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魯周公世家

House of Lu Zhougong

Chapter 33 of 史記 ✓ Translated
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Chapter 33
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1
祿使
The Duke of Zhou Dan was the younger brother of King Wu of Zhou. Even during King Wen's lifetime, Dan was exceptionally filial as a son, sincerely benevolent, and distinguished from his brothers. After King Wu ascended the throne, Dan constantly assisted and protected him, and handled most of the affairs of state. In King Wu's ninth year, during the eastern campaign that reached Mengjin, the Duke of Zhou assisted with the expedition. In the eleventh year, they attacked Zhou and reached Muye. The Duke of Zhou assisted King Wu and composed the Oath of Mu. They defeated Yin and entered the Shang palace. After killing Zhou, the Duke of Zhou held the great axe, and Duke Shao held the small axe, flanking King Wu. They smeared blood on the altar and proclaimed Zhou's crimes to heaven and the Yin people. They released Jizi from prison. They enfeoffed Zhou's son Wu Geng Lufu, and made Guan Shu and Cai Shu tutor him, to continue the Yin sacrifices. They extensively enfeoffed meritorious officials and same-surname relatives. They enfeoffed the Duke of Zhou Dan at Shaohao's ancient site in Qufu. This was the Duke of Lu. The Duke of Zhou did not go to his enfeoffment, but remained to assist King Wu.
2
In the second year after King Wu conquered Yin, the world was not yet pacified. King Wu fell ill and was not cheerful. The ministers were fearful, so the Grand Duke and Duke Shao performed false divinations. The Duke of Zhou said: 'One cannot yet grieve our former kings.' The Duke of Zhou therefore offered himself as pledge, setting up three altars. The Duke of Zhou stood facing north, wearing a jade disk and holding a jade tablet, and informed King Tai, King Ji, and King Wen. The scribe's bamboo slips read in prayer: 'Your eldest grandson King Fa has labored with difficulty and illness. If you three kings bear responsibility for your son to heaven, let Dan substitute for the body of King Fa. Dan is skillful and able, with many talents and arts, and is able to serve the ghosts and spirits. But King Fa is not equal to Dan in many talents and arts, and cannot serve the ghosts and spirits. Heaven commanded at the imperial court, spreading aid to the four directions, thereby able to settle your descendants on the earth below. The people of the four directions, none are not respectful and fearful. Do not let fall the heaven's descended protecting mandate. Our former kings will also eternally have somewhere to depend and return. Now I will immediately divine with the great turtle. If you permit me, I will return with the jade disk and tablet to await your command. If you do not permit me, I will then discard the jade disk and tablet.' The Duke of Zhou had already ordered the scribe to inform King Tai, King Ji, and King Wen on the bamboo slips of his wish to substitute for King Wu Fa. He then approached the three kings and performed divination. All the diviners said it was auspicious. When they opened the slips and viewed them, it was truly auspicious. The Duke of Zhou was happy. When he opened the chest, he saw that the slips had encountered auspicious omens. The Duke of Zhou entered and congratulated King Wu, saying: 'Your Majesty will be unharmed. Dan has newly received the command of the three kings, planning only for long-term completion. This way can you consider me, this one person.' The Duke of Zhou hid the slips in a gold-wrapped box and warned the guardians not to dare speak of it. The next day, King Wu recovered.
3
使
After this, King Wu died. King Cheng was young and was in the swaddling clothes. The Duke of Zhou feared that if the world heard of King Wu's death they would rebel. The Duke of Zhou therefore ascended the throne and substituted for King Cheng, administering the government and governing the state. Guan Shu and his brothers spread rumors throughout the state, saying: 'The Duke of Zhou will bring harm to King Cheng.' The Duke of Zhou then informed the Grand Duke Wang and Duke Shao Shi, saying: 'The reason I do not withdraw but administer the government is that I fear the world will revolt against Zhou, and I will have nothing with which to report to my former kings King Tai, King Ji, and King Wen. The three kings have long worried and toiled for the world. Only now can it be accomplished. King Wu died prematurely. King Cheng is young. He will accomplish the Zhou enterprise. This is why I do it like this.' He therefore continued to assist King Cheng, and sent his son Bo Qin to accept the enfeoffment at Lu in his place. The Duke of Zhou admonished Bo Qin, saying: 'I am King Wen's son, King Wu's younger brother, King Cheng's uncle. I am not lowly in the world. Yet I, once bathing, thrice grasp my hair; once eating, thrice spit out my food; rise to receive scholars, still fearing to lose the world's worthy men. When you go to Lu, be careful not to be arrogant because of your state.'
4
Guan Shu, Cai Shu, Wu Geng, and others indeed led the Huai barbarians and rebelled. The Duke of Zhou then received King Cheng's command, raised troops for an eastern campaign, and composed the Great Announcement. He then executed Guan Shu, killed Wu Geng, and exiled Cai Shu. He gathered the remaining Yin people, enfeoffed Kang Shu at Wei, enfeoffed Wei Zi at Song, to continue the Yin sacrifices. He pacified the Huai barbarians in the eastern lands. In two years it was completely settled. All the feudal lords submitted to and revered Zhou.
