Case of Fei Wuji Slandering Crown Prince Jian and the Execution of Wu She

During the reign of King Ping of Chu, the minister Fei Wuji was tasked with overseeing Crown Prince Jian but resented the prince's disdain for him. To undermine the prince, Fei Wuji first persuaded the king to take the Qin princess originally betrothed to the prince, then falsely accused Crown Prince Jian and his tutor Wu She of plotting rebellion out of resentment. King Ping believed the slander, imprisoned Wu She, and ordered the crown prince's execution. Crown Prince Jian fled to the State of Song. Wu She and his elder son Wu Shang were executed after being summoned under false pretenses. Wu She's younger son, Wu Zixu, escaped to the State of Wu, later leading Wu's invasion of Chu to avenge his family.

No formal trial was conducted. King Ping, acting on unverified accusations, ordered the execution of Wu She and Wu Shang. Crown Prince Jian escaped into exile.

Whether Fei Wuji's accusations were fabricated; the failure of King Ping to investigate the truth; the absence of due process in the executions; and whether the crown prince posed a genuine threat.

The case triggered Wu Zixu's revenge campaign, leading to the Wu invasion of Chu, the fall of its capital, and the desecration of King Ping's tomb. It severely weakened the State of Chu, reshaped the balance of power in the Spring and Autumn period, and became a timeless cautionary tale about the ruinous effects of slanderous courtiers and a ruler's susceptibility to deceit.