Baili Xi (c. 725–621 BCE) was a virtuous minister of Duke Mu of Qin during the Spring and Autumn period. His courtesy name was Ziming, and he was from Wan in the state of Chu (present-day Nanyang, Henan).
Originally a high official of the state of Yu, he was captured by the state of Jin when Yu was conquered. He was then sent to Qin as an attendant in the dowry retinue of Duke Xian of Jin’s daughter. En route, he fled to Wan but was apprehended by local Chu people.
Upon hearing of Baili Xi’s talent and virtue, Duke Mu of Qin ransomed him for five ram hides and appointed him as a grand official. Because of this, he became famously known as “Wu Gu Da Fu” (“Minister of the Five Ramskins”). Later, together with Jian Shu and others, he assisted Duke Mu of Qin in establishing Qin’s hegemony.
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