鲁周公世家 — Shiji

The Duke of Zhou, named Dan, was the younger brother of King Wu of Zhou. From the time of King Wen, Dan had been a filial son, deeply benevolent, and unlike the other sons. When King Wu ascended the throne, Dan often assisted and supported him, becoming the chief minister in all matters. In the ninth year of King Wu's reign, when the king marched east to Mengjin, Dan accompanied him. In the eleventh year, when they attacked King Zhou, arriving at the Wild of Mu, Dan assisted King Wu by composing the "Declaration at Mu." After defeating the Shang and entering the Shang palace, they slew Zhou. The Duke of Zhou then held the great axe while the Duke of Zhao held the small axe, standing on either side of King Wu. They sprinkled blood on the altar to the earth deity, declaring Zhou's crimes to Heaven and to the people of Shang. They released Ji Zi from imprisonment. They enfeoffed Zhou's son Wu Geng with the title Lufu, placing him under the care of Guan Shu and Cai Shu, so that the Shang sacrifices might continue. They granted enfeoffments throughout to loyal ministers and relatives. The Duke of Zhou himself was enfeoffed at Qufu in the ruins of Shaohao—this was the domain of the Duke of Lu. But Dan did not take up his fief, remaining instead to assist King Wu.

Two years after King Wu had defeated the Shang, the realm was not yet pacified. King Wu fell ill, and the ministers were alarmed. The Grand Duke and the Duke of Zhao proceeded with a solemn divination. Dan said: "This should not cause distress to our former kings." Dan therefore offered himself as a hostage, setting up three altars. He stood facing north, wearing jade discs and holding a ceremonial tablet, and addressed Taishi, Wangji, and Wenwang. The scribe recorded the prayer: "Your great-grandson King Fa has toiled through difficulties and illness. If you three kings bear a debt to heaven for a child, let me Dan take the place of King Fa's person. Dan is skillful and capable, endowed with many talents and arts, able to serve the spirits. But King Fa does not possess as many talents and arts as Dan, and cannot serve the spirits. He received his mandate from the court of the High God and spreads his protection throughout the four quarters, so that he was able to settle your descendants below heaven, and the people of the four quarters all revered him. Should the heavenly mandate and precious charge fall, our former kings would lose their eternal refuge. Now I shall consult the great turtle oracle. If you grant me your approval, I shall take my jade disc and tablet and return, awaiting your command. If you do not grant approval, I will discard the jade and tablet." Dan had already instructed the scribes to report to Taishi, Wangji, and Wenwang his wish to take King Wu's place, and then he approached the three kings for divination. The diviners all declared it auspicious. When they opened the divination text and examined it, it was truly auspicious. Dan rejoiced. When they opened the bamboo tubes, the written prophecy showed auspiciousness. Dan went in to congratulate King Wu: "Your Majesty shall come to no harm. Dan has newly received the mandate of the three kings, and all should plan for the long term—this way one may remember this your servant." Dan concealed the divination records in a metal-bound chest, warning the keepers not to speak of it.

The next day, King Wu recovered from his illness.

After King Wu died, his son King Cheng was young, still in swaddling clothes. Dan feared that upon hearing of King Wu's death, the realm would rebel, so he assumed the royal throne to govern on behalf of King Cheng and administer state affairs. Guan Shu and his brothers spread rumors throughout the capital: "The Duke of Zhou will do harm to King Cheng." Dan therefore addressed the Grand Duke Wang and the Duke of Zhao Shi: "The reason I have not avoided power while serving as regent is that I fear the realm may rebel against Zhou, leaving me unable to report to our former kings—Taishi, Wangji, and Wenwang. The three kings toiled and worried for the realm for so long, and only now has it been accomplished. King Wu died prematurely, and King Cheng is young. The great work of completing Zhou is at hand—this is why I act as I do." In the end he continued to serve King Cheng, and he sent his son Boqin to take up the fief of Lu in his place.

Dan instructed Boqin: "I am the son of King Wen, the brother of King Wu, and the uncle of King Cheng. In the realm I am certainly not of low standing. Yet when I pause to wash my hair, I must grasp it three times before it is wet; when eating a meal, I spit it out three times. I rise to receive visitors, still fearing I might miss some worthy man of the realm. When you go to Lu, be cautious not to use your state to act arrogantly toward others."

In the seventh year of King Cheng's reign, on the day of Yiwei in the second month, the king traveled from Zhou to Feng. He sent the Grand Protector, the Duke of Zhao, to inspect the layout of Luo and survey the soil. In the third month, Dan went to plan the building of Chengzhou at Luo. He divined the location and it was auspicious, so he established the capital there.

