魯周公世家

The Duke of Zhou, Dan, was a younger brother of King Wu of Zhou. From King Wen's time, Dan served as a filial son, deeply benevolent, distinguished from all the other sons. When King Wu took the throne, Dan constantly supported him and was involved in most affairs of state. In King Wu's ninth year, the eastern campaign reached Mengjin, with the Duke of Zhou assisting. In the eleventh year, they attacked King Zhou of Shang and reached Muye, where the Duke of Zhou aided King Wu and composed the Oath at Mu. They shattered Yin and entered the Shang palace. After King Zhou was killed, the Duke of Zhou held the great battle-axe and the Duke of Shao held the lesser battle-axe, flanking King Wu as they consecrated the altar of soil with blood and proclaimed King Zhou's crimes to Heaven and to the Yin people. They freed Jizi from prison, enfeoffed King Zhou's son Wu Geng Lufu and appointed Guan Shu and Cai Shu to oversee him, continuing the Yin sacrifices. They enfeoffed meritorious ministers and kinsmen throughout the realm. The Duke of Zhou was enfeoffed at Qufu in the old domain of Shaohao — this was the Lordship of Lu. But the Duke of Zhou did not go to take up his fief. He remained to assist King Wu.

Two years after King Wu conquered Yin, All-Under-Heaven was not yet settled. King Wu fell ill and would not recover. The ministers were terrified. The Grand Duke and the Duke of Shao performed divinations. The Duke of Zhou said: "We must not yet distress our former kings." He then offered himself as a pledge. He set up three altars and stood facing north, holding a jade disk and a jade scepter, and addressed the Great King, King Ji, and King Wen. The scribe read the prayer from bamboo tablets: "Your eldest grandson, King Fa, labors under grave illness. If you three kings bear a debt to Heaven for a son's life, let Dan take King Fa's place. Dan is clever and capable, possessing many talents and arts, able to serve the spirits. King Fa does not match Dan in talents and arts and cannot serve the spirits as well. He received his mandate in the court of the Supreme Lord and spread his protection to the four quarters, thereby securing your descendants upon the earth. The people of the four quarters all revere and fear him. Do not let Heaven's precious mandate fall. Our former kings will also have an eternal home to rest in. I now seek the answer from the great tortoise. If you grant my request, I will take the jade disk and scepter home to await your command. If you do not grant it, I will put away the disk and scepter."

When the Duke of Zhou had the scribe announce to the three kings his wish to take King Wu's place, he then performed the divination before all three. The diviners all said it was auspicious. He opened the documents to examine them — they were truly auspicious. The Duke of Zhou was overjoyed. He opened the lock-box and saw the written oracles were favorable. He entered and congratulated King Wu: "Your Majesty will suffer no harm. Dan has just received a mandate from the three kings — they plan for your long survival. This way can preserve me alone." The Duke of Zhou stored the prayer tablets in a bronze-bound chest and forbade the keepers to speak of it. The next day, King Wu began to recover.

Afterward, King Wu died. King Cheng was young, still in swaddling clothes. The Duke of Zhou feared that when All-Under-Heaven learned of King Wu's death, they would rebel. He therefore ascended the dais and served as regent for King Cheng, administering the government and directing the state. Guan Shu and the other brothers spread rumors throughout the land, saying: "The Duke of Zhou intends harm against King Cheng." The Duke of Zhou told the Grand Duke and the Duke of Shao, Shi: "The reason I do not step aside but act as regent is that I fear the realm will turn against Zhou, and I would have no way to face our former kings — the Great King, King Ji, and King Wen. The three kings labored anxiously over All-Under-Heaven for a long time, and only now has their work come to fruition. King Wu died young. King Cheng is a child. I do this to bring Zhou to completion." He then served as minister to King Cheng and sent his own son, Bo Qin, to take up the enfeoffment at Lu in his place. The Duke of Zhou admonished Bo Qin: "I am the son of King Wen, the brother of King Wu, and the uncle of King Cheng. My position in All-Under-Heaven is by no means low. Yet during a single washing of my hair I stop three times to grasp it and receive visitors; during a single meal I spit out my food three times to rise and attend to callers — still I fear losing the worthy men of All-Under-Heaven. When you go to Lu, be careful never to be arrogant with men because you possess a state."

Guan Shu, Cai Shu, Wu Geng, and the others did indeed rally the Huai Yi and revolt. The Duke of Zhou, bearing King Cheng's mandate, raised an army and campaigned eastward, composing the Great Announcement. He executed Guan Shu, killed Wu Geng, and banished Cai Shu. He settled the remnant Yin people, enfeoffing Kang Shu at Wei and Weizi at Song to continue the Yin sacrifices. He pacified the Huai Yi and the eastern lands, completing the task within two years. All the lords submitted to the Zhou royal house.

