|  Ch: Zhou Gongdan. The virtuous Duke of Zhou 周, the 
son of King Wen 文 who founded the Zhou Dynasty in the 11c B.C., and younger brother 
of King Wu 武. He served conscientiously as regent until Wu's son came of age, 
then quickly relinquished control to the legitimate heir. The Duke of Zhou was 
instrumental in the establishment of the Zhou civilization. He is remembered as 
an important personage who brought virtue and wisdom to Chinese politics. There 
are numerous stories recalling his virtue and responsiveness as a ruler. He is 
often depicted taking time out from personal activities, such as washing his hair, 
to ascend the throne and sit in judgement on petitions brought by the people, 
or to meet with wise men who traveled from afar to seek or give counsel. Confucius 
portrayed the Duke of Zhou as the ideal man of rank, and he sought to implement 
the institutions and principles that the Duke of Zhou inspired. |