King Cheng grew old enough to govern. Dan therefore returned the administration to King Cheng, who took the throne. When Dan had governed on behalf of King Cheng, he faced the inner chambers with his back to the ancestral shrine, receiving the vassals. After seven years, he returned power to King Cheng and took his position among the ministers, bowing with deference as though in fear.

When King Cheng later took the throne, someone slandered the Duke of Zhou, who fled to Chu. King Cheng opened the archives, saw Dan's prayer, and wept. Dan was summoned back. Fearing that King Cheng, now grown, might become dissolute in his governance, Dan composed "Slanders Stopped" and also composed "Against Licentiousness." In "Against Licentiousness" he wrote: "Those who are fathers and mothers of men, having established a cause for long endurance—if their children become proud and extravagant and forget it, they will destroy their household. Can sons be careless, then? Of old, during the reign of the Shang's Sovereign Zhongzong, he was strict and respectful, reverently in awe of Heaven's mandate, governing the people with self-restraint, trembling with fear, never dare to be remiss—therefore Zhongzong reigned for seventy-five years. During the reign of Sovereign Gaozong, he toiled long abroad among the common people. When he ascended the throne, there were dark years—three years of silence. When he finally spoke, it was with joy, never daring to be remiss, quietly securing the Shang state, so that neither high nor low had grievances—therefore Gaozong reigned for fifty-five years. During the reign of Sovereign Zujia, he considered it improper to become king, and lived long as a common man abroad, understanding the concerns of the common people, able to protect and nurture them, never insulting the widowed or orphaned—therefore Zujia reigned for thirty-three years."

In "Slanders Stopped" it is written: "From Tang to Emperor Yi, all faithfully maintained the sacrifices and illuminated virtue, and no emperor failed to receive the mandate of Heaven. But among the later sovereigns, King Zhou—the final one—was grossly licentious and excessive, paying no heed to Heaven or the people who followed him; his people were all worthy of execution. King Wen, from morning until evening, had no leisure for his meals, and reigned for fifty years." He composed these to warn King Cheng.

King Cheng was in Feng, the realm was already at peace, but Zhou's official system had not yet been properly ordered. Dan therefore composed the "Zhou Officers," establishing offices each with its proper function, and composed the "Establishing Government," for the benefit of the common people. The people were pleased.

Dan was in Feng, fallen ill, near death. He said: "Bury me at Chengzhou, to show that I did not depart from King Cheng." After Dan died, King Cheng also showed deference, burying Dan at Bi, alongside King Wen, to demonstrate that he, the young king, did not dare to treat Dan as a subject. After Dan's death, in autumn when the harvest had not yet been gathered, a violent storm and thunder struck—the grain lay flat, great trees were uprooted. The state of Zhou was greatly alarmed.

King Cheng and the ministers, dressed in court robes, opened the metal-bound chest. The king thus obtained Dan's record of how he had offered himself to take King Wu's place. The two dukes and the king questioned the scribes and various officials. The officials said: "It is true. In former times, Dan commanded us not to speak." The king held the record and wept. "From now on, shall we not have sacred divination? In former times, Dan toiled for the royal house—I was but a child and did not know." Heaven moved with wrath to display the virtue of the Duke of Zhou. "This young king shall go forth to meet him—our state and its rituals are fitting." The king went out to the suburbs. Heaven thereupon sent rain, and the wind reversed direction. The grain that had fallen rose up. The two dukes commanded the people of the state: all great trees that had fallen—let them be lifted and staked upright. That year the harvest was abundant.

After Boqin took the throne, there was the rebellion of Guan Shu, Cai Shu, and others, while the Huai Yi peoples and Xu Rong simultaneously rose in revolt. Boqin therefore led his forces to attack them at Bi, composing the "Bi Declaration": "Deploy your armor and helmets—do not fail to be ready. Do not harm the oxen or horses. If oxen or horses go into heat, or servants or concubines flee, do not pursue beyond the ranks—restore them respectfully. Do not dare to commit robbery or trespass over walls. People of the three eastern marches, prepare your fodder, provisions, and construction materials—do not fail to deliver them. On the day of Jiaxu, we shall build fortifications and march against the Xu Rong—let none be absent. Failure means severe punishment." Having made this "Bi Declaration," he pacified the Xu Rong and secured Lu.