Heaven sent down blessings. Uncle Tang obtained a grain stalk with two different stalks sharing a single ear, and presented it to King Cheng. King Cheng ordered Uncle Tang to give it as a gift to the Duke of Zhou in the eastern lands, and composed the "Presenting Grain." When the Duke of Zhou received the Heaven-blessed grain, he praised the Son of Heaven's command and composed the "Excellent Grain." Once the eastern lands were settled, the Duke of Zhou returned to report to King Cheng and composed a poem for the king, called "The Owl." The king did not yet dare to admonish the Duke of Zhou.

In the second month of King Cheng's seventh year, on the yiwei day, the king departed from Zhou on foot, arrived at Feng, and sent the Grand Guardian, the Duke of Shao, ahead to Luo to survey the terrain. In the third month, the Duke of Zhou went to build the completed Zhou capital at Luoyi. He performed divination about the site, and the result was auspicious. He then established the city.

King Cheng grew up and became able to govern. The Duke of Zhou then returned political authority to King Cheng, and King Cheng presided over court. During the time the Duke of Zhou had governed on King Cheng's behalf, he had faced south, leaning against the ceremonial screen, to receive the lords. After seven years, when he returned governance to King Cheng, he faced north and took the position of a subject, sighing as if in awe.

Earlier, when King Cheng was young and fell ill, the Duke of Zhou cut his own fingernails, sank them in the Yellow River, and prayed to the spirits: "The king is young and has no understanding. If anyone has offended the spirits' commands, it is Dan." He also stored this prayer in the archives. King Cheng recovered from his illness. Later, when King Cheng came to power, people slandered the Duke of Zhou, and the Duke fled to Chu. King Cheng opened the archives and discovered the Duke of Zhou's prayer. He wept and summoned the Duke of Zhou back. After returning, the Duke feared that as King Cheng matured, his governance might grow dissolute. He composed the "Many Officers" and the "Against Indulgence." The "Against Indulgence" states: "When a father builds an enterprise that lasts long, and his sons and grandsons grow arrogant and extravagant and forget it, their house perishes. Should not a son be cautious? Consider the Yin king Zhongzong — stern, reverent, and respectful of Heaven's mandate, he governed the people with self-discipline, trembling with fear and never daring to be lax, so Zhongzong held the state for seventy-five years. Then there was Gaozong — he long labored among the people, working alongside commoners. Upon taking the throne, he observed a period of silent mourning for three years. When he spoke, it brought joy. He dared not be lax and silently brought peace to the Yin state, so that none, great or small, bore resentment. Gaozong held the state for fifty-five years. Then there was Zu Jia — he did not presume to be king, but long lived among the common people, understanding their needs. He could care for and provide for the lowly and did not abuse the widowed and orphaned. Zu Jia held the state for thirty-three years." The "Many Officers" states: "From Tang to Di Yi, every one maintained the sacrifices and manifested virtue, and every ruler was worthy to partner with Heaven. But the current successor, King Zhou, is wildly dissolute and indulgent, heedless of Heaven and the people who follow him. His people are all deserving of punishment." And: "King Wen from midday until the sun slanted had no time to eat, and he held the state for fifty years." He composed these to admonish King Cheng.

King Cheng was at Feng. All-Under-Heaven was at peace, but the Zhou government's offices were not yet properly ordered. The Duke of Zhou then composed the "Offices of Zhou," distinguishing the proper functions of each office, and composed the "Establishing Governance" to benefit the common people. The people were pleased.

The Duke of Zhou fell ill at Feng and was about to die. He said: "You must bury me at Chengzhou, to make clear that I dare not leave King Cheng's side." When the Duke of Zhou died, King Cheng yielded to his wish — yet buried him at Bi, alongside King Wen, saying: "This is to make clear that I, your young servant, do not dare treat the Duke of Zhou as a mere subject."

After the Duke of Zhou's death, before the autumn harvest was gathered, a violent windstorm struck with thunder. The grain was all flattened, and great trees were uprooted. The Zhou domain was terrified. King Cheng and his ministers put on court robes and opened the metal-bound chest. The king then discovered the Duke of Zhou's prayer offering himself in place of King Wu. The two dukes and the king questioned the scribes and all the officials. They said: "It is true. The Duke of Zhou commanded us not to dare speak of it." King Cheng held the document and wept, saying: "From now on, we need perform no further anxious divination! In the past, the Duke of Zhou labored for the royal house, but I was a mere child and did not know. Now Heaven has shown its power to make manifest the Duke of Zhou's virtue. I, your young servant, shall go out to welcome it — the rites of our state demand it." The king went out to the suburbs. Heaven then sent rain, the wind reversed, and the grain all rose again. The two dukes ordered the people of the domain to raise up and replant every great tree that had been blown down. That year saw a great harvest. King Cheng then decreed that Lu might perform the suburban sacrifice to King Wen. The reason Lu possessed the ritual music of the Son of Heaven was to honor the virtue of the Duke of Zhou.

