“Legacy of Vengeance: White Duke’s Tragic Destiny”
In ancient China, during the turbulent Spring and Autumn period, the state of Chu harbored deep-seated resentment towards Zheng for the murder of its ruler’s father. In secrecy, Chu nurtured a corps of elite warriors, intent on avenging this grievance. After five years of meticulous preparation, Chu sought to wage war against Zheng. The prime minister of Chu, Zixi, was tasked with leading the expedition. However, before Chu’s forces could mobilize, the state of Jin launched an unexpected invasion against Zheng. In dire straits, Zheng appealed to Chu for assistance.
Chu, led by Zixi, responded to Zheng’s plea and forged an alliance through a solemn pact before returning home. Bai Gongsheng, infuriated by this alliance, accused Zixi of treachery, claiming he was the true enemy rather than Zheng. Gongsheng took it upon himself to sharpen his blade, declaring his intent to kill Zixi. When Zixi heard of this, he merely smiled and remarked, “Gongsheng is nothing but a fledgling, incapable of such deeds.”
Four years later, Bai Gongsheng, alongside Shi Qi, launched a surprise attack during court proceedings, assassinating Chu’s prime minister Zixi and commander Ziqi. Shi Qi asserted, “Unless we kill the king, our mission is incomplete.” They then seized the king and held him captive in Gao Fu, a distinguished residence.
Learning of Bai Gongsheng’s rebellion, Duke Ye of Yue led his people in an assault against Bai Gongsheng. Gongsheng’s forces were defeated, forcing him to flee into the mountains where he took his own life by hanging. Shi Qi was captured but remained steadfast in refusing to divulge the location of Gongsheng’s body, adhering to his duty until the end. Shi Qi was executed, and Yue sought the restoration of their king to the throne.
The historian Sima Qian lamented, “Such deep-seated animosity! If kings cannot control such vengeful impulses among their own ministers, how can they expect unity among their peers? Even the fate of Wu Zixu, who perished alongside his sovereign, is no different from that of ants. Abandoning minor principles to avenge great dishonor, their names endure through the ages, a tragic testament indeed! When Fan Zixu faced adversity on the banks of the Yangtze, begging for food, could he ever have forgotten his loyalty to the state of Ying? Thus, enduring hardship for the sake of fame and glory, who else but a heroic man could achieve such heights? Without establishing himself as a sovereign, White Duke’s achievements and strategies could not have surpassed those of his peers!”
In summary, the machinations of deceitful individuals plunged four states into chaos. Bewailing the woes of the Wu clan, subjected to such calamity and malice! With indomitable courage, they sought to right the wrongs inflicted upon them. Rising from Wu to marshal their armies, they pursued Chu to the north. Their acts of retribution honored their fallen, gouging their eyes to forsake their ethics.