Duke Xi's 12th Year
In the twelfth year, in spring, on the day gengwu in the third month of the Zhou calendar, a solar eclipse occurred.
In summer, the people of Chu extinguished the state of Huang.
In autumn, in the seventh month.
In winter, on the day dingchou in the twelfth month, Marquis Chen of Chu, named Chujiu, died.
In the twelfth year of Duke Xi of Lu, in spring, the feudal lords built the outer wall of Chuyi in the state of Wei, because they were concerned about the calamity from the Rong Di.
The people of Huang relied on the good relations between the feudal lords and the state of Qi and refused to pay tribute to Chu, saying, “From the capital Ying to our land is nine hundred li; how can Chu harm us?” In summer, Chu thus extinguished the state of Huang.
Because of the turmoil caused by the Rong, King Xiang of Zhou attacked Prince Dai. In autumn, Prince Dai fled to the state of Qi.
In winter, Duke Huan of Qi sent Guan Zhong to mediate the conflict between the Rong and the Zhou royal house, and sent Xi Peng to mediate the conflict between the Rong and the state of Jin. King Xiang of Zhou entertained Guan Zhong with the ritual of a high minister (shangqing). Guan Zhong declined, saying, “I am a low-ranking official. The Son of Heaven’s guardian ministers include the two high ministers of the Guo and Gao clans. If they were to come to receive the king’s command in the spring and autumn seasons, what ritual would be used to receive them? As a mere attendant minister (peichen), I dare not accept such a ritual.” King Xiang of Zhou said, “Uncle, I commend your merits and accept your virtue—this can be called profound and unforgettable. Go and fulfill your duty; do not disobey my command.” Guan Zhong thus accepted the ritual of a lower minister (xiaqing) and returned. The noble man said: “It is fitting that the Guan clan should receive sacrifices for generations! He was humble and did not forget his own station. The Book of Songs says: ‘The gentle and gracious noble man; the spirits will protect him.’”