5
Heaven sent down blessings and good fortune. Tang Shu obtained grain with two stalks from one root and the same ear. He presented it to King Cheng. King Cheng ordered Tang Shu to present it as a gift to the Duke of Zhou in the eastern lands, composing the Presentation of Grain. The Duke of Zhou having received the commanded grain, praised the Son of Heaven's command, and composed the Praising Grain. The eastern lands being gathered, the Duke of Zhou returned and reported to King Cheng. He then made a poem to present to the king, naming it the Owl. The king also did not yet dare to rebuke the Duke of Zhou.
6
使
In King Cheng's seventh year, on the day Yi Wei of the second month, the king walked from morning court at Zhou to Feng, sending the Grand Protector Duke Shao ahead to Luo to survey the land. In the third month, the Duke of Zhou went to plan Chengzhou Luoyi, divined about residing there, said it was auspicious, and so established the capital there.
7
King Cheng grew up and could listen to government. Thereupon the Duke of Zhou then returned the government to King Cheng, and King Cheng held court. The Duke of Zhou substituting for King Cheng in governing, faced south and leaned on the armrest to receive the feudal lords in audience. When seven years had passed, he returned the government to King Cheng, faced north and took his position as minister, trembling as if in fear.
8
Initially, when King Cheng was young and ill, the Duke of Zhou cut his own fingernails and sank them in the river, praying to the spirits: 'The king is young and has no discernment. The one who violates the spirits' command is Dan.' He also hid the prayer slips in the treasury. King Cheng's illness improved. When King Cheng took charge of affairs, someone slandered the Duke of Zhou, and the Duke of Zhou fled to Chu. King Cheng opened the treasury and saw the Duke of Zhou's prayer slips, then wept and recalled the Duke of Zhou.
9
The Duke of Zhou returned, fearing that when King Cheng matured, his governance might become indulgent and dissipated, and so composed the Many Officers and composed the Do Not Indulge. The Do Not Indulge states: 'As parents of the people, the enterprise is exceedingly long-lasting. Descendants become arrogant and extravagant and forget it, thus destroying their families. As children of such parents, can we not be careful? In the past, under Yin King Zhong Zong, he was strict, respectful, and feared heaven's mandate. He measured himself in governing the people, trembling and not daring to neglect his duties, therefore Zhong Zong enjoyed the state for seventy-five years. As for Gao Zong, he long toiled abroad, living with commoners. When he ascended the throne, he had a period of mourning silence, three years without speaking. When he spoke, it was thunderous. He did not dare neglect his duties, quietly pacifying Yin, so that from great to small none complained. Therefore Gao Zong enjoyed the state for fifty-five years. As for Zu Jia, he was not righteous only as king, long serving as a commoner abroad. He understood the commoners' dependence, could protect and benefit the small people, not insulting the orphaned. Therefore Zu Jia enjoyed the state for thirty-three years.' The Many Officers states: 'From Tang to Di Yi, none failed to follow the sacrifices and illuminate virtue. None of the emperors failed to match heaven. As for the present successor king Zhou, he greatly indulged in licentiousness and dissipation, not considering heaven and the people's obedience. All his people could be executed.' (The Many Officers of Zhou) 'King Wen, even when the sun declined at noon, had no leisure to eat, and enjoyed the state for fifty years.' He composed this to admonish King Cheng.
10
便
King Cheng was at Feng. The world was already peaceful. Zhou's official administration was not yet ordered. Thereupon the Duke of Zhou composed the Zhou Officials, distinguishing officials according to their suitability, and composed the Establishing Government, to benefit the common people. The common people were pleased.
11
The Duke of Zhou was at Feng and fell ill, about to die, saying: 'You must bury me at Chengzhou, to show that I dared not separate from King Cheng.' The Duke of Zhou having died, King Cheng also declined, burying the Duke of Zhou at Bi, following King Wen, to show that I, the young one, dared not treat the Duke of Zhou as a minister.
12
After the Duke of Zhou died, in autumn before the harvest, a violent wind, thunder, and rain occurred, the grain all lay flat, and the great trees were all uprooted. The state of Zhou was greatly terrified. King Cheng, together with the grandees in court robes, opened the gold-bound casket. The king then obtained the Duke of Zhou's words about how he had taken upon himself the guilt to substitute for King Wu. The two dukes and the king then questioned the Scribe of the Hundred Officials. The Scribe of the Hundred Officials said: 'It is true. Formerly the Duke of Zhou commanded me not to dare speak of it.' King Cheng held the slips and wept, saying: 'From now on there will be no more false divinations! Formerly the Duke of Zhou toiled diligently for the royal house. Only I, the young one, did not get to know it. Now heaven has moved its awe-inspiring power to manifest the Duke of Zhou's virtue. Only my young self should welcome it. Our state's rites also make it appropriate.' The king went out to the suburbs. Heaven then rained. The wind reversed direction. The grain all stood up. The two dukes commanded the people of the state: wherever great trees had been laid low, all were to stand them up and buttress them. The year then had a great harvest. Thereupon King Cheng then commanded that Lu should be permitted to perform the suburban sacrifice to King Wen. Lu having the rites and music of the Son of Heaven was to honor the Duke of Zhou's virtue.
