Shao Gongshi, sharing the same surname as the royal family of the Zhou, bore the surname Ji. After King Wu of Zhou defeated the tyrant King Zhou of Shang, he granted Shao Gongshi the title and land in the northern part of Yan.
During the reign of King Cheng of Zhou, Shao Gongshi held a prestigious position among the Three Dukes. He governed the lands west of the Shaanxi region, while the Duke of Zhou was in charge of the eastern territories. At this time, King Cheng was still very young, and the Duke of Zhou effectively ruled the state on his behalf, wielding power comparable to that of the emperor. However, Shao Gongshi grew suspicious of the Duke’s authority. In response, the Duke of Zhou wrote the document Jun Shi to justify his actions. Despite the Duke’s explanations, Shao Gongshi remained discontented. The Duke then recalled the historical records of the Shang Dynasty to defend his actions: “During the reign of King Tang, there was the minister Yi Yin, whose virtues and deeds moved Heaven itself. In the time of Tai Wu, ministers like Yi Zhi and Chen Hu played significant roles, and under Wu Ding, figures like Gan Ban contributed greatly to governance. These ministers helped their kings administer the state, ensuring the stability and peace of the Shang dynasty.”
Upon hearing this, Shao Gongshi was finally appeased.
Shao Gongshi’s administration in the western regions was deeply appreciated by the people. He frequently toured villages and towns, where he would sit beneath a hawthorn tree to adjudicate cases and manage affairs. He ensured that everyone, from noble lords to commoners, was adequately provided for, with no one left destitute. After Shao Gongshi’s death, the people, filled with nostalgia for his governance, continued to honor him by preserving the hawthorn tree and composing the poem Gan Chang in his memory.
Following Shao Gongshi, the title was passed down through nine generations until it reached Duke Hui of Yan. Duke Hui ruled during the time when King Li of Zhou had fled to Zhi, and Duke Mu of Zhou governed in partnership with the Duke of Zhou.
When Duke Hui passed away, his son Duke Xi succeeded him. This was during the reign of King Xuan of Zhou. In the 21st year of Duke Xi’s reign (806 BCE), Duke Huan of Zheng was granted his title. By the 36th year of Duke Xi’s reign (791 BCE), he had passed away, and his son Duke Qing succeeded him.
During the 20th year of Duke Qing’s reign (771 BCE), King You of Zhou, in his debauchery, was killed by the Quanrong tribes, marking the rise of Qin as a prominent state. In the 24th year of Duke Qing’s reign (767 BCE), he died, and his son Duke Ai ascended the throne.
Duke Ai passed away in the 2nd year of his reign (765 BCE), and his son Duke Zheng succeeded him. Duke Zheng died after 36 years (729 BCE), and his son Duke Miao took the throne.
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In the 7th year of Duke Miao’s reign (722 BCE), the first year of Duke Yin of Lu occurred. Duke Miao passed away in the 18th year of his reign (711 BCE), and his son Duke Xuan succeeded him. Duke Xuan ruled for 13 years (698 BCE) before his son Duke Huan took the throne. Duke Huan passed away after 7 years (691 BCE), and his son Duke Zhuang succeeded him.
During the 12th year of Duke Zhuang’s reign (679 BCE), Duke Huan of Qi began his dominance over the states. In the 16th year (675 BCE), Duke Zhuang allied with the states of Song and Wei to attack King Hui of Zhou, forcing him to flee to Wen, where they installed King Hui’s brother as the new ruler. In the 17th year (674 BCE), the state of Zheng captured Yan Zhongfu, returning King Hui to the capital. In the 27th year (664 BCE), the Mountain Rong tribes invaded Yan, prompting Duke Huan of Qi to lead a campaign in support of Yan, eventually returning home.
Duke Zhuang of Yan, in gratitude, accompanied Duke Huan out of the country and ceded territory to Yan. He promised to pay tribute to the Emperor, just as Shao Gongshi had done during the reign of King Cheng. He also agreed to reestablish the laws that Shao Gongshi had once implemented.
In the 33rd year (658 BCE), Duke Zhuang died, and his son Duke Xiang ascended the throne.
