Fuchai[1][2] (reigned 495–473 BC), sometimes also written Fucha,[3] was the last king of the state of Wu during the Spring and Autumn period of Chinese history.

In 494 BC, Goujian, the king of Yue, heard rumours that Fuchai was planning to attack him in order to avenge the death of his father.

At Fan Li's suggestion, Goujian sent Wen Zhong to bribe the Wu chancellor, Bo Pi, in order to obtain more favourable terms.

His hard work on Fuchai's behalf earned him the king's trust and favour, and Goujian was permitted to return to his kingdom after three years.

It was said that Goujian had been nursing his bitterness by sleeping on straw with a sword beside his head and by tasting gall each morning (t 臥薪嚐膽, s 卧薪尝胆, wò xīn, cháng dǎn).

[7] For ten years, he improved his realm's governance under Wen Zhong and its army under Fan Li, while personally inspiring his people by working his own fields as his wife made thread and wove by hand.

King Fuchai also became completely distracted from state affairs by the Yue beauty Xi Shi, who it was said had been sent to Wu specifically for this purpose by Goujian or his ministers.