Hereditary House of Lu Zhou Gong, Third

Duke of Zhou Dan was the younger brother of King Wu of Zhou. While King Wen was still alive, Dan as a son was filial, benevolent, and sincere, different from the other sons. When King Wu ascended the throne, Dan constantly assisted King Wu and undertook many governmental affairs. In the ninth year of King Wu, when the eastern expedition reached Mengjin, the Duke of Zhou accompanied him. In the eleventh year, when punishing King Zhou of Shang and reaching Muye, the Duke of Zhou assisted King Wu and composed the "Oath of Mu." They breached Yin and entered the Shang palace. After killing King Zhou, the Duke of Zhou held a great axe, and the Duke of Shao held a small axe, flanking King Wu on either side. They sacrificed to the god of the soil, proclaiming King Zhou's crimes to Heaven and the people of Yin. They released the imprisoned Ji Zi. They enfeoffed King Zhou's son Wu Geng Lu Fu, sending Guan Shu and Cai Shu to assist him, so as to continue the sacrifices of Yin. They broadly enfeoffed meritorious ministers and relatives of the same surname. They enfeoffed the Duke of Zhou Dan at Qufu, the old site of Shao Hao; this was the Duke of Lu. The Duke of Zhou did not go to his fief but remained to assist King Wu.

Two years after King Wu had conquered Yin, the realm was not yet settled. King Wu fell ill and was unwell; the ministers were fearful, so Taigong and the Duke of Shao reverently performed divination. The Duke of Zhou said, "This must not disturb our former kings." The Duke of Zhou then offered himself as a hostage, set up three altars, faced north, wearing a jade disk and holding a jade tablet, and prayed to Grand King, King Ji, and King Wen. The scribe recited a prayer on bamboo slips, saying: "Your eldest grandson, King Wu Fa, has fallen ill from toil. If the three former kings above have a duty to protect their descendants, let the body of Dan replace King Wu Fa. Dan is clever and capable, talented and skilled, and can serve the spirits. But King Wu Fa is not as talented and skilled as Dan and cannot serve the spirits. He has received the mandate from the Supreme God, and broadly possesses all within the four seas, thus he can settle your descendants among the people, and the myriad peoples have no awe but of him. Do not lose the precious mandate sent down by Heaven; then our former kings will have eternal support. Now I will follow the command of the great turtle. If you grant my request, I will take these jade disk and tablet and return, awaiting your command. If you do not grant my request, I will put away the jade disk and tablet." After the Duke of Zhou had the scribe pray to Grand King, King Ji, and King Wen with bamboo slips, wishing to replace King Wu Fa, he then performed divination before the spirit tablets of the three former kings. The diviners all said it was auspicious; they opened the divination text and examined it, and indeed it was fortunate. The Duke of Zhou was delighted. He opened the chest that held the documents and saw that the divination result was also auspicious. The Duke of Zhou entered the palace to congratulate King Wu, saying: "The king has no calamity. I have just received the command of the three former kings; I can plan long-term for you. This method shows regard for me alone." The Duke of Zhou placed the bamboo slips in a chest bound with golden silk, and warned the keeper not to speak of it. The next day, King Wu recovered.

Later, King Wu died. King Cheng was young, still in swaddling clothes. The Duke of Zhou, fearing that the realm would rebel upon hearing of King Wu's death, ascended the throne to act as regent for King Cheng and preside over state affairs. Guan Shu and his younger brothers spread rumors in the state, saying, "The Duke of Zhou will do harm to King Cheng." The Duke of Zhou then told Taigong Wang and Duke of Shao Shi: "The reason I do not avoid acting as regent is that I fear the realm will rebel against Zhou, and I will have no way to account to the former kings Grand King, King Ji, and King Wen. The three former kings labored and worried for the realm for a very long time, and only now has success been achieved. King Wu died young; King Cheng is young. To complete the great enterprise of Zhou, I have done this." Thus he ultimately assisted King Cheng and sent his son Bo Qin to take his place in receiving the enfeoffment of Lu. The Duke of Zhou admonished Bo Qin, saying: "I am the son of King Wen, the younger brother of King Wu, and the uncle of King Cheng; my position in the realm is not lowly. Yet I have to wring my hair many times while washing, and spit out my food many times while eating, rising to receive scholars, still fearing to lose the worthy men of the realm. When you go to Lu, do not be arrogant toward others because of your state."

Guan Shu, Cai Shu, Wu Geng, and others indeed led the Huai Yi in rebellion. The Duke of Zhou then, by King Cheng's command, raised an army and marched east, composing the "Great Announcement." Thereupon he executed Guan Shu, killed Wu Geng, and exiled Cai Shu. He gathered the remnants of the Yin people, enfeoffing Kang Shu in Wei and Wei Zi in Song, to maintain the sacrifices of Yin. He pacified the Huai Yi and the eastern regions, completing the task in two years. All the feudal lords submitted to Zhou.

Heaven sent down blessings; Tang Shu obtained a stalk of grain, with different roots but a single ear, and presented it to King Cheng. King Cheng ordered Tang Shu to give it to the Duke of Zhou, who was in the eastern territories, composing the "Presentation of Grain." After the Duke of Zhou received the grain bestowed by the Son of Heaven, he praised the Heavenly Son's command and composed the "Excellent Grain." After the eastern regions were settled, the Duke of Zhou returned to report to King Cheng, and thereupon composed a poem and sent it to King Cheng, titled "The Owl." King Cheng did not dare to reproach the Duke of Zhou.