After the Duke of Zhou died, his son Bo Qin had already taken up his enfeoffment — he was the Lord of Lu. When Bo Qin first received his fief in Lu, three years passed before he reported on governance to the Duke of Zhou. The Duke asked: "Why so slow?" Bo Qin said: "I had to transform the customs, reform the rites, and enforce three years of mourning before lifting them — that is why it was slow." The Grand Duke had also been enfeoffed at Qi and reported on governance within five months. The Duke of Zhou asked: "Why so fast?" He replied: "I simplified the protocols between lord and minister and adapted to local customs." Later, when the Duke of Zhou heard that Bo Qin's report came slowly, he sighed: "Alas, in future generations Lu will face north and serve Qi! If governance is not simple and easy, the people will not feel close to it. Plain and easy governance that stays close to the people — the people will flock to it."

After Bo Qin took power, the rebellion of Guan, Cai, and others broke out, and the Huai Yi and Xu Rong also rose in revolt. Bo Qin led his army against them at Bi and composed the Bi Oath: "Array your armor and helmets — let none dare be careless. Do not dare harm the tethered animals. If horses or cattle stray, or servants flee, do not dare pursue them beyond bounds — respectfully bring them back. Do not dare plunder or steal or climb over walls. People of Lu's three suburbs and three tunnel-roads — prepare your fodder, provisions, and building timbers, and let none dare fall short. On the jiaxu day I will fortify our position and campaign against the Xu Rong. Any who dare not keep up will face severe punishment." With this oath, he pacified the Xu Rong and secured Lu.

When Bo Qin died, his son Duke Kao Qiu succeeded. Duke Kao died in his fourth year, and his brother Xi was established — this was Duke Yang. Duke Yang built the Thatched Gate Tower. He died in his sixth year. His son Duke You Zai succeeded and ruled fourteen years. Duke You's brother Xi killed him and took the throne — this was Duke Wei. Duke Wei died after fifty years. His son Duke Li Zhuo succeeded and died after thirty-seven years. The people of Lu established his brother Ju — this was Duke Xian. Duke Xian died after thirty-two years. His son Duke Zhen Bi succeeded.

In the fourteenth year of Duke Zhen, King Li of Zhou ruled unjustly, fled to Zhi, and the Gonghe Regency administered the government. In the twenty-ninth year, King Xuan of Zhou took the throne.

In Duke Zhen's thirtieth year he died. His brother Ao succeeded — this was Duke Wu.

In the spring of Duke Wu's ninth year, Duke Wu brought his elder son Kuo and his younger son Xi to pay court to King Xuan of Zhou in the west. King Xuan took a liking to Xi and wished to make him crown prince of Lu. Fan Zhongshan Fu, a Zhou minister, remonstrated: "To set aside the elder and establish the younger is contrary to order. What is contrary to order will invite defiance of the royal command. Defiance will require punishment. Therefore commands must be in proper order. If commands are not carried out, governance cannot be established. If carried out but in improper order, the people will abandon their superiors. The younger serving the elder, the lower serving the higher — this is order. Now for the Son of Heaven to establish a lord and select the younger son is to teach the people disobedience. If Lu follows this, other lords will imitate it, and royal commands will be obstructed. If Lu does not follow and is punished, it is the royal command itself that is being punished. To punish is a mistake, and not to punish is also a mistake. May the king reconsider." King Xuan did not listen and ultimately made Xi the crown prince of Lu. In summer, Duke Wu returned home and died. Xi took the throne — this was Duke Yi.

In Duke Yi's ninth year, Boyu, the son of Yi's elder brother Kuo, together with the people of Lu attacked and killed Duke Yi, and established Boyu as ruler. After Boyu had been on the throne for eleven years, King Xuan of Zhou attacked Lu, killed Boyu, and asked which prince of Lu could lead the lords in obedience to be made ruler of Lu. Fan Muzhong said: "Cheng, younger brother of Duke Yi of Lu, is solemn, reverent, and attentive to the spirits. He respectfully serves the elders. In levying duties and administering punishment, he always consults the inherited teachings and seeks counsel from the wise and reliable. He does not overstep what he is told, nor violate what is counseled." King Xuan said: "Very well, he can instruct and govern his people." He then established Cheng at the Yi Palace — this was Duke Xiao. From this time on, many lords defied royal commands.

In the twenty-fifth year of Duke Xiao, the lords rebelled against Zhou, and the Quanrong killed King You. Qin first came to be listed among the lords.

In his twenty-seventh year, Duke Xiao died. His son Fuhuang succeeded — this was Duke Hui.

In the thirtieth year of Duke Hui, the men of Jin assassinated their lord Duke Zhao. In the forty-fifth year, they again assassinated their lord Duke Xiao.

In the forty-sixth year, Duke Hui died. His eldest illegitimate son Xi served as regent, carrying out the ruler's duties — this was Duke Yin. Originally, Duke Hui's principal consort had no sons. A lesser concubine called Shengzi bore a son, Xi. When Xi grew up, a bride was obtained for him from Song. The Song woman arrived and was beautiful. Duke Hui took her from Xi and married her himself. She bore a son, Yun. The Song woman was raised to the rank of principal consort, and Yun was made crown prince. When Duke Hui died, since Yun was young, the people of Lu collectively appointed Xi as regent. He was not said to have taken the throne.