Duke Boqin of Lu died. His son Duke Kaogong Qiu succeeded him. Four years later, Duke Kaogong died. His younger brother Xi succeeded, becoming Duke Yang. Duke Yang built a thatched gate. Six years later he died. His son Duke Yugong Zai succeeded. In the fourteenth year of Duke Yugong's reign, his younger brother killed him and seized the throne, becoming Duke Wei. Duke Wei reigned fifty years. His son Duke Ligong Zhuo succeeded. Duke Ligong reigned thirty-seven years. The people of Lu established his younger brother Ju, becoming Duke Xian. Duke Xian reigned thirty-two years. His son Duke Zhenbo Bi succeeded.

In the fourteenth year of Duke Zhenbo's reign, King Li of Zhou, having lost all sense of proper rule, fled to Zhi, and there was the Joint Governance. In the twenty-ninth year, King Xuan of Zhou ascended the throne. In the thirtieth year, Duke Zhenbo died. His younger brother Ao succeeded, becoming Duke Wu.

In the ninth year of Duke Yi's reign, the son of Duke Yi's elder brother Kuo—Bo Yu—along with men of Lu, attacked and slew Duke Yi, establishing Bo Yu as ruler. After eleven years of Bo Yu's reign, King Xuan of Zhou attacked Lu, killed its ruler Bo Yu, and inquired among the sons of the Lu nobility who could guide and obey the lords, to make one the successor to Lu. Fan Muzhong said: "Yi, the younger brother of Duke Yi, was respectful to the spirits, reverent toward the aged. When assigning tasks or applying punishments, he first consulted the inherited teachings and sought proper counsel. He did not raise questions outside the scope of inquiry, nor did he transgress what he had consulted." King Xuan said: "Yes, he can instruct and govern his people." He established Yi at Yigong, becoming Duke Xiao.

In the twenty-seventh year of Duke Xiao's reign, his son Fuxiao succeeded, becoming Duke Hui.

In the thirtieth year of Duke Hui's reign, men of Jin slew their lord Zhao Hou. In the forty-fifth year, men of Jin again slew their lord Xiao Hou. In the forty-sixth year, Duke Hui died. His eldest son Xi acted as regent, governing on behalf of the state, becoming Duke Yin.

When Duke Hui died, because Yun was young, the men of Lu together commanded Xi to govern as regent, without formal enthronement. In the fifth year of Duke Yin's reign, he went to watch fishing at Tang. In the eighth year, he exchanged with Zheng the city of Bing in the royal Tai mountains and the field of Xu—gentlemen censured this. In the eleventh year, in winter, the lord's son Hui craftily said to Duke Yin: "The common people would be pleased to have you as lord—do establish yourself. I ask to serve as minister on your behalf. I shall kill Yun for you." Duke Yin said: "There is the former lord's command. Because Yun was young, I acted as regent. Now Yun has grown. I am preparing a retreat at Tuqiu and shall grow old there, handing the governance to Yun." Hui feared that if Yun learned of this he would be killed in retaliation, so instead he slandered Duke Yin to Yun: "Duke Yin wishes to establish himself permanently and do away with you. You must consider this. Let me kill Duke Yin for you." Yun agreed. In the eleventh month, Duke Yin was sacrificing to the Zhongwu deity, gathering at the spirit garden, staying at the house of Wei. Hui sent men to kill Duke Yin at Wei's residence, and established Yun as lord—this was Duke Huan.

Duke Zhuang's reign lasted five years. In winter, he attacked Wei and installed Duke Hui of Wei within. In the eighth year, the Qi prince Gong Jiu came to take refuge in Lu. In the ninth year, Lu wished to install Gong Jiu in Qi as heir after Duke Huan, but Duke Huan raised troops to attack Lu. Lu, in desperation, killed Gong Jiu. Zhao Hu died. Qi informed Lu that they wished to have Guan Zhong delivered alive. Lu's Shi Bo said: "Qi wants to obtain Guan Zhong—it's not that they wish to kill him, but to employ him. If they use him, he will become a disaster for Lu. Better to kill him and send his corpse." Duke Zhuang would not heed this advice, and instead imprisoned Guan Zhong and sent him to Qi. The Qi people made Guan Zhong their minister.

