The family had lost their status as rulers during the Qin 's wars of unification , when they were demoted to local chieftains .
The Han historian Sima Qian claims both rulers were descendants of Goujian , the 5th century BC ruler of Yue .
The family had lost rulers ' status as rulers during the Qin 's wars of unification , when they were demoted to local chieftains .
The Han historian Sima Qian claims both rulers were descendants of Goujian , the 5th century BC ruler of Yue .