In the seventh year of King Cheng, on the day yisi of the second month, King Cheng set out on foot from Haojing in the morning and arrived at Fengyi. He sent Grand Protector Duke of Shao first to Luoyi to survey the terrain. In the third month of that year, the Duke of Zhou went to build the eastern capital Chengzhou, performed divination to select the site, and the result was auspicious, so he established the capital there.

King Cheng grew up and was able to handle state affairs. Then the Duke of Zhou returned the government to King Cheng, and King Cheng held court to govern. When the Duke of Zhou ruled the realm in place of King Cheng, he faced south, leaning against a screen, receiving the feudal lords. After seven years, when he returned the government to King Cheng, he faced north and returned to the position of a subject, reverent and cautious as if in fear.

Earlier, when King Cheng was young and fell ill, the Duke of Zhou cut off his own fingernails and sank them into the river, praying to the spirits: "The king is young and ignorant; the one who offended the spirits' command is I, Dan." He also stored the bamboo slips in the treasury. King Cheng recovered from his illness. When King Cheng assumed personal rule, someone slandered the Duke of Zhou. The Duke of Zhou fled to Chu. King Cheng opened the treasury and saw the Duke of Zhou's prayer document; he wept and had the Duke of Zhou return. After the Duke of Zhou returned, fearing that King Cheng, now grown, might indulge in pleasure and neglect governance, he composed the "Many Officers" and the "No Idleness." The "No Idleness" says: "As parents, the founding of an enterprise is extremely prolonged; if descendants are arrogant and extravagant and forget this, they will bring about the ruin of their house. How can descendants not be careful! Thus, formerly, the Yin king Zhong Zong, solemn and respectful, stood in awe of Heaven's mandate, governed the people according to law, and was so cautious that he dared not be idle or at ease; thus Zhong Zong reigned for seventy-five years. As for Gao Zong, he toiled long outside, living among the people. When he ascended the throne, he observed mourning, speaking not for three years; when he spoke, it brought joy, and he dared not be idle or at ease, stabilizing the Yin state, so that great and small, minister and people, had no resentment; thus Gao Zong reigned for fifty-five years. As for Zu Jia, he considered it improper to be king and long lived among the common people as an ordinary man, understanding the people's hardships. He could protect and show kindness to the humble people, not oppressing widowers and widows; thus Zu Jia reigned for thirty-three years." The "Many Officers" says: "From Cheng Tang to Di Yi, none failed to follow the sacrifices and cultivate virtuous governance; none of the emperors failed to enjoy Heaven's mandate. As for the later king Zhou, he indulged in extreme dissipation and pleasure, disregarding Heaven's will and the people's obedience. His people all deserved execution." "King Wen was busy until the sun was at its western edge and still forgot to eat; he reigned for fifty years." The Duke of Zhou composed these to admonish King Cheng.

When King Cheng was at Fengyi, the realm was already at peace. The official system and governmental orders of Zhou had not yet been systematized, so the Duke of Zhou composed the "Zhou Offices," defining the duties of each office, and also composed the "Establishment of Government," to benefit the people. The people were greatly pleased.

The Duke of Zhou, while at Fengyi, fell ill and was about to die. He said, "Be sure to bury me at Chengzhou, to show that I dare not leave King Cheng." After the Duke of Zhou died, King Cheng also showed deference, burying the Duke of Zhou at Bi, following King Wen, to show that I, the little one, dare not treat the Duke of Zhou as a subject.

After the Duke of Zhou died, before the autumn harvest, a violent storm arose, flattening the crops and uprooting large trees. The entire Zhou court was terrified. King Cheng and the high ministers put on their court robes, opened the golden-bound chest, and examined the documents. There King Cheng found the record of the Duke of Zhou having offered himself as a hostage to take King Wu’s place in illness. The Grand Duke, the Duke of Shao, and King Cheng then questioned the historians and officials, who said, “Indeed this is true. Formerly the Duke of Zhou commanded us not to dare speak of it.” King Cheng held the document and wept, saying, “From now on, let there be no more reverent divination! In the past, the Duke of Zhou labored diligently for the royal house; only I was young and did not know. Now Heaven has sent forth its wrath to make manifest the Duke of Zhou’s virtue. I, the little one, should go to welcome him, and our state’s rites should also follow this.” King Cheng went out of the city to the outskirts, and then rain fell, the wind reversed direction, and all the crops stood upright. The Grand Duke and the Duke of Shao commanded the people of the state to lift up and replant the crops that had been crushed by the great trees. That year there was a great harvest. At that time, King Cheng ordered that the state of Lu be permitted to perform the suburban sacrifice to King Wen. The reason Lu possessed the rituals and music of the Son of Heaven was to glorify the Duke of Zhou’s virtue.

