Reign 235–228 BCE Died unknown Father King Daoxiang of Zhao Great-grandparent King Huiwen of Zhao | Predecessor King Daoxiang of Zhao Spouse unknown Grandparent King Xiaocheng of Zhao | |
Successor Zhao annexed by Qin; rump state at Dai Ancestors King Daoxiang of Zhao, King Wuling of Zhao, King Xiaocheng of Zhao, King Huiwen of Zhao, Marquess Su of Zhao | ||
King Youmiu of Zhao (Chinese: 趙幽繆王; reigned 235–228 BCE), personal name Zhao Qian, was the penultimate ruler of the state of Zhao during the waning days of the Warring States period of ancient China, although his successor King Jia of Dai only presided over a rump state in Zhao's far north.
The younger son of King Daoxiang of Zhao, Zhao Qian was nevertheless able to succeed before his elder brother Zhao Jia due to his mother Chang Hou's intervention. He inherited a country that was in danger of being conquered by the Qin state, as it had been since a defeat at the Battle of Changping in 260 BCE.
The state of Zhao, however, was able to survive thanks to the services of General Li Mu, who successfully repelled Qin attempts at exploiting the situation. The Qin devised a scheme to get rid of him; through bribing a close confidante of King Youmiu, the courtier Guo Kai (郭開), Li Mu was arrested and executed on suspicion of treason.
Without Li Mu, Zhao's defenses were unable to resist the might of Qin. In 228 BCE, Qin forces under the leadership of Wang Jian captured the Zhao capital of Handan. King Youmiu surrendered and was then exiled to Fangling (northwestern Hubei).