King Gong of Zhou

King Gong of Zhou (died 900 BCE), personal name Ji Yihu (姬繄扈), was the sixth king of the Chinese Zhou dynasty during the Western Zhou period. He reigned from approximately 922 BCE until his death in 900 BCE, succeeding his father, King Mu of Zhou.

Unlike some of his ancestors who focused heavily on territorial expansion and frequent military campaigns, King Gong is largely noted for dedicating his reign to strengthening the internal economy and increasing the royal treasury. He reportedly encouraged agricultural development and even oversaw the legalization of private land ownership, establishing a system of land registration and taxation that improved the state's revenue. He reduced the number of soldiers to free up manpower for agricultural production, generally preferring negotiation over conflict to maintain peace on his borders.

Despite his general focus on internal stability, one famous account in the Records of the Grand Historian recounts a war he initiated. While touring the State of Mi, he became enraged when the lord of Mi kept three beautiful women the king had requested for his palace. Feeling disrespected, King Gong launched an invasion, destroyed the State of Mi, and had its lord sentenced to death. King Gong died peacefully in his palace around 900 BCE and was succeeded by his son, King Yi of Zhou.