After the Duke of Zhou died, his son Bo Qin had long since been enfeoffed; this was the Duke of Lu. When Duke Bo Qin of Lu first received his fief and went to Lu, he did not report on his governance until three years later. The Duke of Zhou said, “Why so late?” Bo Qin said, “I changed the local customs and reformed the local rites. I observed the three-year mourning period before removing the mourning garments, and thus I was late.” The Grand Duke was also enfeoffed in Qi, and reported on his governance after five months. The Duke of Zhou said, “Why so fast?” The Grand Duke said, “I simplified the rites between ruler and subject and followed the local customs in doing things.” Later, when the Duke of Zhou heard that Bo Qin’s report was late, he sighed and said, “Alas! The descendants of Lu will face north and serve Qi! If government decrees are not simple and easy to implement, the people will not feel close; if government decrees are gentle and approachable to the people, the people will surely submit.”

After Bo Qin ascended the throne, the rebellions of Guan Shu and Cai Shu occurred, and the Huai Yi and Xu Rong also revolted together. Thus Bo Qin led an army to attack them at the place of Bi, and composed the “Oath at Bi,” saying: “Prepare your armor and helmets; see that they are not of poor quality. Do not harm the cattle in the pens. If horses or cattle are lost, or if male or female servants flee, do not dare leave your ranks to pursue them; respectfully return them. Do not plunder or loot, or climb over walls. You people of the three suburbs and three districts of Lu, prepare your fodder, dried grain, and timbers for fortifications; see that they are not insufficient. On the day jiaxu, I will build a fortification and attack the Xu Rong; do not fail to come, or you will suffer severe punishment.” Having composed this “Oath at Bi,” he then pacified the Xu Rong and stabilized Lu.

Duke Bo Qin of Lu died, and his son, Duke Kao You, ascended the throne. In the fourth year of Duke Kao, he died, and his younger brother Xi was established, this being Duke Yang. Duke Yang constructed the Mao Que Gate. In the sixth year, he died, and his son, Duke You Zai, ascended the throne. In the fourteenth year of Duke You, Duke You’s younger brother Xi killed Duke You and established himself, this being Duke Wei. In the fiftieth year of Duke Wei, he died, and his son, Duke Li Zhuo, ascended the throne. In the thirty-seventh year of Duke Li, he died, and the people of Lu established his younger brother Ju, this being Duke Xian. In the thirty-second year of Duke Xian, he died, and his son, Duke Zhen Bi, ascended the throne.

In the fourteenth year of Duke Zhen, King Li of Zhou was without the Way and fled to Zhi, and the Gonghe regency began. In the twenty-ninth year, King Xuan of Zhou ascended the throne.

In the thirtieth year, Duke Zhen died, and his younger brother Ao ascended the throne, this being Duke Wu.

In the spring of the ninth year of Duke Wu, Duke Wu, along with his eldest son Kuo and his younger son Xi, went west to have an audience with King Xuan of Zhou. King Xuan favored Xi and wanted to make Xi the crown prince of Lu. Fan Zhongshanfu of Zhou remonstrated with King Xuan, saying: “To depose the eldest son and establish the younger son is not according with proper order; not according with proper order, he will surely violate the king’s commands; violating the king’s commands, he will surely be executed. Thus, issuing commands must not be contrary to proper order. If commands cannot be carried out, government cannot be established; if they are implemented but not according with proper order, the people will abandon those above. Those below serving those above, the young serving the old—this is proper order. Now the Son of Heaven enfeoffs the lords, yet establishes the younger among them; this is teaching the people to act rebelliously. If Lu complies, all the lords will imitate it, and the king’s commands will be obstructed. If they do not comply and you execute them, this is executing the king’s own commands. To execute him is also improper, and not to execute him is also improper. I beg you, my king, to consider this.” King Xuan did not listen, and in the end established Xi as the crown prince of Lu. In the summer, Duke Wu returned to his state and died, and Xi ascended the throne, this being Duke Yi.

In the ninth year of Duke Yi, Bo Yu, the son of Duke Yi’s elder brother Kuo, together with the people of Lu, attacked and killed Duke Yi, and then established Bo Yu as the ruler. After Bo Yu had reigned for eleven years, King Xuan of Zhou attacked Lu, killed its ruler Bo Yu, and inquired among the sons of Lu as to who could follow and be harmonious with the lords, and establish him as Lu’s successor. Fan Muzhong said: “The younger brother of Duke Yi of Lu, called Cheng, is dignified and respectful, discerning the spirits, reverently serving the elderly; when assigning tasks and executing punishments, he always inquires into the former kings’ instructions and consults the old precedents; he does not go against what he has asked about, nor does he violate what he knows.” King Xuan said, “Right, he can instruct and govern his people.” Thus, he established Cheng in the Yi Temple as ruler, this being Duke Xiao. From then on, most of the lords rebelled against the king’s commands.

In the twenty-fifth year of Duke Xiao, the lords rebelled against Zhou, and the Quan Rong killed King You. Qin was first ranked among the lords.

In the twenty-seventh year, Duke Xiao died, and his son Fu Huang ascended the throne, this being Duke Hui.

In the thirtieth year of Duke Hui, the people of Jin killed their ruler, Duke Zhao. In the forty-fifth year, the people of Jin again killed their ruler, Duke Xiao.

In the forty-sixth year, Duke Hui died, and his eldest son by a concubine, Xi, acted as regent, exercising the authority of the ruler, this being Duke Yin. Initially, Duke Hui’s principal wife had no sons, and Duke Hui’s concubine Shengzi gave birth to a son, Xi. When Xi grew up, he took a wife from the state of Song. When the Song woman arrived, she was very beautiful, and Duke Hui took her for himself and married her. She gave birth to a son, Yun. Duke Hui elevated the Song woman to be his principal wife and established Yun as crown prince. When Duke Hui died, because Yun was young, the people of Lu jointly allowed Xi to act as regent, not saying he had ascended the throne.