In the 26th year of Duke Xiang’s reign (632 BCE), Duke Wen of Jin called the vassals together at Jianshang for a meeting, where he became the hegemon of the states. In the 31st year (267 BCE), the Qin army suffered a defeat at the hands of Jin forces at the Xiaoshan Mountains. In the 37th year (621 BCE), Duke Mu of Qin passed away. In the 40th year (618 BCE), Duke Xiang also passed away, and Duke Huan succeeded him.
Duke Huan passed away in the 16th year (602 BCE), and Duke Xuan succeeded him. Duke Xuan ruled for 15 years (587 BCE) before passing away, and Duke Shao took over. Duke Shao died in the 13th year of his reign (574 BCE), and Duke Wu ascended to the throne. During this time, the state of Jin executed three major ministers of the Xi clan.
In the 19th year of Duke Wu’s reign (555 BCE), he died, and Duke Wen succeeded him. Duke Wen ruled for 6 years (549 BCE) before his passing, and Duke Yi succeeded him. In the first year of Duke Yi’s reign (548 BCE), the state of Qi assassinated his ruler, Duke Zhuang. Duke Yi passed away in the 4th year (545 BCE), and his son Duke Hui succeeded him.
In the 1st year of Duke Hui’s reign (544 BCE), Gao Zhi of Qi fled to Yan, seeking refuge. In the 6th year (539 BCE), Duke Hui favored many young and favored ministers. He decided to depose the senior ministers and appoint his beloved minister Song. The senior ministers, however, conspired to kill Song. Duke Hui, frightened, fled to Qi. In the 4th year after his arrival in Qi, the state of Qi sent Gao Yan to Jin to request a joint campaign against Yan and the return of Duke Hui to his homeland to rule. Duke Ping of Jin agreed, and together with Qi, they attacked Yan and restored Duke Hui. However, Duke Hui died shortly after returning to Yan, and the people of Yan installed Duke Dao as the new ruler.
Duke Dao passed away in the 7th year (529 BCE), and Duke Gong succeeded him. Duke Gong ruled for five years (524 BCE) before his death, and Duke Ping succeeded him. During this time, the power of the Jin monarchy began to wane, while the influence of the six major families — the Fan, Zhonghang, Zhi, Shao, Han, and Wei families — grew stronger.
In the 18th year of Duke Ping’s reign (506 BCE), King Helü of Wu successfully captured the capital of Chu, Ying. In the 19th year (505 BCE), Duke Ping passed away, and Duke Jian ascended the throne. Duke Jian ruled for twelve years (493 BCE) before his death, and Duke Xian succeeded him. During this time, the Shao family in Jin besieged the Fan and Zhonghang families in Chao Ge.
In the 12th year (481 BCE), Qi’s minister Tian Chang killed his ruler, Duke Jian. In the 14th year (479 BCE), Confucius passed away. In the 28th year (465 BCE), Duke Xian passed away, and Duke Xiao succeeded him.
In the 12th year of Duke Xiao’s reign (453 BCE), the Han, Wei, and Shao families destroyed the Zhi clan and divided their territories, thereby consolidating their own power.
In the 15th year (450 BCE), Duke Xiao died, and Duke Cheng succeeded him. Duke Cheng ruled for 16 years (434 BCE) before his death, and Duke Min succeeded him. Duke Min ruled for 31 years (403 BCE) before his death, and Duke Xi succeeded him. This was the year that the Han, Shao, and Wei states were recognized as feudal lords.
In the 30th year of Duke Xi’s reign (373 BCE), the state of Yan, under the leadership of the Yan army, attacked and defeated Qi.
In the 11th year of Duke Huan’s reign (362 BCE), he died, and Duke Wen succeeded him. This year, Duke Xian of Qin passed away, further strengthening the power of the Qin state.
In the 19th year of Duke Wen’s reign (343 BCE), King Wei of Qi passed away. In the 28th year (334 BCE), Su Qin first arrived in Yan to visit Duke Wen and began his diplomatic missions. Duke Wen generously offered Su Qin carriages, horses, gold, and silk, sending him to the state of Shao, where Shao’s Lord Su greatly valued him. Su Qin then formed an alliance with the six states to resist Qin, becoming the leader of the coalition. During this period, King Hui of Qin married his daughter to the crown prince of Yan.
In the 29th year (333 BCE), Duke Wen passed away, and his son, the crown prince, ascended the throne as King Yi.
