the Lü clan

The Lü clan was a powerful and influential family during the early Zhou Dynasty in ancient China, especially prominent in the 11th century BCE. They served as high-ranking officials and advisors to the ruling king and played a crucial role in consolidating and maintaining the dynasty's power. The Lü clan is also known for their authoritative commentaries on classical texts, which significantly influenced Chinese scholarship. Their prominence declined over time, but their contributions to political and literary developments left a lasting impact on Chinese history.