In the thirteenth year, Duke Zhuang of Lu met with Cao Mei at Ke, where Cao Mei seized Duke Huan of Qi and demanded the return of Lu's territories. After the covenant was made, he released Duke Huan. Duke Huan wished to violate the agreement, but Guan Zhong remonstrated with him, and in the end the territories were returned to Lu. In the fifteenth year, Duke Huan of Qi began his hegemony. In the twenty-third year, Duke Zhuang traveled to Qi to observe the suburban sacrifice. In the thirty-second year, initially, Duke Zhuang built a terrace overlooking the residence of the Dang clan. He saw a daughter of the Dang family named Meng, took a liking to her, loved her, and promised to establish her as his principal wife. He made a blood pact by cutting his arm. Meng gave birth to a son named Ban. When Ban grew up, he took a liking to a daughter of the Liang family and went to observe her. A stableman named Luo was flirting with the Liang girl outside the wall. Ban flew into a rage and flogged Luo. When Duke Zhuang heard of this, he said: "Luo has some strength—he should be killed rather than flogged and released." Ban had not yet succeeded in killing him when Duke Zhuang fell ill.

Duke Zhuang had three younger brothers: the eldest was Ji Fu, the second Shu Ya, and the youngest Ji You. Duke Zhuang had taken a Qi lady as his principal wife—Lady Ai Jiang. Lady Ai Jiang had no son. Lady Ai Jiang's younger sister was Lady Shu Jiang, who gave birth to a son named Kai. Duke Zhuang had no legitimate heir, but he doted on Lady Meng and wished to establish her son Ban as successor. When Duke Zhuang fell ill, he asked his brother Shu Ya about the succession. Shu Ya said: "One generation of direct succession followed by one of collateral succession—this is the constant practice of Lu. With Ji Fu available, he can be the heir. Why should Your Highness worry?" Duke Zhuang was troubled by Shu Ya's wish to install Ji Fu, so he turned to ask Ji You. Ji You said: "I request to die in establishing Ban as heir." Duke Zhuang said: "What about the fact that Shu Ya just now wished to install Ji Fu?" Ji You, using the duke's authority, ordered Shu Ya to wait at the house of the physician Zhen, then had Zhen Ji force Shu Ya to drink poisoned wine, saying: "Drink this and you shall have descendants to offer sacrifices; if not, you will die without an heir." Shu Ya thereupon drank the poison and died, and Lu installed his son as the Shu Sun clan. In the eighth month, on the day guihai, Duke Zhuang died. Ji You ultimately established Ban as lord, as the duke had wished. While attending the mourning, Ji You lodged at the Dang family residence.

Ji You's mother was a woman of Chen, so she had fled to Chen, and the Chen people assisted in sending Ji You and Shen. When Ji You was about to be born, his father Duke Huan of Lu had it divined, and the oracle said: "A son. His name shall be You. He will stand between the two ministries and serve as an aid to the ducal house. If Ji You is lost, Lu will not prosper." When he was born, there were characters on his palm reading "You," so he was given this name. His title was Chengji. His descendants became the Ji clan, and Ji Fu's descendants became the Meng clan.

In the first year of Duke Xi, he was enfeoffed with Yi in the area of Wenyang and made Ji You his chief minister. In the ninth year, in Jin, Li Ke assassinated his lord Xi Qi and Zhuo Zi. Duke Huan of Qi led Duke Xi to attack Jin's rebellions, reaching Gaoliang before returning, and installed Duke Hui of Jin. In the seventeenth year, Duke Huan of Qi died. In the twenty-fourth year, Duke Wen of Jin ascended the throne. In the thirty-third year, Duke Xi died, and his son Xing was established—this was Duke Wen.

In the first year of Duke Xi, he enfeoffed Jiyou with Wenyang and Bi. Jiyou became the prime minister. In the ninth year, Li Ke of Jin assassinated his rulers, Xiqi and Zhuozi. Duke Huan of Qi led Duke Xi to suppress the rebellion in Jin; they reached Gaoliang and then returned, setting up Duke Hui of Jin as ruler. In the seventeenth year, Duke Huan of Qi passed away. In the twenty-fourth year, Duke Wen of Jin ascended the throne. In the thirty-third year, Duke Xi died, and his son Xing succeeded him, becoming Duke Wen of Lu. In the first year of Duke Wen, the Chu crown prince Shangchen murdered his father, King Cheng of Chu, and took his place on the throne. In the third year, Duke Wen went to Jin to pay court to Duke Xiang of Jin.