When King Yi took the throne, King Xuan of Qi took advantage of the mourning period for Duke Wen to launch an attack on Yan, seizing ten cities. Su Qin traveled to Qi to negotiate and successfully persuaded King Xuan to return the cities to Yan. In the 10th year (323 BCE), the ruler of Yan officially assumed the title of king. Su Qin, having had an affair with the wife of Duke Wen, fearing for his life, persuaded King Yi to send him as a diplomatic envoy to Qi in order to cause dissension and create disorder within Qi. In the 12th year of King Yi’s reign (321 BCE), King Yi died, and his son, King Kuo, ascended the throne.
After King Kuo’s ascension, the people of Qi killed Su Qin. While Su Qin had been in Yan, he had arranged for his children to marry into the family of Zizhi, and his younger brother, Su Dai, was closely connected with Zizhi. After Su Qin’s death, King Xuan of Qi appointed Su Dai as a minister.
In the 3rd year of King Kuo’s reign (318 BCE), the state of Yan, in alliance with Chu, Han, Shao, and Wei, attacked Qin but failed to achieve victory and returned home. At that time, Zizhi held the powerful position of chief minister in Yan, making all major state decisions. Su Dai, as a diplomatic envoy of Qi to Yan, was asked by King Kuo, “What do you think of King Xuan of Qi?” Su Dai responded, “He can certainly not become the hegemon.” King Kuo asked, “Why?” Su Dai replied, “Because he does not trust his ministers.” Su Dai intended to provoke King Kuo to respect Zizhi. After hearing this, King Kuo greatly trusted Zizhi. Zizhi then gave Su Dai a gift of 100 jin of gold, allowing him to use it as he wished.
Lu Mao Shou advised King Kuo, saying, “You might as well entrust the state to your chief minister Zizhi. People praise Emperor Yao as a sage and virtuous ruler because he once offered the world to Xu You, who refused, allowing Yao to earn a reputation for renouncing power while still maintaining control. If you now entrust the state to Zizhi, he will certainly refuse, demonstrating your virtue and nobility like that of Yao.” King Kuo, following this advice, handed over the state’s control to Zizhi, whose status was greatly elevated. Some advisors then remarked to King Kuo, “In the past, Emperor Yu recommended Bo Yi, but appointed the ministers of Qi as officials. When Yu grew old, he found Qi insufficient to rule the world and transferred the throne to Bo Yi. However, shortly afterward, Qi and his faction attacked Bo Yi and took the throne back, leaving the world to believe that Yu transferred the world to Bo Yi in name but actually allowed Qi to reclaim it. Now, you say you are entrusting the state to Zizhi, yet all the officers are from the family of the crown prince, which is equivalent to leaving the state in the hands of the crown prince in reality.” King Kuo, realizing this, handed over the seals of all officials with salaries above 300 shi to Zizhi. Zizhi then sat facing south on the royal seat, assuming the powers of the king. King Kuo, now old and no longer managing state affairs, became a subordinate while Zizhi made all decisions for the state.
The Three-Year Reign of Duke Zhi: The Uprising in Yan and the Rise of King Zhao of Yan
In the spring of the 26th year (516 BCE), Duke Zhi of Qi ascended to power, and during his reign, Yan fell into great disorder, leaving officials in fear. General Shi Bei, in collaboration with Crown Prince Ping, conspired to overthrow Duke Zhi and prepare an attack. The generals of Qi advised King Min of Qi, “Now is the perfect opportunity to strike Yan; we can defeat them and ensure their downfall.” King Min of Qi, seeing the strategic advantage, sent a message to Crown Prince Ping of Yan, saying, “I have heard that the Crown Prince is a champion of justice, aiming to abolish corruption, restore the rightful relations between ruler and subjects, and clarify the roles between father and son. My country is small and cannot serve as your ally, but we are willing to heed your call if you command us.” In response, Crown Prince Ping gathered his supporters and surrounded General Shi Bei’s palace. They launched an attack against Duke Zhi, though they failed to breach the palace. In turn, General Shi Bei and the officials turned against Crown Prince Ping and attacked him, resulting in Shi Bei’s death in battle. His body was displayed for public viewing. This turmoil lasted for months, leading to the death of tens of thousands, leaving the people fearful and the government divided.
