Duke Huan You of Zheng was the youngest son of King Li of Zhou and the younger brother of King Xuan. In the 22nd year of King Xuan’s reign, Youcai was enfeoffed in the land of Zheng. For thirty-three years, the common people adored him. Later, King You appointed him as Minister of Education (Situ). In this capacity, he fostered harmony among the Zhou subjects, filling the hearts of the populace with joy; people dwelling along the Yellow River and the Luo River alike longed for his benevolent leadership.
During his first year as Minister, however, King You became infatuated with Bao Si, and in his neglect of governmental affairs the state fell into disarray. As troubles accumulated, some feudal lords even turned against King You. Distraught, Duke Huan inquired of the court historian, “The royal house is beset by calamities; how might I escape a doomed fate?” The historian replied, “Only by settling east of the Luo River or south of the Yellow River can you find a secure haven.” When Duke Huan asked for the reason, the historian explained, “In those regions, the lords of Guo and Kuai are both rapacious and opportunistic, and the people do not submit to their rule. Now, as you serve as Minister and have earned the affection of the people, if you relocate there, the lords of Guo and Kuai, witnessing your rightful authority, will readily cede land to you. Moreover, if you reside in that area, the subjects of Guo and Kuai shall become your own.”
Duke Huan then proposed, “I have in mind to settle in the Yangtze River basin to the south—what do you think?” The historian responded, “In ancient times, Zhu Rong managed fire for the Gao Xin clan with great merit, yet his descendants never prospered in the Zhou; the state of Chu descends from them. With the decline of the Zhou royal house, Chu is destined to flourish, a development that would be most disadvantageous to Zheng.” Duke Huan then asked, “What if I choose to settle in the west?” The historian answered, “There the people are both avaricious and overly acquisitive; it is an unsuitable environment for long-term residence.” Finally, Duke Huan queried, “In this era of the weakening Zhou, which state is bound to rise?” The historian replied, “Consider Qi, Qin, Jin, and Chu. The state of Qi, bearing the surname Jiang, descends from Bo Yi, who once assisted Yao in instituting rites; the state of Qin, with the surname Ying, descends from Bo Yi’s brother, who aided Shun in subjugating numerous tribes. As for Chu, its ancestors too had established great legacies for the people. After King Wu of Zhou defeated King Zhou of Shang, King Cheng enfeoffed Tang to Shu Yu; the region, with its rugged terrain, allowed such virtuous descendants to coexist with the declining Zhou. Hence, the state of Jin was also destined to prosper.” Satisfied, Duke Huan hastily sought King You’s sanction to relocate his people to the eastern banks of the Luo River. In due course, the lords of Guo and Kuai indeed contributed ten fortresses to him, and thus the state of Zheng was established.
In the second year (771 BC), the Quanrong tribes at the foot of Mount Li killed King You and Duke Huan. The people of Zheng subsequently installed Duke Huan’s son, Jue Tu, who became known as Duke Wu.
In the tenth year (761 BC) of Duke Wu’s reign, he wed the daughter of Marquis Shen, known as Wu Jiang. Wu Jiang bore him Crown Prince Wu Sheng, whose birth was difficult; upon his delivery, his mother did not favor him. Later, Wu Jiang gave birth to a younger son, Shu Duan, whose birth was smooth and who was dearly loved by his mother. In the 27th year (744 BC), when Duke Wu fell ill, his wife petitioned him to name Shu Duan as crown prince, but Duke Wu did not consent. That same year, Duke Wu passed away, and Wu Sheng ascended the throne as Duke Zhuang.
In the first year (743 BC) of Duke Zhuang’s reign, he enfeoffed his brother Shu Duan in the capital city, bestowing upon him the title “Great Uncle” (Tai Shu). The court minister Ji Zhu remarked, “The capital is grander than the state’s own seat of power; it is unseemly to grant it to a younger brother.” Duke Zhuang replied, “Wu Jiang desires it thus, and I dare not oppose her.” Once in the capital, Shu Duan reorganized the military and conspired with his mother Wu Jiang to stage an assault on the Zheng capital. In the 22nd year (722 BC), Shu Duan indeed attacked the Zheng capital with Wu Jiang acting as an insider. Duke Zhuang dispatched forces against Shu Duan; when the latter fled, Duke Zhuang pursued and attacked the capital. The inhabitants, turning against Shu Duan, left him no option but to retreat to Yan. There, the populace of Yan dispersed in panic, and Shu Duan was forced to seek refuge in the state of Gong. In response, Duke Zhuang exiled his mother, Wu Jiang, to Cheng Ying, vowing, “I shall not see her again until I cross the Yellow Springs.” Over a year later, plagued by remorse for his oath, Duke Zhuang longed to see his mother. Kao Shu of Ying Valley offered tribute, prompting Duke Zhuang to bestow him with provisions. Kao Shu then entreated, “I have an aged mother; please grant her these provisions.” Duke Zhuang lamented, “I dearly miss my mother, yet I loathe the idea of breaking my vow—what am I to do?” Kao Shu suggested, “Dig a tunnel directly to the spring where water flows, and mother and son may meet.” Thus, following Kao Shu’s advice, Duke Zhuang eventually reunited with his mother.