In the fifth year of Duke Yin, he watched fishing at Tang. In the eighth year, he exchanged the imperial grant of the Fangyi and Xutian at the foot of Mount Tai with the state of Zheng, and the junzi criticized this.

In the winter of the eleventh year, Gongzi Hui flatteringly said to Duke Yin: “The people find you beneficial; you might as well take advantage of this and formally ascend the throne. I request to kill Ziyun for you, and you make me your prime minister.” Duke Yin said: “There is the command of the former ruler. I, because Yun was young, am acting as regent in his place. Now Yun has already grown up. I am just about to build a house at Tufu to retire and hand over the government to Ziyun.” Hui, fearing that Ziyun would hear of this and kill him in turn, then falsely accused Duke Yin before Ziyun, saying: “Duke Yin wants to formally ascend the throne and eliminate you. You should consider this carefully. I request to kill Duke Yin for you.” Ziyun agreed. In the eleventh month, Duke Yin was performing a sacrifice to Zhongwu, fasting at Shepu, and staying at the house of the Wei clan. Hui sent men to kill Duke Yin at the Wei clan’s house, and then established Ziyun as ruler, this being Duke Huan.

In the first year of Duke Huan, the state of Zheng exchanged the imperial grant of Xutian with a jade disk. In the second year, he placed a tripod bribed by Song in the Grand Temple, and the junzi criticized this.

In the third year, he sent Hui to the state of Qi to welcome a woman as his wife. In the sixth year, the wife gave birth to a son, who shared the same birthday as Duke Huan, so he was named Tong. When Tong grew up, he was established as crown prince.

In the sixteenth year, he met in covenant at Cao, attacked Zheng, and sent Duke Li back to his state.

In the spring of the eighteenth year, Duke Huan was about to go on a journey, so he went to Qi with his wife. Shen Xu remonstrated and tried to stop him, but Duke Huan would not listen, so he went to Qi. Duke Xiang of Qi had an illicit affair with Duke Huan’s wife. Duke Huan became angry with his wife, and she told the Marquis of Qi about it. On the day bingzi of the fourth month in summer, Duke Xiang of Qi held a feast for Duke Huan. When Duke Huan became drunk, Duke Xiang of Qi sent Prince Pengsheng to help Duke Huan of Lu into his chariot, and took the opportunity to order Pengsheng to break his ribs. Duke Huan died in the chariot. The people of Lu reported to Qi: “Our ruler, in awe of your majesty, dared not remain at ease, and came to renew the rites of friendship. The rituals were completed, yet he could not return. There is no one on whom to fix the blame. We request that Pengsheng be handed over, so that the scandal may be eliminated among the lords.” The people of Qi killed Pengsheng to appease Lu. Lu established the heir apparent Tong as ruler; this was Duke Zhuang. Duke Zhuang’s mother, the lady, therefore remained in Qi and dared not return to Lu.

In the winter of the fifth year of Duke Zhuang, Lu attacked Wei to send Duke Hui of Wei back to his state.

In the eighth year, Prince Jiu of Qi came to Lu in flight. In the ninth year, Lu wished to send Prince Jiu back to Qi, but arrived later than Duke Huan. Duke Huan raised troops and attacked Lu. Lu was in dire straits and killed Prince Jiu. Zhao Hu died for this cause. The people of Qi told Lu to capture Guan Zhong alive and send him. Shi Bo of Lu said: “Qi wants to obtain Guan Zhong, not to kill him, but to employ him. If they employ him, he will become a disaster for Lu. It would be better to kill him and give them his corpse.” Duke Zhuang would not listen, so he imprisoned Guan Zhong and handed him over to Qi. The people of Qi made Guan Zhong their chancellor.

In the thirteenth year, Duke Zhuang of Lu met Duke Huan of Qi at Ke with Cao Mo. Cao Mo seized Duke Huan of Qi and demanded the return of lands that Lu had lost to Qi. Only after the covenant was made did he release Duke Huan. Duke Huan wanted to break the covenant, but Guan Zhong remonstrated, and in the end the occupied lands of Lu were returned. In the fifteenth year, Duke Huan of Qi began to dominate as hegemon. In the twenty-third year, Duke Zhuang went to Qi to watch the sacrifice to the god of the soil.

