Rui was a Chinese vassal state during the Zhou Dynasty

Zhou Dynasty

The Zhou Dynasty was a Chinese dynasty that followed the Shang Dynasty and preceded the Qin Dynasty. Although the Zhou Dynasty lasted longer than any other dynasty in Chinese history, the actual political and military control of China by the Ji family lasted only until 771 BC, a period known as...

 (1046–256 BCE). The non-legendary status of the Rui state is known because it is mentioned in the Bamboo Annals

Bamboo Annals

The Bamboo Annals is a chronicle of ancient China. It begins at the earliest legendary times and extends to the Warring States Period , particularly the history of the Wei state...

.

In 703 BC, the rulers of the five states of Western Guo

Western Guo (state)

The State of Western Guo was a vassal state in China during the Zhou Dynasty. "Guo" seems to have been a kinship group that held at least five pieces of territory within the Zhou realm at various times....

 (西虢國), Rui (芮國), Xun (荀國) and Jia (賈國), including the State of Liang, suppressed Duke Wu of Quwo

Duke Wu of Jin

Duke Wu of Jin ,Ancestral name is Ji,Given name is Cheng and formerly known as Duke Wu of Quwo , was the eighteenth ruler of the state of Jin. He was also the eighth ruler of Jin in the Spring and Autumn Period...

using armed force.

In 641 BC, the State of Qin easily conquered the Rui state along with the State of Liang.