“The Enduring Legacy of Duke Wen of Jin”

Duke Wen of Jin, relentless in his benevolence. How fitting it is for a ruler to have a country? In ancient times, Duke Wen, the son of Huzi Ji, was highly favored by Duke Xian. He pursued learning tirelessly from a young age. By the age of seventeen, he had gathered around him five scholars: Yuexian, Zifan, Weiyan, Jiatuo, who served as his close advisors; and emissaries from Qi, Song, Qin, and Chu, who acted as his foreign allies. Additionally, Luan, Xi, Hu, and Xian were his trusted confidants. Despite his nineteen years of exile, Duke Wen remained steadfast in his principles. His kindness and compassion toward the people were unmatched. The people followed him willingly, finding solace under his rule. Thus, Duke Wen had a country. How appropriate it was!

Zibi did not bestow his kindness upon the people nor seek assistance from others. When he left Jin, Jin did not escort him; when he returned to Chu, Chu did not welcome him. How could he have a country? Zibi eventually met his end, and Quji succeeded him. Quji, also known as Qiu Ji, spoke thus: “To achieve the gods’ favor, have the trust of the people, uphold virtuous governance without cruelty, and be honored and respected. These are the five advantages that counteract the five difficulties. Who could harm him!” As Du Yu put it: “Achieving the gods’ favor refers to receiving the Bi (a ceremonial jade disc); having the trust of the people means the people have faith in you; virtuous governance without cruelty means governing without harshness; being honored and respected refers to being treated like a son-in-law; and being constant in virtue refers to Quji Ji.”

In the second year of King Ping’s reign, Fei Wuqi, a Chu statesman, was sent to Qin to negotiate a marriage alliance for Crown Prince Jian. The bride was sought, but before her arrival, Wuqi returned and informed King Ping: “The Qin maiden is of exceptional beauty. It is fitting for you to marry her yourself, and for Crown Prince Jian to find another bride.” King Ping agreed, and thus married the Qin maiden, who bore him Xiong Zhen. Another marriage was arranged for Crown Prince Jian. At that time, Wu She was the Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, while Wuqi was his Tutor. Wuqi had no favor with the Crown Prince and constantly slandered Crown Prince Jian. Jian was fifteen years old at the time and his mother was a lady from Cai. She was not favored by the king, who gradually distanced himself from Jian.

In the sixth year, Crown Prince Jian was sent to Chengfu to guard the borders. Wuqi continued to slander Crown Prince Jian to the king, saying, “Ever since Wuqi married the Qin maiden, Crown Prince Jian has harbored resentment. Although he cannot do without the king’s favor, he secretly hopes for it. Furthermore, Crown Prince Jian resides in Chengfu, controlling troops, conducting diplomacy with neighboring states, and possibly plotting something.” King Ping summoned Wu She, his tutor, to confront him about this. Wu She knew that Wuqi was slandering Crown Prince Jian, so he said to the king, “Your Majesty, why do you listen to the words of a mere servant against your own flesh and blood?” Wuqi responded, “If we do not take action now, we will regret it later.” Thus, the king imprisoned Wu She. Then he ordered his Marshal, Fen Yang, to summon Crown Prince Jian with the intention of executing him. When Crown Prince Jian heard about it, he fled to Song.

Wuqi said, “Marshal Fen Yang has two sons. If we do not kill them, they will pose a threat to Chu. We should spare his father and summon them; they will surely come.” Thus, the king sent a message to Fen Yang: “If you can bring your two sons here, I will spare your father’s life. If you fail to do so, he will be executed.” Fen Yang replied, “My sons will come, but my brother will not.” The king asked, “Why not?” Fen Yang replied, “My elder son is righteous, loyal, filial, compassionate, and kind. When he hears that his father’s life is at stake, he will come without hesitation, regardless of the danger to himself. My younger son is intelligent, strategic, brave, and proud of his achievements. He knows that he will be killed if he comes here, so he will not come. Therefore, the one who poses a threat to Chu is my younger son.” The king then sent someone to summon him, saying, “Come, and I will spare your father’s life.” Wu Shang said to Wu Xu, “I heard that my father was spared and did not flee. This is unfilial of me. My father was punished, but I did not seek revenge. This shows that I am not cunning. If I am capable, I will carry out my duties.” Wu Shang then returned home. Wu Xu drew his bow and arrow, appeared before the messenger, and said, “Why should you summon the son to punish the father? He was about to shoot when the messenger fled, and then he went to Wu.” When Wu Qi heard about it, he said, “Wu Xu has fled. Chu is in danger.” The Chu people then killed Wu Qi, Wu Shang, and his brother.