In the thirty-second year, at first, Duke Zhuang built a terrace near the Dang family’s house. He saw the Dang girl, loved her, and favored her. He promised to make her his wife, and cut his arm to seal the oath. The Dang girl gave birth to a son, Ban. When Ban grew up, he loved a daughter of the Liang family and went to see her. The stableman Luo, from outside the wall, sported with the Liang girl. Ban became angry and flogged Luo. Duke Zhuang heard of this and said: “Luo is very strong; he should have been killed. This cannot be let go with just a flogging.” Ban was unable to kill him. Just then, Duke Zhuang fell ill. Duke Zhuang had three younger brothers: the eldest was Qingfu, the next Shuya, and the youngest Jiyou. Duke Zhuang took a Qi woman as his wife, called Ai Jiang. Ai Jiang had no sons. Ai Jiang’s younger sister was called Shu Jiang, who gave birth to a son, Kai. Duke Zhuang had no legitimate son; he favored the Dang girl and wanted to make her son Ban his heir. When Duke Zhuang was gravely ill, he inquired of his younger brother Shuya about the successor. Shuya said: “When a father dies, the son succeeds; when an elder brother dies, the younger brother takes over. This is the regular practice of Lu. Qingfu is here; he can be established as the successor. What is there for you to worry about?” Duke Zhuang was troubled that Shuya wanted to establish Qingfu. After withdrawing, he asked Jiyou. Jiyou said: “Please let me die to establish Ban.” Duke Zhuang said: “Earlier Shuya wanted to establish Qingfu. What can be done?” Jiyou, using Duke Zhuang’s command, had Shuya wait at the house of Zhenwu, and sent Zhenji to force Shuya to drink poisoned wine, saying: “Drink this, and you will have descendants to enjoy sacrifices; otherwise, you will die and have no descendants.” Shuya then drank the poisoned wine and died. Lu established his son as the Shusun lineage. On the day guihai of the eighth month, Duke Zhuang died. Jiyou ultimately established Prince Ban as ruler, as per Duke Zhuang’s command. While mourning for Duke Zhuang, he stayed at the Dang family’s house.

Before this, Qingfu had committed adultery with Ai Jiang, and wanted to establish the son of Ai Jiang’s younger sister, Kai. When Duke Zhuang died and Jiyou established Ban, on the day jiyou of the tenth month, Qingfu sent the stableman Luo to kill Prince Ban of Lu at the Dang family’s house. Jiyou fled to Chen. Qingfu ultimately established Duke Zhuang’s son Kai; this was Duke Min.

In the second year of Duke Min, Qingfu’s adultery with Ai Jiang became more intense. Ai Jiang plotted with Qingfu to kill Duke Min and establish Qingfu. Qingfu sent Bu Yi to attack and kill Duke Min at the Wu gate. When Jiyou heard of this, he went from Chen to Zhu with Duke Min’s younger brother Shen, and requested the people of Lu to accept them. The people of Lu wanted to execute Qingfu. Qingfu was afraid and fled to Ju. Then Jiyou escorted Prince Shen into Lu and established him as ruler; this was Duke Xi. Duke Xi was also a younger son of Duke Zhuang. Ai Jiang, afraid, fled to Zhu. Jiyou took gifts to Ju and requested the surrender of Qingfu. Qingfu was sent back. Jiyou sent someone to kill Qingfu. Qingfu requested exile, but it was not allowed. Then he sent the grandee Xisi to go to him weeping. When Qingfu heard Xisi’s voice, he committed suicide. Duke Huan of Qi, hearing that Ai Jiang and Qingfu had debauched and endangered Lu, summoned her from Zhu, killed her, sent her corpse back, and exposed it in Lu. Duke Xi of Lu requested to bury her.

Jiyou’s mother was a woman of Chen, so he had fled to Chen. For this reason, Chen helped escort Jiyou and Prince Shen. When Jiyou was about to be born, his father, Duke Huan of Lu, had someone perform divination, which said: “It is a boy. His name will be ‘You.’ He will be between the two altars, and will assist the ducal house. If Jiyou dies, Lu will not flourish.” When he was born, there was writing on his palm that said “You,” so he was named accordingly and styled Chengji. His descendants were the Ji lineage. Qingfu’s descendants were the Meng lineage.

In the first year of Duke Xi, Wenyang and Bi were granted to Jiyou. Jiyou became chancellor.

In the ninth year, Li Ke of Jin killed his rulers Xiqi and Zhuozhi. Duke Huan of Qi led Duke Xi to punish the disorder in Jin. They reached Gaoliang and then returned, establishing Duke Hui of Jin. In the seventeenth year, Duke Huan of Qi died. In the twenty-fourth year, Duke Wen of Jin came to the throne.

In the thirty-third year, Duke Xi died. His son Xing came to the throne; this was Duke Wen.

In the first year of Duke Wen, the Chu heir apparent Shangchen killed his father, King Cheng, and took the throne. In the third year, Duke Wen paid a court visit to Duke Xiang of Jin.

On the day jiawu of the tenth month in the eleventh year, Lu defeated the Di people at Xian, capturing Qiaoru, the chief of the Long Di. Fufu Zhongsheng stabbed him in the throat with a dagger-axe and killed him, burying his head at the Ziju Gate, and used this to name Xuanbo.

At first, in the time of Duke Wu of Song, the Souman attacked Song. The minister of war, Huangfu, led troops to resist them, defeated the Di at Changqiu, and captured Yuansi, the chief of the Long Di. When Jin destroyed the Lu state, they captured Qiaoru’s younger brother, Fenru. In the second year of Duke Hui of Qi, the Souman attacked Qi. Prince Chengfu of Qi captured their younger brother, Rongru, and buried his head at the northern gate of Qi. The people of Wei captured their youngest brother, Jianru. From then on, the Souman were destroyed.

In the fifteenth year, Ji Wenzi went on a mission to Jin.

