According to traditional Chinese historians, the title was first used by two refugee princes from Zhou who settled among the barbarian Wu.
The title was somewhat infelicitous for the early Kings of the Han dynasty, who were quite autonomous and powerful before being reined in after an unsuccessful revolt in 154 BC.
The Prince of Wu title was recreated during the Tang dynasty for 14th son of Emperor Gaozu, Li Yuangui.
He was found innocent in 705, and his son Li Kun was posthumously honored as Prince of Wu.
During the Red Turban Rebellion, Zhu Yuanzhang declared himself King of Wu during the late phases of against the Yuan, just prior to his establishment of the Ming dynasty.