Guan Zhong (?–645 BC) was a prominent statesman in the early Spring and Autumn period. His given name was Yi Wu, his courtesy name was Zhong, and he was a native of Yingshang. Initially serving under Prince Jiu, he was later recommended by his close friend Bao Shuya and appointed as a high-ranking minister by Duke Huan of Qi, who placed great trust in him.
Guan Zhong assisted Duke Huan in implementing a series of reforms that greatly strengthened the State of Qi. He further helped the Duke rally the feudal lords, such as the the Covenant of Kuiqiu, under the banner of “revering the King and repelling the barbarians,” bringing order to the realm and establishing Duke Huan of Qi as the first of the “Five Hegemons of the Spring and Autumn Period.”
Legend has it that when the two did business together, Guan Zhong would always take a larger share of the profits. When someone advised Bao Shuya to stop associating with him, Bao replied, “I only need to feed myself, but Guan Zhong has an elderly mother to support; it is only right that he takes more.” When they served in the army together, Guan Zhong would retreat at the first sign of battle, leaving Bao Shuya behind. When others commented on this, Bao Shuya defended him by saying, “Guan Zhong has a family to care for, which is why he acts this way.” Upon hearing this, Guan Zhong famously remarked, “My parents gave me life, but Bao Shuya is the one who truly understands me!” Later generations have used the idiom “the friendship of Guan and Bao” to describe a bond of deep and understanding friendship.
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