SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Guan Zhong

  • Zhuge Liang

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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?”

  • Mencius – Chapter 3.1 Half the Effort, Double the Glory: The opportunity for Benevolent Rule

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    Gongsun Chou asked Mencius, “If you should hold the power of government in Qi, could you achieve great deeds like Guan Zhong and Yanzi?”

  • The old horse knows the way [Spring & Autumn]

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    This article recounts Duke Huan of Qi’s northern campaign against the Shanrong nomads in 663 BCE. After defeating the invaders, Duke Huan and his strategist Guan Zhong pursued the retreating enemy into the state of Guzhu, only to be lured into the treacherous “Migu” (Valley of Confusion), a vast desert where they became hopelessly…

  • One Drumbeat, One Victory [Spring & Autumn]

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    This article recounts the Battle of Changshao (684 BCE) between the states of Qi and Lu. It details how Duke Huan of Qi, ignoring Guan Zhong’s advice, launched an invasion to prove his strength. Facing the formidable Qi army, Duke Zhuang of Lu appointed the commoner Cao Gui as commander. The narrative highlights Cao…