In the 24th year (720 BC), Marquis Miao of Song died, and his son, Feng, fled to Zheng. The state of Zheng then appropriated the Zhou royal lands and seized their produce. In the 25th year (719 BC), the minister Zhou Xu of the state of Wei killed his own monarch, leading to his ascension, and allied with Song in an expedition against Zheng, due to Zheng’s acceptance of Feng. In the 27th year (717 BC), when the Zheng lord Cai paid homage to King Huan of Zhou, the king, incensed by Zheng’s seizure of crops, treated him with flagrant disrespect, breaching ritual protocol. In the 29th year (715 BC), Duke Zhuang, angered by King Huan’s discourteous treatment, deliberately exchanged lands with the state of Lu—lands adjacent to the state of Xu—to demonstrate his displeasure. In the 33rd year (711 BC), the state of Song executed Kong Fu. In the 37th year (707 BC), Duke Zhuang refused to pay homage to King Huan; consequently, King Huan led the forces of Chen, Cai, Guo, and Wei in an expedition against Zheng. Duke Zhuang dispatched Ji Zhu and Gao Qu Mi to confront the enemy, inflicting a crushing defeat upon King Huan’s forces. In the ensuing battle, Zhu Dan wounded King Huan’s arm with an arrow. Zhu Dan then petitioned to continue the pursuit of King Huan, but Duke Zhuang rebuked him, “If we dare to violate even our elders, we shall incur severe censure—how much more so if we defy the Son of Heaven?” Thus, Zhu Dan ceased his pursuit. Late that night, Duke Zhuang sent Ji Zhu to inquire about the extent of King Huan’s arrow wound.
In the 38th year (706 BC), when the Northern Rong launched a punitive expedition against Qi, the state of Qi sent envoys to Zheng seeking assistance. In response, Zheng dispatched its crown prince, Hu, to lead the relief force to Qi. Meanwhile, Duke Xi of Qi proposed that his daughter be married to Crown Prince Hu. However, Hu demurred, stating, “Our nation is but a small state and is unfit to be matched with the great power of Qi.” At that moment, Jizhong—accompanying the crown prince—advised him to accept the alliance, arguing, “Our sovereign of Zheng is famed for his many beloved concubines; without the aid of a great power, you will not be able to ascend the throne. In truth, all three of the princes—Crown Prince Hu, his elder brother Tu, and his younger brother Ziwei—could claim rulership.”
In the 43rd year (701 BC), Duke Zhuang of Zheng passed away. Earlier, Jizhong had enjoyed the full confidence of Duke Zhuang, who had appointed him as his chief minister and commissioned him to arrange a marriage with a beauty from the state of Deng—who then bore Crown Prince Hu. Consequently, Jizhong installed Hu as sovereign, and he became known as Duke Zhao.
Duke Zhuang had also wed a woman of the Yong clan from the state of Song, who bore Duke Li—Tu. The lady of the Yong family was greatly favored by the ruler. When Duke Zhuang of Song learned that Jizhong had installed Hu, he dispatched agents to deceive and capture Jizhong, threatening, “If you do not install Tu as ruler, you will be executed.” The Song sovereign also arrested Tu in an attempt to extort bribes. Yielding to Song’s coercion and swearing an oath of alliance, Jizhong prepared to return to Zheng with Tu to enthrone him. Upon learning that, under Song’s pressure, Jizhong intended to elevate his own brother Tu as sovereign, Duke Zhao Hu fled to the state of Wei on a Dinghai day in the ninth month; on the following Jihai day, Tu arrived at the Zheng capital and assumed the throne—he came to be known as Duke Li.
In the 4th year of Duke Li’s reign (697 BC), Jizhong wielded his power autocratically. Concerned by this, Duke Li secretly ordered the killing of Jizhong by his son-in-law, Yong Jiu. Yong Jiu was married to Jizhong’s daughter, and when she learned of the plot, she asked her mother, “Which is dearer to you, your father or your husband?” Her mother replied, “A father is one, but one may choose among many husbands!” The daughter then reported this to Jizhong, who, in a twist of grim retribution, had Yong Jiu slain—and his corpse was displayed in the marketplace. Duke Li, though helpless to restrain Jizhong, was incensed with Yong Jiu, exclaiming, “To confer with a woman—death is the rightful fate!” That summer, Duke Li was expelled and forced to reside at the border town of Liyu. Seizing the opportunity, Jizhong welcomed Duke Zhao Hu, who, on a Yihai day in the sixth month, returned to the Zheng capital and re-assumed the throne.
In the autumn that same year, Duke Li, bolstered by the support of Liyu’s inhabitants, executed the local minister Shan Bo and took up permanent residence in Liyu. When the feudal lords learned of Duke Li’s flight, they launched a punitive campaign against Zheng; yet failing to overcome Zheng, they eventually withdrew. Moreover, the state of Song bestowed upon Duke Li a large military contingent to secure Liyu, thereby deterring any further incursions against Zheng.
