In the Spring and Autumn Period, the Duke of Qi Huan left a thought-provoking chapter (Chapter 16) in the long river of history, telling the story of friendship, loyalty, and political games.
In 664 BC, Shanrong invaded the Yan Kingdom, and the Duke of Yanzhuang was unable to resist and eagerly asked for help from the Duke of Qi Huan. Although Yan and Qi have a long tradition of friendly relations, due to their geographical remoteness, the two sides have not interacted for many years. However, in the face of Yan Zhuanggong's request, Qi Huan Gong did not blame Lu Zhuanggong, and he led his army to the front line alone.
After half a year and many hardships and dangers, Qi Huan Gong successfully defeated Shan Rong. However, it is regrettable that Lu Zhuanggong did not send troops to help, which caused discussion among the princes. But Duke Qi Huan did not reproach Duke Lu Zhuang, but went to Lu in person and dedicated half of the spoils to the temple of Lu State. Although he violated the etiquette law, he intended to humiliate Lu Zhuanggong and create ** pressure through a tolerant attitude.
Qi Huan often used this strategy to show his broad-mindedness in order to demonstrate his political wisdom. This behavior was praised by the later sage Confucius as "a sage repays grievances with virtue", showing the mind and courage of Qi Huangong.
However, a year later, Duke Lu Zhuang died of illness in the palace, which made Duke Qi Huan's tolerance and wisdom a little embarrassing. Lu Zhuanggong's concubine succeeded to the throne like a son, but unfortunately died in a political struggle. Subsequently, Lu Zhuanggong's younger brother Qingfu ascended the throne, but his rule caused civil strife. Duke Huan of Qi sent Gao Wei to lead an army to quell the rebellion and support another monarch who was more favorable to Qi - Duke Lu Xu.
Qing's father fled to Ju and Jiang went into exile, and the intervention of Qi Huan finally restored order to Lu. For Mourning Jiang, although the Duke of Qi Huan sent someone to arrest her back to Lu to die, which seemed inappropriate in terms of etiquette, the people of Lu also sympathized with her.
In the end, Duke Lu maintained the stability of the state of Lu with the support of Duke Qi Huan, and Duke Qi Huan married his daughter Sheng Jiang to Duke Lu in order to mend the marriage relationship between the two countries. This series of political turmoil made Qi Huan Gong in the Spring and Autumn Period not only a hegemon, but also like an aunt of a neighborhood committee, undertaking all kinds of cumbersome affairs, echoing the reality that "the stronger the ability, the greater the responsibility".