13
The Duke of Zhou died. His son Bo Qin had already previously received the enfeoffment. He became Duke of Lu. When Duke Bo Qin of Lu first received his enfeoffment at Lu, it was three years later that he reported on governance to the Duke of Zhou. The Duke of Zhou said: 'Why are you so late?' Bo Qin said: 'I changed their customs and reformed their rites. The mourning lasts three years before it is ended. Therefore it is late.' The Grand Duke was also enfeoffed at Qi. In five months he reported on governance to the Duke of Zhou. The Duke of Zhou said: 'Why are you so fast?' He said: 'I simplified the ruler and minister rites. I followed their customs to do it.' When later he heard that Bo Qin reported on governance late, he sighed and said: 'Alas, Lu's later generations will face north and serve the state of Qi! Indeed, governance that is not simple and easy, the people will not draw near; Level and easy, close to the people, the people will surely return to it.'
14
After Bo Qin took the throne, there was the rebellion of Guan Shu, Cai Shu, and others. The Huai barbarians and Xu Rong also rose up together in rebellion. Thereupon Bo Qin led troops to attack them at Fei, composing the Fei Oath, saying: 'Array your armor and helmets. None dare be not good. None dare wound the cattle in their pens. Horses and oxen in their frenzy, and male and female servants fleeing, do not dare cross the boundaries in pursuit, but respectfully return them. None dare plunder and seize, cross over walls and ramparts. Lu people of the three suburbs and three tunnels, prepare your fodder and hay, dried provisions and grain, bridge beams and posts. None dare not reach. I on the day Jia Xu built fortifications and campaigned against the Xu Rong. None dare not arrive. There is great punishment.' Having composed this Fei Oath, he then pacified the Xu Rong and settled Lu.
15
Duke Bo Qin of Lu died. His son, Duke Kao Qiu, ascended. Duke Kao died in his fourth year. His younger brother Xi ascended. This is Duke Yang. Duke Yang built the Thatched Tower Gate. He died in his sixth year. His son Duke You Zai ascended. In Duke You's fourteenth year. Duke You's younger brother Fei killed Duke You and established himself as the Duke Wei. Duke Wei died in his fiftieth year. His son Duke Li Zhuo ascended. Duke Li died in his thirty-seventh year. The people of Lu established his younger brother Ju. This is Duke Xian. Duke Xian died in his thirty-second year. His son Duke Zhen Pi ascended.
16
In Duke Zhen's fourteenth year, King Li of Zhou was without the Way, fled to Zhi, and the Gonghe administered government. In his twenty-ninth year, King Xuan of Zhou ascended the throne.
17
In his thirtieth year, Duke Zhen died. His younger brother Ao ascended as the Duke Wu.
18
西
In Duke Wu's ninth year, in the spring, Duke Wu together with his eldest son Kuo and youngest son Xi, went west to court King Xuan of Zhou. King Xuan loved Xi and wished to establish Xi as Lu's crown prince. Fan Zhong Shan Fu of Zhou admonished King Xuan, saying: 'Discarding the eldest and establishing the youngest is not orderly; Not orderly, will certainly violate the king's command; Violating the king's command, will certainly be punished: therefore issuing commands cannot but be orderly. Commands not carried out, government not established; Carried out but not orderly, the people will abandon their superiors. Indeed, the lower serving the higher, the younger serving the elder, this is what makes for order. Now the Son of Heaven establishes feudal lords, setting up their youngest, this teaches the people to be contrary. If Lu follows this, the feudal lords will imitate it, the king's commands will be obstructed; If not following and punishing it, this is to punish the king's command oneself. Punishing it is also wrong, and not punishing it is also wrong. Your Majesty should consider the matter.' King Xuan did not listen, and in the end established Xi as Lu's crown prince. In the summer, Duke Wu returned and died. Xi ascended. This was the Duke Yi.
19
In Duke Yi's ninth year, Duke Yi's elder brother Kuo's son Bo Yu, together with the people of Lu, attacked and assassinated Duke Yi, and established Bo Yu as ruler. Bo Yu took the throne for eleven years. King Xuan of Zhou attacked Lu, killed its ruler Bo Yu, and inquired among the Lu nobles who could guide and harmonize the feudal lords, to make him Lu's successor. Fan Mu Zhong said: 'Duke Yi of Lu's younger brother Cheng is solemn and respectful, enlightened about the spirits, respectful in serving the elders; In assigning duties and administering punishments, he certainly consults the ancestral teachings and seeks advice from established precedents; He does not interfere with the matters that have been asked, and does not violate the matters that have been consulted.' King Xuan said: 'Yes, he can instruct and govern his people.' Thereupon he established Cheng in the Yi Palace. This was Duke Xiao. From this time afterward, the feudal lords frequently rebelled against the king's commands.
20
In Duke Xiao's twenty-fifth year, the feudal lords rebelled against Zhou, and the Quan Rong killed King You. Qin began to be ranked as a feudal lord.
21
In his twenty-seventh year, Duke Xiao died. His son Fu Huang ascended the throne. This was Duke Hui.
22
In Duke Hui's thirtieth year, the Jin people assassinated their ruler Duke Zhao. In his forty-fifth year, the Jin people again assassinated their ruler Duke Xiao.
