齊太公世家

The Grand Duke, Lü Shang, was a man from the shores of the Eastern Sea. His remote ancestors had once served as the Four Peaks and assisted Yu the Great in taming the floods and ordering the land, winning great merit. During the Shun-to-Xia transition, his line was enfeoffed at Lü — or, some say, at Shen — and bore the surname Jiang. Through the Xia and Shang dynasties, the houses of Shen and Lü sometimes enfeoffed junior branches of descendants, and sometimes their members fell to commoner status. Shang was a later descendant of this line. His original surname was Jiang, but he took the surname of his fief, hence "Lü Shang."

Lü Shang had long been poor and obscure. Now old, he went fishing on the Wei River to seek an encounter with the Lord of the West of Zhou. The Lord of the West was about to go hunting and had the divination performed. The oracle said: "What you will catch is neither dragon nor serpent, neither tiger nor bear — what you will catch is an aide fit for a hegemon-king." The Lord of the West went hunting and indeed met the Grand Duke on the north bank of the Wei. He conversed with him and was greatly pleased, saying: "My late ancestor, the Grand Duke, once said, 'A sage will come to Zhou, and Zhou will rise through him.' Are you truly that man? My Grand Duke has awaited you for a long time." He therefore called him "Grand Duke's Hope" (Taigong Wang), took him in his carriage, and returned with him, installing him as his Teacher.

Another account says that the Grand Duke was a man of wide learning who once served King Zhou of Shang. Finding Zhou lawless, he left him and traveled among the lords offering counsel, but met with no success, and at last went west to the Lord of the West of Zhou. Yet another account says that Lü Shang was a reclusive scholar living by the sea. When the Lord of the West was imprisoned at Youli, San Yisheng and Hong Yao, who had long known of Lü Shang, summoned him. Lü Shang himself said, "I hear the Lord of the West is a worthy man who treats the elderly well — why not go to him?" The three men sought out beautiful women and rare treasures for the Lord of the West and presented them to King Zhou to ransom him. The Lord of the West was released and returned to his state. Though the accounts of how Lü Shang came to serve Zhou differ, all agree that he became the Teacher of Kings Wen and Wu.

When the Lord of the West, Chang, escaped Youli and returned home, he and Lü Shang secretly plotted to cultivate virtue and undermine Shang rule. Their work involved much military strategy and unorthodox planning, and so later generations who discussed warfare and the covert statecraft of Zhou all traced these arts back to the Grand Duke as their originator. The Lord of the West governed with even-handedness — he even adjudicated the dispute between Yu and Rui — and the poets declared that the Lord of the West had received Heaven's Mandate, calling him King Wen. He attacked Chong, Mixu, and the Quanyi, and built the great capital at Feng. Two-thirds of the realm came over to Zhou, and the Grand Duke's stratagems were largely responsible.

King Wen died and King Wu succeeded him. In his ninth year, wishing to continue King Wen's work, King Wu marched east to test whether the lords would rally to him. When the army set out, the Master and Revered Father held the yellow battle-axe in his left hand and the white pennant in his right, and proclaimed the oath: "Grey rhinoceros! Grey rhinoceros! Assemble your multitudes, bring your boats and oars — any who arrive late shall be beheaded!" They reached Mengjin, and eight hundred lords assembled without prior summons. They all said: "Zhou can be attacked now." King Wu said: "Not yet." He withdrew the army and, with the Grand Duke, composed the Great Oath.

Two years later, King Zhou killed Prince Bigan and imprisoned Jizi. King Wu prepared to attack Zhou. He consulted the tortoise oracle, but the signs were inauspicious and a violent storm struck. All the lords were terrified. Only the Grand Duke urged King Wu forward, and King Wu marched. On the jiazi day of the first month of the eleventh year, he swore the oath at Muye and attacked King Zhou of Shang. Zhou's army was routed. Zhou fled back and ascended the Deer Terrace. They pursued him and cut him down. The next day, King Wu stood at the altar of soil. The lords presented pure water, the Earl of Kang of Wei spread the ceremonial mat, the Master and Revered Father led the sacrificial animal forward, and the Scribe Yi read the prayer, announcing to the spirits the crimes for which Zhou had been punished. They scattered the wealth of the Deer Terrace and opened the granaries of Juqiao to relieve the poor. They sealed Bigan's tomb and freed Jizi from prison. They moved the Nine Cauldrons, reformed the government of Zhou, and began the realm anew. The Master and Revered Father's counsel was central to all of this.

When King Wu had pacified Shang and become king of all under Heaven, he enfeoffed the Master and Revered Father at Yingqiu in Qi. The Grand Duke traveled east to take up his domain, but lodged along the road and moved slowly. An innkeeper said: "I have heard that opportunity is hard to seize and easy to lose. This guest sleeps far too soundly — he is surely not a man hurrying to claim his state." The Grand Duke heard this, dressed in the night, and marched on, reaching his domain at dawn. The Marquis of Lai came to attack, contesting Yingqiu. Yingqiu bordered Lai. The Lai people were Yi barbarians, and with the turmoil of King Zhou's fall and the Zhou dynasty newly established, the new regime had not yet consolidated the distant regions — that is why they contested the state with the Grand Duke.

Upon reaching his domain, the Grand Duke reformed the government. He adapted to local customs, simplified ritual practice, promoted commerce and industry, and facilitated the profits of the fish and salt trade. People flocked to Qi in great numbers, and Qi became a major state. Later, when King Cheng of Zhou was still young and the rebellions of Guan and Cai broke out and the Huai Yi revolted against Zhou, the Duke of Shao, the Earl of Kang, was sent to deliver the royal command to the Grand Duke: "From the sea in the east to the Yellow River in the west, from Muling in the south to Wudi in the north — the five ranks of lords and nine classes of chiefs, you have full authority to campaign against them." From this point Qi held the right of punitive expedition and became a great power. Its capital was at Yingqiu.

The Grand Duke lived to be over a hundred. His son, Duke Ding, Lü Ji, succeeded him. When Duke Ding died, his son Duke Yi, De, succeeded. When Duke Yi died, his son Duke Gui, Cimu, succeeded. When Duke Gui died, his son Duke Ai, Buchen, succeeded.

In the time of Duke Ai, the Marquis of Ji slandered him to the Zhou court. The Zhou king had Duke Ai boiled alive and installed his younger brother Jing in his place — this was Duke Hu. Duke Hu moved the capital to Bogu. This was during the reign of King Yi of Zhou.