In the fifth year of Duke Yin, he went to observe fishing at Tang. In the eighth year, he exchanged the Son of Heaven's Mount Tai town of Beng with Zheng for Xutian. Men of discernment criticized this.

In the winter of the eleventh year, Prince Hui flatteringly told Duke Yin: "The people are comfortable with you as ruler. You should remain on the throne permanently. Let me kill Prince Yun for you, and you can make me chief minister." Duke Yin said: "There is our late lord's command. I served as regent because Yun was young. Now Yun is grown. I am just preparing a retirement estate at Tuqiu to grow old there, and then hand governance to Yun." Hui feared that Yun would hear of his proposal and have him killed, so he reversed himself and slandered Duke Yin to Yun, saying: "Duke Yin intends to stay permanently on the throne and remove you. You must act. Let me kill Duke Yin for you." Yun agreed. In the eleventh month, Duke Yin performed sacrifices at Zhongwu, purified himself at Shepu, and lodged at the Wei house. Hui had men kill Duke Yin at the Wei house, and established Yun as ruler — this was Duke Huan.

In the first year of Duke Huan, Zheng exchanged jade disks for the Son of Heaven's Xutian. In the second year, he placed a tripod cauldron received as a bribe from Song into the Grand Ancestral Temple. Men of discernment criticized this.

In the third year, Hui was sent to fetch a bride from Qi as consort. In the sixth year, the consort bore a son on the same day as Duke Huan's birthday, so the child was named Tong. When Tong grew up, he was made crown prince.

In the sixteenth year, he met with Cao and attacked Zheng, installing Duke Li.

In the spring of the eighteenth year, the duke was about to travel. He went with his consort to Qi. Shen Xu remonstrated, but the duke did not listen and proceeded to Qi. Duke Xiang of Qi was having an affair with Duke Huan's consort. The duke reproached his wife. She told the Duke of Qi. On the bingzi day of the fourth month in summer, Duke Xiang of Qi hosted a banquet for the duke. When the duke was drunk, Xiang ordered Prince Pengsheng to carry Duke Huan of Lu, and then commanded Pengsheng to break his ribs. The duke died in his carriage. The people of Lu sent word to Qi: "Our lord, in awe of your might, dared not rest easy. He came to perform the rites of friendship. The rites were completed, yet he did not return. We have no one else to blame — we request that Pengsheng be punished to remove the disgrace before the lords." The people of Qi killed Pengsheng to appease Lu. They established Crown Prince Tong — this was Duke Zhuang. Duke Zhuang's mother, the consort, remained in Qi and dared not return to Lu.

In the winter of Duke Zhuang's fifth year, Lu attacked Wei and installed Duke Hui of Wei.

In the eighth year, Prince Jiu of Qi came seeking refuge. In the ninth year, Lu wished to install Prince Jiu in Qi, but Duke Huan of Qi gained the upper hand. Duke Huan sent troops to attack Lu. In desperation, Lu killed Prince Jiu. Zhao Hu died with him. Qi demanded that Lu deliver Guan Zhong alive. The Lu minister Shi Bo said: "Qi wants Guan Zhong not to kill him but to employ him. If they use him, he will become a threat to Lu. Better to kill him and send the corpse." Duke Zhuang did not listen and sent Guan Zhong as a prisoner to Qi. Qi made Guan Zhong chief minister.

In the thirteenth year, Duke Zhuang of Lu and Cao Mo met Duke Huan of Qi at Ke. Cao Mo seized Duke Huan at knifepoint and demanded the return of Lu's lost territory. Once the covenant was sworn, he released Duke Huan. Duke Huan wanted to renege on the agreement, but Guan Zhong remonstrated, and he ultimately returned Lu's territory. In the fifteenth year, Duke Huan of Qi first became hegemon. In the twenty-third year, Duke Zhuang went to Qi to observe the she sacrifices.

In the thirty-second year: earlier, Duke Zhuang had built a terrace overlooking the Dang clan. He spotted the Meng woman, took a liking to her, promised to make her his consort, and they sealed an oath by cutting their arms. The Meng woman bore a son, Ban. When Ban grew up, he admired a woman of the Liang clan and went to see her. A groom named Luo flirted with the Liang woman from outside the wall. Ban was furious and whipped Luo. Duke Zhuang heard of it and said: "Luo is a man of great strength. You should have killed him outright — you cannot whip such a man and let it go at that." Ban had not yet killed Luo when Duke Zhuang fell ill.