23
In his forty-sixth year, Duke Hui died. His eldest son by a concubine Xi acted as regent and conducted the ruler's affairs. This was Duke Yin. Initially, Duke Hui's proper wife had no sons. The duke's lowly concubine Sheng Zi gave birth to a son Xi. When Xi grew up, he took a wife from Song. The Song woman arrived and was beautiful. Duke Hui took her and made her his own wife. She gave birth to a son Yun. He elevated the Song woman to be his wife, making Yun the crown prince. When Duke Hui died, because Yun was young, the people of Lu together commanded Xi to act as regent, not speaking of ascending the throne.
24
In Duke Yin's fifth year, he observed the fishing at Tang. In his eighth year, he exchanged with Zheng the king's Tai Mountain town of Beng and Xu Fields. The noble men criticized it.
25
便 使
In his eleventh year, in winter, Prince Hui flattered Duke Yin, saying: 'The common people find you suitable, my lord. You should take the throne. I beg to kill Prince Yun for you, my lord. Make me your chancellor.' Duke Yin said: 'There is the previous lord's command. I acted as regent because Yun was young. Now Yun has grown up. I am preparing the Tu Qiu lands to grow old there, handing over governance to Prince Yun.' Hui feared that Yun would hear and turn to punish him, so instead he slandered Duke Yin to Yun, saying: 'Duke Yin wishes to take the throne permanently, removing you. You should plan for it. I beg to kill Duke Yin for you.' Prince Yun agreed. In the eleventh month, Duke Yin sacrificed to the Bell Spirit, purified himself at the She Orchard, and lodged at the Kuai family. Hui sent someone to kill Duke Yin at the Kuai family, and established Prince Yun as ruler. This was Duke Huan.
26
In Duke Huan's first year, Zheng exchanged a jade disk for the king's Xu Fields. In his second year, he brought the bribe tripod from Song into the Grand Temple. The noble men criticized it.
27
使
In his third year, he sent Hui to welcome a wife from Qi to be his consort. In his sixth year, the consort gave birth to a son on the same day as Duke Huan, therefore he was named Tong. When Tong grew up, he became the crown prince.
28
In his sixteenth year, he met at Cao, attacked Zheng, and restored Duke Li.
29
使
In his eighteenth year, in spring, the duke was about to travel, and so went with his consort to Qi. Shen Xu advised against it, but the duke did not listen, and so went to Qi. Duke Xiang of Qi had illicit relations with Duke Huan's consort. The duke became angry with his consort. The consort told Duke Xiang of Qi. In summer, the fourth month, on the bingzi day, Duke Xiang of Qi feasted the duke. The duke became drunk, so he had Prince Peng Sheng embrace Duke Huan of Lu, and then commanded Peng Sheng to break his ribs. The duke died in the carriage. The people of Lu informed Qi, saying: 'Our humble ruler fears your lordship's might, not daring to rest peacefully, came to cultivate good relations. The rites were completed but he did not return. There is nowhere to place the blame. We request to obtain Peng Sheng to remove the shame from the feudal lords.' The people of Qi killed Peng Sheng to appease Lu. They established the crown prince Tong. This was Duke Zhuang. Duke Zhuang's mother, the consort, consequently remained in Qi, not daring to return to Lu.
30
In Duke Zhuang's fifth year, in winter, he attacked Wei, restoring Duke Hui of Wei.
31
In his eighth year, Prince Jiu of Qi came fleeing. In his ninth year, Lu wished to send Prince Jiu into Qi, after the time of Duke Huan. Duke Huan dispatched troops to attack Lu. Lu was distressed and killed Prince Jiu. Zhao Hu died. Qi informed Lu to deliver Guan Zhong alive. The Lu person Shi Bo said: 'Qi wishes to obtain Guan Zhong, not to kill him. They will employ him. Employing him will become a calamity for Lu. It would be better to kill him and give his corpse to them.' Duke Zhuang did not listen, and so imprisoned Guan Zhong and gave him to Qi. The people of Qi made Guan Zhong their chancellor.
32
In his thirteenth year, Duke Zhuang of Lu and Cao Gui met Duke Huan of Qi at Ke. Cao Gui abducted Duke Huan of Qi, demanding Lu's invaded territory. After making the covenant, he released Duke Huan. Duke Huan wished to break the covenant. Guan Zhong advised against it. In the end they returned Lu's invaded territory. In his fifteenth year, Duke Huan of Qi first became hegemon. In his twenty-third year, Duke Zhuang went to Qi to observe the suburban sacrifice.