Shan, Duke Ai's younger full brother, resented Duke Hu. He conspired with his partisans and led the people of Yingqiu in a surprise attack, killing Duke Hu and installing himself — this was Duke Xian. In the first year of Duke Xian's reign, he expelled all of Duke Hu's sons, then moved the capital from Bogu to Linzi.

In his ninth year, Duke Xian died, and his son Duke Wu, Shou, succeeded. In the ninth year of Duke Wu, King Li of Zhou fled and lived in exile at Zhi. In his tenth year, the royal court was in turmoil and the great ministers administered the government, a period called the "Gonghe Regency." In his twenty-fourth year, King Xuan of Zhou first took the throne.

In his twenty-sixth year, Duke Wu died, and his son Duke Li, Wuji, succeeded. Duke Li was violent and cruel, so the sons of Duke Hu re-entered Qi. The people of Qi wanted to install them and joined them in attacking and killing Duke Li. But Duke Hu's sons also died in the fighting. The people of Qi then installed Duke Li's son Chi as ruler — this was Duke Wen — and executed seventy of those who had killed Duke Li.

Duke Wen reigned twelve years and died. His son Duke Cheng, Tuo, succeeded. Duke Cheng reigned nine years and died. His son Duke Zhuang, Gou, succeeded.

In the twenty-fourth year of Duke Zhuang, the Quanrong killed King You, and Zhou moved its capital east to Luo. Qin was for the first time ranked among the feudal lords. In his fifty-sixth year, Jin assassinated its ruler, Duke Zhao of Jin.

In his sixty-fourth year, Duke Zhuang died, and his son Duke Xi, Lufu, succeeded.

In the ninth year of Duke Xi, Duke Yin of Lu first took the throne. In the nineteenth year, Duke Huan of Lu murdered his elder brother Duke Yin and installed himself as ruler.

In the twenty-fifth year, the Northern Rong attacked Qi. Zheng sent Crown Prince Hu to rescue Qi. Qi offered him a bride, but Hu declined, saying: "Zheng is small and Qi is great — it is no match for us." He refused.

In the thirty-second year, Duke Xi's full brother Yizhongnian died. His son was named Gongsun Wuzhi. Duke Xi favored him and ordered that his rank, dress, and provisions be equal to the heir apparent's.

In the thirty-third year, Duke Xi died. The heir apparent, Zhu'er, succeeded — this was Duke Xiang.

In the first year of Duke Xiang: when he had first been heir apparent, he had once quarreled with Wuzhi. Upon taking the throne, he stripped Wuzhi of his rank and privileges. Wuzhi harbored a grudge.

In the fourth year, Duke Huan of Lu visited Qi with his consort. Duke Xiang of Qi had previously conducted an illicit affair with the consort of Lu. This lady was Duke Xiang's own younger sister, married to Duke Huan of Lu during Duke Xi's time. When Duke Huan came to visit, Duke Xiang resumed the affair. Duke Huan discovered it and berated his wife. She told Duke Xiang. Duke Xiang invited the Lord of Lu to drink, got him drunk, and ordered the strongman Peng Sheng to carry the Lord of Lu onto his carriage — and crush him to death in the process. When Duke Huan was taken down from the carriage, he was already dead. Lu lodged a protest, and Duke Xiang killed Peng Sheng to appease them.

In the eighth year, Qi attacked Ji. Ji abandoned its settlement and relocated.

In the twelfth year: earlier, Duke Xiang had sent Lian Cheng and Guan Zhifu to garrison Qiuqiu. They went at melon-ripening time and were to be relieved the following melon season. They served a full year; melon season came around again, but the duke sent no relief. Someone petitioned for their replacement, but the duke refused. The two men were furious and conspired with Gongsun Wuzhi to stage a revolt. Lian Cheng had a cousin serving in the duke's palace, a woman without favor. He sent her to spy on Duke Xiang, promising: "If the plot succeeds, you will be made Wuzhi's consort."

In the twelfth month of winter, Duke Xiang went hunting at Gufen and then at Peiqiu. He saw a boar. His attendants said: "It is Peng Sheng!" The duke was enraged and shot at it. The boar reared up on its hind legs and screamed like a man. The duke was terrified, fell from his charriage, injured his foot, and lost his shoe. On returning, he had the shoe-keeper Fu flogged three hundred strokes. Fu left the palace. When Wuzhi, Lian Cheng, Guan Zhifu and their followers heard the duke was injured, they led their men to storm the palace. They encountered the shoe-keeper Fu. Fu said: "Do not charge in yet — the palace guards are alert and it will not be easy." Wuzhi did not believe him. Fu showed them his welts, and they believed. They waited outside while Fu entered first. Fu went in and hid Duke Xiang behind a door. After a long wait, Wuzhi's men grew anxious and rushed into the palace. Fu turned and, together with the palace guards and the duke's favorites, counterattacked Wuzhi's men — but they were defeated and all killed. Wuzhi entered the palace and searched for the duke but could not find him. Then someone noticed a man's feet behind the door. They pulled back the door and found Duke Xiang. They killed him, and Wuzhi installed himself as ruler of Qi.

In the spring of Duke Huan's first year, Wuzhi, the self-proclaimed ruler of Qi, went on an excursion to Yonglin. The people of Yonglin had long held a grudge against Wuzhi. When he visited, they ambushed and killed him, then reported to Qi's senior ministers: "Wuzhi murdered Duke Xiang and usurped the throne. We have carried out the punishment. We ask only that the ministers install whichever prince is rightful — we will obey."

Earlier, when Duke Xiang had drunkenly murdered the lord of Lu, conducted an affair with his sister, killed without justification, debauched himself with women, and repeatedly deceived his ministers, his younger brothers feared the calamity would reach them. The next brother, Jiu, fled to Lu — his mother was a woman of Lu. Guan Zhong and Shao Hu served as his tutors. The next brother, Xiaobai, fled to Ju. Bao Shu served as his tutor. Xiaobai's mother was a woman of Wei and had been favored by Duke Xi. From youth, Xiaobai had been close to the senior minister Gao Xi. When the people of Yonglin killed Wuzhi and the question of succession arose, Gao and Guo secretly sent for Xiaobai from Ju. Lu, hearing that Wuzhi was dead, also dispatched troops to escort Prince Jiu home, and sent Guan Zhong with a separate force to block the road from Ju. Guan Zhong shot Xiaobai and hit his belt-hook. Xiaobai feigned death. Guan Zhong sent a rider galloping to report to Lu. The Lu escort, now unhurried, slowed their pace. Six days later they reached Qi — but Xiaobai had already entered the capital, and Gao Xi had installed him. This was Duke Huan.