In the 2nd year of Duke Zhao’s reign (695 BC), from the time when Duke Zhao was crown prince, his father Duke Zhuang had intended to appoint Gao Qumi as his chief minister. Crown Prince Hu, however, detested Gao Qumi, but Duke Zhuang disregarded his objections and ultimately confirmed Qumi’s appointment. Later, after Duke Zhao’s accession, fearing that his sovereign might execute him, Gao Qumi accompanied Duke Zhao on a hunting expedition in the countryside on the Xianmao day of the tenth month—and then, in a treacherous act, shot Duke Zhao. In the aftermath, neither Jizhong nor Gao Qumi dared to accept Duke Li, so they resolved instead to enthrone Duke Zhao’s younger brother, Ziwei, as sovereign—known simply by his name, without a posthumous title.
In the 1st year of Ziwei’s reign (694 BC), in July, Duke Xiang of Qi convened a grand assembly of feudal lords at Shouzhi. Zheng’s sovereign Ziwei attended the meeting with Gao Qumi as his advisor, while Jizhong, citing illness, excused himself. The reason for Jizhong’s withdrawal was rooted in old enmity: when Duke Xiang was a prince, he had clashed with Ziwei, and bitterness had festered between them; accordingly, Jizhong had urged Ziwei not to attend. Ziwei retorted, “Qi is a formidable state, and Duke Li still dwells in Liyu. Should I not attend, Qi will surely marshal the feudal lords against me and facilitate Duke Li’s return to the capital. Why should I then incur disgrace by abstaining—and why must I inevitably fall into the predicament you foresee?” In the end, Ziwei proceeded to the assembly. Fearing that Qi might slay Ziwei and his retinue, Jizhong feigned illness. Yet upon Ziwei’s arrival at Shouzhi, he offered no apology to the Qi marquis, whose fury then led him to set an ambush that claimed Ziwei’s life. Gao Qumi managed to flee back to Zheng, and in consultation with Jizhong, they summoned Ziwei’s brother, Prince Ying, from the state of Chen to be enthroned as sovereign—he became known as Duke Zi. In that same year, Duke Xiang of Qi further contrived the assassination of Duke Huan of Lu by having his son, Peng Sheng, seize upon Duke Lu’s inebriation to fracture his rib fatally.
In the 8th year of Duke Zi’s reign (686 BC), Guan Zhifu and his accomplices in Qi rebelled and slew their sovereign, Duke Xiang. Then, in the 12th year (682 BC), Wan Chang of Song assassinated their sovereign, Duke Min. That very year, Jizhong of Zheng died.
In the 14th year (680 BC), men who had formerly accompanied Duke Li when he fled with his retinue to Liyu sent agents to lure and seize the minister Fu Jia, coercing him to assist Duke Li in reclaiming the capital and his throne. Fu Jia pleaded, “Pardon me, and I will kill Duke Zi for you, so that you may return to the capital.” Only after Duke Li entered into an alliance with him was Fu Jia released. On the Jiazi day of the sixth month, Fu Jia executed Duke Zi and his two sons, and welcomed Duke Li back from Liyu to assume the throne once more. It was said that originally, at the south gate of the Zheng capital, a serpent within the city had battled a serpent from without—and the inner serpent had perished. Six years later, as fate would have it, Duke Li indeed returned. Upon resuming his position in the Zheng capital, Duke Li reproached his uncle Yuan, saying, “I lost my state and was compelled to dwell outside the capital, yet you, my uncle, refused to welcome me—this is utterly inexcusable.” To which Yuan replied, “A minister must serve his sovereign with undivided loyalty; this is the very duty of a retainer. I now recognize my fault.” Having uttered these words, Yuan took his own life. Duke Li then addressed Fu Jia, declaring, “You have served the sovereign with a divided heart,” and so he had Fu Jia slain. On his deathbed, Fu Jia lamented, “To fail to repay Duke Zi’s great benevolence and thus meet such an end is truly my just reward.”
In the first year of Duke Li Gong Tu’s restoration (679 BCE), Duke Huan of Qi began his path to hegemony.
In the fifth year (675 BCE), the states of Yan and Wei, along with Duke Hui of Zhou’s younger brother Tui, launched a campaign against Duke Hui. Forced to flee to Wen, Duke Hui lost his throne to Tui, who was installed as the new King of Zhou. In the sixth year (674 BCE), Duke Hui sought help from the state of Zheng. Duke Li of Zheng led an army against Prince Tui but failed to achieve victory. Consequently, Duke Li and Duke Hui withdrew to Zheng, where Hui took up residence in Li.
In the spring of the seventh year (673 BCE), Duke Li of Zheng, together with Guo Shu, launched a surprise attack, killing Prince Tui and escorting Duke Hui back to the Zhou capital.
In the autumn of the same year, Duke Li passed away, and his son, Duke Wen Jie, ascended the throne. Duke Li had reigned for only four years before being forced into exile in Li, where he lived for seventeen years. He later returned to the Zheng capital, ruling for another seven years. In total, including his time in exile, he was in power for twenty-eight years.
In the seventeenth year of Duke Wen (656 BCE), Duke Huan of Qi led an army to defeat the state of Cai and then marched against the state of Chu, advancing as far as Zhaoling.
In the twenty-fourth year (649 BCE), Duke Wen had a concubine named Yan Ji, who dreamt that the Celestial Emperor bestowed upon her an orchid, saying, “I am Bo You, your ancestor. Take this orchid as your son, for it carries a rich and pure fragrance.” Yan Ji recounted the dream to Duke Wen, who then shared a bed with her and gifted her an orchid as proof of their union. She later gave birth to a son, whom they named Lan (Orchid).
