Brief: This article recounts the legendary recruitment of Baili Xi by Duke Mu of Qin. It details how Duke Mu, seeking talent, discovered Baili Xi was herding horses in Chu. To avoid alerting the Chu king to Baili Xi’s value, Duke Mu ransomed him for merely five sheepskins, pretending he was just a fugitive slave. Upon their reunion, Baili Xi recommended his friend Jian Shu, and together with other capable men – including Baili Xi’s long-lost son Mengming Shi – they formed a powerful cabinet. This assembly of talent enabled Qin to strengthen its military, subdue border tribes like the Jiangrong, and lay the foundation for its rise as a dominant state during the Spring and Autumn period.
Duke Mu’s quest for talent
As Duke Huan of Qi aged, Duke Mu of Qin (whose state was then located in parts of present-day Gansu and Shaanxi) saw an opportunity to expand his influence and aspire to leadership among the central states.
Unlike other rulers who contended for territory, Duke Mu believed that achieving great deeds required talent, and that relying on one or two individuals was insufficient. He thus sought capable men from across the land.
In employing personnel, Duke Mu held a unique view: he was reluctant to empower the nobility of his own state, fearing their influence might overshadow his own authority. He preferred to recruit outsiders, as their power would be personal and not entrenched in familial networks that could challenge the ruler.
A talented man in disguise
In 655 BCE, Duke Mu sent his kinsman, Prince Zhi, to the State of Jin to propose marriage. Duke Xian of Jin agreed to marry his eldest daughter to Duke Mu and provided a group of servants as part of the dowry. Someone suggested,
“Since Baili Xi refuses to serve as an official, why not include him as a dowry servant?”
Thus, Baili Xi was forced to accompany Prince Zhi and the other servants to Qin. En route, seizing a moment of inattention, he escaped.
He fled south, eventually reaching the State of Chu. The Chu people, suspecting him to be a spy from the northern states, captured and interrogated him. Baili Xi explained he was a refugee from the conquered State of Yu. Asked about his skills, he claimed to be a cattle herder. They put him to work, and his exceptional ability with livestock earned him the nickname “The Herding King.” His reputation even reached King Cheng of Chu, who assigned him to oversee horses in the southern regions.
Meanwhile, Prince Zhi, having considered the escape of an old servant insignificant, returned to Qin. On his journey, he encountered a man of great strength named Gongsun Zhi, a talented but unrecognized man from Jin. Prince Zhi brought him back and recommended him to Duke Mu.
The discovery and the ruse
After the wedding, Duke Mu reviewed the dowry servant list and noticed Baili Xi’s name was missing. Prince Zhi explained his escape. Duke Mu then asked Gongsun Zhi about Baili Xi. Gongsun Zhi praised him as a man of great capability and integrity, too proud to serve the state that destroyed his homeland. Intrigued, Duke Mu sent envoys to inquire about Baili Xi and learned he was herding horses in Chu.
Duke Mu initially considered sending gifts to King Cheng of Chu to request Baili Xi’s return. However, Gongsun Zhi advised against this:
“That must not be done. The Chu people assign him to herd horses because they do not recognize his talent. If Your Lordship petitions for him so formally, it will signal his worth to the King of Chu, who will then certainly not release him.”
Duke Mu then devised a cunning plan. He sent an envoy with five sheepskins – the standard price for a common slave – to King Cheng of Chu, stating,
“A slave of ours named Baili Xi, who committed a crime, is hiding in your honorable state. We request to ransom him back with these five sheepskins to punish him and deter other slaves from following his example.”
Deceived, King Cheng had Baili Xi arrested, placed in a prisoner’s cart, and handed over to the Qin envoy.
A statesman’s worth
Upon arriving in Qin, Baili Xi was welcomed by Gongsun Zhi and presented to Duke Mu.
The duke saw an old man with white hair and beard and asked his age.
“I am only seventy,” replied Baili Xi.
When Duke Mu sighed, regretting his advanced age, Baili Xi retorted,
“If you commanded me to chase tigers, I am indeed old. But if you seek counsel on state affairs, I am ten years younger than Jiang Ziya (the revered strategist who aided King Wen of Zhou)!”