Duke Zhuang had three younger brothers: the eldest was Qingfu, the next was Shuya, and the youngest was Jiyou. Duke Zhuang had taken a Qi woman as his consort, called Lady Ai Jiang, who had no children. Ai Jiang's younger sister, Shu Jiang, bore a son named Kai. Duke Zhuang had no legitimate heir. Loving the Meng woman, he wished to establish her son Ban. When the duke grew ill, he asked his brother Shuya about the succession. Shuya said: "Alternating between sons and brothers is Lu's custom. With Qingfu here, you have a successor — what is there to worry about?" Duke Zhuang, alarmed that Shuya wanted to establish Qingfu, withdrew and consulted Jiyou. Jiyou said: "I will establish Ban even at the cost of my life." The duke said: "But Shuya just proposed Qingfu. What shall we do?" Jiyou, on the duke's authority, summoned Shuya to the house of Zhen Wu and had Zhen Ji force Shuya to drink poisoned wine, saying: "Drink this and your line will have descendants to maintain the sacrifices. Otherwise, you die without posterity." Shuya drank the poison and died. Lu established his sons as the Shusun clan. On the guihai day of the eighth month, Duke Zhuang died. Jiyou established Ban as ruler, in accordance with the duke's command. They were attending the funeral and lodging at the Dang estate.

Earlier, Qingfu had been secretly involved with Lady Ai Jiang and wished to establish Ai Jiang's sister's son Kai. When Duke Zhuang died and Jiyou established Ban, on the jiwei day of the tenth month, Qingfu sent the groom Luo to kill Prince Ban at the Dang estate. Jiyou fled to Chen. Qingfu established Duke Zhuang's son Kai — this was Duke Min.

In the second year of Duke Min, Qingfu's affair with Ai Jiang grew even more flagrant. Ai Jiang and Qingfu plotted to kill Duke Min and establish Qingfu as ruler. Qingfu sent Bu Yi to assassinate Duke Min at the Wu Gate. Jiyou heard of this, and from Chen he brought Duke Min's younger brother Shen to Zhu, petitioning Lu to accept them. The people of Lu wanted to execute Qingfu. Qingfu panicked and fled to Ju. Jiyou then escorted Prince Shen into Lu and established him — this was Duke Xi. Duke Xi was also a younger son of Duke Zhuang. Ai Jiang, terrified, fled to Zhu. Jiyou used bribes to request Qingfu's return from Ju. Qingfu returned, and Jiyou sent men to kill him. Qingfu begged to be allowed to flee, but his request was denied. The minister Xi Si was sent, wailing, to bring the message. When Qingfu heard Xi Si's voice, he killed himself. Duke Huan of Qi, hearing how Ai Jiang and Qingfu's affair had endangered Lu, summoned Ai Jiang from Zhu and killed her, sending her corpse back to be displayed publicly in Lu. Duke Xi of Lu requested and received permission to bury her.

Jiyou's mother was a woman of Chen, so he had fled to Chen in exile, and Chen therefore helped escort Jiyou and Prince Shen. When Jiyou was about to be born, his father Duke Huan of Lu had a divination performed, which said: "A boy. His name shall be 'You' ('Friend'). He will stand between the two altars of soil as a pillar of the ducal house. If Jiyou perishes, Lu will not flourish." When he was born, there were markings on his palm reading 'You,' and he was accordingly given that name. His style-name was Chengji. His descendants became the Ji clan. Qingfu's descendants became the Meng clan.

In the first year of Duke Xi, he enfeoffed Jiyou with Wenyang and Bi. Jiyou served as chief minister.

In the ninth year, Li Ke of Jin killed the rulers Xiqi and Zhuozi. Duke Huan of Qi led Duke Xi to punish the disorder in Jin. They reached Gaoliang and returned, establishing Duke Hui of Jin. In the seventeenth year, Duke Huan of Qi died. In the twenty-fourth year, Duke Wen of Jin took the throne.

In the thirty-third year, Duke Xi died. His son Xing succeeded — this was Duke Wen of Lu.

In the first year of Duke Wen, the Chu crown prince Shangchen murdered his father King Cheng and took his place. In the third year, Duke Wen went to pay court to Duke Xiang of Jin.

On the jiawu day of the tenth month of the eleventh year, Lu defeated the Di at Xian, capturing the tall Di warrior Qiaoru. Fufu Zhongsheng struck his throat and killed him with a halberd, burying his head at the Gate of Ziju, and thereby conferring the name on Duke Xuan Bo.

In the fifteenth year, Ji Wenzi was sent on a mission to Jin.

In the second month of the eighteenth year, Duke Wen died. Duke Wen had two consorts: the senior was a Qi woman called Ai Jiang, who bore sons E and Shi; the junior was Jing Ying, a favorite, who bore a son named Tui. Tui privately served Xiang Zhong, who wished to establish him. Shuzhong objected. Xiang Zhong petitioned Duke Hui of Qi, who was newly enthroned and wished to befriend Lu, so he agreed. In the winter, in the tenth month, Xiang Zhong killed Princes E and Shi and established Tui — this was Duke Xuan. Ai Jiang returned to Qi, weeping as she passed through the marketplace, crying: "Heaven! Xiang Zhong has committed an outrage — killing the legitimate heirs to establish a concubine's son!" The marketplace people all wept, and the people of Lu called her 'Ai Jiang' (the Sorrowful Lady). From this point the ducal house of Lu declined and the Three Huan grew powerful.

In the twelfth year of Duke Xuan Tui, King Zhuang of Chu grew powerful and besieged Zheng. The Lord of Zheng surrendered, and Chu restored him.