33
退 使
In his thirty-second year, initially, Duke Zhuang built a tower overlooking the Dang family, saw the Meng woman, was pleased and loved her, promised to establish her as his consort, cut his arm to make covenant. The Meng woman gave birth to a son Ban. Ban grew up, was pleased with the Liang family woman, went to observe her. The stableman Luo from outside the wall flirted with the Liang family woman. Ban was angry, whipped Luo. Duke Zhuang heard of it and said: 'Luo has the strength. You should then kill him. This is not a person who can be whipped and set aside.' Ban had not yet been able to kill him. It happened that Duke Zhuang fell ill. Duke Zhuang had three younger brothers: the eldest called Qing Fu, the middle called Shu Ya, the youngest called Ji You. Duke Zhuang took a Qi woman as his consort, named Ai Jiang. Ai Jiang had no sons. Ai Jiang's younger sister called Shu Jiang gave birth to a son Kai. Duke Zhuang had no proper heir, loved the Meng woman, wished to establish her son Ban. Duke Zhuang fell ill, and consulted his younger brother Shu Ya about the succession. Shu Ya said: 'One succeeds one, one extends to another, this is Lu's constant practice. Qing Fu is present, can be the successor. Why does my lord worry?' Duke Zhuang was concerned that Shu Ya wished to establish Qing Fu as the successor, so he withdrew and consulted Ji You. Ji You said: 'I beg to die establishing Ban.' Duke Zhuang said: 'Formerly Shu Ya wished to establish Qing Fu as the successor. What should we do?' Ji You, by Duke Zhuang's command, ordered Ya to wait at the Zhen Wu family, had Zhen Ji force Shu Ya to drink poison, saying: 'Drink this and you will have descendants to continue the sacrifices; If not, you will die and have no descendants.' Ya then drank the poison and died. Lu established his son as the Shu Sun clan. In the eighth month, on the guihai day, Duke Zhuang died. Ji You finally established Prince Ban as ruler, as Duke Zhuang commanded. Attending the mourning, he lodged at the Dang family.
34
使
Previously Qing Fu had illicit relations with Ai Jiang, wishing to establish the son of Ai Jiang's younger sister, Kai. When Duke Zhuang died and Ji You established Ban, in the tenth month, on the jisi day, Qing Fu had the groom Luo kill Lu's Prince Ban at the Dang family. Ji You fled to Chen. Qing Fu ultimately established Duke Zhuang's son Kai. This was Duke Min.
35
使 使使
In Duke Min's second year, Qing Fu's relations with Ai Jiang became increasingly intimate. Ai Jiang and Qing Fu plotted to kill Duke Min and establish Qing Fu. Qing Fu had Bo Xi ambush and kill Duke Min at the Wu Gate. Ji You heard of it. From Chen, together with the younger brother of Duke Min, Shen, he went to Zhu, requesting that Lu invite him back. The people of Lu wished to execute Qing Fu. Qing Fu feared and fled to Ju. Thereupon Ji You escorted Zi Shen in and established him as the ruler. This was Duke Xi. Duke Xi was also Duke Zhuang's youngest son. Ai Jiang feared and fled to Zhu. Ji You went to Ju with bribes to seek Qing Fu. Qing Fu returned. He sent someone to kill Qing Fu. Qing Fu requested to flee but was not permitted. He then had the grandee Xi Si go weeping to him. Qing Fu heard Xi Si's voice and committed suicide. Duke Huan of Qi heard that Ai Jiang and Qing Fu had caused chaos and endangered Lu. He summoned her to Zhu and killed her, then returned with her corpse and displayed it in the state of Lu. Duke Xi of Lu requested and buried her.
36
使
Ji You's mother was a woman of Chen. Therefore he had fled to Chen. Chen had assisted in escorting Ji You and Zi Shen. When Ji You was about to be born, his father Duke Huan of Lu had someone divine about it, saying: "It is a boy. His name shall be 'You'. He will mediate between the two altars, becoming an auxiliary to the ducal house. If Ji You perishes, then Lu will not prosper." When he was born, there was writing on the palm of his hand saying "You". He was thus named accordingly and called Cheng Ji. His descendants became the Ji clan. Qing Fu's descendants became the Meng clan.
37
In Duke Xi's first year, he enfeoffed Ji You with Bi in Wen Yang. Ji You became prime minister.
38
In the ninth year, Jin's Li Ke assassinated his rulers Xi Qi and Zhuo Zi. Duke Huan of Qi led Duke Xi to punish the Jin disorder. They reached Gao Liang and returned, establishing Duke Hui of Jin. In the seventeenth year, Duke Huan of Qi died. In the twenty-fourth year, Duke Wen of Jin took the throne.
39
In the thirty-third year, Duke Xi died. His son Xing succeeded him. This was Duke Wen.
40
In Duke Wen's first year, Chu's heir apparent Shang Chen assassinated his father King Cheng and took the throne. In the third year, Duke Wen paid court to Jin's Xiang Fu.
41
In the eleventh year, in the tenth month, on the jiawu day, Lu defeated the Di at Xian, capturing the Chang Di Qiao Ru. Fu Fu Zhong Sheng pounded his throat with a spear and killed him, burying his head at Zi Ju's gate, thereby appointing Xuan Bo.
42
Previously, in Duke Wu of Song's time, Mang Man attacked Song. The Minister of Works Huang Fu led troops to resist them, thereby defeating the Di at Chang Qiu and capturing the Chang Di Yuan Si. When Jin extinguished Lu, they captured Qiao Ru's younger brother Fen Ru. In Duke Hui of Qi's second year, Mang Man attacked Qi. Qi's noble Zi Cheng Fu captured his younger brother Rong Ru, burying his head at the north gate. The people of Wei captured his youngest brother Jian Ru. Mang Man from this point on consequently perished.
43
使
In the fifteenth year, Ji Wen Zi was sent on a mission to Jin.
