Duke Zhuang's Eighth Year
In the eighth year of Duke Zhuang, in spring, in the first month of the Zhou calendar, the Lu army encamped at Langdi, awaiting the armies of Chen and Cai.
On the day Jiawu, the army was reorganized.
In summer, the Lu army, together with the Qi army, besieged the city of Cheng, and Cheng surrendered to the Qi army.
In autumn, the Lu army returned to its state.
In winter, on the day Guiwei of the eleventh month, Gongsun Wuzhi of Qi killed his lord, Duke Xiang of Qi (Zhu'er).
In the eighth year, in spring, the army was reorganized in the ancestral temple; this was in accordance with ritual propriety. In summer, the Lu army, together with the Qi army, besieged Cheng, and Cheng surrendered to the Qi army. Zhong Qingfu requested permission to attack the Qi army, but Duke Zhuang of Lu said: "No. I am indeed lacking in virtue; what crime has the Qi army committed? The fault arises from me. The Book of Xia says: 'Gao Yao diligently practices virtue, and thus virtue subdues men's hearts.' For now, let us devote ourselves to cultivating virtue and await the right moment." In autumn, the Lu army returned. The junzi therefore commended Duke Zhuang of Lu.
Duke Xiang of Qi sent Lian Cheng and Guan Zhifu to garrison Kuiqui, agreeing that they would go when the melons were ripe, saying: "When the melons ripen again next year, I will send someone to relieve you." When the garrison period ended, Duke Xiang's inquiry did not arrive. The two men requested relief, but Duke Xiang did not consent, so they plotted rebellion. Duke Xi of Qi's full younger brother was named Yizhongnian, who fathered Gongsun Wuzhi. Gongsun Wuzhi was favored by Duke Xi of Qi, and his treatment in clothing, rites, and status was equal to that of the legitimate heir. After Duke Xiang of Qi ascended the throne, he reduced Gongsun Wuzhi's privileges, so Lian Cheng and Guan Zhifu relied on him to instigate rebellion. Lian Cheng had a cousin who was in Duke Xiang's palace but was not favored; she was used to spy on Duke Xiang's activities. Gongsun Wuzhi said: "If the affair succeeds, I will make you my wife."
In winter, in the twelfth month, Duke Xiang of Qi went on an excursion to Gufen and then hunted at Beiqiu. He saw a large wild boar, and his attendants said: "This is Gongzi Pengsheng." Duke Xiang became angry and said: "How dare Pengsheng show himself!" He shot an arrow at it. The wild boar stood up like a man and wailed. Duke Xiang was terrified, fell from his chariot, injured his foot, and lost his shoe. Upon returning, he demanded the shoe from the servant Fei, but it could not be found, so he flogged Fei until he bled. Fei ran out and encountered the rebels at the gate. He was seized and bound. Fei said: "How could I resist?" He bared his back and showed them his wounds, and the rebels believed him. Fei requested to enter the palace first to investigate. After concealing Duke Xiang, he came out and fought with them, dying at the palace gate. Shi Zhifenru died at the foot of the steps. The rebels then entered the palace and killed Mengyang on the bed, saying: "This is not the lord; he does not resemble him." From beneath the door, they saw Duke Xiang's foot, so they killed him and set up Gongsun Wuzhi as the lord.
Initially, after Duke Xiang of Qi ascended the throne, his governance was erratic. Bao Shuya said: "The lord indulges the people in license; calamity is about to arise." He then served Gongzi Xiaobai and fled to Ju. After the calamity occurred, Guan Yiwu and Shaohu served Gongzi Jiu and fled to Lu. Initially, Gongsun Wuzhi mistreated Yong Lin.