In the second month of the eighteenth year, Duke Wen died. Duke Wen had two consorts: the senior consort was a Qi woman, Ai Jiang, who bore sons E and Shi; the junior consort was Jing Ying, who was favored and bore a son, Tui. Tui secretly served Xiang Zhong, and Xiang Zhong wanted to establish him. Shu Zhong said it would not do. Xiang Zhong made a request to Duke Hui of Qi. Duke Hui had just come to the throne and wished to be close to Lu, so he agreed. In winter, in the tenth month, Xiang Zhong killed E and Shi and established Tui; this was Duke Xuan. Ai Jiang returned to Qi, weeping as she passed through the market, saying: “Heaven! Xiang Zhong did what is unrighteous, killing the legitimate sons and establishing the illegitimate son!” The people in the market all wept. The people of Lu called her “Ai Jiang.” From this time on, the ducal house of Lu declined, and the Three Huan became powerful.

In the twelfth year of Duke Xuan, Tui, King Zhuang of Chu became powerful and besieged Zheng. The Earl of Zheng surrendered, and King Zhuang of Chu restored him.

In the eighteenth year, Duke Xuan died. His son, Duke Cheng, Heigong, succeeded; this was Duke Cheng. Ji Wenzi said: “The one who caused us to kill the legitimate sons and establish an illegitimate son, and to lose powerful assistance, was Xiang Zhong.” Xiang Zhong had established Duke Xuan. Gongsun Guifu was favored. Duke Xuan wanted to eliminate the Three Huan, and plotted with Jin to attack them. Just then, Duke Xuan died. Ji Wenzi resented this matter. Guifu fled to Qi.

In the second year of Duke Cheng, in the spring, Qi attacked Lu and occupied the Long region. In the summer, Duke Cheng, together with Xi Ke of Jin, defeated Duke Qing of Qi at An, and Qi returned the lands it had previously seized from Lu. In the fourth year, Duke Cheng went to Jin. Duke Jing of Jin did not show respect to Lu. Lu intended to turn away from Jin and ally with Chu, but someone dissuaded them, so this was not done. In the tenth year, Duke Cheng went to Jin. Duke Jing of Jin died, and so Duke Cheng was detained to attend the funeral; Lu avoided mentioning this matter. In the fifteenth year, Lu first met with King Shoumeng of Wu at Zhongli.

In the sixteenth year, Xuan Bo informed Jin, seeking to have Ji Wenzi executed. Wenzi was known for his righteous conduct, so the people of Jin did not consent.

In the eighteenth year, Duke Cheng died. His son Wu succeeded him, known as Duke Xiang. At this time, Duke Xiang was only three years old.

In the first year of Duke Xiang, Jin established Duke Dao. In the winter of the previous year, Luan Shu of Jin had killed his ruler, Duke Li. In the fourth year, Duke Xiang went to Jin for an audience.

In the fifth year, Ji Wenzi died. In his household there were no concubines wearing silk, in his stables no horses fed on grain, and in his treasuries no gold or jade vessels. He had served three rulers. The junzi said: "Ji Wenzi was truly incorruptible and loyal."

In the ninth year, Lu joined Jin in attacking Zheng. Duke Dao of Jin performed the capping ceremony for Duke Xiang in Wey, with Ji Wuzi in attendance to assist in the rites.

In the eleventh year, the three Huan families divided the army into three corps.

In the twelfth year, Duke Xiang went to Jin for an audience. In the sixteenth year, Duke Ping of Jin ascended the throne. In the twenty-first year, Duke Xiang went to pay homage to Duke Ping of Jin.

In the twenty-second year, Kong Qiu was born.

In the twenty-fifth year, Cui Zhu of Qi killed his ruler, Duke Zhuang, and established Duke Zhuang's younger brother, Duke Jing.

In the twenty-ninth year, Yanzhou Jizi of Wu visited Lu, inquired about the music of Zhou, and fully comprehended its meanings. The people of Lu revered him.

In the sixth month of the thirty-first year, Duke Xiang died. In the ninth month of that year, the crown prince died. The people of Lu established Ju, the son of Qi Gui, as ruler; this was Duke Zhao.

Duke Zhao was nineteen years old but still had a childish disposition. Mu Shu did not wish to establish him, saying: "The crown prince is dead. If there is a full younger brother, establish him; if there is no full younger brother, establish the eldest. If the ages are equal, choose the worthy; if worthiness is equal, decide by divination. Now Ju is not the legitimate son, and moreover, during the mourning period his mind is not on grief, but his face shows joy. If he is indeed established, he will surely become a source of trouble for the Ji clan." Ji Wuzi would not listen and ultimately established him. When the time came for the burial, he changed his mourning garments three times. The junzi said: "This man will not come to a good end."

In the third year of Duke Zhao, he went to Jin for an audience but reached the banks of the Yellow River. Duke Ping of Jin declined and sent him back. Lu felt humiliated. In the fourth year, King Ling of Chu assembled the feudal lords at Shen. Duke Zhao pleaded illness and did not go. In the seventh year, Ji Wuzi died. In the eighth year, King Ling of Chu built the Zhanghua Terrace and summoned Duke Zhao. Duke Zhao went to offer congratulations. The king bestowed a precious vessel upon Duke Zhao; soon after, regretting it, he cheated and took it back. In the twelfth year, Duke Zhao went to Jin for an audience but reached the banks of the Yellow River. Duke Ping of Jin declined and sent him back. In the thirteenth year, Prince Qiji of Chu killed his ruler, King Ling, and replaced him on the throne. In the fifteenth year, Duke Zhao went to Jin for an audience. Jin detained him to bury Duke Zhao of Jin. Lu felt humiliated. In the twentieth year, Duke Jing of Qi and Yanzi were hunting at the border, and subsequently entered Lu to inquire about rituals. In the twenty-first year, Duke Zhao went to Jin for an audience but reached the banks of the Yellow River. Jin declined and sent him back.