In the thirty-sixth year (637 BCE), Prince Chong’er of Jin passed through Zheng, but Duke Wen did not extend him any hospitality. Duke Wen’s younger brother, Shu Zhan, advised, “Chong’er is a virtuous man, a member of our own clan. He is in distress and passing through our land; you should not treat him with disrespect.” Duke Wen dismissed this concern, replying, “Many exiled princes pass through here—how can I treat them all with formality?” Shu Zhan warned, “If you do not extend courtesy to him, then you must eliminate him. If he returns to his homeland, he will be a threat to Zheng.” Duke Wen ignored this advice.
In the spring of the thirty-seventh year (636 BCE), Prince Chong’er returned to Jin and ascended the throne as Duke Wen of Jin. That autumn, Zheng launched an attack on the state of Hua, which submitted to Zheng’s authority. However, Hua later pledged allegiance to Wei, prompting Zheng to attack it again. King Xiang of Zhou sent Bo Fu to plead on Hua’s behalf, but Duke Wen of Zheng harbored resentment against the Zhou royal house. He recalled that his father, Duke Li, had once helped restore King Hui to the throne, yet Hui had never rewarded him with titles or stipends. Moreover, Duke Wen resented King Xiang’s close ties with Wei and Hua. Instead of heeding the king’s plea, he imprisoned Bo Fu.
Enraged, King Xiang allied with the Di people to attack Zheng but failed to achieve victory. That winter, the Di forces turned against Zhou, forcing King Xiang to flee to Zheng. Duke Wen allowed him to reside in Chi (modern Fan). In the thirty-eighth year (635 BCE), Duke Wen of Jin escorted King Xiang back to Chengzhou.
In the forty-first year (632 BCE), Zheng allied with Chu to attack Jin. This was in part due to Jin’s previous mistreatment of Duke Wen when he had passed through Zheng as a fugitive. In the forty-third year (630 BCE), Duke Wen of Jin and Duke Mu of Qin jointly besieged the Zheng capital, punishing Zheng for its alliance with Chu and for its past disrespect toward Jin.
Earlier, Duke Wen of Zheng had three wives and five favored sons, all of whom died prematurely due to various transgressions. He despised his son Zi Xia and drove away the remaining princes. One of them, Zi Lan, fled to Jin, where he gained Duke Wen of Jin’s favor and accompanied him in besieging Zheng. Zi Lan served Duke Wen of Jin with great deference and won his trust.
While in Jin, Zi Lan secretly maneuvered to secure his return to Zheng as crown prince. Meanwhile, Jin sought the surrender of Shu Zhan, intending to execute him. Fearing repercussions, Duke Wen of Zheng dared not inform Shu Zhan. When Shu Zhan learned of the situation, he lamented, “I warned you to kill Chong’er, but you ignored me. Now Jin has become Zheng’s greatest threat. If my death can save Zheng, I will accept my fate.” With this, Shu Zhan took his own life, and his body was sent to Jin.
Duke Wen of Jin then declared, “I must meet Duke Wen of Zheng in person and humiliate him before departing.” The people of Zheng, fearing this disgrace, secretly approached Qin, arguing that defeating Zheng would benefit Jin, but not Qin. The Qin forces, persuaded, withdrew. Duke Wen of Jin then sent Zi Lan back to Zheng as its crown prince and formally announced this arrangement to Zheng’s court.
Minister Shi Gui of Zheng remarked, “I have heard that daughters of the Ji clan are descended from Hou Ji, the progenitor of our people, and their descendants are destined for greatness. Zi Lan’s mother is of this lineage. Moreover, all the sons of Duke Wen’s wives have perished, and no one surpasses Lan in virtue. Now, Jin is pressing us with this demand, and there is no better alternative.” Thus, Zheng accepted Jin’s conditions, formed an alliance, and officially installed Zi Lan as the crown prince, prompting Jin to withdraw its forces.
In the forty-fifth year (628 BCE), Duke Wen of Zheng passed away, and Zi Lan ascended the throne as Duke Mu.
In the spring of the first year of Marquis Miao (627 BC), Marquis Miao of Qin dispatched three generals to lead his army in an assault on Zheng. When they reached the state of Hua, they encountered a Zheng merchant named Xian Gao. Claiming, under false pretenses of carrying the mandate of the Zheng lord, that he was there to reward the Qin laborers with twelve oxen, Xian Gao deceived the Qin army, which then chose to retreat rather than advance further. Meanwhile, the Jin forces defeated the Qin troops at Xiao. Originally, after the death of Duke Wen of Zheng, a garrison officer in the Zheng capital named Zang He betrayed Zheng’s inner affairs to Qin—this treachery spurred the Qin on their campaign against Zheng.
In the third year (625 BC), Zheng dispatched an army to accompany the Jin in an offensive against Qin, achieving a victory at Wang that repelled the Qin forces.
