During the Spring and Autumn period, King Shoumeng of Wu had four sons: Zhufan, Yuji, Yumei, and Jizha. Among them, Jizha was a man of profound virtue, and King Shoumeng held him in high regard. In 561 BC, when King Shoumeng was gravely ill, he summoned Jizha and offered to pass the throne to him. Jizha declined, saying, "According to tradition, the eldest son should inherit the throne. Father King, please do not show any favoritism towards me!"

So, King Shoumeng passed the throne to his eldest son, Zhufan, instructing him to take good care of Jizha. After Zhufan became King of Wu, he discussed with his two younger brothers that the throne should be passed down successively among the brothers, eventually reaching Jizha. The three brothers ruled as King of Wu in turn. Jizha loyally assisted them all, and his reputation for wisdom and integrity spread far and wide.

Later, when Yumei was on his deathbed, he wanted to pass the throne to Jizha. Jizha resolutely refused, stating, "I have long said that I do not desire the throne. As a person, one should only strive to be upright and virtuous. As for glory, wealth, and status, they are nothing more than an autumn breeze passing by the ear; I am not concerned with them." He left the capital, and only returned after Liao was established as the King of Wu, continuing to assist Liao in governing the state.