The philosopher Meng Ke (Mencius) advised King Min of Qi, “This is the perfect moment to attack Yan, similar to how King Wen and King Wu of Zhou attacked King Zhou of Shang. You must not miss this opportunity.” Following his counsel, King Min ordered General Zhang Zi to lead the army, along with soldiers from the northern border, to march against Yan. The Yan army, however, refused to engage, and the gates of their city remained open. The King of Yan, Kuai, died, and the Qi army achieved a decisive victory. Two years after the death of Duke Zhi, the people of Yan united to crown Crown Prince Ping as King Zhao of Yan.
The Rise of King Zhao of Yan: A Humble Leader Recruiting Talented Ministers
King Zhao of Yan, having ascended to the throne after the fall of Yan, sought to rebuild his kingdom by attracting talented individuals. He approached the renowned scholar Guo Kui, saying, “When Qi attacked Yan during our time of turmoil, I realized that our state, being small and weak, could not avenge itself. However, with the support of wise men, we can restore our dignity and cleanse the shame of my predecessors. If you know of any such capable individuals, I would personally serve them.” Guo Kui responded, “If Your Majesty truly desires to recruit talent, then I, Guo Kui, will be the first to offer myself. As for those more talented than I, surely they will come from all corners, even from a thousand miles away.” King Zhao, impressed, renovated Guo Kui’s residence, treating him with the utmost respect, akin to how one would honor a teacher.
Soon after, several other distinguished figures, including the strategist Yue Yi from Wei, Zou Yan from Qi, and Ju Xin from Zhao, arrived in Yan to offer their services. King Zhao, showing compassion for the people, performed rituals for the deceased, offering solace to the orphans, and sharing hardships with his ministers.
28th Year (284 BCE): Yan’s Victory Over Qi
By the 28th year (284 BCE), Yan had become prosperous and its soldiers were eager for battle. King Zhao of Yan appointed Yue Yi as the supreme general and, in collaboration with the states of Qin, Chu, Zhao, Wei, and Han, they began plotting the conquest of Qi. The Qi army was defeated, and King Min of Qi fled the country. Yan’s army pursued the defeated Qi forces, entering the capital of Linzi and seizing all of Qi’s treasures. They also burned down Qi’s royal palaces and ancestral shrines. Only the cities of Liao, Ju, and Jimo remained unconquered, while the rest of Qi’s territory came under Yan’s control for six years.
33rd Year of King Zhao’s Reign (279 BCE): His Death and the Succession of King Hui
In the 33rd year of King Zhao’s reign (279 BCE), he passed away, and his son, King Hui, ascended to the throne.
The Tension Between King Hui and Yue Yi
Before King Hui became king, he had a strained relationship with Yue Yi. Once on the throne, he distrusted Yue Yi and appointed Qi Xie to replace him as the general. Yue Yi fled to the state of Zhao. Meanwhile, Qi General Tian Dan, using the forces of the city of Jimo, defeated the Yan army. Qi Xie was killed in battle, and Yan forces retreated back to their own borders. Qi subsequently regained all of its former territories. After the death of King Min of Qi in Ju, the people of Qi crowned his son as King Xiang.
7th Year of King Hui’s Reign (272 BCE): The Coalition of Han, Wei, and Chu Against Yan
In the 7th year of King Hui’s reign (272 BCE), the states of Han, Wei, and Chu formed a coalition to attack Yan. King Wu Cheng of Yan ascended the throne.
War with Qi and the Decline of Yan
In the 7th year (265 BCE) of King Wu Cheng’s reign, Qi General Tian Dan launched an attack on Yan and captured Zhongyang. In the 13th year (259 BCE), Qin defeated over 400,000 troops of Zhao at Changping. In the 14th year (258 BCE), King Wu Cheng died and was succeeded by his son, King Xiao.
The Invasion of Zhao and the Defeat of Yan
In the 1st year of King Xiao’s reign (257 BCE), the Qin army lifted its siege of Handan and withdrew from Zhao. However, in the 3rd year of King Xiao’s reign (255 BCE), King Xiao passed away, and his son, King Xi of Yan, succeeded him.