In the state of Chu, the crown prince Shangchen murdered his father, King Cheng, and ascended the throne. In the 21st year (607 BC), Chu, allied with Song under the command of Hua Yuan, launched an attack on Zheng. Hua Yuan, who distributed mutton to reward his soldiers, neglected to provide similar provisions for his charioteer, Yang Zhen. Incensed, Yang Zhen drove the chariot all the way to Zheng, where Hua Yuan was captured. Although Song eventually redeemed Hua Yuan with a hefty sum, he had long since fled. Concurrently, Jin commanded Zhao Chuan to lead an expedition against Zheng.
In the 22nd year (606 BC), Marquis Miao of Zheng passed away, and his son Yi ascended the throne as Lord Ling.
In the spring of the first year (605 BC) of Lord Ling’s reign, the state of Chu presented him with a giant soft-shelled turtle. As Zi Jia and Zi Gong prepared to pay their respects at the court, Zi Gong’s index finger twitched slightly. He remarked to Zi Jia, “My finger has moved; it is an omen that I shall partake of a most exotic delicacy today.” Upon entering the palace, they observed Lord Ling consuming turtle soup, and Zi Gong could not suppress a smile, exclaiming, “Indeed, as foreseen.” When Lord Ling inquired about his mirth, Zi Gong recounted the earlier occurrence. Summoning him aside, Lord Ling deliberately withheld the soup from Zi Gong, which incensed him; in a fit of anger, Zi Gong dipped his finger in the soup for a taste before storming out of the palace. Lord Ling’s fury grew, and he resolved to execute Zi Gong. However, Zi Gong and Zi Jia conspired to preempt their fate. In the summer, they assassinated Lord Ling. The people of Zheng sought to enthrone Lord Ling’s brother, Qu Ji. Qu Ji humbly declined, stating, “I am unworthy of ruling, for true leadership must be entrusted to a person of merit; moreover, if the succession is determined by seniority, then Young Master Jian, being older than me, must be favored.” Young Master Jian was indeed Lord Ling’s younger brother and Qu Ji’s elder sibling. Consequently, Jian was installed as ruler, becoming Lord Xiang.
Upon his accession, Lord Xiang resolved to exterminate the entire Clan Miao—the family responsible for the slaying of Lord Ling’s kin, Zi Gong. Qu Ji pleaded, “You intend to annihilate the Miao clan, yet I, too, shall soon depart from Zheng.” Convinced by his words, Lord Xiang relented and instead appointed the members of the Miao clan as his esteemed ministers.
In the first year (604 BC) of Lord Xiang’s reign, angered by Zheng’s earlier release of Hua Yuan—a move made in return for bribes from Song—the state of Chu attacked Zheng. In response, Zheng abandoned its alliance with Chu and sought favor with Jin. In the fifth year (600 BC), Chu renewed its assault on Zheng, prompting Jin to dispatch forces in its aid. In the sixth year (599 BC), Zi Jia died, and in retribution for his role in the assassination of Lord Ling, the people of Zheng once again expelled his family.
In the seventh year (598 BC), Zheng forged an alliance with Jin at Yanling. In the following year (597 BC), King Zhuang of Chu, incensed by the alliance between Zheng and Jin, moved to subdue Zheng. He besieged the Zheng capital for three months, and Zheng ultimately surrendered their capital to Chu. The Chu king entered the city through the imperial gate. Lord Xiang of Zheng, disrobing his upper garments to reveal his bare arms, greeted the Chu king while clutching a lamb, and lamented, “I have failed in serving you at the frontier and have incurred your displeasure by your presence in our capital. This is my transgression. I dare not act contrary to your wishes. If you banish me to the lands south of the Yangtze, or parcel Zheng among the feudal lords, I will obey without question. But if Your Majesty remembers the benevolence of King Li of Zhou, King Xuan of Zhou, Duke Huan of Zheng, and Duke Wu of Zheng—and out of compassion preserves their ancestral rites—grant me even a barren land so that I might continue to serve you. Such is my heartfelt wish, though I dare not presume upon it.” King Zhuang, moved by these words, ordered his troops to withdraw thirty li and then take up positions. His ministers queried, “We have traveled thousands of li and our soldiers have toiled for many days. Now, after having subdued a nation, why should we relent?” King Zhuang replied, “Our campaign was not waged against a compliant sovereign, but against one who was recalcitrant. Now that they have submitted, what further demand could there be?” Eventually, the Chu army withdrew. Jin, upon learning of Chu’s campaign against Zheng, dispatched an army to come to Zheng’s rescue. However, due to internal discord and delay among the Jin generals, by the time they reached the Yellow River the Chu forces had already withdrawn. Some Jin commanders wished to cross the river in pursuit, while others preferred to return home; in the end, they managed to cross the Yellow River. King Zhuang, upon learning of this, pivoted his forces to attack the Jin army. Ironically, Zheng then allied with Chu and inflicted a crushing defeat on the Jin forces along the Yellow River. In the tenth year (595 BC), Jin once more launched an attack on Zheng, motivated by Zheng’s defiance of Jin and its affinity with Chu.