44
In the eighteenth year, in the second month, Duke Wen died. Duke Wen had two consorts: the senior consort was a Qi woman called Ai Jiang, who bore sons E and Shi; The junior consort Jing Ying was favored and beloved, bearing son You. You privately served Xiang Zhong. Xiang Zhong wished to establish him as the successor. Shu Zhong said that it was not permissible. Xiang Zhong petitioned Duke Hui of Qi. Duke Hui had newly taken the throne and wished to be close to Lu, so he agreed. In winter, in the tenth month, Xiang Zhong killed Zi E and Shi and established You. This was Duke Xuan. Ai Jiang returned to Qi, weeping as she passed through the market, saying: "Heaven above! Xiang Zhong acts without righteousness, killing the legitimate heir and establishing the concubine's son!" All the people of the market wept. The people of Lu called her "Ai Jiang". From this Lu's ducal house declined, the Three Huan grew strong.
45
In Duke Xuan You's twelfth year, Chu's King Zhuang became strong and besieged Zheng. The Lord of Zheng submitted, so he restored the state to him.
46
使
In the eighteenth year, Duke Xuan died. His son Duke Cheng Hei Gong succeeded him. This was Duke Cheng. Ji Wen Zi said: "The one who made me kill the legitimate heir and establish the concubine's son, thus losing our great ally, was Xiang Zhong." Xiang Zhong established Duke Xuan. Gong Sun Gui Fu was favored. Duke Xuan wished to remove the Three Huan and plotted with Jin to attack the Three Huan. When Duke Xuan died, Ji Wen Zi resented the matter. Gui Fu fled to Qi.
47
In Duke Cheng's second year, in spring, Qi attacked and took our Long. In summer, the duke and Jin's Xi Ke defeated Qi's Duke Qing at Ai. Qi returned our invaded territories. In the fourth year, Duke Cheng went to Jin. Jin's Duke Jing was disrespectful to Lu. Lu wished to abandon Jin and ally with Chu. Some advised against it, so they did not. In the tenth year, Duke Cheng went to Jin. Duke Jing of Jin died. They detained Duke Cheng to attend the funeral. Lu considered it an insult. In the fifteenth year, they first met with Wu King Shou Meng at Zhong Li.
48
In the sixteenth year, Xuan Bo informed Jin, wishing to execute Ji Wen Zi. Wen Zi had righteousness. The Jin people did not permit it.
49
In the eighteenth year, Duke Cheng died. His son Wu succeeded him. This was Duke Xiang. At this time Duke Xiang was three years old.
50
In Duke Xiang's first year, Jin established Duke Dao. In the previous year's winter, Jin's Luan Shu assassinated his ruler Duke Li. In the fourth year, Duke Xiang paid court to Jin.
51
In the fifth year, Ji Wen Zi died. His household had no concubines clothed in the silk. His stables had no horses eating the grain. His treasury had no gold or jade. With this he served the three rulers. The noble man said: "Ji Wen Zi was incorruptible and loyal."
52
In the ninth year, together with Jin they attacked Zheng. Jin's Duke Dao performed the capping ceremony for Duke Xiang in Wei. Ji Wu Zi accompanied him and assisted with the rituals.
53
In the eleventh year, the Three Huan clans divided into three armies.
54
In the twelfth year, he paid court to Jin. In the sixteenth year, Duke Ping of Jin took the throne. In the twenty-first year, he paid court to Duke Ping of Jin.
55
In the twenty-second year, Kong Qiu was born.
56
In the twenty-fifth year, Qi's Cui Zhu assassinated his ruler Duke Zhuang and installed his younger brother Duke Jing.
57
使
In the twenty-ninth year, Wu's Yanling Ji Zi was sent to Lu. He inquired about Zhou music and fully understood its meaning. The people of Lu respected him.
58
In the thirty-first year, in the sixth month, Duke Xiang died. In the ninth month, the heir apparent died. The people of Lu installed the son of Qi Gui, Chou, as ruler. This was Duke Zhao.
59
Duke Zhao was nineteen years old and still had a childish heart. Mu Shu did not wish to establish him, saying: "The heir apparent died. There are younger brothers by the same mother who can be established. One should not immediately establish the eldest. If ages are equal, choose the worthy. If righteousness is equal, then divine about it. Now Chou is not the proper heir, and moreover during mourning his thoughts are not on grief but show happy colors. If he is indeed established, he will certainly become a worry for the Ji clan." Ji Wu Zi did not listen and ultimately established him. By the time of the burial, he had changed mourning garments three times. The gentleman said: "This is not seeing it through to the end."
60
In Duke Zhao's third year, he went to court Jin but reached the river. Duke Ping of Jin apologized and sent him back. Lu was ashamed. In the fourth year, Chu's King Ling assembled the feudal lords at Shen. Duke Zhao claimed illness and did not go. In the seventh year, Ji Wu Zi died. In the eighth year, Chu's King Ling completed the Zhanghua Terrace and summoned Duke Zhao. Duke Zhao went to congratulate him. He bestowed precious vessels upon Duke Zhao; Soon after he regretted it and deceitfully took them back. In the twelfth year, he went to court Jin but reached the river. Duke Ping of Jin apologized and sent him back. In the thirteenth year, Chu's Prince Qi Ji assassinated his ruler King Ling and took his place. In the fifteenth year, he went to court in Jin. Jin detained him to attend Duke Zhao of Jin's funeral. Lu was ashamed. In the twentieth year, Duke Jing of Qi and Yan Zi hunted along the border, then entered Lu to inquire about rituals. In the twenty-first year, he went to court Jin but reached the river. Jin apologized and sent him back.