When the arrow struck Duke Huan's belt-hook, he feigned death to deceive Guan Zhong. He then hid in a covered carriage and raced to the capital. With Gao and Guo as allies inside, he secured his position first, then raised troops to resist Lu. In autumn, he fought Lu at Ganshi. Lu's army was routed, and Qi's forces cut off their retreat. Qi sent Lu a letter: "Prince Jiu is our brother — we cannot bear to execute him ourselves. We request that Lu put him to death. As for Shao Hu and Guan Zhong, they are our enemies; we demand they be handed over so we may have the satisfaction of pickling them alive. Otherwise, we will besiege Lu."

The people of Lu were alarmed. They killed Prince Jiu at Shengdu. Shao Hu killed himself. Guan Zhong asked to be taken prisoner. When Duke Huan first took the throne and attacked Lu, his heart's desire was to kill Guan Zhong. But Bao Shuya said: "I was fortunate to follow you, my lord, and you have attained the throne. Your present eminence — I can add nothing to it. If you wish merely to govern Qi, then Gao Xi and I are sufficient. But if you wish to become hegemon-king, no one but Guan Yiwu can achieve it. Whichever state possesses Yiwu grows powerful — you must not let him slip away."

Duke Huan heeded him. He pretended to summon Guan Zhong in order to execute him, but actually intended to employ him. Guan Zhong understood this and agreed to go. Bao Shuya met and received Guan Zhong. At Tangfu they removed his shackles. He fasted, was ritually purified, and was presented to Duke Huan. Duke Huan received him with lavish ceremony, appointed him senior minister, and entrusted him with the government.

Having secured Guan Zhong, Duke Huan worked with Bao Shu, Xi Peng, and Gao Xi to reform Qi's government. They organized the population into groups of five households for military service, regulated the fish and salt trade to balance prices, provided for the poor, and rewarded the capable. The people of Qi were all pleased.

In the second year, he attacked and destroyed Tan. The Viscount of Tan fled to Ju. Earlier, when Duke Huan was a fugitive, he had passed through Tan and been treated discourteously — hence the attack.

In the fifth year, he attacked Lu. Lu's army was defeated. Duke Zhuang of Lu offered to cede the town of Sui to make peace. Duke Huan agreed and met Lu at Ke to swear a covenant. Just as they were about to swear, Cao Mo drew a dagger and held Duke Huan hostage on the altar, demanding: "Return Lu's occupied territory!" Duke Huan agreed. Cao Mo then put away his dagger and took his place facing north in the position of a subject. Afterward, Duke Huan regretted his promise and wanted to refuse the territory and have Cao Mo killed. Guan Zhong said: "To agree under duress and then break your word by killing him would bring one moment of petty satisfaction, but would destroy your credibility with the lords and lose you the support of the realm. You must not." Duke Huan therefore returned to Lu all the territory lost in three defeats. When the lords heard of this, they all trusted Qi and wished to align with it.

In the seventh year, the lords met Duke Huan at Zhen, and from this point Duke Huan was recognized as hegemon.

In the fourteenth year, Wan, a son of Duke Li of Chen, styled Jing Zhong, came as a refugee to Qi. Duke Huan wished to make him a minister, but he declined. He was appointed Superintendent of Works instead. He was the ancestor of Tian Chengzi Chang.

In the twenty-third year, the Mountain Rong attacked Yan. Yan sent an urgent appeal to Qi. Duke Huan rescued Yan and pursued the Mountain Rong all the way to Guzhu before returning. Duke Zhuang of Yan escorted Duke Huan into Qi territory. Duke Huan said: "Protocol forbids lords from escorting each other beyond their own borders unless it is for the Son of Heaven. I must not be discourteous to Yan." He therefore drew a line at the ditch where the Lord of Yan stood and ceded that strip of land to Yan, commanding the Lord of Yan to restore the good government of the Duke of Shao and resume tribute to Zhou as in the time of Kings Cheng and Kang. When the lords heard of this, they all followed Qi.

In the twenty-seventh year, the mother of Duke Min of Lu was Lady Ai Jiang, Duke Huan's younger sister. Ai Jiang had an affair with the Lu prince Qingfu. Qingfu assassinated Duke Min. Ai Jiang wanted to install Qingfu, but the people of Lu installed Duke Xi instead. Duke Huan summoned Ai Jiang and had her executed.

In the twenty-eighth year, Duke Wen of Wei was beset by Di barbarian incursions and sent an urgent appeal to Qi. Qi led the lords in building a walled city at Chuqiu and re-establishing the ruler of Wei.

In the twenty-ninth year, Duke Huan was playing in a boat with his consort, Lady Cai. Lady Cai, who was a strong swimmer, rocked the boat. The duke was frightened and told her to stop, but she would not. He got out of the boat in anger and sent her back to Cai — without formally divorcing her. Cai, equally angry, remarried her to another. When Duke Huan heard this, he was furious and raised an army to attack.

In the spring of the thirtieth year, Duke Huan led the lords in an attack on Cai. Cai collapsed. He then marched against Chu. King Cheng of Chu raised an army and demanded: "Why have you entered my territory?"

Guan Zhong replied: "In ancient times, the Duke of Shao, the Earl of Kang, commanded our ancestor the Grand Duke: 'The five ranks of lords and nine classes of chiefs — you have full authority to campaign against them, in support of the royal house of Zhou.' He granted our ancestor a domain stretching east to the sea, west to the Yellow River, south to Muling, and north to Wudi. Chu has failed to send its tribute of bundled rushes, and the royal sacrifices lack the proper offerings — that is why we have come to hold you accountable. King Zhao marched south and never returned — that is why we have come to inquire."

The King of Chu said: "The failure to send tribute — yes, that is my fault. How would I dare refuse? As for King Zhao's failure to return, you should ask the riverbanks about that."

The Qi army advanced and encamped at Xing. In summer, the King of Chu sent Qu Wan with troops to block Qi. The Qi army withdrew to Zhaoling. Duke Huan boasted to Qu Wan of the size of his forces. Qu Wan replied: "If you act according to the Way, so be it. If not, then Chu has the Fangcheng Mountains for its walls and the Yangzi and Han Rivers for its moats — how could you advance?" They swore a covenant with Qu Wan and departed. Passing through Chen, the Chen minister Yuan Taotu deceived Qi, directing them to exit through the east — but the deception was discovered. In autumn, Qi attacked Chen. That year, Jin killed Crown Prince Shensheng.

