Hong Yao 闳夭
A worthy official who submitted to the Western Earl Ji Chang, and an important minister at the end of the Shang and beginning of the Zhou.
In history — Records of the Grand Historian
Hong Yao was a worthy minister who submitted to the Western Earl Ji Chang. When Ji Chang was imprisoned by King Zhou of Yin at Youli, he sought rare treasures, exotic objects, and beautiful women to present to King Zhou, successfully rescuing the Western Earl and returning him to his state.
In myth — Investiture of the Gods · Classic of Mountains and Seas
Hong Yao was a general of Xiqi and deputy to Nangong Kuo. When his lord Ji Chang was imprisoned at Youli by King Zhou of Shang, he was ordered to seek treasures and heavy bribes to give to the court officials Fei Zhong and You Hun of Zhaoge to rescue his lord. Later, as a Zhou army general, he went on expeditions, actively participating in seizing brides at the front and subsequent punitive campaigns.
Relationship network
- command← King Wu of Zhou → Hong Yaohist · Records of the Grand Historian, Annals of Zhou
- rescueHong Yao → King Wen of Zhouhist · Records of the Grand Historian, Annals of Yin
- subordinate generalHong Yao → Jiang Ziyamyth · Investiture of the Gods, ch. 56