61
In the twenty-fifth year, in spring, the phoenix came to nest. Shi Ji said: "In Duke Wen's time there was a children's rhyme saying 'The phoenix comes to nest, the duke is in Gan Hou. The phoenix enters the dwelling, the duke is in the wilds outside'."
62
使
The Ji clan and the Hou clan fought cocks. The Ji clan treated their cock's feathers with mustard. The Hou clan gilded their cock's spurs. Ji Ping Zi became angry and attacked the Hou clan. Hou Zhao Bo also became angry with Ping Zi. Zang Zhao Bo's younger brother Hui falsely slandered the Zang clan and hid with the Ji clan. Zang Zhao Bo imprisoned Ji clan people. Ji Ping Zi became angry and imprisoned the Zang clan elders. The Zang and Hou clans reported the difficulties to Duke Zhao. Duke Zhao, in the ninth month on the wuxu day, attacked the Ji clan and then entered. Ping Zi ascended the tower and pleaded: "My lord, deceived by slander, does not examine my crimes. Execute me. I request to be exiled to Yi Shang." He did not permit it. He requested imprisonment in Bi. It was not permitted. He requested to flee with five chariots. It was not permitted. Zi Jia Ju said: "My lord should permit it. Government has been with the Ji clan for a long time. Those who follow them are many. The many will unite in conspiracy." He did not listen. The Hou clan said: "We must kill him." Shu Sun clan's minister Li said to his followers: "Without the Ji clan or with them, which is better?" All said: "Without the Ji clan is without the Shu Sun clan." Li said: "Indeed, save the Ji clan!" They then defeated the duke's army. Meng Yi Zi heard that the Shu Sun clan had won and also killed Hou Zhao Bo. Hou Zhao Bo was on the duke's mission, so the Meng clan got him. The three clans jointly attacked the duke. The duke then fled. On the jihai day, the duke arrived in Qi. Duke Jing of Qi said: "I request to offer a thousand she altars to await my lord." Zi Jia said: "To abandon the Duke of Zhou's legacy and serve as minister to Qi—is this permissible?" They then stopped. Zi Jia said: "Duke Jing of Qi cannot be trusted. It would be better to go to the state of Jin early." He did not follow this advice. Shu Sun saw the duke return. When he saw Ping Zi, Ping Zi bowed his head to the ground. At first they wished to welcome Duke Zhao, but Meng Sun and Ji Sun later regretted the decision, so they stopped.
63
In the twenty-sixth year, in spring, Qi attacked Lu, seized Yun, and housed Duke Zhao there. In summer, Duke Jing of Qi was about to restore the duke and ordered that no one accept bribes from Lu. Shen Feng and Ru Jia promised the Qi ministers Gao Que and Zi Jiang five thousand yu of grain. Zi Jiang spoke to the Duke of Qi, saying: "The ministers are unable to serve the Lu ruler. There is something unusual about this. Duke Yuan of Song went to Jin on Lu's behalf to seek to restore him, but he died en route. Shu Sun Zhao Zi sought to restore his lord, but he died without any illness. I do not know if Heaven has abandoned Lu? Or has the Lu ruler offended the spirits and gods? I wish my lord to wait for now." Duke Jing of Qi followed this advice.
64
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In the twenty-eighth year, Duke Zhao went to Jin, seeking to be restored. Ji Ping Zi had private connections with Jin's six ministers. The six ministers accepted bribes from the Ji clan and advised the Jin ruler. The Jin ruler then stopped and housed Duke Zhao at Ganhou. In the twenty-ninth year, Duke Zhao went to Yun. Duke Jing of Qi sent someone to deliver a letter to Duke Zhao, addressing himself as "Sovereign Lord". Duke Zhao was ashamed by this, grew angry, and left Ganhou. In the thirty-first year, Jin wished to restore Duke Zhao and summoned Ji Ping Zi. Ping Zi went in plain clothes and barefoot, and through the six ministers he apologized. The six ministers spoke on his behalf, saying: "Jin wishes to restore Duke Zhao, but the people will not follow." The Jin people stopped. In the thirty-second year, Duke Zhao died at Ganhou. The people of Lu together established Duke Zhao's younger brother Song as ruler. This was Duke Ding.
65
After Duke Ding was established, Zhao Jian Zi asked Shi Mo, saying: "Will the Ji clan perish?" Shi Mo replied, saying: "It will not perish. Ji You had great merit toward Lu and received Meng as the chief minister. Down to Wen Zi and Wu Zi, each generation increased its estate. When Duke Wen of Lu died, Dong Men Sui killed the legitimate heir and established a concubine's son. From this point, the Lu ruler lost control of state affairs. Government has been with the Ji clan for four rulers now. If the people do not know their ruler, how can he maintain the state! Therefore a ruler must be careful with his vessels and titles; they cannot be lent to others."