Eleven years ago (594 BCE), King Zhuang of Chu launched a punitive expedition against the State of Song, prompting Song to urgently appeal to Jin for assistance. Duke Jing of Jin intended to dispatch an army to rescue Song, but his counselor, Bo Zong, cautioned him: “Heaven is presently favoring Chu; you must not attack them.” Consequently, Jin sought out a formidable man named Jie Yang—a native of the State of Huo, styled Zi Hu. The Jin authorities commissioned Jie Yang to deceive Chu by persuading Song not to capitulate. However, while passing through Zheng—a state held in close favor by Chu—Jie Yang was captured and delivered to Chu.
King Chu, in turn, lavished generous rewards upon Jie Yang and concluded an agreement with him, instructing him to speak in equivocal terms to urge Song’s swift surrender. Under persistent pressure and repeated threats from the Chu monarch, Jie Yang reluctantly assented. King Chu then ordered him to ascend the enemy’s observation platform so he could address the Song troops. Yet, in a striking act of defiance against his arrangement with the Chu, Jie Yang proclaimed, “The armies of Jin are mustering from every corner of the realm to come to Song’s aid. Though your situation is dire, under no circumstances should you surrender to Chu—Jin’s forces are on the very brink of arrival!” Enraged by this betrayal, King Chu nearly ordered Jie Yang’s execution. The bold emissary replied, “It is the duty of a sovereign to issue orders, and that of a subject to execute them faithfully. I have accepted my own ruler’s command to act abroad; I would sooner die than bring dishonor to his mandate.” King Zhuang retorted, “Then you have promised me, yet now you have reneged—where, pray, is your honor?” Jie Yang answered, “My pledge to you was solely to effectuate my sovereign’s command.” As he faced imminent punishment, he turned to the Chu troops and declared, “Let it be remembered by every loyal subject—serve with utmost fidelity, even unto death!” Moved by the heartfelt appeals of his brothers, King Chu pardoned Jie Yang and permitted his return to Jin, where he was conferred the high ministerial rank.
In the eighteenth year (587 BCE), Duke Xiang passed away in Zheng, and his son, Duke Dao (courtesy name Mi), ascended the throne.
In the first year of Duke Dao’s reign (586 BCE), Lord Xu Ling arrived in Chu and malignantly accused Zheng. In response, Duke Dao dispatched his younger brother, Gun, to travel to Chu and offer a defense on Zheng’s behalf. When his pleas fell on deaf ears, Chu imprisoned Gun. Subsequently, Duke Dao of Zheng journeyed to Jin to negotiate a reconciliation between the two states. Owing to Gun’s established rapport with a Chu noble named Zi Fan—who interceded on his behalf—Gun was eventually released and returned to Zheng.
In the second year (585 BCE), as Chu launched an assault against Zheng, Jin’s forces arrived to provide succor. Yet in that very year, Duke Dao died, and Zheng installed his brother as the new ruler, known as Duke Cheng.
In the third year of Duke Cheng’s reign (582 BCE), King Gong of Chu declared, “Ever since Zheng has flourished, I have bestowed favor upon it,” and accordingly dispatched envoys to Zheng to forge an alliance with Duke Cheng. Secretly, Duke Cheng had already entered into an accord with Chu. Later that autumn, during his ceremonial visit to Jin, Duke Cheng was accused by the Jin court of having clandestinely negotiated with Chu, and he was consequently arrested. The Jin then dispatched General Luan Shu to attack Zheng. In the spring of the fourth year (581 BCE), fearing encirclement by Jin, Prince Ru installed Duke Cheng’s elder brother, Xu, as ruler. However, in April of that same year, upon learning of Zheng’s installation of a new sovereign, Jin permitted Duke Cheng to return to his homeland. The people of Zheng, upon hearing of his return, slew Xu in order to welcome Duke Cheng back, prompting the withdrawal of Jin’s forces.
In the tenth year (575 BCE), the State of Zheng betrayed its alliance with Jin and entered into a pact with Chu. Outraged, Duke Li of Jin dispatched an army to subjugate Zheng. King Gong of Chu rushed to Zheng’s aid. At the ensuing battle at Yanling, the Chu forces were vanquished, and a Jin archer wounded King Gong’s eye—an injury that led both sides to withdraw from the field.
In the thirteenth year (572 BCE), Duke Dao of Jin attacked Zheng, stationing his troops on a height called Wei. The Zheng army stoutly defended the city, and the Jin forces eventually retreated.
In the fourteenth year (571 BCE), Duke Cheng died; his son, Hui, ascended the throne, and he became known posthumously as Duke Li.
In the fifth year of Duke Li’s reign (566 BCE), the minister of Zheng, Zi Si, paid his respects to Duke Li but was met with discourtesy. Incensed, Zi Si ordered the royal cook to poison Duke Li, then announced to the feudal lords that “Duke Li succumbed to an acute, incurable malady.” In his stead, Duke Li’s son, Jia—a mere five years old—was enthroned, thereafter known as Duke Jian.
In the first year of Duke Jian’s reign (565 BCE), several princes conspired to assassinate Minister Zi Si. However, Zi Si uncovered their plot and, in a ruthless counterstroke, eliminated all the conspiratorial princes. In the second year (564 BCE), Jin again attacked Zheng; yet Zheng forged an alliance with Jin, causing the Jin forces to withdraw. That winter, Zheng proceeded to seal an alliance with Chu. With Zi Si now dead, Zheng strove to cultivate close relations with both Jin and Chu.
