Root-searching and Ancestral Exploration Tour to Central Plains - Root-searching

Author: Hong'an Li
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features: King Xuan of the Western Zhou had a half-brother named Ji You, whom he deeply loved. He established a vassal state called Zheng near the capital, naming it Zheng and appointing Ji You as its ruler, with the title Duke Huan. Duke Huan, the founding ruler of Zheng, was diligent in governance and loved the people, earning their deep affection and the trust and favor of the Zhou. In the eighth year of King You of Zhou (774 BC), Duke Huan was appointed as the Minister of Education of the Zhou royal court, overseeing the moral education of the Zhou dynasty. Upon entering the court, Duke Huan maintained his virtues of diligent governance and loving the people, becoming even more incorruptible and devoted to public service, pouring his heart into stabilizing the Western Zhou. Unfortunately, the loyalty and patriotism of his ministers did not change the declining fate of the Western Zhou. At this time, King You favored Bao Si and relied on petty officials, leading to intensified conflicts within the royal court. Meanwhile, the Western Rong were stirring, threatening the Western Zhou dynasty. Internal troubles and external dangers caused chaos and anxiety throughout the court. Duke Huan, consumed with worry for the state, also deeply feared for the future of his own state of Zheng. Thus, he sought advice from the Grand Historian on how to protect himself. The Grand Historian said, "East of Luoyi, south of the Yellow River and the Jishui, the land is fertile and well-connected, making it an excellent place to live." However, this land belonged to the states of Guo and Lin. The Grand Historian further analyzed, "The rulers of Guo and Lin are greedy for wealth and blinded by desire, leading to growing resentment among the people. If you propose to live there, as a prominent minister of the royal court with a renowned reputation, you are unlikely to be refused." Duke Huan found the Grand Historian's analysis reasonable. Instead of forcefully seizing the land, he exploited the greed of the rulers of Guo and Lin by sending them many beautiful women, jewels, and other valuable goods. The rulers of the two states, suddenly enriched by the gifts of the royal court's Minister of Education, dared not delay and immediately ceded two towns to Zheng. Duke Huan quickly settled his wife, children, and many of his people there, transporting substantial wealth as well. After arranging a retreat route, it was already the ninth year of King You of Zhou, and the Western Zhou dynasty was already on the brink of collapse.