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Zhu Zhiwu dissuades the Qin Army [Spring & Autumn]
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During the exile of Chong’er, when he passed through the State of Zheng, Duke Wen of Zheng failed to receive him with due courtesy, thus sowing the seeds of personal resentment.
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Battle of Chengpu: The rise of Duke Wen of Jin [Spring & Autumn]
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Feudal throne succession is a critical period of power transition. However, as it involves the transfer of supreme authority, it often triggers internal conflicts or even national instability. The root causes of such disasters typically lie in the tests of human nature under the allure of power, flaws in institutional design, or interference from…
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From exile to hegemon: Duke Wen of Jin [Spring & Autumn]
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Duke Wen of Jin (Ji Chong’er), the 22nd ruler of the State of Jin during the Spring and Autumn period (reigned 636–628 BCE), is renowned as one of the Five Hegemons. His path to power was extraordinary, marked by nineteen years of exile before his dramatic return and eventual dominance over the central states.
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Tragic Idealism of Duke Xiang of Song [Spring & Autumn]
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After the death of Guan Zhong, Duke Huan of Qi – once the undisputed hegemon of the Spring and Autumn period – grew indulgent and neglected state affairs. With his passing, Qi’s dominance crumbled, leaving a power vacuum.
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The Five Sheepskins [Spring & Autumn]
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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.
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Borrowing a path to conquer Guo [Spring & Autumn]
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Baili Xi was a native of the State of Yu (located in present-day Pinglu, Shanxi, near Sanmenxia). He did not marry until his thirties; his wife was Lady Du, and they had a son named Mengming Shi (whose formal name was Shi, styled Mengming, of the Baili lineage).