In the third year of Duke Zhao, he traveled to Jin and reached the Yellow River, but Duke Ping of Jin declined and sent him back—Lu regarded this as a humiliation. In the fourth year, King Ling of Chu convened the lords at Shen. Duke Zhao claimed illness and did not go. In the seventh year, Ji Wuzi died. In the eighth year, King Ling of Chu completed the Zhanghua Tower and summoned Duke Zhao. Duke Zhao went to offer congratulations, and the king gave him precious vessels; but soon after regretted it and deceitfully took them back. In the twelfth year, Lu courted Jin and reached the Yellow River, but Duke Ping of Jin declined and sent him back. In the thirteenth year, the Chu prince Qiji assassinated his lord King Ling and assumed the throne. In the fifteenth year, Lu courted Jin, and Jin detained Lu to attend the burial of Duke Zhao—Lu regarded this as a humiliation. In the twentieth year, Duke Jing of Qi went hunting with the visit, and thereby entered Lu to inquire about ritual. In the twenty-first year, Lu courted Jin and reached the Yellow River, but Jin declined and sent him back. In the twenty-fifth year, in spring, quyu birds came to nest. Shi Ji said: "During the reign of Duke Wen, children's songs had the rhyme: 'Quyu birds come to nest, the duke is in Ganhou. Quyu birds enter the house, the duke is in the wilderness outside.'"

In the twenty-sixth year, in spring, Qi attacked Lu and captured Yun, where Duke Zhao was installed. In summer, Duke Jing of Qi was prepared to install the duke, ordering that Lu's bribes not be accepted. Shen Feng and Ru Gu promised the Qi minister Gao He and Zi Jiang fifty thousand hu of grain. Zi Jiang said to the Marquis of Qi: "The ministers cannot serve the Lu lord—there is something strange here. Song Duke Yuan traveled to Jin for Lu's sake, seeking to reinstate the lord, but died on the way. Shu Sun Zhaozi sought to reinstate his lord but died without illness. Does Heaven abandon Lu? Or has the Lu lord committed offenses against the spirits? I pray Your Highness wait a while longer." Duke Jing of Qi agreed. In the twenty-eighth year, Duke Zhao visited Jin, seeking readmission. Ji Pingzi privately bribed the six Jin ministers, and the six ministers accepted Ji You's bribes, remonstrated with the Jin lord, and the Jin lord withheld his hand. Duke Zhao was kept at Ganhou. In the twenty-ninth year, Duke Zhao visited Yun. Duke Jing of Qi sent a letter granting Duke Zhao, calling himself "Lord." Duke Zhao regarded this as shameful and departed in anger for Ganhou. In the thirty-first year, Jin wished to reinstate Duke Zhao and summoned Ji Pingzi. Ji Pingzi traveled in plain clothes with bare feet, and through the six ministers apologized for his offenses. The six ministers spoke on his behalf: "Jin wishes to reinstate Duke Zhao, but the many do not obey." The Jin people held back. In the thirty-second year, Duke Zhao died at Ganhou. The Lu people together established his younger brother Song as lord—this was Duke Ding.

Thus a ruler must guard his symbols of authority and his titles carefully, never lending them to others.

In the fifth year of Duke Ding's reign, Ji Pingzi died. Yang Hu, nursing a private grievance, imprisoned Ji Huangzi, made a pact with him, then released him. In the seventh year, Qi attacked our state and captured Yun, which was then granted to Yang Hu as his fief within Lu for the conduct of government. In the eighth year, Yang Hu plotted to massacre all the legitimate heirs of the Three Huan families and replace them with the illegitimate sons to whom he was attached. When he was transporting Ji Huangzi to carry out the killing, Huangzi deceived him and escaped. The Three Huan families jointly attacked Yang Hu, who retreated to Yangguan. In the ninth year, Lu attacked Yang Hu, who fled first to Qi and then to the Zhao clan in Jin.

In the twenty-second year, King Goujian of Yue destroyed King Fuchai of Wu. In the twenty-seventh year, in spring, Ji Kangzi died. In summer, Duke Ai grew worried about the Three Huan families and sought to coerce them through the other princes, but the Three Huan also feared the duke's machinations, so there was considerable estrangement between lord and ministers. The duke was touring Lingban when he encountered Meng Wubo on the road. "May I ask if you can foretell when I shall die?" he asked. "I do not know," came the reply. The duke wished to use Yue to attack the Three Huan. In the eighth month, Duke Ai went to Jingyi. The Three Huan attacked the duke, who fled to Wei, then left for Zou, and finally went to Yue. The people of Lu welcomed Duke Ai back, but he died at Youshan. His son Ning was installed, becoming Duke Dao.

