Duke Huan of Qi (? — 643 BC), named Xiaobai, or Lv Xiaobai, was the first hegemon of the Spring and Autumn Period (770 BC — 403 BC).
He was an accomplished monarch that flourished the state and obtained hegemony; however, in his late years, he lost everything, ended up tragically, and had his empire fall apart.
Unearthed Jade Dragons (Yu Jue) of the Spring and Autumn Period— Nanyang Antique Archaeology Institute (Photo by Dongmaiying)
Honorable State Qi and Intense Contention Over the Throne
Xiaobai was a prince of a vassal state named Qi that was assigned to his ancestor Lv Shang, who made remarkable contributions in assisting Kings Wen and Wu of Zhou to establish the Zhou Dynasty (1046 BC — 256 BC).
When Prince Xiaobai was young, he and his brother escaped to different states to avoid political chaos in the State Qi.
A few years later, his oldest brother, the current Lord of Qi, was assassinated; Xiaobai and his second-oldest brother both were informed and tried their best to return to Qi's capital to compete for the throne.
The most important minister of his brother was named Guan Zhong. He shot an arrow at Prince Xiaobai, who fell to the ground and pretended to be dead.
Unearthed Bronze Sword of the Spring and Autumn Period — Hebei Provincial Institute of Archaeology (Photo by Dongmaiying)
Enthronement of Duke Huan of Qi and the Flourishing Empire
When his brother thought Prince Xiaobai was dead and slowed down, he and his followers hurried to the capital and ascended the throne as the Duke Huan of Qi.
He then forced the lord of the state, who had helped his brother before, to assassinate his brother and send Guan Zhong back to State Qi.
Guan Zhong (about 723 BC — 645 BC), named Guan Yiwu, was a descendant of King Mu of Zhou and a successful businessman.
Duke Huan of Qi forgave Guan Zhong, who had shot him before, and respected him as the prime minister of State Qi.
It turned out to be a wise decision. Guan Zhong, a brilliant politician, economist, and militarist, assisted Duke Huan of Qi in becoming the first hegemon of the Spring and Autumn Period.
Reforms of the State Qi
Under Guan Zhong's suggestions, Duke Huan of Qi implemented a series of reforms, after which Qi became the wealthiest and most powerful state in that period.
They refined administration, land, population, tax, and military systems and regulated economic activities scientifically. Guan Zhong also weakened other states through brilliant currency and trade wars while vastly increasing State Qi's exchequer.
Then Duke Huan of Qi paid a visit to the king of his Suzerain Zhou and showed great respect. The king was quite happy about a powerful lord being loyal and supportive since so many others had already stopped tributing to him for a long time.
So the king awarded Duke Huan of Qi and his state many privileges.
The Currency of State Qi — Shandong Museum (Photo by AlexHe34)
The Hegemony of the Duke Huan of Qi
Under the name of King of Zhou, Duke Huan of Qi and his army defeated or even perished some states that didn't respect him or the king.
Then, he held many large-scale alliance meetings (Huimeng) that were only entitled to hold by kings, representing him as the most powerful hegemon.
In those grand meetings, they set rules, such as respecting the King of Zhou, no unreasonable invasions, the legality of queens and heirs, freedom of trading food and people, respecting elders and intelligent people, etc.
As a responsible overlord, Duke Huan of Qi implemented those rules well and assisted the king in ensuring other lords maintained decency and order.
Soon, he obtained most feudal lords' respect and the king's.
Bronze Tableware Fu of the Spring and Autumn Period — Shanghai Museum (Photo by Dongmaiying)
Unexpected Tragic Ending of the Duke Huan of Qi
Before brilliant prime minister Guan Zhong passed away, he persuaded Duke Huan of Qi that some people were dangerous and untrustworthy. He believed that behind their false loyalty, they were genuinely greedy, evil people that were only going for power.
However, the lord nominated and empowered them after Guan's death.
Soon, the duke's five sons and these treacherous people kept fighting each other over the throne and power.
During that time, Duke Huan was old and sick in bed and was locked in the palace by his sons, with no food and water.
Only a former maid risked her life to provide the duke with some water by crossing a secret small hole in the wall.
Crystal and Agate Accessory of the Spring and Autumn Period — Shandong Museum (Photo by Dongmaiying)
This brave and remarkable hegemon Duke Huan of Qi was starved to death in his palace, alone and desperate, by his sons and trusted ministers that he promoted.
What’s even sadder was that his body was found two months after his death, decomposed, smelly, and covered with disgusting bugs.
The State Qi was severely damaged during this chaos; they lost not only hegemony, but also prosperity and many cities.
Bronze Weapon Ji of the Spring and Autumn Period — Nanjing Museum (Photo by Dongmaiying)
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