Huai was the eighth king of the semi-legendary Xia dynasty (c. 2070–1600 BCE) of Ancient China. His reign length varies considerably in sources, either around 26 or 44 years.

Background

The Xia dynasty (夏朝; c. 2070–1600 BCE) is the first dynasty of traditional Chinese historiography. Founded by Yu the Great, both the dynasty and its rulers are of highly uncertain and controversial historicity. Herbert J. Allen notes that the character for Huai's name and the Sophora japonica tree are the same. His name is read Hui according to Sima Zhen; his other name is Fen (芬). His name is also read as Hai.

Traditional narrative

Extant sources offer little information on Huai's reign; they are mainly limited to court appointments and assemblies. Huai ascended the throne in the year of Wuzi (戊子), after his father Zhu had died. In the 3rd year of his reign, nine barbarians (九夷) came to his capital. In the 16th year of his regime, the minister Luobo (洛伯) fought with minister Fengyi (冯夷) at He(河). In the 33rd year of his regime, he assigned the son of Kunwu as minister in Yousu (有苏). He created a prison called yuantu (圜土) in the 36th year of his reign. He was succeeded by his son Mang.

Chronology

Huai is traditionally held to have succeeded his father Zhu and been succeeded by his son Mang. Aside from this, all reign periods and lengths are speculative and unverifiable.

Citations

Sources