Wuzhi's father Yi Zhongnian was a son of
Duke Zhuang I of Qi and younger brother of
Duke Xi of Qi. Yi Zhongnian died in 699 BC, but Wuzhi's uncle Duke Xi loved him and gave him the same treatment as his son, Crown Prince Zhu'er. However, the next year Duke Xi died and Zhu'er, Wuzhi's cousin, ascended the throne (posthumously known as
Duke Xiang of Qi). Duke Xiang disliked Wuzhi and demoted his status. ==Murdering Duke Xiang==