During the late Spring and Autumn period, Duke Xiang of Qi ruled with arrogance and recklessness. He bullied neighboring states and oppressed his own people, sparking widespread discontent – even within his own family.
Brothers in exile
Fearing for their lives, his two half-brothers fled the state. Gongzi Jiu, born to a noblewoman from Lu, sought refuge in the state of Lu (his maternal homeland). Gongzi Xiaobai, whose mother was from Wey, took shelter in the nearby state of Ju. Each prince was accompanied by a trusted tutor: Guan Zhong served Gongzi Jiu, while Bao Shuya accompanied Gongzi Xiaobai.
Guan Zhong and Bao Shuya were not only advisors but also legendary friends. Their profound bond gave rise to the enduring Chinese idiom “Guan-Bao friendship”, symbolizing selfless loyalty and mutual understanding.
Trials of partnership
Long before the exile, the two men had tested their friendship through shared ventures. Once, they went into business together. Bao Shuya, wealthier, contributed more capital; Guan Zhong, impoverished, contributed less – yet took a larger share of the profits. When Bao’s servants accused Guan of greed, Bao defended him:
“He has a struggling family. I willingly give him more. True friendship means helping those in need.”
In war, Guan Zhong often lingered at the rear during advances and led the retreat – earning accusations of cowardice. But Bao Shuya insisted:
“He isn’t afraid to die. He stays alive to care for his aging, ailing mother. Few are as brave as he truly is.”
Deeply moved, Guan Zhong later said:
“My parents gave me life – but only Bao Shuya truly understands me.”
The race for the throne
In 686 BCE, after Duke Xiang was assassinated in a coup, Qi state descended into chaos. The following spring, Qi’s ministers killed the usurpers and sent envoys to Lu state to invite Gongzi Jiu to assume the throne.
Lu’s ruler, Duke Zhuang of Lu, personally escorted Gongzi Jiu and Guan Zhong toward Qi. But Guan Zhong warned:
“Xiaobai is in Ju state – much closer to Qi. If he arrives first, all is lost.”
With permission, Guan Zhong led a swift detachment to intercept Xiaobai. Near the border, he caught up with Xiaobai’s convoy. Pretending civility, he asked where Xiaobai was headed. When Xiaobai replied he was returning for mourning rites, Guan Zhong urged him to stay away to avoid suspicion.
Bao Shuya, loyal to his charge, rebuked Guan Zhong sharply. Seizing the moment, Guan Zhong drew his bow and shot an arrow straight at Xiaobai – who screamed, spat blood, and collapsed in his chariot. Believing his rival dead, Guan Zhong retreated.
But Xiaobai had only feigned death – the arrow struck his belt hook. Once Guan Zhong was gone, he sprang up, and Bao Shuya rushed him via back roads to the capital Linzi, arriving days ahead of Gongzi Jiu.
The rise of Duke Huan of Qi
At court, Bao Shuya argued forcefully for Xiaobai’s ascension:
“Qi has suffered two coups. We need the most capable ruler – not merely the eldest. If Lu installs Jiu, Qi will become Lu’s puppet!”
Convinced, the ministers crowned Xiaobai as Duke Huan of Qi. They then sent word to Lu state:
“The throne is filled – do not send Gongzi Jiu.”
Enraged, Duke Zhuang of Lu pressed on – only to be defeated in battle. Qi seized Lu territory and demanded harsh terms: execute Gongzi Jiu, surrender Guan Zhong, or face continued war.
Powerless, Lu complied. Gongzi Jiu was forced to take his own life, and Guan Zhong was imprisoned in a cage-cart for return to Qi.
A song that saved a statesman
Shi Bo, a strategist from the State of Lu, advised,
“Guan Zhong is highly capable – do not let him return alive.”
The envoy from the State of Qi pleaded,
“He shot our ruler, and our ruler wishes to avenge the arrow wound. Only by killing him personally can his hatred be resolved.”
Duke Zhuang of Lu had no choice but to place Guan Zhong into a prisoner’s cart and, along with the head of Prince Jiu, hand them over to the envoy from Qi to be escorted back to the State of Qi.
Fearing Lu might regret its decision and send pursuers, Guan Zhong composed a marching song for his guards. Singing rhythmically, they covered two days’ distance in one and a half – escaping Lu’s borders just before Duke Zhuang changed his mind.
Strong recommendation from Baoshu Ya
Upon arrival in Qi, Bao Shuya greeted him personally and presented him to Duke Huan. The duke hesitated:
“He tried to kill me! How can I use him?”
Bao Shuya replied:
“He served his master loyally then – as I serve you now. His talent far exceeds mine. If you employ him, he will bring greatness to Qi.”
Trusting his mentor completely, Duke Huan appointed Guan Zhong as Chancellor – the highest ministerial post – while Bao Shuya humbly accepted a subordinate role.
Thus began the golden age of Qi under Duke Huan, who would become the first of the Five Hegemons of the Spring and Autumn period – thanks to the wisdom of a man once branded a traitor, saved by the unwavering faith of a true friend.
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