In the eighteenth year, Duke Xuan died. His son Duke Cheng Heigong succeeded. Ji Wenzi said: "The one who made us kill the legitimate heirs and establish an illegitimate son, losing us our great support, was Xiang Zhong." Xiang Zhong had established Duke Xuan, and Gongsun Guifu had been in favor. Duke Xuan had wished to eliminate the Three Huan and conspired with Jin to attack them. But then Duke Xuan died. Ji Wenzi resented Guifu, and Guifu fled to Qi.

In the spring of Duke Cheng's second year, Qi attacked and took our town of Long. In summer, the Duke and Xi Ke of Jin defeated Duke Qing of Qi at An. Qi returned our lost territory. In the fourth year, Duke Cheng went to Jin. Duke Jing of Jin was disrespectful to Lu. Lu considered breaking with Jin and allying with Chu, but someone remonstrated and the plan was dropped. In the tenth year, Duke Cheng went to Jin. Duke Jing of Jin died, and Lu was forced to remain and attend the funeral — Lu felt humiliated. In the fifteenth year, Lu first met with King Shoumeng of Wu at Zhongli.

In the sixteenth year, Duke Xuan Bo denounced Ji Wenzi to Jin, seeking his execution. But Wenzi was a man of righteousness, and the Jin court refused.

In the eighteenth year, Duke Cheng died. His son Wu succeeded — this was Duke Xiang. He was three years old at the time.

In the first year of Duke Xiang, Jin established Duke Dao. The previous winter, Luan Shu of Jin had murdered his lord Duke Li. In the fourth year, Duke Xiang went to pay court to Jin.

In the fifth year, Ji Wenzi died. His household had no concubines dressed in silk, his stables had no horses fed on grain, and his treasury had no gold or jade — yet he had served as chief minister to three successive dukes. Men of discernment said: "Ji Wenzi was incorruptible and loyal."

In the ninth year, Lu joined Jin to attack Zheng. Duke Dao of Jin performed the capping ceremony for Duke Xiang at Wei, with Ji Wuzi in attendance to assist with the ritual.

In the eleventh year, the Three Huan clans divided the military into three armies.

In the twelfth year, he went to Jin. In the sixteenth year, Duke Ping of Jin took the throne. In the twenty-first year, he paid court to Duke Ping of Jin.

In the twenty-second year, Confucius was born.

In the twenty-fifth year, Cui Zhu of Qi murdered his lord Duke Zhuang and established his brother Duke Jing.

In the twenty-ninth year, Jizha of Yanling, from Wu, came on a mission to Lu. He asked to hear the Zhou music and understood its full meaning. The people of Lu were deeply impressed.

In the sixth month of the thirty-first year, Duke Xiang died. In the ninth month, the crown prince also died. The people of Lu established Qichao, the son of Qi Gui, as ruler — this was Duke Zhao.

Duke Zhao was nineteen but still had a childish temperament. Mushu did not wish to establish him, saying: "The crown prince has died. There are his mother's younger sons who could be established — one need not choose the eldest. Among equals in age, choose the worthiest; among equals in merit, consult the oracle. Qichao is not the legitimate heir. Moreover, during the mourning period, his mind was not on grief but showed signs of happiness. If he is established, he will surely bring trouble to the Ji clan." Ji Wuzi did not listen and established him. Before the funeral was even complete, the new duke changed his mourning clothes three times. Men of discernment said: "He will not last."

In Duke Zhao's third year, he went to pay court to Jin but was turned back at the Yellow River by Duke Ping of Jin. Lu felt humiliated. In the fourth year, King Ling of Chu convened the lords at Shen, but Duke Zhao pleaded illness and did not attend. In the seventh year, Ji Wuzi died. In the eighth year, King Ling of Chu was at the Zhanghua Terrace and summoned Duke Zhao. Duke Zhao went to congratulate him and was given precious vessels, but later Chu regretted it and fraudulently took them back. In the twelfth year, he went to Jin but was again turned back at the river. In the thirteenth year, the Chu prince Qiji murdered King Ling and took his place. In the fifteenth year, he went to Jin, and Jin detained him to attend the funeral of Duke Zhao of Jin — Lu was humiliated. In the twentieth year, Duke Jing of Qi and Yanzi went hunting near the border and entered Lu to inquire about ritual. In the twenty-first year, he went to Jin and was again turned back at the river.

In the spring of the twenty-fifth year, mynah birds came to nest. The official Shi Ji said: "A children's song from the time of Dukes Wen and Cheng went: 'When the mynah birds come to nest, the duke is at Ganhou. When the mynah birds take up residence, the duke is in the wilderness.'"