In the summer of the thirty-fifth year, the lords assembled at Kuiqiu. King Xiang of Zhou sent the steward Kong to bestow on Duke Huan the sacrificial meat of Kings Wen and Wu, a vermilion bow with arrows, and a grand chariot, with the command that he need not prostrate himself. Duke Huan was about to accept this privilege, but Guan Zhong said: "You must not." So he descended and prostrated himself to receive the gifts.

In autumn, the lords assembled again at Kuiqiu, but Duke Huan's manner had grown increasingly arrogant. Zhou sent the steward Kong to attend. Several lords were showing signs of defection. The lord of Jin fell ill and arrived late. He encountered the steward Kong, who said: "The lord of Qi has grown arrogant. You would do well not to attend." Jin followed this advice. That year, Duke Xian of Jin died. Li Ke killed Xiqi and Zhuozi. Duke Mu of Qin used his influence to install Prince Yiwu as ruler of Jin. Duke Huan thereupon intervened in Jin's disorder, advancing as far as Gaoliang. He sent Xi Peng to install the Jin ruler, then withdrew.

At this time the Zhou royal house was weak, and only Qi, Chu, Qin, and Jin were powerful. Jin had only recently begun to participate in interstate assemblies, but Duke Xian had died and the state was in turmoil. Duke Mu of Qin was far away and did not join the assemblies of the central states. King Cheng of Chu had newly absorbed the Jing barbarians, setting himself up as a power among the non-Chinese peoples. Qi alone led the assemblies of the central states, and Duke Huan was able to project his virtue, so the lords came as guests to his meetings.

Duke Huan thereupon declared: "I marched south as far as Zhaoling and gazed upon Mount Xiong. I campaigned north against the Mountain Rong, the Lizhi, and Guzhu. I marched west against Daxia and crossed the Flowing Sands. I bound the horses and suspended the chariots to climb the Taihang Mountains, reaching Mount Bi'er before turning back. Not a single lord defied me. I held three assemblies with war chariots and six with civilian carriages — nine assemblies of the lords, bringing unity to all under Heaven. How do the three dynasties that received Heaven's Mandate differ from this? I wish to perform the Feng sacrifice on Mount Tai and the Shan sacrifice on Mount Liangfu."

Guan Zhong firmly remonstrated, but Duke Huan would not listen. So Guan Zhong told Duke Huan that rare and wondrous creatures from distant lands must appear before the Feng sacrifice could be performed. Duke Huan gave up the idea.

In the thirty-eighth year, Prince Dai, brother of King Xiang of Zhou, conspired with the Rong and Di to attack Zhou. Qi sent Guan Zhong to pacify the Rong on Zhou's behalf. Zhou wished to receive Guan Zhong with the rites due an upper minister. Guan Zhong bowed his head to the ground and said: "I am but a subject's subject — how would I dare!" He declined three times, then accepted the rites of a lower minister for his audience. In the thirty-ninth year, Prince Dai of Zhou fled to Qi. Qi sent Zhongsun to petition the king and apologize on Dai's behalf. King Xiang was angry and would not listen.

In the forty-first year, Duke Mu of Qin captured Duke Hui of Jin, then released him. That year, Guan Zhong and Xi Peng both died. When Guan Zhong was ill, Duke Huan asked: "Among my ministers, who is fit to be chancellor?"

Guan Zhong said: "No one knows a minister like his lord."

The duke said: "What about Yi Ya?"

Guan Zhong replied: "He killed his own son to please you. This is contrary to human nature. He must not be used."

The duke said: "What about Kai Fang?"

"He abandoned his own parents to please you. This is contrary to human nature. He should not be trusted."

The duke said: "What about Shu Diao?"

"He castrated himself to please you. This is contrary to human nature. He should not be relied upon."

Guan Zhong died, and Duke Huan disregarded his counsel. In the end he drew close to these three men, and the three monopolized power.

In the forty-second year, the Rong attacked Zhou. Zhou sent an urgent appeal to Qi, and Qi ordered the lords to each dispatch troops to garrison the royal domain. That year, Prince Chonger of Jin came to Qi, and Duke Huan gave him a wife.

In the forty-third year: Duke Huan had three formal consorts — Lady Wang Ji, Lady Xu Ji, and Lady Cai Ji — all childless. The duke was fond of women and kept many favorites. He had six concubines with the status of secondary consorts: the elder Lady Wei Ji bore Wugui; the younger Lady Wei Ji bore Hui Gong Yuan; Lady Zheng Ji bore Xiao Gong Zhao; Lady Ge Ying bore Zhao Gong Pan; Lady Mi Ji bore Yi Gong Shangren; and Lady Song Huazi bore Prince Yong. Duke Huan and Guan Zhong had entrusted the heir Prince Zhao to Duke Xiang of Song and designated him crown prince. But the sorcerer Yong Wu, who enjoyed the favor of Lady Wei Gongji, used the eunuch Shu Diao to lavish gifts on Duke Huan and also won his favor. Duke Huan then promised to install Wugui instead.

After Guan Zhong died, all five princes sought to succeed. In the winter, on the yihai day of the tenth month, Duke Huan died. Yi Ya entered the palace and, together with Shu Diao and the palace favorites, killed the court officials and installed Prince Wugui as ruler. Crown Prince Zhao fled to Song.

While Duke Huan lay ill, each of the five princes had built factions competing for the succession. When the duke died, they attacked each other. The palace was empty and no one dared prepare the coffin. Duke Huan's corpse lay on his bed for sixty-seven days until maggots crawled out past the threshold. On the yihai day of the twelfth month, Wugui was formally installed, and only then was the body coffined. On the xinsi night, the remains were finally dressed and placed in the outer coffin.

Duke Huan had over ten sons. Five of them eventually took the throne in succession: Wugui ruled three months and died without a posthumous title; then came Duke Xiao, Duke Zhao, Duke Yi, and Duke Hui.

In the third month of Duke Xiao's first year, Duke Xiang of Song led an allied army to escort Crown Prince Zhao back to Qi. The people of Qi were alarmed and killed their ruler Wugui. They were about to install Crown Prince Zhao, but the partisans of the four other princes attacked. The crown prince fled back to Song, and Song fought the forces of the four princes. In the fifth month, Song defeated the four princes' armies and installed Crown Prince Zhao. This was Duke Xiao of Qi. Song had intervened because Duke Huan and Guan Zhong had entrusted the crown prince to Song's care. Because of the turmoil, Duke Huan was not buried until the eighth month.

