When it comes to Shandong, people often associate the title of "Qilu Land". However, it would be a big mistake to think that Qi culture and Lu culture are the same thing.
These two cultures, or these two vassal states, are, to some extent, actually "incompatible".
In terms of economic strategy, Lu is like a gurgling water, obsessed with the nourishment and stability of agriculture; The state of Qi is like a raging fire, pursuing the brilliant prosperity of agriculture and industry.
The state of Lu, as the closest vassal state to the Zhou royal family, inherited the tradition of the Zhou and attached great importance to the development of agriculture. Therefore, Lu Guo also formulated the policy of establishing the country with agriculture and "taking agriculture as the foundation". Although this kind of policy has ensured the food security of the country, it has also suppressed the development of other industries. In fact, judging from the "Historical Records", the handicraft industry of Lu is actually quite developed, but it has not been able to form a developed economic power after all, which is closely related to the tradition of heavy agriculture.
In contrast, the state of Qi has made full use of its favorable conditions such as marine resources, fish and salt, and convenient transportation. Qi formulated a policy for the development of diversified agricultural and industrial operations. Taigong believes that agriculture, industry and commerce are the "three treasures" of the country, and all three are indispensable. This all-round economic path made the Qi State gradually rise and become an economic power in the Spring and Autumn Period. Guan Zhong's reform further promoted this trend, and he implemented the "four people's business" of scholars, agriculture, industry, and commerce, which made Qi's economy more prosperous, with developed transportation and prosperous cities, laying the foundation for Linzi to become the largest metropolitan city during the Warring States period.
In terms of cultural policy, Lu adheres to the tradition of Zhou etiquette, based on the rule of virtue, highlighting the tranquility and profundity of water; The country of Qi embraces multiculturalism, is inclusive, and burns with a fiery enterprising heart.
According to the characteristics of maintaining the Zhou ritual music culture and the rich cultural foundation of Qufu, as well as the relatively stable social environment opened up by the Zhou Gong's Eastern Expedition, the Lu State vigorously promoted the Zhou ritual culture. Bo Yu used administrative means to change the inherent customs of Yin and Yi, making Lu the most complete cultural center for preserving Zhou ritual culture. This cultural policy provided fertile ground for the cultivation of Confucianism, which enabled Confucius and his school of Confucianism to rise in the state of Lu.
The state of Qi is located in the hinterland of Dongyi, and the customs are deep-rooted, and the Taigong was originally a Yi person in the East China Sea, so he adopted a policy of attacking the old customs and simplifying the etiquette system. This cultural policy allowed the Qi State to absorb the essence of foreign culture while maintaining the indigenous culture. This inclusive cultural atmosphere provided the conditions for the rise of schools such as Taoism, Legalism, and Bingjia. For example, the Huang Lao School of Qi was the product of the combination of Taoism and law, and the tradition of Qi Di Shangwu and heavy soldiers also cultivated famous military strategists and military works such as Guan Zhong, Sima Sui Tho, Sun Wu, and Sun Bin.
In terms of employing people, Lu inherits the patriarchal law and puts kindness first, reflecting the softness and permanence of water; The Qi State is meritocratic and eclectic, demonstrating the fiery and vitality of fire.
Lu Guo Shangde is pro-gracious, advocating morality as the criterion for governing the country, forming a tradition of royal governance. This concept makes the state of Lu adhere to the patriarchal system and the principle of nepotism, and restricts the growth of talents and the development of national strength. Although the state of Lu has the reputation of "the state of etiquette", in the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States period, it was difficult for the state of Lu to resist the invasion of a strong enemy, and its national strength was declining, and finally died at the hands of Qiang Chu.
In contrast, the State of Qi was founded on the principle of "respecting the virtuous and meritorious", meritocracy, and not restricting the noble and lowly. This kind of employment policy has made Qi talents come out in large numbers, such as Guan Zhong, Yan Ying, Sima Sui Tho and other virtuous ministers, who are neither the strong sects of Zhou nor the nobles of the public family. This strategy of employing people laid the foundation for the hegemony of Qi, so that Qi always maintained its status as a powerful country during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period.
The distinct philosophies and cultural paths of the two countries not only shine with their own unique brilliance, but also profoundly affect their roles and status in different historical periods. The royal tradition of the Lu Kingdom, like a deep flow of still water, provides stability and order for future generations; The utilitarian and enterprising spirit of the Qi State is like a fire that has promoted social change and progress. It is this kind of incompatible difference and complementarity that jointly constructs the glorious cultural history of the land of Qilu.