In the twenty-fifth year, in spring, mynah birds came and built nests. Shi Ji said: "In the time of Duke Wen and Duke Cheng, a children's rhyme said: 'Mynah birds come and nest, the ruler is at Ganhou. Mynah birds come and dwell, the ruler is in the wild.'"

The Ji clan and the Hou clan engaged in cockfighting. The Ji clan fitted their cocks with armor made from mustard powder, while the Hou clan armed their cocks with metal spurs. Ji Pingzi became angry and encroached upon the Hou clan. Hou Zhaobo also became angry with Pingzi. Zang Zhaobo's younger brother, Hui, fabricated slander to falsely accuse the Zang clan and hid in the Ji clan's household. Zang Zhaobo imprisoned one of the Ji clan's men. Ji Pingzi became angry and imprisoned Zang Zhaobo's retainer. The Zang and Hou clans reported the trouble to Duke Zhao. In the ninth month, on the day Wuxu, Duke Zhao attacked the Ji clan and entered their compound. Pingzi ascended the platform and pleaded, saying: "The ruler, listening to slander and not examining my guilt, is about to put me to death. I beg to be allowed to move to the banks of the Yi River." Duke Zhao did not consent. He begged to be imprisoned in Bi; Duke Zhao did not consent. He begged to flee with five chariots; Duke Zhao did not consent. Zi Jia Ju said: "The ruler should consent to him. The power has been in the hands of the Ji clan for a long time. Many follow him, and the multitude will surely conspire against you." Duke Zhao would not listen. The Hou clan said: "He must be killed." A retainer of the Shusun clan named Li said to his followers: "Between having no Ji clan and having the Ji clan, which is more advantageous?" All said: "Without the Ji clan, there would be no Shusun clan." Li said: "Right! Rescue the Ji clan!" So they defeated Duke Zhao's army. Meng Yizi, hearing that the Shusun clan had prevailed, also killed Hou Zhaobo. Hou Zhaobo had been on a mission for Duke Zhao, so the Meng clan apprehended him. The three families jointly attacked Duke Zhao, and Duke Zhao then fled. On the day Jihai, Duke Zhao arrived in Qi. Duke Jing of Qi said: "I am willing to offer a thousand she of land to receive the ruler." Zi Jia said: "Abandoning the foundation of the Duke of Zhou and becoming a subject of Qi—is that acceptable?" So they desisted. Zi Jia said: "Duke Jing of Qi is untrustworthy. It would be better to go to Jin early." Duke Zhao would not listen. The Shusun clan, having seen Duke Zhao return, again went to see Pingzi, who kowtowed. Initially, they intended to welcome Duke Zhao back, but the Meng and Ji clans later regretted this, so the plan was abandoned.

In the twenty-sixth year, in spring, Qi attacked Lu and seized the Yun region, allowing Duke Zhao to dwell there. In the summer, Duke Jing of Qi wished to send Duke Zhao back to Lu and ordered that no bribes from Lu be accepted. Shen Feng and Ru Jia promised the Qi ministers Gao He and Zi Jiang fifty thousand yu of grain. Zi Jiang said to the Marquis of Qi: "The ministers are unable to serve the ruler of Lu; there are strange occurrences. Song Yuangong went to Jin on behalf of Lu, begging to send the ruler of Lu back, and died on the way. Shusun Zhaozi requested to bring back his ruler and died without being ill. Is it that Heaven has abandoned Lu, or is the ruler of Lu guilty before the spirits? I beg the marquis to wait a while." Duke Jing of Qi followed this advice.

In the twenty-eighth year, Duke Zhao went to Jin and begged to be sent back. Ji Pingzi secretly cultivated relations with the six ministers of Jin. The six ministers accepted bribes from the Ji clan and advised the ruler of Jin, who then abandoned the plan, allowing Duke Zhao to dwell at Ganhou. In the twenty-ninth year, Duke Zhao went to Yun. Duke Jing of Qi sent a messenger to give a letter to Duke Zhao, addressing him as "Lord." Duke Zhao felt humiliated, became angry, and left for Ganhou. In the thirty-first year, Jin wished to send Duke Zhao back and summoned Ji Pingzi. Pingzi, dressed in coarse cloth and walking barefoot, apologized through the six ministers. The six ministers spoke for him to the ruler of Jin, saying: "Jin wishes to send Duke Zhao back, but the multitude does not obey." The people of Jin abandoned the plan. In the thirty-second year, Duke Zhao died at Ganhou. The people of Lu jointly established Duke Zhao's younger brother, Song, as ruler; this was Duke Ding.

After Duke Ding ascended the throne, Zhao Jianzi asked Shi Mo: "Will the Ji clan be destroyed?" Shi Mo replied: "It will not be destroyed. Ji You rendered great service to Lu and received Bi as his fief, becoming the senior minister. Down to Wenzi and Wuzi, each generation increased their patrimony. When Duke Wen of Lu died, Dongmen Sui killed the legitimate son and established a son by a concubine. From then on, the ruler of Lu lost the state's power. The power has been in the hands of the Ji clan for four rulers now. The people do not know the ruler—how can the ruler retain the state! Therefore, a ruler must be cautious with authority and titles and not lend them to others."

