Duke Yi of Wei, ruler of the State of Wei during the Spring and Autumn period, had an unusual obsession: he adored cranes.
A duke’s obsession
He became so engrossed in raising these elegant birds that he neglected all affairs of state. He even appointed the servants who cared for his cranes to high official positions, while some seasoned ministers were dismissed from their posts.
To sustain his extravagant hobby, the duke repeatedly levied grain from the common people, showing no concern for those who suffered from cold and starvation.
The crane processions
When Duke Yi went out with his cranes, the birds – so well-trained that none required cages – were paraded in chariots.
He classified them by rank: first-grade cranes rode in first-class chariots, second-grade in second-class, and the special “crane generals” were carried in canopied carriages known as “xuan,” typically reserved for high officials.
With a flap of their wings and a lift of their necks, these crane generals, adorned with bright red crests, cut a majestic figure. The duke would often ask his attendants,
“Which general has a neck as long as a crane general’s? Whose head can be held as high?”
His courtiers could only bow and reply,
“None! No one compares to the crane generals.”
The wake-up call
In 661 BCE, while Duke Yi was enjoying a grand outing with a procession of chariots and crane generals flanking him like a guard of honor, a urgent report arrived: the Northern Di tribes had invaded.
The news shattered his revelry. He hurried back to his palace and ordered his soldiers and citizens to defend the city. To his dismay, the people were fleeing in panic, soldiers refused to take up weapons, and officers would not don armor.
“What is wrong?” the duke cried out. “The Northern Di are attacking! Why will you not resist?”
They retorted,
“Why would we be needed? Your Grace should send the crane generals instead.”
Repentance too late
It was only then that Duke Yi realized how his obsession with cranes had alienated both his officials and the common people.
With a sorrowful face, he admitted his faults to his ministers and released all his cranes. Yet the spoiled birds, accustomed to his care, lingered – flapping their wings and stretching their necks toward him as if still seeking favor. In desperation, the duke strangled one crane and hurled it away, trying to show his sincere repentance. Through this gesture, he barely managed to gather a small troop.
The final battle
Seeing the Northern Di slaughter his people, Duke Yi was enraged. Mounting his horse and gripping a long spear, he led his men into a fierce fight.
Initially, they struck the invaders unexpectedly hard. However, Wei’s forces were hopelessly outnumbered and could not withstand the Di’s savage assault. When his officers, defeated, urged him to disguise himself and escape, Duke Yi refused:
“I have already failed my people. To cling to life now would only deepen my guilt. I must fight the Di to the end.”
He adamantly declined to flee. In the end, the Wei army was annihilated, and Duke Yi was killed by the Northern Di.
Aftermath
The Northern Di stormed the city, slaughtering nearly all remaining civilians and looting the treasury and every valuable item. As nomadic herders unskilled in farming, their aim was plunder, not permanent conquest. To facilitate future raids, they tore down the city walls of Wei.
Although Wei had sent envoys to the State of Qi for help, reinforcements arrived only after the Di had retreated to the grasslands, their spoils in tow.
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