The Ji and Hou clans held a cockfight. The Ji side coated their rooster's feathers with mustard; the Hou side fitted metal spurs. Ji Pingzi was furious and encroached on the Hou estate. Hou Zhaobo was likewise furious at Pingzi. Zang Zhaobo's brother Hui spread false slanders against the Zang clan and hid among the Ji. Zang Zhaobo imprisoned Ji clan retainers. Ji Pingzi was furious and imprisoned a Zang elder. The Zang and Hou clans reported their grievances to Duke Zhao. On the wuxu day of the ninth month, Duke Zhao attacked the Ji clan and forced his way in. Pingzi climbed a tower and pleaded: "If my lord finds me guilty on the basis of slanders without examining the charges, and condemns me, let me be exiled to the banks of the Yi." The duke refused. Pingzi asked to be imprisoned at Bi. Refused. He asked to flee with just five chariots. Refused. Zijia Ju said: "My lord, you should grant his request. The Ji have controlled governance for a long time. Their followers are many, and the many will join together against you." The duke did not listen. The Hou clan said: "He must be killed." Li, a retainer of the Shusun clan, told his men: "Which serves us better — no Ji clan, or the Ji clan?" All said: "No Ji clan means no Shusun clan either." Li said: "Then rescue the Ji!" They routed the duke's forces. When Meng Yizi heard that the Shusun had won, he too killed Hou Zhaobo. Hou Zhaobo had been the duke's envoy, and so the Meng clan seized him. The three families together attacked the duke, and the duke fled. On the jihai day, the duke reached Qi. Duke Jing of Qi said: "I will provide a thousand she of land and await your lordship." Zijia said: "To abandon the legacy of the Duke of Zhou and become a vassal of Qi — is that acceptable?" They declined. Zijia said: "Duke Jing of Qi is untrustworthy. Better to go to Jin early." The duke did not follow this advice. Shusun went to see the duke, then returned and met Pingzi. Pingzi prostrated himself. At first he wished to welcome Duke Zhao back, but Mengsun and Jisun later regretted it, and the plan was dropped.

In the spring of the twenty-sixth year, Qi attacked Lu, took Yun, and settled Duke Zhao there. In summer, Duke Jing of Qi was about to restore the duke, ordering that no bribes from Lu be accepted. But Shen Feng and Ru Jia promised the Qi ministers Gao He and Zijiang five thousand yu of grain. Zijiang told the Duke of Qi: "The ministers cannot serve the Lu ruler — something is wrong. Duke Yuan of Song went to Jin on Lu's behalf to seek the duke's restoration but died on the road. Shusun Zhaozi sought to restore his lord and died though he was not ill. Is it that Heaven has abandoned Lu? Or has the Lu ruler offended the spirits? I recommend that Your Lordship wait." Duke Jing of Qi followed this advice.

In the twenty-eighth year, Duke Zhao went to Jin seeking restoration. Ji Pingzi bribed the six Jin ministers privately. The six accepted the Ji clan's bribes and advised the Jin ruler against acting. The Jin ruler stopped, and Duke Zhao was settled at Ganhou. In the twenty-ninth year, Duke Zhao went to Yun. Duke Jing of Qi sent a letter to Duke Zhao addressing himself as 'your host-lord.' Duke Zhao was humiliated and angrily left for Ganhou. In the thirty-first year, Jin wished to restore Duke Zhao and summoned Ji Pingzi. Pingzi went in plain clothes and barefoot, using the six ministers as intermediaries to apologize. The six said: "Jin wishes to restore Duke Zhao, but the people will not follow." Jin desisted. In the thirty-second year, Duke Zhao died at Ganhou. The people of Lu jointly established Duke Zhao's brother Song — this was Duke Ding.

When Duke Ding was established, Zhao Jianzi of Jin asked the historian Shi Mo: "Will the Ji clan perish?" Shi Mo replied: "No. Jiyou rendered great services to Lu and received Bi as a senior minister. Through Wenzi and Wuzi, they increased their inheritance generation by generation. When Duke Wen of Lu died, Dongmen Sui killed the legitimate heirs and established an illegitimate son, and from that point the Lu ruler lost control of governance. Power has been with the Ji for four lords now. The people do not know the ruler — how can he hold the state? This is why a ruler must guard his instruments and titles carefully, and never lend them to others."

In the fifth year of Duke Ding, Ji Pingzi died. Yang Hu, in a private rage, imprisoned Ji Huanzi, forced him to swear a covenant, and then released him. In the seventh year, Qi attacked Lu and took Yun, making it Yang Hu's base for conducting governance. In the eighth year, Yang Hu plotted to kill all the legitimate heirs of the Three Huan and replace them with illegitimate sons of his choosing. He seized Ji Huanzi to kill him, but Huanzi escaped through a ruse. The Three Huan jointly attacked Yang Hu. Yang Hu held Yangguan. In the ninth year, Lu attacked Yang Hu. He fled to Qi and then to the Zhao clan in Jin.

In the tenth year, Duke Ding and Duke Jing of Qi met at Jiagu. Confucius served as master of ceremonies. Qi planned to ambush the ruler of Lu, but Confucius invoked ritual protocol as he ascended the steps and condemned Qi's improper entertainment. The Duke of Qi was alarmed and desisted, returning Lu's lost territory and apologizing. In the twelfth year, Confucius had Zhong You demolish the Three Huan's fortifications and confiscate their weapons. The Meng clan refused to raze their walls. An attack was launched but failed, and the effort was abandoned. Ji Huanzi accepted female musicians from Qi, and Confucius departed.