In the ninth year, Lu joined Jin in attacking Zheng. Duke Dao of Jin conducted the capping ceremony for Duke Xiang of Lu in Wei, with Ji Wuzi attending and assisting in the rites. In the eleventh year, the three Huan lineages divided the Lu army into three. In the twelfth year, Lu paid court to Jin. In the sixteenth year, Duke Ping of Jin came to the throne. In the twenty-first year, Lu paid court to Duke Ping of Jin. In the twenty-second year, Kong Qiu (Confucius) was born. In the twenty-fifth year, Cui Zhu of Qi assassinated his lord Duke Zhuang and set up his younger brother Duke Jing. In the twenty-ninth year, Jizi of Yanling of Wu came on a mission to Lu, inquired about the music of Zhou, and fully grasped its meaning; the people of Lu held him in respect.

In the thirty-first year, in the sixth month, Duke Xiang died. In the ninth month of that year, the crown prince died. The Lu people installed Chou, son of Qi Gui, as ruler; this was Duke Zhao. Duke Zhao was nineteen years old but still retained a child's heart. Mu Shu opposed his installation, saying: 'When the crown prince dies, a younger brother by the same mother may be installed; if there is none, then the eldest. If equal in age, choose the worthiest; if equal in worth, divine by tortoise-shell. Now Chou is not the legitimate heir, and moreover, while in mourning his thoughts are not on grief but on pleasure, his face showing delight. If he is indeed placed on the throne, he will surely become a worry for the Ji clan.' Ji Wuzi would not listen and ultimately set him up. By the time of the burial, Duke Zhao changed his mourning garments three times. The gentleman said: 'This is a sign that he will not come to a good end.'

In the third year of Duke Zhao's reign, he journeyed to pay court to Jin, but when he reached the Yellow River, Duke Ping of Jin politely declined and sent him back; Lu regarded this as a disgrace. In the fourth year, King Ling of Chu convened the lords at Shen, but Duke Zhao pleaded illness and did not attend. In the seventh year, Ji Wuzi died. In the eighth year, King Ling of Chu completed the Zhanghua Terrace and summoned Duke Zhao. Duke Zhao went to offer congratulations, and King Ling bestowed upon him a precious vessel; later he regretted it and deceitfully took it back. In the twelfth year, when traveling to court at Jin, he reached the Yellow River and Duke Ping of Jin declined and sent him back. In the thirteenth year, Prince Qiji of Chu murdered his lord King Ling and replaced him. In the fifteenth year, when going to court in Jin, Jin detained him to take part in the burial of Duke Zhao of Jin; Lu considered this a humiliation. In the twentieth year, Duke Jing of Qi and Yanzi went hunting along the borders and took the opportunity to enter Lu to inquire about ritual propriety. In the twenty-first year, traveling to court at Jin, he reached the Yellow River and Jin declined and sent him back. In the twenty-fifth year, in spring, mynah birds came and nested in Lu.

Shi Ji said: “In the time of Dukes Wen and Cheng, a children's rhyme went: ‘The mynah comes to nest, the lord stays at Ganhou. The mynah enters the dwelling, the lord is out in the wilds.’ The Ji and Hou clans held a cockfight. Ji sprinkled mustard powder on his cock’s feathers, while Hou fitted his cock with metal spurs. Ji Pingzi, enraged, encroached upon the Hou clan; Hou Zhaobo likewise resented Pingzi. Zang Zhaobo's younger brother Hui, pretending to slander the Zang clan, hid with the Ji family. Zang Zhaobo then imprisoned a man of the Ji. Ji Pingzi, furious, imprisoned an elder of the Zang. The Zang and Hou clans reported this trouble to Duke Zhao. On the wuxu day of the ninth month, Duke Zhao attacked the Ji family and broke in. Pingzi climbed onto a terrace and pleaded: ‘My lord, swayed by slander, has not examined my guilt. If you would execute me, I beg to be banished to the bank of the Yi River.’ This was not granted. He begged to be imprisoned in Bi. Not granted. He begged to flee with five chariots. Still not granted. Zi Jiaju said: ‘My lord, you should grant this. Government has long been in the hands of the Ji family; their followers are numerous — if they unite, they will conspire.’”

