Guan Zhong

  • The Sword in the Ink: The Lament of Xin Qiji [Song & Yuan]

    Introduction: This article tells the tragic life of Xin Qiji, a patriotic poet‑general of the Southern Song. A brave warrior who fought the Jin in the north, he later offered wise invasion strategies that were ignored. Forced into retirement, he wrote powerful poems of sorrow and unfulfilled ambition. His life reflects the pain of…

  • Old Horses Know the Way [Han Feizi]

    by Han Fei Guan Zhong and Xi Peng followed Duke Huan of Qi on a campaign against Guzhu.

  • Guan Zhong Ends Extravagant Funerals [Han Feizi]

    by Han Fei The people of Qi loved extravagant burials. Silk and fabrics were all used for grave clothes and shrouds, while timber was exhausted for inner and outer coffins.

  • Zhuge Liang

    Zhuge Liang (181–234 CE) was a preeminent statesman and military strategist of the Shu Han state during the Three Kingdoms period. His courtesy name was Kongming, and he was born in Yangdu, Langya Commandery (in present-day Yinan County, Shandong).

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.16

    Zilu said, “Duke Huan of Qi killed Prince Jiu; Shao Hu died for him, but Guan Zhong did not.” He added, “Was he not humane?”The Master replied, “It was through Guan Zhong’s efforts that Duke Huan convened the feudal lords nine times without resorting to war chariots. Wasn’t he humane! Wasn’t he humane!”

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.15

    The Master said, “Duke Wen of Jin was crafty but not upright; Duke Huan of Qi was upright but not crafty.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.17

    Zigong said, “Was Guan Zhong not a humane person? When Duke Huan killed Prince Jiu, Guan Zhong did not die for his lord, but instead became his minister.”The Master replied, “Guan Zhong assisted Duke Huan in becoming hegemon over the feudal lords and brought order to the entire realm. The people still benefit from…

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.9

    Someone asked Confucius about Zi Chan. The Master said, “He was a man who showed kindness to the people.”He then asked about Zi Xi. Confucius replied, “That man! That man!” (a dismissive and evasive expression).He further asked about Guan Zhong. Confucius said, “He was a true man! He confiscated three hundred households of Bo…

  • Mencius – Chapter 4.2 The minister who cannot be summoned

    Mencius was about to call upon the King of Qi. The king sent a messenger saying: “I really should visit you myself, but I’ve caught a cold and can’t be exposed to wind. Tomorrow morning I’ll hold court – would it be possible for you to come and see me there?”