“Cultural Epochs of Ancient Chinese States”

In ancient China, rituals and governance were deeply intertwined. From the origins of Yao and Shun’s reigns, the importance of rituals in maintaining harmony between humans and the divine was paramount. “The Duke of Huan listened to their words and sent gifts eastward, which were accepted by the states of Guo and Hui. Three years later, King You was defeated, Duke Huan died, and his son Duke Wu migrated eastward with King Ping, eventually settling the lands of Guo and Hui, east of the Luo and west of the Ji rivers, where they partook of the Zhen and Wei rivers. The land was rugged, with mountains, valleys, and rivers. Men and women gathered frequently, leading to customs characterized by indulgence. The “Odes of Zheng” state, “From the east gate, there are women like clouds.” It also states, “The Zhen and Wei rivers are full, with men and women eagerly sharing jokes.” Such was their culture. Wu Zha, upon hearing the songs of “Zheng,” remarked, “Beautiful indeed! Yet their customs are too refined for the people to bear. Were they the ancestors?”

Twenty-three generations after Duke Wu, the state was annexed by Han. Chen, now located in present-day Huaiyang, was originally the realm of Emperor Taihao. King Wu of Zhou enfeoffed the son of Emperor Shun, Guoming, in Chen, bestowing upon him the title of Marquis Hu. He married the daughter of the Yuan family, Princess Daji. Women held esteemed positions and valued sacrificial rites, employing historiographers and shamans, leading to a culture of spirits and divination. “The Odes of Chen” state, “Strike the drums at Kan, below Wanqiu, passing through winter and summer, where they gather feathers like herons.” It further states, “The Phragmites and oaks at Wanqiu, with children under Master Zizhong, frolic below.” Such was their demeanor. Wu Zha, upon hearing the songs of “Chen,” said, “The state is lost, its lord incapable of lasting!”

Twenty-three generations after Marquis Hu, the state was extinguished by Chu. Although Chen fell under Chu’s rule, its knowledge of celestial matters remained intact. Yingchuan and Nanyang were originally territories of Emperor Yu from the Xia dynasty. The Xia people were loyal, yet simple. Han was titled marquis seven generations after Wu Zixi, king six generations after Wu Zhan, and king five generations after being annihilated by Qin. After Qin subdued Han, it relocated non-compliant populations throughout Nanyang, resulting in lavish customs, pride, and a fondness for commerce, hunting, and fishing. Wan, connecting west to the Wu Pass and east to the Yangtze and Huai rivers, was a hub. During the reign of Emperor Xuan, Zheng Hong and Shao Xinchun served as governor of Nanyang, managing to maintain order. Shao Xinchun encouraged agricultural practices, advocating for the abandonment of commerce. The region flourished. Yingchuan was the capital of Han. Scholars such as Shenzi and Han Fei were renowned for their harsh criticisms, attaining high ranks and admiring literature. They caused trouble, dividing the land into lawsuits. Han Yanshou, governor, started with respect and deference. Huang Ba succeeded, promoting education and propriety. Some criminals spent eight years incarcerated. Nanyang favored commerce, as Shao’s father prospered in the industry. Yongchuan, Nanyang was Wufu’s territory, close to the Song. Overshadowed by the northern and western mountains, the region flourished.