In the third year (563 BCE), Chancellor Zi Si (the same ambitious minister) aspired to crown himself sovereign. In response, Prince Zi Kong dispatched his subordinate, Wei Zhi, to assassinate the would‐be usurper and supplant him. Yet Zi Kong himself entertained ambitions of self-aggrandizement. It was then that the wise Zichan admonished him: “Zi Si’s self-proclamation was intolerable, and you have already resorted to regicide; if you now imitate him, internal strife will never abate.” Heeding Zichan’s counsel, Zi Kong abandoned further designs on power and continued solely in his capacity as minister under Duke Jian.
In the fourth year (562 BCE), angered by Zheng’s alliance with Chu, Jin launched another assault on Zheng, only to find Zheng swiftly realign with Jin. King Gong of Chu intervened once more on Zheng’s behalf, defeating the Jin army. Duke Jian then sought to negotiate a peace with Jin, but Chu once again detained Zheng’s envoys.
In the twelfth year (554 BCE), incensed at the monopolization of power by Minister Zi Kong, Duke Jian had him executed and appointed Zi Chan to the high ministerial office. In the nineteenth year (547 BCE), Duke Jian visited Jin to intercede with Duke Wei on Zheng’s behalf, and in gratitude conferred upon Zi Chan six counties. Zi Chan demurred, accepting only three. In the twenty-second year (544 BCE), the State of Wu dispatched Yanling Jizi to Zheng. Upon meeting, Yanling Jizi and Zi Chan immediately forged a kinship. Yanling Jizi warned, “The administrators of Zheng are rife with debauchery; disaster looms, and supreme power will soon be yours. Should you govern, you must do so with proper decorum; failing that, Zheng is destined for ruin.” Zi Chan accorded Jizi generous hospitality. In the twenty-third year (543 BCE), various princes, vying for favor, engaged in bitter internecine strife and once again plotted to eliminate Zi Chan. Only the earnest remonstrances of some princes—who declared, “Zi Chan is a man of benevolence; Zheng’s very survival is owing to his wisdom—do not shed his blood!”—succeeded in halting the carnage.
In the twenty-fifth year (541 BCE), Zheng sent Zichan to the state of Jin to inquire about Duke Ping’s health. Duke Ping asked, “After divination, the omens indicate that Shi Shen and Tai Tai are causing disturbances. My historians are unaware of their origins, so I humbly ask—who are these deities?”
Zichan responded, “The High Ancestor Gao Xin had two sons: the elder, Yan Bo, and the younger, Shi Shen. They lived deep in the great forests but could not tolerate each other, engaging in constant warfare with weapons. Emperor Yao disapproved of their conflict and thus exiled Yan Bo to Shangqiu to preside over the worship of the Chen Star. The Shang people continued this practice, hence the star was named Shang Star. Meanwhile, Yao sent Shi Shen to live in the Da Xia region to oversee the worship of the Shen Star. The people of Tang followed this tradition and served the Xia and Shang dynasties. The last ruler of the Tang clan was Tang Shu Yu.
When King Wu’s consort, Lady Yi Jiang, was pregnant with the Great Uncle, she dreamt that the Heavenly Emperor said to her, ‘Your son shall be named Yu, and the Tang lands shall be his. He will be entrusted with the rites of the Shen Star, and his descendants shall flourish there.’ After his birth, the palm lines on his hand formed the character ‘Yu,’ so he was named accordingly. When King Cheng of Zhou later annexed Tang, he granted the land to the Great Uncle. Thus, the Shen Star is the ancestral star of Jin, and Shi Shen is its deity.
Furthermore, the ancient Jintian clan had a descendant named Mei, who became the Grand Minister of Water Affairs. His lineage produced Yun Ge and Tai Tai. Tai Tai inherited the office and successfully managed the waters of the Fen and Tao Rivers, building embankments for the great lakes and residing in Taiyuan. Emperor Zhuanxu commended his achievements and granted him dominion over the Fen River. The Shen, Si, Ru, and Huang states were responsible for his worship. Now that Jin rules over the Fen River basin and has annexed the surrounding states, it is clear that Tai Tai is the deity of the Fen and Tao Rivers. However, neither of these deities could possibly be causing Your Grace’s ailment. The spirits of mountains and rivers should be appeased when droughts or floods occur; the celestial deities of the sun, moon, and stars should be worshiped when unseasonal frost, wind, or rain arise. Your illness, however, is due to indulgence in food, drink, pleasure, and women.”
Duke Ping and Uncle Xiang praised Zichan’s wisdom, exclaiming, “Indeed! You are truly a learned and virtuous gentleman!” They rewarded him with generous gifts.
In the twenty-seventh year (539 BCE), during the summer, Duke Jian of Zheng paid homage to the ruler of Jin. In the winter, fearing the growing power of King Ling of Chu, he also paid respects to Chu, with Zichan accompanying him.
In the twenty-eighth year (538 BCE), as the Duke of Zheng fell ill, he sent Zichan to convene with other feudal lords. During a meeting in Shen, he formed an alliance with King Ling of Chu, who executed Qing Feng of Qi.