No one heeded him. The Hou clan said: ‘You must kill him.’ One Li, a retainer of the Shusun clan, asked his followers: ‘Which is better — for there to be no Ji family, or to have them?’ All answered: ‘Without the Ji, there would be no Shusun.’ Li said: ‘Right! Rescue the Ji!’ Thereupon they routed the duke's army. When Meng Yizi heard that the Shusun had prevailed, he too killed Hou Zhaobo. Hou Zhaobo, having been sent on a mission by the duke, was thus captured by the Meng. The three clans together attacked the duke, and the duke fled. On the jihai day the duke reached Qi. Duke Jing of Qi said: ‘Allow me to offer you a thousand she of land while we await the outcome.’ Zi Jia said: ‘To cast aside the patrimony of the Duke of Zhou and become a subject of Qi — is that permissible?’ So the idea was dropped. Zi Jia said: ‘Duke Jing of Qi is not trustworthy; we would do better to go to Jin early on.’ This was not heeded. Shusun went to see the duke and returned; he then met Pingzi, who touched his forehead to the ground. Initially they wished to welcome Duke Zhao back, but Mengsun and Jisun had second thoughts, so the plan was halted.

In the spring of the twenty-sixth year, Qi attacked Lu, seized Yun, and settled Duke Zhao there. In the summer, Duke Jing of Qi prepared to restore the duke to his state and gave orders that no bribes from Lu were to be accepted. Shen Feng and Ru Jia promised the Qi ministers Gao He and Zi Jiang five thousand yu of grain. Zi Jiang said to the marquis of Qi: ‘The ministers are unable to serve the lord of Lu properly — there is something strange here. Duke Yuan of Song went to Jin on behalf of Lu to seek his restoration, and died on the road. Shusun Zhaozi likewise endeavored to restore his ruler, yet died without any apparent illness. I do not know whether Heaven has abandoned Lu, or whether the lord of Lu has offended the ghosts and spirits. I beg you to wait a while longer.’ Duke Jing of Qi followed this counsel. In the twenty-eighth year, Duke Zhao went to Jin to ask for restoration. Ji Pingzi privately bribed the six chief ministers of Jin; they accepted the bribe and remonstrated with the ruler of Jin. The ruler of Jin accordingly desisted and lodged Duke Zhao at Ganhou. In the twenty-ninth year, Duke Zhao went to Yun.

Duke Jing of Qi sent a messenger with a letter for Duke Zhao, referring to himself as ‘Lord of the Realm.’ Duke Zhao considered this a disgrace and angrily departed for Ganhou. In the thirty-first year, Jin wished to restore Duke Zhao and summoned Ji Pingzi. Pingzi wore hempen garb and walked barefoot, and through the six chief ministers offered his apology. The six ministers spoke on his behalf, saying: ‘Jin wishes to restore Duke Zhao, but the multitudes will not comply.’ The men of Jin detained him. In the thirty-second year, Duke Zhao died at Ganhou. The people of Lu jointly set up Duke Zhao’s younger brother Song as ruler; this was Duke Ding. After Duke Ding assumed power, Zhao Jianzi asked Shi Mo: ‘Will the Ji clan perish?’ Shi Mo replied: ‘It will not perish. Ji You rendered great service to Lu, was enfeoffed at Bi, and became the highest minister. By the time of Wenzi and Wuzi, the clan’s patrimony had increased with each generation. After Duke Wen of Lu died, Dongmen Sui killed the legitimate heir and set up a son of a concubine; from that moment the ruler of Lu lost control of the state’s government. Rule has lain with the Ji clan now for four successive rulers. The people do not even know their lord — how could they possibly regain the state? Hence, the ruler must be prudent with vessels and names; they cannot be lent to others.’”

In the fifth year of Duke Ding, Ji Pingzi died. Yang Hu, nursing a private grievance, imprisoned Ji Huanzi and only after making a covenant with him set him free. In the seventh year, Qi attacked our state, took Yun, and made it Yang Hu’s fief in Lu so that he could take part in governing. In the eighth year, Yang Hu resolved to kill all the legitimate sons of the Three Huan and replace them with concubine-born sons whom he favored. He had Ji Huanzi placed in a cart, intending to kill him, but Huanzi escaped by a ruse. The Three Huan jointly attacked Yang Hu, and Yang Hu entrenched himself at Yang Pass. In the ninth year, Lu attacked Yang Hu; he fled to Qi, and before long fled to the Zhao clan of Jin. In the tenth year, Duke Ding met with Duke Jing of Qi at Jiagu, and Confucius served as master of ceremonies.

