“Ancient Lineage of Chu: Exploring the Roots of Emperor Zhuanxu”
In the ancient annals of Chinese history, tracing back to the dawn of civilization, lies a lineage steeped in myth and legend—the ancestors of Chu, originating from Emperor Zhuanxu’s lineage of Gaoyang. Gaoyang, grandson of the Yellow Emperor and son of Changyi, bore the esteemed title of “Chengsheng.” According to the historical records, “Chensheng bore Zhuang, Zhuang bore Chongli.” Xu Guang elucidated, “According to historical sources, Laotong bore Chongli and Wuhui.” Qiao Zhou further stated, “Laotong is also known as Juanzhang.” These interpretations indicate that Juanzhang’s name was Laotong, and thus, in the original source, it is mentioned as “Laotong bore Chongli.”
Chongli and Lishi served as the ministers of Heaven and Earth. Chong was responsible for the regulation of wood, while Li managed the regulation of fire. According to historical records, the Shao Hao family had a son named Chong, while the descendants of Zhuanxu had a son named Li. Now, considering Chongli and Li as a single person, it’s evident that they are descendants of Zhuanxu. As Liu’s descendants say, “The descendants of Shao Hao were named Chong, while the descendants of Zhuanxu were named Chongli. If referring to the latter, simply calling them Li, and if they themselves claimed to be the head of the household, they would be called Chongli. Therefore, both Chu and the Sima family are descendants of Chongli, not related to Shao Hao’s Chong.”
It is my opinion that this interpretation is correct.
Chongli served as the Emperor Ku’s high priest in the fire regulation. The historical records state, “Chongli served as the fire regulation minister.” According to the Yu Fan, “Zhu is large, Rong is bright.” Wei Zhao said, “Zhu is the beginning.”
Gonggong’s family caused chaos, and Emperor Ku ordered Chongli to execute him but failed. The Emperor then executed Chongli on the day of Gengyin, appointing his younger brother Wuhui as the successor to Chongli, reinstating him in the fire regulation, and naming him Zhurong.
Wuhui gave birth to Lu Zhong. Lu Zhong gave birth to six sons, who were divided and produced from there. According to Gan Bao, “The scholars of the past have many doubts about this matter. Qiao Yunnan, a talented scholar and expert in mathematics and science, wrote an ancient history study, believing that the author was wrong, and it was abandoned without discussion. I also find this situation strange. However, according to the six sons’ generations, there were descendants who had established countries and had risen and fallen for six generations over thousands of years, until a hegemon king appeared, and heaven’s intentions would surely include extraordinary things. As for the previous aspirations, they were passed down, and Yu was born with a different identity, and the way of thinking has been maintained for thousands of years.近郑州新郑县东北二十二里。毛诗谱云‘昔高