Why did Zhou Wuwang choose Zhou Gongdan instead of Jiang Ziya on his deathbed?

This is mainly because in the situation at that time, Jiang Ziya was very unsuitable for Zhou Wuwang to entrust an orphan, so he handed this important task to Zhou Gongdan. In fact, there are not a few kings who entrust orphans in history. Some choose ministers, and some choose their own brothers. After Jiang Ziya came out of the mountain, he also made great contributions to the war with Zhou Wuwang. It stands to reason that Jiang Ziya is also worthy of entrusting orphans. Just for various reasons, Zhou Wuwang chose Zhou Gongdan instead of Jiang Ziya when entrusting orphans.

The first reason is that Jiang Ziya was very old at that time, and even if he was entrusted with the important task of orphans, he might not be able to persist for several years. After all, at that time, the average life expectancy was only twenty or thirty years old, and there were very few people like Jiang Ziya who could live to seventy or eighty years old. Jiang Ziya looked tough at that time, but after all, he was in his seventies and eighties. In case he dies with Zhou Wuwang a few years later, what should the rest of the young owners do?

The second reason is that Zhou Gongdan is Zhou Wuwang's younger brother, and his moral character is very good. Entrusting orphans to Zhou Gongdan is Zhou Wuwang's most reassuring choice. After all, it is very important to entrust an orphan. Otherwise, not only will the son's power be squeezed out, but his life may also be threatened. Therefore, Zhou Wuwang should not only consider the ability of governing the country, but also consider the loyalty of the other party when choosing the object of trusteeship. His brother is a man of noble character, which is of course the most suitable choice.

The third reason is that Zhou Wuwang is afraid that Jiang Ziya's influence will be too great and his son's country will be threatened. Although Jiang Ziya was very loyal to Zhou Wuwang, he thanked Zhou Wuwang for his kindness. Zhou Wuwang's youngest son has no affection for Jiang Ziya. Besides, Jiang Ziya was very old at that time, and some arrangements had to be made for things after death. If Jiang Ziya had had reservations about the young master, Zhou Wuwang would have suffered heavy losses.