Qi intended to launch a surprise attack on the Lord of Lu, but Confucius, adhering to ritual, ascended the steps and denounced Qi's licentious music. The Marquis of Qi, afraid, desisted, returned the occupied Lu territory, and apologized. In the twelfth year, he sent Zhongyou to destroy the city walls of the Three Huan and to seize their weapons and armor. The Meng clan refused to demolish their walls; Lu attacked them but could not overcome them and stopped. Ji Huanzi accepted female musicians from Qi, and Confucius left. In the fifteenth year, Duke Ding died, and his son Jiang succeeded him; this was Duke Ai. In the fifth year of Duke Ai, Duke Jing of Qi died.

In the sixth year, Tian Qi of Qi murdered his lord, Ruzi. In the seventh year, King Fuchai of Wu, growing powerful, attacked Qi, reached Zeng, and demanded one hundred lao of sacrificial offerings from Lu. Ji Kangzi sent Zigong to persuade the King of Wu and the Grand Steward Pi, to humiliate them with ritual propriety. The King of Wu said, 'My body is tattooed; I do not merit being held to ritual.' He then desisted. In the eighth year, Wu attacked Lu on behalf of Zou, arrived at the city wall, made a covenant, and departed. Qi attacked Lu and took three cities. In the tenth year, Lu attacked the southern border of Qi. In the eleventh year, Qi attacked Lu. The Ji clan, impressed by Ran You's achievements, longed for Confucius, and Confucius returned to Lu from Wei.

In the fourteenth year, Tian Chang of Qi murdered his lord, Duke Jian of Qi, at Xuzhou. Confucius asked Duke Ai to attack Qi, but Duke Ai did not listen. In the fifteenth year, Zifu Jingbo and Zigong were sent as envoys to Qi, and Qi returned the lands they had seized from Lu. Tian Chang had just become prime minister of Qi and wanted to be on good terms with the feudal lords. In the sixteenth year, Confucius died. In the twenty-second year, King Goujian of Yue destroyed King Fuchai of Wu. In the spring of the twenty-seventh year, Ji Kangzi died. In the summer, Duke Ai, troubled by the Three Huan, planned to use the other lords to coerce them; the Three Huan also feared that the duke would make trouble, so there was much suspicion between ruler and ministers.

The duke was traveling in Lingban when he met Meng Wubo on the street and asked, 'May I ask, shall I reach death?' He replied, 'I do not know.' The duke wanted 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; he fled to Wei, left for Zou, and then went to Yue. The people of Lu welcomed Duke Ai back, and he died at the Youshan clan. His son Ning succeeded him; this was Duke Dao. During Duke Dao's time, the Three Huan were dominant, and Lu was like a minor lord, humbled beneath the houses of the Three Huan. In the thirteenth year, the Three Jin destroyed Zhi Bo and divided his land among themselves. In the thirty-seventh year, Duke Dao died, and his son Jia succeeded him; this was Duke Yuan.

Duke Yuan died in the twenty-first year, and his son Xian succeeded him; this was Duke Mu. Duke Mu died in the thirty-third year, and his son Fen succeeded him; this was Duke Gong. Duke Gong died in the twenty-second year, and his son Tun succeeded him; this was Duke Kang. Duke Kang died in the ninth year, and his son Yan succeeded him; this was Duke Jing. Duke Jing died in the twenty-ninth year, and his son Shu succeeded him; this was Duke Ping. At this time all the six states had adopted the title of king. In the twelfth year of Duke Ping, King Hui of Qin died. In the twentieth year, Duke Ping died, and his son Jia succeeded him; this was Duke Wen. In the first year of Duke Wen, King Huai of Chu died in Qin. In the twenty-third year, Duke Wen died, and his son Chou succeeded him; this was Duke Qing. In the second year of Duke Qing, Qin captured Ying, the capital of Chu; King Qing of Chu moved east to Chen. In the nineteenth year, Chu attacked Lu and took Xuzhou. In the twenty-fourth year, King Kaolie of Chu attacked and destroyed Lu. Duke Qing went into exile, moved to Xiayi, and became a commoner; the sacrifices of Lu were cut off. Duke Qing died at Ke. From the beginning with the Duke of Zhou to Duke Qing, Lu lasted thirty-four generations.

The Grand Historian remarks: I have heard Confucius say, 'How utterly the Way of Lu has declined! Between the Zhu and Si rivers they argue and bicker without cease.'

Observe the times of Qingfu, Shuya, and Duke Min — what disorder! The affairs of Duke Yin and Duke Huan; Xiang Zhong slaying the rightful heir and setting up a bastard son; the three families who faced north as vassals yet personally attacked Duke Zhao, forcing him to flee into exile.

They observed the rites of yielding and deference, yet how perverse were their deeds!