In the spring of the sixth year, Qi attacked Song for refusing to join Qi's alliance. In summer, Duke Xiang of Song died. In the seventh year, Duke Wen of Jin took the throne.

In the tenth year, Duke Xiao died. His brother Pan, with the help of the Wei prince Kai Fang, killed Duke Xiao's son and installed Pan — this was Duke Zhao. Duke Zhao was a son of Duke Huan; his mother was Lady Ge Ying.

In the first year of Duke Zhao, Duke Wen of Jin defeated Chu at the Battle of Chengpu, assembled the lords at Jiantu, presented himself at the Zhou court, and was designated hegemon by the Son of Heaven. In the sixth year, the Di invaded Qi. Duke Wen of Jin died. Qin's army was defeated at Xiao. In the twelfth year, Duke Mu of Qin died.

In the fifth month of the nineteenth year, Duke Zhao died. His son She succeeded as ruler of Qi. She's mother had not been favored by Duke Zhao, and the people felt no awe of him. Duke Zhao's brother Shangren had competed unsuccessfully for the throne when Duke Huan died, and since then had secretly cultivated worthy men and won the affection of the common people, who were pleased with him. When Duke Zhao died and the young She took the throne, isolated and weak, Shangren and his followers killed the ruler She at the graveside in the tenth month. Shangren installed himself — this was Duke Yi. Duke Yi was a son of Duke Huan; his mother was Lady Mi Ji.

In the spring of Duke Yi's fourth year: earlier, when Duke Yi had been a prince, he went hunting with the father of Bing Rong and quarreled over the catch but lost the argument. After taking the throne, he had Bing Rong's father's foot cut off, then made Bing Rong serve as his driver. He desired the wife of Yong Zhi, took her into his palace, and made Yong Zhi ride as his carriage companion. In the fifth month, Duke Yi went swimming at Shenchi. The two men were bathing and joking. Yong Zhi said: "You footless man's son!" Bing Rong said: "You wife-stealer!" Both were stung by these words, and their resentment boiled over. They conspired, and when the duke went into a bamboo grove, the two killed him in his carriage, dumped his body in the bamboo, and fled.

Duke Yi had been arrogant since taking the throne, and the people did not support him. The people of Qi passed over his son and welcomed Prince Yuan from Wei, installing him as ruler — this was Duke Hui. Duke Hui was a son of Duke Huan. His mother was a woman of Wei called the younger Lady Wei Ji, who had gone to Wei to escape the turmoil in Qi.

In the second year of Duke Hui, a tall Di warrior appeared. Prince Chengfu attacked and killed him and buried him at the north gate. In Jin, Zhao Chuan assassinated his lord, Duke Ling.

In the tenth year, Duke Hui died. His son Duke Qing, Wuye, succeeded. Earlier, Cui Zhu had been a favorite of Duke Hui. When Duke Hui died, the Gao and Guo families feared his growing influence and expelled him. Cui Zhu fled to Wei.

In the first year of Duke Qing, King Zhuang of Chu was at the height of his power and attacked Chen. In the second year, he besieged Zheng. The Earl of Zheng surrendered, but the king restored him to his domain.

In the spring of the sixth year, Jin sent Xi Ke on a mission to Qi. The duchess of Qi had him observed from behind a curtain. When Xi Ke ascended the steps, the duchess laughed at him. Xi Ke said: "Until I am avenged for this, I will never cross the Yellow River again!" He returned and requested permission to attack Qi. The lord of Jin refused. When Qi's envoys came to Jin, Xi Ke seized four of them within the Yellow River bend and killed them.

In the eighth year, Jin attacked Qi. Qi sent a prince as hostage, and Jin withdrew. In the spring of the tenth year, Qi attacked Lu and Wei. Ministers of Lu and Wei went to Jin to request aid, all going through Xi Ke. Jin sent Xi Ke with eight hundred chariots as commander of the central army, Shi Xie commanding the upper army, and Luan Shu the lower army, to rescue Lu and Wei and attack Qi.

On the renshen day of the sixth month, the armies met at the foot of Miji. On the guiyou day, they drew up for battle at An. Pang Choufu served as Duke Qing's chariot companion on the right. Duke Qing said: "Charge them! We will smash Jin's army and eat breakfast." An arrow struck and wounded Xi Ke; the blood flowed down to his shoes. Xi Ke wanted to withdraw behind the ramparts, but his charioteer said: "When I first entered the fight, I was wounded twice. I dared not mention my pain for fear of demoralizing the troops. I beg you to endure." They resumed fighting.

The battle turned against Qi. Pang Choufu, fearing the duke would be captured, switched positions with him — the duke took the right seat while Choufu drove. Their chariot snagged on a tree and stopped. The Jin junior officer Han Jue came to the front of the duke's chariot and said: "Our lord sent me to rescue Lu and Wei" — mocking him. Choufu had Duke Qing get down to fetch water, and the duke escaped and made it back to his own army. Xi Ke wanted to kill Choufu, but Choufu said: "If a man who substitutes himself for his lord in death is killed for it, no subject will ever be loyal to his ruler again." Xi Ke released him, and Choufu escaped back to Qi.

Jin pursued Qi all the way to Maling. The lord of Qi offered precious vessels in apology, but Jin refused, demanding the woman who had laughed at Xi Ke — Xiao Tong Shuzi — and that Qi realign its field furrows to run east-west. The reply came: "Shuzi is the lord of Qi's mother. The lord of Qi's mother is equivalent to the lord of Jin's mother — where would you place her? Moreover, you launched this campaign in the name of righteousness — would you end it with brutality?" Jin relented and demanded only the return of Lu and Wei's occupied territory.

In the eleventh year, Jin established its six ministers for the first time, rewarding the merit of the Battle of An. Duke Qing of Qi visited the Jin court, intending to honor Duke Jing of Jin as king. Duke Jing of Jin dared not accept, and Duke Qing returned home. Upon his return, he opened up the royal parks, reduced taxes, aided orphans and visited the sick, and emptied the storehouses to relieve the people. The people were greatly pleased. He treated the lords generously. For the remainder of Duke Qing's reign, the people were devoted to him and no lord dared invade.

In the seventeenth year, Duke Qing died. His son Duke Ling, Huan, succeeded.