In the fifteenth year, Duke Ding died. His son Jiang succeeded — this was Duke Ai.

In the fifth year of Duke Ai, Duke Jing of Qi died. In the sixth year, Tian Qi of Qi murdered his lord, the child ruler.

In the seventh year, King Fuchai of Wu grew powerful, attacked Qi, reached Zeng, and demanded a hundred sets of sacrificial animals from Lu. Ji Kangzi sent Zigong to persuade the king of Wu and the Grand Steward Bo Pi, using ritual protocol to deflect the demand. The king of Wu said: "My people tattoo their bodies — we cannot be held to ritual standards." The demand was dropped.

In the eighth year, Wu attacked Lu on behalf of Zou, reaching the city walls, making a covenant before withdrawing. Qi attacked Lu and took three towns. In the tenth year, Lu attacked Qi's southern border. In the eleventh year, Qi attacked Lu. The Ji clan, noting Ran You's meritorious service, thought of Confucius. Confucius returned to Lu from Wei.

In the fourteenth year, Tian Chang of Qi murdered his lord Duke Jian at Quzhou. Confucius requested permission to mount a punitive expedition. Duke Ai would not listen. In the fifteenth year, Zifu Jingbo was sent with Zigong as deputy to Qi. Qi returned the occupied territory. Tian Chang, newly serving as chief minister, wished to befriend the lords.

In the sixteenth year, Confucius died.

In the twenty-second year, King Goujian of Yue destroyed King Fuchai of Wu.

In the spring of the twenty-seventh year, Ji Kangzi died. In summer, Duke Ai, resentful of the Three Huan, planned to use foreign lords to coerce them. The Three Huan also feared the duke would cause trouble, so suspicion grew between ruler and ministers. The duke was strolling at Lingban and encountered Meng Wubo on the road. He said: "May I ask — will I live to die a natural death?" The reply was: "I do not know." The duke wished to use Yue to attack the Three Huan. In the eighth month, Duke Ai went to the Xing estate. The Three Huan attacked the duke. He fled to Wei, then to Zou, then to Yue. The people of the state went to welcome Duke Ai and brought him back. He died at the Youshan estate. His son Ning succeeded — this was Duke Dao.

In Duke Dao's time, the Three Huan had won completely. Lu was like a minor lordship, humbled below the houses of the Three Huan.

In the thirteenth year, the three houses of Jin destroyed Zhi Bo and divided his territory among themselves.

In Duke Dao's thirty-seventh year he died. His son Jia succeeded — this was Duke Yuan. Duke Yuan died in his twenty-first year. His son Xian succeeded — this was Duke Mu. Duke Mu died in his thirty-third year. His son Fen succeeded — this was Duke Gong. Duke Gong died in his twenty-second year. His son Tun succeeded — this was Duke Kang. Duke Kang died in his ninth year. His son Yan succeeded — this was Duke Jing. Duke Jing died in his twenty-ninth year. His son Shu succeeded — this was Duke Ping. At this time all six major states had claimed the title of king.

In the twelfth year of Duke Ping, King Hui of Qin died. In his twentieth year, Duke Ping died. His son Jia succeeded — this was Duke Wen. In the first year of Duke Wen, King Huai of Chu died in Qin. In his twenty-third year, Duke Wen died. His son Chou succeeded — this was Duke Qing.

In the second year of Duke Qing, Qin took the Chu capital Ying. King Qing of Chu moved east to Chen. In the nineteenth year, Chu attacked Lu and took Xuzhou. In the twenty-fourth year, King Kaolie of Chu attacked and destroyed Lu. Duke Qing fled and was relocated to Xiayi, reduced to commoner status. Lu's sacrifices were extinguished. Duke Qing died at Ke.

From the Duke of Zhou to Duke Qing, Lu lasted thirty-four generations.

The Grand Historian says: I have heard Confucius declare, "How grievous is the decline of Lu's Way! The region between the Zhu and Si rivers is full of contention." When one considers the chaos of Qingfu, Shuya, and Duke Min's time — how disordered it was! The affair of Dukes Yin and Huan; Xiang Zhong killing the legitimate heirs to establish an illegitimate son; the three families facing north as nominal subjects yet personally attacking Duke Zhao, driving him into exile. As for their performance of the rites of deference and yielding — they observed the forms perfectly. Yet their actual conduct — how violent it was!

King Wu died, and King Cheng was a young orphan. The Duke of Zhou served as regent, leaning on the screen and consulting the maps. When he returned to the ranks of subjects, he faced north and sighed. His eldest son was enfeoffed at Lu, the domain of Shaohao. They flanked and supported the royal house, their duty unwavering. Down to King Xiao's time, Muzhong praised Lu's virtue. Duke Yin could yield the state — this was the beginning of the Spring and Autumn. Qiu Ming took up the bamboo tablets and wrote down praise and blame in full.