Impressed, Duke Mu discussed strategies for enriching the state and strengthening the military with him. The conversation revealed Baili Xi’s profound wisdom, and after three days of intense discussion, Duke Mu decided to appoint him as his prime minister.
Baili Xi, however, declined.
“What am I?” he said. “My friend Jian Shu is far more capable than I. If you truly seek talent, you must invite him.”
Trusting Baili Xi’s judgment completely, Duke Mu immediately dispatched Prince Zhi to Jian Shu’s hermitage in Minglu Village with a letter of invitation.
Securing a team of advisors
Jian Shu was initially reluctant to leave his reclusive life, much to Prince Zhi’s frustration.
“If you do not go,” Prince Zhi pleaded, “I fear Baili Xi will not remain in Qin alone.”
After some thought, Jian Shu agreed for his friend’s sake. He also allowed his two sons, Xiqi Shu and Baiyi Bing, both men of notable ability whom Prince Zhi had persuaded, to accompany him.
Meeting Duke Mu, Jian Shu outlined principles of good governance with such insight that the duke was enthralled. The next day, Duke Mu appointed Jian Shu as Right Prime Minister, Baili Xi as Left Prime Minister, and Xiqi Shu and Baiyi Bing as senior officials. Thus, Qin gained a core of five exceptional men: Jian Shu, Baili Xi, Gongsun Zhi, Xiqi Shu, and Baiyi Bing.
An unexpected reunion
Soon after, another capable man arrived – Mengming Shi, the long-lost son of Baili Xi.
After Baili Xi’s departure years earlier, his wife Lady Du and their son had endured famine and hardship, eventually finding menial work in Qin. Mengming Shi grew up skilled in martial arts but restless. Hearing rumors about a prime minister ransomed for five sheepskins, he suspected it might be his father and told his mother.
Lady Du, working as a laundress, managed to enter the prime minister’s residence. During a banquet where musicians were performing, she recognized traces of her husband in the old prime minister. Borrowing a lute, she sang a poignant song recalling their past poverty:
Baili Xi,
Five sheepskins,
Do you still remember–
Steamed cabbage, millet porridge,
No firewood in the hearth,
Split the door bolt to stew the old hen?
Now rich and noble,
You’ve abandoned your son and forgotten your wife!
Moved by the lyrics, Baili Xi recognized his wife. Their tearful reunion touched all present.
Duke Mu, learning of this, bestowed gifts upon the family. Recognizing Mengming Shi’s military prowess, he appointed him as a general, joining Gongsun Zhi and the others in managing Qin’s military affairs.
The rise of Qin
With this assemblage of talent, Qin focused on training armies, developing resources, and increasing production, growing steadily stronger. When the neighboring Jiangrong tribe harassed the borders, Duke Mu sent Mengming Shi and others to subdue them, securing the Guazhou region. Through wise counsel and military strength, Qin solidified its position as a rising power under Duke Mu’s leadership.
Note
Baili Xi
A talented statesman from the Yu State. He was captured and sold into slavery after his country fell. Duke Mu of Qin bought him with five sheepskins, hence his famous nickname. He became Qin’s great prime minister, developed the nation and laid the foundation for Qin’s future strength.
Duke Mu of Qin
A wise and visionary ruler of the Qin State. He valued outstanding talents regardless of social status, rescued Baili Xi from slavery, and relied on him to strengthen Qin.
Jian Shu
Another outstanding strategist recommended by Baili Xi. He assisted Qin in governance and military planning.
Duke of Yu
The former ruler of Yu, who was greedy and foolish. He ignored loyal warnings and perished due to his short-sighted decisions.
Spring and Autumn Period (770–476 BCE)
An era of constant conflicts among regional states. Rulers competed fiercely for talented ministers to gain national power.
Value of Talent
A core political concept: a sovereign should judge people by ability rather than birth, rank or background.
The Minister of Five Sheepskins
The classic title for Baili Xi. It symbolizes extraordinary wisdom hidden beneath humble and lowly life experience.
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