In the ninth year of Duke Ling, Luan Shu of Jin assassinated his lord, Duke Li. In the tenth year, Duke Dao of Jin attacked Qi, and Qi sent Prince Guang as a hostage to Jin. In the nineteenth year, Prince Guang was made heir apparent, with Gao Hou as his tutor, and was sent to attend the lords' covenant at Zhongli. In the twenty-seventh year, Jin sent Zhonghang Xianzi to attack Qi. Qi's army was defeated, and Duke Ling fled into Linzi. Yan Ying tried to stop him, but Duke Ling would not listen. Yan Ying said: "Our lord lacks even courage!" Jin's forces besieged Linzi. The garrison held the walls and dared not sally out. Jin burned the outer city and withdrew.

In the twenty-eighth year: Duke Ling had taken a woman of Lu and sired Prince Guang, whom he made heir apparent. There were two consorts, Zhongji and Rongji. Rongji was his favorite. Zhongji bore a son named Ya and entrusted him to Rongji. Rongji asked that Ya be made heir apparent, and the duke agreed. Zhongji protested: "This cannot be done. Guang has already been presented to the lords as heir. To depose him now without cause — you will surely regret it." The duke said: "This is my decision." He banished Crown Prince Guang to the east and appointed Gao Hou to tutor Ya as the new heir.

When Duke Ling fell ill, Cui Zhu welcomed the former Crown Prince Guang back and installed him. This was Duke Zhuang. Duke Zhuang killed Rongji. On the renchen day of the fifth month, Duke Ling died and Duke Zhuang took the throne. He seized Prince Ya at Goudou Hill and killed him. In the eighth month, Cui Zhu killed Gao Hou. Jin heard of the disorder in Qi and attacked, reaching Gaotang.

In the third year of Duke Zhuang, the Jin minister Luan Ying fled to Qi. Duke Zhuang received him generously. Yan Ying and Tian Wenzi remonstrated, but the duke would not listen. In the fourth year, Duke Zhuang sent Luan Ying to infiltrate Jin at Quwo as an internal agent, then followed with troops. They ascended the Taihang Mountains and entered Mengmen. Luan Ying was defeated. Qi's forces returned and seized Chaoge.

In the sixth year: earlier, the wife of the lord of Tang was a beautiful woman. When the lord of Tang died, Cui Zhu took her as his wife. Duke Zhuang began an affair with her, visiting the Cui household frequently, and even gave Cui Zhu's cap to others as a gift. His attendants warned him: "You must not do this." Cui Zhu was furious. He tried to conspire with Jin to attack Qi during a campaign, but found no opening.

Duke Zhuang had once flogged the eunuch Jia Ju. Jia Ju continued to serve the duke, but secretly spied on him for Cui Zhu in revenge. In the fifth month, the Viscount of Ju came to the Qi court. On the jiaxu day, Qi held a feast for him. Cui Zhu claimed illness and did not attend. On the yihai day, the duke went to inquire about Cui Zhu's illness, and then went to see Cui Zhu's wife. She retreated into an inner room and locked the door with Cui Zhu; neither came out. The duke embraced a pillar and sang.

The eunuch Jia Ju blocked the duke's attendants from entering, shut the gate, and Cui Zhu's armed men rose from within. The duke climbed to a terrace and begged for his life — refused. He begged to swear a covenant — refused. He begged to be allowed to kill himself in the ancestral temple — refused. They all said: "Your subject Zhu is ill and unable to receive orders. We are near the ducal palace. Your subordinate's servants have come to seize one who committed adultery — we know no other command." The duke leaped over a wall. An arrow struck his thigh. He fell back, and they killed him.

Yan Ying stood outside Cui Zhu's gate and said: "If the lord died for the altars of soil and grain, then I would die with him. If he fled for the altars, I would flee with him. But if he died for his own private pleasures and fled for his own sake — unless one were his personal favorite, who would take responsibility?" The gate was opened. He entered, pillowed his head on the duke's corpse and wept, leaped three times in mourning, and left. Someone told Cui Zhu: "You must kill him." Cui Zhu said: "He is the hope of the people. Spare him and win the people's hearts."

On the dingchou day, Cui Zhu installed Duke Zhuang's half-brother Chujiu as ruler. This was Duke Jing. Duke Jing's mother was a daughter of Shusun Xuanbo of Lu. Upon Duke Jing's installation, Cui Zhu was made right chancellor and Qing Feng left chancellor. The two chancellors, fearing unrest, swore an oath with the people: "Any who do not support Cui and Qing shall die!" Yan Ying looked up at Heaven and said: "What I, Ying, will not do is follow any who are not loyal to the ruler and beneficial to the altars of soil and grain!" He refused to swear.

Qing Feng wanted to kill Yan Ying. Cui Zhu said: "He is a loyal minister. Let him go." The Grand Historian of Qi wrote in the record: "Cui Zhu murdered Duke Zhuang." Cui Zhu killed him. The historian's brother took up the brush and wrote the same. Cui Zhu killed him too. The youngest brother wrote it again. Cui Zhu finally let it stand.

In the first year of Duke Jing: Cui Zhu had fathered sons Cheng and Qiang by his first wife, who had died. He then took a woman of the Dongguo family and fathered Ming. The Dongguo woman placed her son Wujiu by her previous husband and his brother Yan in charge of the Cui household. Cheng committed an offense, and the two stewards pressed the case harshly, establishing Ming as the heir. Cheng asked to retire at the Cui ancestral estate. Cui Zhu agreed, but the two stewards refused, saying: "The Cui estate is the clan seat — it cannot be allowed." Cheng and Qiang, furious, appealed to Qing Feng. Qing Feng bore a grudge against Cui Zhu and wanted to see him ruined. Cheng and Qiang killed Wujiu and Yan inside the Cui household. Everyone in the household fled. Cui Zhu, enraged and with no one left, had a single eunuch drive him to see Qing Feng. Qing Feng said: "Allow me to punish them for you." He sent Cui Zhu's enemy Lu Pupie to attack the Cui household, killing Cheng and Qiang and wiping out the Cui clan entirely. Cui Zhu's wife killed herself. Cui Zhu had nowhere to go and also killed himself. Qing Feng became chancellor of state and monopolized power.

