bao shuya, emperor qi, guan zhong, spring and autumn period

Trust Enables Hero Guan Zhong

Guan Zhong (723 ~ 645 B.C.) was born in what is today’s Anhui Province. He and Bao Shuya had been very close since they were young. Guan Zhong’s family was poor and often received help from Bao Shuya. Bao Shuya never complained about this. Soon, they served different masters. Bao Shuya served Xiao Bai and ...

Helen London

A statue of Guan Zhong.

A Consort’s Wisdom Saved the King and His Kingdom (Part 2)

King Zhuang was very fond of the company of his minister Yu Qiuzi and he would spend endless days and nights in discussions with him. One day, after a court session, Fan Ji came to see King Zhuang. She asked Zhuang: “What is so important that made you forget to eat and sleep?” Zhuang replied ...

Emma Lu

King Zhuang of Chu.

A Consort’s Wisdom Saved the King and His Kingdom (Part 1)

King Zhuang of the Chu State (reign 613-591 B.C.) was the most accomplished monarch among the five rulers during the Spring and Autumn period in ancient China. Lady Fan Ji was his principal consort. In the first three years of his reign, Zhuang indulged himself in hunting while neglecting his official duties. Fan Ji knew ...

Emma Lu

King Zhuang.

Yan Zi’s Wisdom

In the Spring and Autumn Period, Yan Zi was a high official in the Qi State. Yan Zi was well known for his intelligent approach in persuading Emperor Qi Jing Gong. The Emperor was very fond of a eucalyptus tree right outside of the palace and he ordered the officials to take care of the ...

Nspirement Staff

How a Country Woman Made a Minister Look Inside Himself

A tale from the book Stories About Famous Women of Ancient China shows the wisdom of a country woman more than two millenniums ago. After a collision with another vehicle, how does one properly and effectively resolve the matter? Should people handle it with confrontation? Or should they settle things with sensible reasoning? One year, Duke Ji ...

Nspirement Staff

Ancient Chinese carriages.