||||||
| Predecessor | King Xiaocheng | ||||||||
| Successor | King Youmiu | ||||||||
| Born | unknown | ||||||||
| Died | 236 BCE | ||||||||
| Spouse | unknown | ||||||||
| Issue | Jia, King Dai of Zhao King Youmiu of Zhao | ||||||||
| |||||||||
| Father | King Xiaocheng of Zhao | ||||||||
Born as Zhao Yan to King Xiaocheng of Zhao, he was originally not groomed to succeed to the throne. However, his path to the throne was eased by the circumstances. Firstly, the heir to the Zhao throne was required to spend a large portion of his youth as a hostage in the Qin court – thus making him susceptible to court intrigue. Secondly, the minister Guo Kai was intent on making Zhao Yan the next king. Therefore, when King Xiaocheng died, instead of welcoming the rightful heir back to Handan, Guo Kai proclaimed Zhao Yan as king instead. The famous Zhao general Lian Po objected to this state of affairs and resigned his posts as a result.
King Daoxiang's rule saw Zhao engage in warfare with its eastern neighbour, Yan. Under the command of general Li Mu, Zhao initiated two successful campaigns against Yan in 244 BCE and 235 BCE, gaining land in what is now central Hebei.
Zhao Daoxiang died in 236 BCE, in the midst of a Qin invasion of Zhao and was succeeded by King Youmiu.
Popular culture
In Manga and Anime Kingdom, he was seen as a bisexual king, having young boys and girls in his side.