66
In Duke Ding's fifth year, Ji Ping Zi died. Yang Hu was privately angry, imprisoned Ji Huan Zi, made an alliance with him, and then released him. In the seventh year, Qi attacked us, took Yun, and made it Yang Hu's fief in Lu so he could participate in government. In the eighth year, Yang Hu wished to kill all the Three Huan legitimate heirs and replace them with favored concubine sons. He loaded Ji Huan Zi into a chariot intending to kill him, but Huan Zi deceived him and escaped. The Three Huan jointly attacked Yang Hu. Yang Hu took up residence at Yangguan. In the ninth year, Lu attacked Yang Hu. Yang Hu fled to Qi, and then later fled to the Zhao clan in Jin.
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In the tenth year, Duke Ding and Duke Jing of Qi met at Jiagu. Confucius performed the duties of minister. Qi wished to attack the Lu ruler by surprise. Confucius used ritual to ascend the stairs and executed the Qi lewd musicians. The Qi lord feared, then stopped, returned Lu's invaded territories, and apologized. In the twelfth year, he sent Zhong You to destroy the Three Huan city walls and confiscate their weapons and armor. The Meng clan refused to tear down the walls. He attacked them but could not conquer them and stopped. Ji Huan Zi accepted female musicians from Qi. Confucius departed.
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In the fifteenth year, Duke Ding died. His son Jiang succeeded him. This was Duke Ai.
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In Duke Ai's fifth year, Duke Jing of Qi died. In the sixth year, Qi's Tian Qi assassinated his ruler Ru Zi.
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In the seventh year, King Fuchai of Wu became strong, attacked Qi, reached Zeng, and demanded one hundred sets of sacrificial animals from Lu. Ji Kang Zi sent Zi Gong to persuade the King of Wu, Fuchai, and the Grand Steward Pi, using ritual to make them submit. The Wu king said: "I am tattooed and not worthy to demand ritual from." They then stopped.
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Wu, on behalf of Zou, attacked Lu, reached the city walls, made an alliance, and left. Qi attacked us and took three towns. In the tenth year, they attacked Qi's southern border.
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Qi attacked Lu. The Ji clan employed Ran You, who had merit, and thought of Confucius. Confucius returned to Lu from Wei. Qi's Tian Chang assassinated his ruler Duke Jian at Xuzhou. Confucius requested to attack them, but Duke Ai did not listen.
73
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In the fifteenth year, he sent Zi Fu Jing Bo and Zi Gong as envoys to Qi. Qi returned our invaded territories. Tian Chang, initially as chancellor, wished to be close to the feudal lords.
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In the sixteenth year, Confucius died.
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In the twenty-second year, King Goujian of Yue destroyed King Fuchai of Wu.
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In the twenty-seventh year, in spring, Ji Kang Zi died. In summer, Duke Ai was troubled by the Three Huan and intended to use the feudal lords to coerce them. The Three Huan also feared the duke would cause trouble, so ruler and ministers had many estrangements. The duke was strolling at Lingban when he encountered Meng Wu Bo on the street and said: "May I ask if I will live to see death?" He replied: "I do not know." The duke wished to use Yue to attack the Three Huan. In the eighth month, Duke Ai went to the Xing clan. The Three Huan attacked the duke. The duke fled to Wei, then went to Zou, and then to Yue. The people of the state welcomed Duke Ai back. He died at the Youshan clan. Zi Ning succeeded him. This was Duke Dao.
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During Duke Dao's time, the Three Huan prevailed. Lu was like a small marquess, inferior to the Three Huan families.
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In the thirteenth year, the Three Jin destroyed Zhi Bo and divided and possessed his territory.
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In the thirty-seventh year, Duke Dao died. His son Jia succeeded him. This was Duke Yuan. Duke Yuan died in the twenty-first year of his reign. His son Xian succeeded him and became Duke Mu. Duke Mu died in the thirty-third year of his reign. His son Fen succeeded him and became Duke Gong. Duke Gong died in the twenty-second year of his reign. His son Tun succeeded him and became Duke Kang. Duke Kang died in his ninth year. His son Yi succeeded him. This was Duke Jing. Duke Jing died in the twenty-ninth year of his reign. His son Shu succeeded him and became Duke Ping. At this time, the six states all called themselves kings.
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In Duke Ping's twelfth year, King Hui of Qin died. In the twenty-second year, Duke Ping died. His son Jia succeeded him. This was Duke Wen. In Duke Wen's first year, King Huai of Chu died in the state of Qin. In the twenty-third year, Duke Wen died. His son Qiu succeeded him. This was Duke Qing.
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In Duke Qing's second year, the state of Qin captured Chu's Ying. King Qing of Chu moved east to Chen. In the nineteenth year, Chu attacked us and took Xuzhou. In the twenty-fourth year, King Kaolie of Chu attacked and destroyed Lu. Duke Qing fled, moved to Xiayi, and became a commoner. Lu's sacrifices ceased. Duke Qing died at Ke.
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Lu, from the Duke of Zhou to Duke Qing, had altogether thirty-four generations.
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The Grand Historian says: I have heard Confucius remark: "How extreme is the decline of the Lu way! Between the Zhu and Si rivers it was so flourishing." Observe Qing Fu and Shu Ya during the time of Duke Min—how chaotic it was! Consider the affairs of Dukes Yin and Huan. Xiang Zhong killed the legitimate heir and established a concubine's son; The three houses faced north as ministers, personally attacked Duke Zhao, and Duke Zhao fled as a result. As for the ritual of yielding and offering, they followed it, but their actions—how contrary they were!
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