In the tenth month of the third year, Qing Feng went hunting. After destroying Cui Zhu, he had grown ever more arrogant, indulging in drink and hunting, and neglecting government. His son Qing She administered policy, and internal friction had already developed. Tian Wenzi said to Huanzi: "Chaos is coming." The Tian, Bao, Gao, and Luan families conspired against the Qing clan. Qing She mobilized armored troops and surrounded Qing Feng's residence, and the four families' followers attacked and broke through. Qing Feng returned but could not enter. He fled to Lu. Qi rebuked Lu, and Qing Feng fled on to Wu. Wu gave him the city of Zhufang, where he gathered his clan and settled. He became wealthier than he had been in Qi. That autumn, Qi reburied Duke Zhuang with proper rites and exposed Cui Zhu's corpse in the marketplace to please the people.

In the ninth year, Duke Jing sent Yan Ying on a mission to Jin. In private conversation with Shu Xiang, Yan Ying said: "Qi's government will ultimately pass to the Tian family. The Tian family has no great virtue, but they use public resources to cultivate private generosity. They have won the people's gratitude, and the people love them."

In the twelfth year, Duke Jing visited Jin and met Duke Ping, hoping to organize a campaign against Yan. In the eighteenth year, he visited Jin again and met Duke Zhao. In the twenty-sixth year, he hunted in Lu's suburbs, then entered Lu and, together with Yan Ying, inquired into Lu's ritual practices. In the thirty-first year, Duke Zhao of Lu fled to Qi to escape the Ji clan. Qi wished to enfeoff him with a thousand communities, but Zijia restrained Duke Zhao. Duke Zhao then asked Qi to attack Lu. Qi took Yun and settled Duke Zhao there.

In the thirty-second year, a comet appeared. Duke Jing sat in the Cypress Hall and sighed: "How magnificent this hall is! Who will possess it after me?" All his ministers wept. Yan Ying alone laughed. The duke was angry. Yan Ying said: "I laugh at the extreme flattery of the ministers."

Duke Jing said: "The comet has appeared in the northeast, directly in Qi's celestial domain. I consider this cause for alarm."

Yan Ying replied: "You build high terraces and deep pools. You tax as if you can never get enough. You punish as if you fear the penalties are not harsh enough. A baleful star is about to rise — what is there to fear from a mere comet?"

The duke said: "Can it be exorcised?"

Yan Ying said: "If spirits could be summoned by prayer, they could also be sent away by exorcism. But the people's bitter grievances number in the tens of thousands. You would have one man perform an exorcism — how can he prevail against so many voices?"

At this time Duke Jing was fond of building palaces, collecting dogs and horses, living in extravagance, imposing heavy taxes and harsh punishments. Yan Ying used this occasion to remonstrate.

In the forty-second year, King Helu of Wu attacked Chu and entered its capital Ying.

In the forty-seventh year, Yang Hu of Lu attacked his lord but was defeated. He fled to Qi and asked Qi to attack Lu. Bao Zi remonstrated with Duke Jing, and Yang Hu was imprisoned. Yang Hu managed to escape and fled to Jin.

In the forty-eighth year, Qi held a friendly meeting with Duke Ding of Lu at Jiagu. Li Chu said: "Confucius knows ritual but is timid. Have Lai tribesmen perform music, and seize the Lord of Lu during the performance — you can achieve your aim." Duke Jing feared that Confucius, as Lu's chief minister, would make Lu a hegemon, and therefore followed Li Chu's plan. During the meeting, the Lai musicians advanced. Confucius ascended the steps, ordered the officials to seize the Lai men and behead them, then rebuked Duke Jing on grounds of ritual propriety. Duke Jing was ashamed. He returned Lu's occupied territory in apology and withdrew. That year, Yan Ying died.

In the fifty-fifth year, the Fan and Zhonghang clans rebelled against their lord in Jin. Jin attacked them vigorously, and they came to Qi requesting grain. Tian Qi wished to foment disorder and build his faction among disloyal ministers. He persuaded Duke Jing: "The Fan and Zhonghang clans have often shown kindness to Qi — we cannot fail to rescue them." He was sent to deliver aid and transport grain to them.

In the summer of the fifty-eighth year, Duke Jing's consort Lady Yan Ji's legitimate son died. The duke's favored concubine Lady Rui Ji had borne a son, Tu. Tu was young, his mother was of low birth and poor character, and the ministers feared he would be named heir. They proposed selecting the eldest and most worthy among the duke's sons as crown prince. Duke Jing was old, hated talk of succession, and loved Tu's mother. He wanted to install Tu but dreaded public opposition, so he told the ministers: "Let us enjoy ourselves — why worry about who will rule the state?"

In autumn, Duke Jing fell ill. He commanded Guo Huizi and Gao Zhaozi to install the young Tu as crown prince and to expel the other princes, banishing them to Lai. Duke Jing died, and Crown Prince Tu succeeded. This was the Young Lord Yan. In winter, before the burial, the other princes feared execution and all fled. Tu's half-brothers — Princes Shou, Ju, and Qian — fled to Wei; Princes Zao and Yangsheng fled to Lu. The people of Lai sang: "Duke Jing is dead, but we had no part in burying him. The army acts, but we had no part in its councils. O master, o master — whose faction do you serve?"

In the spring of the Young Lord Yan's first year, Tian Qi pretended to serve the Gao and Guo families loyally. At every court session, he rode alongside them and said: "You have the ear of the lord, and the ministers all feel threatened — they are plotting rebellion." He also told the ministers: "Gao Zhaozi is dangerous. Strike before he moves." The ministers followed his advice.

In the sixth month, Tian Qi, Bao Mu, and the ministers entered the ducal palace with troops and attacked Gao Zhaozi. When Gao heard, he and Guo Huizi tried to rescue the young lord. The ducal forces were defeated. Tian Qi's followers pursued them. Guo Huizi fled to Ju. They turned and killed Gao Zhaozi. Yan Yu fled to Lu.

In the eighth month, Qi was convulsed. Having destroyed the two chancellors, Tian Qi sent a man to Lu to summon Prince Yangsheng. Yangsheng came to Qi and was secretly hidden in Tian Qi's house. On the wuzi day of the tenth month, Tian Qi invited the ministers: "My mother has a fish-and-bean sacrifice — please come and drink." At the gathering, Tian Qi had Yangsheng concealed in a large sack, which was placed in the center of the room. He opened the sack, brought out Yangsheng, and said: "This is the ruler of Qi!" All the ministers prostrated themselves in homage.