King Xi’s Decision to Attack Zhao and the Intervention of Minister Guan Qu
In the 4th year of King Xi’s reign (251 BCE), King Zhao of Qin died, and King Xi of Yan sent his prime minister, Li Fu, to Zhao to establish an alliance. Li Fu also brought 500 pounds of gold as a gift for the Zhao king. When Li Fu returned to Yan, he advised King Xi to attack Zhao, saying, “The younger, stronger men of Zhao have all perished in battle, and their children are still too young to defend the state. We should strike now.” Minister Le Jian, however, cautioned against the idea, saying, “Zhao is a state surrounded by enemies and experienced in warfare. It would not be wise to attack now.”
King Xi, enraged by the suggestion, decided to go to war. The troops were divided into two forces, with Li Fu leading one army to attack Hao and General Qin attacking Dai. Only the minister Guan Qu voiced his opposition, warning, “It is ill-omened to break an alliance and turn against a people to whom we have already sent gifts. This war will not succeed.” King Xi, ignoring his advice, proceeded with the invasion. The Yan army was ultimately defeated by Zhao’s forces, and King Xi was forced to make peace.
In the sixth year of King Xi of Yan (249 BCE), the Qin state destroyed Eastern Zhou and established the Sanchuan Commandery. In the seventh year (248 BCE), Qin captured 37 cities in Zhao, including Yulin, and set up the Taiyuan Commandery. In the ninth year (246 BCE), King Ying Zheng of Qin began his reign. In the tenth year (245 BCE), Zhao sent the general Lian Po to attack the Wei state’s Fanyang and succeeded in occupying it. At this time, King Xiaocheng of Zhao passed away, and King Daoxiang ascended to the throne. King Daoxiang appointed Yue Cheng to replace Lian Po in commanding the army. However, Lian Po disobeyed the order and attacked Yue Cheng. Yue Cheng fled, and Lian Po escaped to the Wei capital, Daliang.
In the twelfth year (243 BCE), Zhao sent Li Mu to attack Yan, capturing Wusui and Fangcheng. Ju Xin, who had previously lived in Zhao and was close to Pang Xuan, later fled to Yan. Seeing Zhao’s repeated encirclements by the Qin forces and the departure of Lian Po, who had been replaced by Pang Xuan, King Xi of Yan saw an opportunity to strike. He consulted Ju Xin, who suggested, “Pang Xuan is easy to defeat.” King Xi then sent Ju Xin to lead an army against Zhao, but Zhao sent Pang Xuan to confront him. The Yan forces were defeated, with 20,000 soldiers captured and Ju Xin killed.
At this time, Qin had captured 20 cities from Wei and established the Dongjun Commandery. In the nineteenth year (236 BCE), Qin conquered nine cities, including Ye, in Zhao. King Daoxiang of Zhao passed away. In the twenty-third year (232 BCE), Prince Dan of Yan was sent as a hostage to Qin but managed to escape back to Yan.
In the twenty-fifth year (230 BCE), Qin captured King An of Han, destroyed the Han state, and established the Yingchuan Commandery. In the twenty-seventh year (228 BCE), Qin captured King Qian of Zhao, annihilating Zhao. Prince Jia of Zhao declared himself the King of Dai.
The rulers and ministers of Yan saw that Qin was on the verge of eliminating the six states, with its forces already at the Yishui River, and the calamity was about to strike Yan. Prince Dan of Yan secretly maintained twenty strong warriors. At this time, he sent Jing Ke to present a map of Dufeng to King Qin, intending to assassinate him. However, King Qin detected the plot, executed Jing Ke, and sent General Wang Jian to attack Yan.
In the twenty-ninth year (226 BCE), the Qin army captured Yan’s capital, Ji, forcing King Xi of Yan to flee. He eventually relocated to Liaodong, where he killed Prince Dan and sent his head to Qin. In the thirtieth year (225 BCE), Qin destroyed the Wei state.
In the thirty-third year (222 BCE), the Qin army captured Liaodong and took King Xi of Yan prisoner, finally eliminating the Yan state. That same year, the Qin general Wang Ben also captured King Jia of Dai.
Sima Qian, the Grand Historian, wrote: “Zhao Gongshi can truly be considered a man of benevolence and virtue! Even the hawthorn tree is still remembered by the people, let alone Zhao Gongshi himself. Yan bordered on wild tribes such as the Man and He, and its territory intersected with the powerful states of Qi and Jin. It struggled for survival amidst these great nations, often on the brink of annihilation. Yet, it endured for nearly 800 or 900 years, the last of the Ji surname states to fall. Could this not be the merit of Zhao Gongshi?”