In the thirty-sixth year (530 BCE), Duke Jian passed away, and his son, Duke Ding (Ning), ascended the throne. That autumn, Duke Ding paid homage to Duke Zhao of Jin.
In the first year of Duke Ding’s reign (529 BCE), Prince Qiji of Chu assassinated King Ling and usurped the throne, becoming King Ping. Seeking to establish himself as a just and moral ruler among the feudal lords, he returned the lands seized by King Ling to Zheng.
In the fourth year (526 BCE), Duke Zhao of Jin passed away. The six powerful clans of Jin rose to dominance, weakening the state’s central authority. Zichan advised Han Xuanzi, “Governance must be founded on virtue and righteousness. Never forget the principles that sustain a stable rule.”
In the sixth year (524 BCE), a great fire broke out in Zheng. Duke Ding intended to hold a ritual to ward off disaster, but Zichan advised, “It would be better to practice virtuous governance instead.”
In the eighth year (522 BCE), the Crown Prince Jian of Chu fled to Zheng. In the tenth year (520 BCE), he conspired with Jin to attack Zheng, but Zheng preemptively executed him. His son managed to escape to Wu.
In the eleventh year (519 BCE), Duke Ding traveled to Jin, where Jin and Zheng deliberated on eliminating the treacherous ministers of the Zhou royal house and reinstating King Jing.
In the thirteenth year (517 BCE), Duke Ding passed away, and his son, Duke Xian (Chai), succeeded him. In the thirteenth year of Duke Xian’s reign (510 BCE), he passed away, and his son, Duke Sheng (Sheng), took the throne. By this time, the six clans of Jin had grown powerful, encroaching on Zheng’s territory, leading to its decline.
In the fifth year of Duke Sheng’s reign (496 BCE), Prime Minister Zichan passed away. The people of Zheng wept for him, mourning as if they had lost their own kin. Zichan was the youngest son of Duke Cheng of Zheng. He was benevolent and compassionate, and he served his ruler with loyalty and sincerity.
Confucius, upon passing through Zheng, had shared a close bond with Zichan. When he heard of his passing, he wept bitterly and lamented, “Zichan’s benevolence is truly a remnant of the virtues of ancient times!”
In the eighth year (493 BC), the Fan and Zhonghang clans of Jin rebelled, prompting Jin to send an urgent plea to Zheng, which came to their aid. Consequently, Jin attacked Zheng, and at Tieba, Zheng’s forces were routed in a severe defeat.
In the fourteenth year (487 BC), with the passing of Duke Jing of Song, the state of Cao perished. In the twentieth year (481 BC), Tian Chang of Qi assassinated his own ruler, Duke Jian, and assumed the position of Prime Minister of Qi. Two years later, in the twenty-second year (479 BC), King Hui of Chu destroyed the state of Chen, and Confucius himself passed away.
In the thirty-sixth year (465 BC), Jin’s general Zhi Bo launched a punitive expedition against Zheng, capturing nine fortresses. The following year (464 BC), Duke Sheng died, and his son, Duke Ai, ascended the throne. In the eighth year of Duke Ai’s reign (455 BC), the people of Zheng assassinated Duke Ai and installed Duke Sheng’s brother, Chou, as ruler—known as Duke Gong. In Duke Gong’s third year (452 BC), the alliance of the three Jin states exterminated Zhi Bo. In the thirty-first year (424 BC), Duke Gong died, and his son, Duke You, succeeded him. In the first year of Duke You’s reign (423 BC), Han’s military leader, Wu Zi, campaigned against Zheng and killed Duke You. In response, the people of Zheng enthroned Duke You’s brother as ruler, known as Duke Xu.
In the fifteenth year of Duke Xu’s reign (408 BC), Han’s Marquis Jing campaigned against Zheng and captured Yongqiu, while Zheng undertook extensive fortification of its capital. The following year (407 BC), Zheng launched an offensive against the state of Han and defeated its army at Fushu. In the twentieth year (403 BC), Han, Zhao, and Wei were recognized as feudal states, and in the twenty-third year (400 BC), Zheng encircled Yangdi of Han.
In the twenty-fifth year (398 BC), the Zheng ruler executed the Prime Minister Yang. Two years later (396 BC), Yang’s supporters collectively assassinated Duke Xu’s envoy, Pai, and installed Duke You’s brother, Yi, as ruler—referred to as Duke Zheng. Duke Zheng Yi reigned for two years before the populace of Fushu, which had been annexed by Zheng, revolted and restored Fushu to Han. In the eleventh year (385 BC), Han attacked Zheng and seized Yangcheng.
Finally, in the twenty-first year (375 BC), Han’s Lord Ai obliterated the state of Zheng and absorbed it entirely.
The Grand Historian remarked: “There is a common saying: ‘When ties are bound by power and mutual interests, once that power and those interests cease, the bonds will inevitably loosen.’” This observation pertains to Fu Xia. Although Fu Xia had once abducted and slain Zheng Zije to welcome Duke Li back to the state, Duke Li eventually betrayed and killed him—what, then, is the difference between him and Li Ke of Jin? Even one who, like Xun Xi, steadfastly clings to his principles cannot preserve the state of Xi Qi in death. Thus, it is clear that the emergence of chaos and upheaval stems from a multitude of causes!