As they were about to swear an oath and install him, Bao Mu, drunk, protested. Tian Qi lied to the ministers: "Bao Mu and I planned this together." Bao Mu was furious: "Have you forgotten Duke Jing's command?" The ministers looked at each other, on the verge of backing out. Yangsheng came forward and bowed his head to the ground: "If it is acceptable, install me. If not, let it be." Bao Mu feared bloodshed and reversed himself: "They are all sons of Duke Jing. Why should it not be acceptable?" They swore the oath and installed Yangsheng. This was Duke Dao.

Duke Dao entered the palace, had the Young Lord Yan moved to Tai, and killed him beneath a curtain. He expelled the young lord's mother, Lady Rui. Lady Rui had been of low birth and the young lord was a child, so they had no power, and the people of the state held them in contempt.

In the first year of Duke Dao, Qi attacked Lu and took Huan and Chan. Earlier, when Yangsheng was a fugitive in Lu, Ji Kangzi had given him his sister in marriage. When Yangsheng returned to take the throne, he sent for her. But Lady Ji had been having an affair with Ji Fanghou. She confessed the situation, and Lu did not dare hand her over. Qi therefore attacked Lu — and eventually brought Lady Ji back. She became his favorite, and Qi returned Lu's occupied territory.

Bao Zi had a falling-out with Duke Dao. In the fourth year, Wu and Lu attacked Qi's southern territories. Bao Zi assassinated Duke Dao, reporting the death to Wu. King Fuchai of Wu wept outside the army gate for three days and prepared to attack Qi by sea. Qi defeated them, and Wu's forces withdrew. Zhao Yang of Jin also attacked Qi, reaching Lai before withdrawing. The people of Qi jointly installed Duke Dao's son Ren. This was Duke Jian.

In the spring of Duke Jian's fourth year: Duke Jian had been in Lu together with his father Yangsheng, and his favorite Jian Zhi had been close to him there. Upon taking the throne, the duke put Jian Zhi in charge of government. Tian Chengzi feared him and repeatedly glared at him in court. Yu Yang told Duke Jian: "Tian and Jian cannot coexist. You must choose between them." The duke did not listen.

One evening, Tian Ni killed a man. Jian Zhi encountered him, seized him, and brought him in. The Tian clan closed ranks. They had the prisoner feign illness, sent wine to the guards, got them drunk, killed the guards, and freed him. Jian Zhi swore an oath with all the Tian kinsmen at the Chen ancestral temple.

Earlier, Tian Bao had wanted to serve Jian Zhi and had sent Gongsun to recommend him, but Bao was in mourning and the matter was delayed. Later he finally became Jian Zhi's retainer and won his favor. Jian Zhi said to him: "I will expel the entire Tian clan and install you in their place — what do you say?" Bao replied: "I have distanced myself from the Tian clan. Besides, those who oppose you are only a few men — why expel them all?" He then informed the Tian clan. Zi Xing said: "He has the lord's backing. If we do not strike first, disaster will fall on us." Zi Xing took up residence in the ducal palace.

On the renshen day of the fifth month, Tian Chengzi and his brothers came to the palace in four chariots. Jian Zhi was in a tent. He came out to greet them. They entered and shut the gate. Eunuchs tried to block them; Zi Xing killed the eunuchs. The duke was drinking with women on the Sandalwood Terrace. Tian Chengzi moved them to the inner chamber. The duke seized a halberd to strike him. The Grand Historian Ziyu said: "This is not disloyalty — he means to remove a threat." Tian Chengzi withdrew to the storehouse. Hearing the duke was still angry, he prepared to leave, saying: "Where is there no lord to serve?" Zi Xing drew his sword and said: "Hesitation is the enemy of action. Who among us is not of the Tian lineage? I swear by the Tian ancestors — if I do not kill you for deserting, may I be struck down." Chengzi stayed.

Jian Zhi went home, gathered his followers, and attacked the palace's inner and outer gates but could not break through. He fled. The Tian clan pursued him. The people of Fengqiu captured Jian Zhi and reported it. He was killed at the Guo Gate.

Tian Chengzi was about to kill Dalu Zifang. Tian Ni interceded and spared him. Taking a chariot by ducal command, he left through the Yong Gate. Tian Bao offered him a chariot, but he refused, saying: "Ni interceded for me, and Bao offers me a chariot — I would be accepting private favors. To serve Jian Zhi while accepting favors from his enemies — how could I face the gentlemen of Lu and Wei?"

On the gengchen day, Tian Chang seized Duke Jian at Quzhou. The duke said: "If only I had followed Yu Yang's advice sooner — it would not have come to this." On the jiawu day, Tian Chang killed Duke Jian at Quzhou.

Tian Chang then installed Duke Jian's younger brother Ao. This was Duke Ping. Upon Duke Ping's installation, Tian Chang served as chancellor, monopolizing Qi's government. He carved off all of Qi east of Anping as the Tian clan's personal domain.

In the eighth year of Duke Ping, Yue destroyed Wu. In his twenty-fifth year, Duke Ping died. His son Duke Xuan, Ji, succeeded.

In the fifty-first year of Duke Xuan, he died. His son Duke Kang, Dai, succeeded. Tian Hui rebelled at Linqiu.

In the second year of Duke Kang, Han, Wei, and Zhao were first recognized as feudal lords. In the nineteenth year, Tian He — the great-grandson of Tian Chang — was for the first time recognized as a feudal lord. He banished Duke Kang to the seashore.

In the twenty-sixth year, Duke Kang died, and the house of Lu thereby lost all claim to sacrifice. The Tian clan had fully taken possession of the state of Qi. They became King Wei of Qi and grew powerful over all under Heaven.

The Grand Historian comments: I traveled to Qi, from Mount Tai through to Langya, north to the sea — two thousand li of rich soil. Its people are broad-minded and shrewd, and this is their natural character. Given the sagacity of the Grand Duke in founding the state, and the vigor of Duke Huan in cultivating good government and convening the lords in assembly to achieve hegemony — was this not fitting? How splendid it was, truly the manner of a great state!

The Grand Duke aided Zhou, wielding secret strategy. Having been marked out by the Eastern Sea, he settled at Yingqiu. Xiaobai achieved hegemony, assembling the lords nine times. But when he drowned in palace favorites, ritual vessels cracked and maggots crawled. Duke Zhuang lost his virtue; Cui Zhu became his nemesis. The Chen clan monopolized government, dispensing largesse while collecting lightly. Dukes Dao and Jian met disaster; the Tian and Kan were no true partners. The lingering afterglow — how could a single turn of fortune reverse it?