In the fifth year of Duke Ding, Ji Pingzi died. Yang Hu, angry over a private grievance, imprisoned Ji Huanzi, forced him to swear an oath, and then released him. In the seventh year, Qi attacked Lu and seized the Yun region, making it Yang Hu's fief and allowing him to administer affairs. In the eighth year, Yang Hu intended to kill all the legitimate sons of the three Huan families and replace them with the sons by concubines he favored. He placed Ji Huanzi in a carriage and wanted to kill him, but Huanzi escaped through a stratagem. The three Huan families jointly attacked Yang Hu, and Yang Hu occupied Yangguan. In the ninth year, Lu attacked Yang Hu. Yang Hu fled to Qi, and soon after fled to the Zhao clan in Jin.

In the tenth year, Duke Ding of Lu and Duke Jing of Qi met at Jiagu, with Confucius serving as master of ceremonies. Qi planned to attack the Lu ruler, but Confucius ascended the steps according to ritual and executed the licentious musicians of Qi. The Marquis of Qi, frightened, desisted, returned the lands he had seized from Lu, and apologized. In the twelfth year, Lu sent Zhong You to dismantle the walls of the Three Huan families and confiscate their armor and weapons. The Meng family refused to have their walls dismantled; an attack was made on them, but it failed and was abandoned. Ji Huanzi accepted female musicians from Qi, and Confucius left Lu.

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 killed his ruler, Ru Zi.

In the seventh year, King Fuchai of Wu became powerful. He attacked Qi, reaching the Zeng region, and demanded one hundred sets of sacrificial offerings from Lu. Ji Kangzi sent Zi Gong to persuade the King of Wu and the Grand Steward Pi, using ritual to humble them. The King of Wu said, “My body is tattooed; I am not worth being constrained by ritual.” So the matter was dropped.

In the eighth year, Wu attacked Lu on behalf of the state of Zou, reaching the city walls, concluded a covenant, and then left. Qi attacked Lu and seized three cities. In the tenth year, Lu attacked Qi’s southern border. In the eleventh year, Qi attacked Lu. The Ji family employed Ran You with merit, and they missed Confucius. Confucius returned to Lu from Wei.

In the fourteenth year, Tian Chang of Qi killed his ruler, Duke Jian, at Qizhou. Confucius requested that an attack be made on him, but Duke Ai did not heed him. In the fifteenth year, Lu sent Zi Fu Jingbo and Zi Gong as deputy envoys on a mission to Qi. Qi returned the lands it had seized from Lu. Tian Chang had just begun to serve as prime minister and wished 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 worried about the Three Huan families and wanted to rely on the feudal lords to coerce them. The Three Huan families also feared that Duke Ai would make trouble, so there was much estrangement between ruler and ministers. Duke Ai went on an excursion to Lingban and met Meng Wubo on the street. He said, “May I ask if I will die?” Meng replied, “I do not know.” Duke Ai wanted to use Yue to attack the Three Huan families. In the eighth month, Duke Ai went to the residence of the Xingshi family. The Three Huan families attacked Duke Ai; Duke Ai fled to Wei, then left for Zou, and from there went to Yue. The people of the state welcomed Duke Ai back, and he ultimately died at the You Shan family. His son Ning succeeded him; this was Duke Dao.

During the time of Duke Dao, the Three Huan families were in power. Lu was like a small feudal lord, its status even lower than that of the Three Huan families.

In the thirteenth year, the three Jin houses destroyed Zhibo and divided his lands.

In the thirty-seventh year, Duke Dao died, and his son Jia succeeded him; this was Duke Yuan. In the twenty-first year of his reign, Duke Yuan died, and his son Xian succeeded him; this was Duke Mu. In the thirty-third year of his reign, Duke Mu died, and his son Fen succeeded him; this was Duke Gong. In the twenty-second year of his reign, Duke Gong died, and his son Tun succeeded him; this was Duke Kang. In the ninth year of his reign, Duke Kang died, and his son Yan succeeded him; this was Duke Jing. In the twenty-ninth year of his reign, Duke Jing died, and his son Shu succeeded him; this was Duke Ping. At this time, the six states had all proclaimed themselves kings.

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 the Ying capital of Chu. King Qingxiang of Chu moved his capital east to Chen. In the nineteenth year, Chu attacked our state (Lu) and occupied Xuzhou. In the twenty-fourth year, King Kaolie of Chu destroyed Lu. Duke Qing fled and was relocated to Xiayi, becoming a commoner. The sacrifices of Lu were thus cut off. Duke Qing died in the Ke region.

From the Duke of Zhou to Duke Qing, Lu had transmitted the throne through a total of thirty-four generations.

The Grand Historian says: I have heard Confucius praise, saying, “How greatly has the moral tone of Lu decayed! The people between the Zhu and Si Rivers are all wrangling and contentious.” Look at the affairs of Qingfu and Shuya during the time of Duke Min—how chaotic they were! The struggle for the throne between Duke Yin and Duke Huan; Xiangzhong’s killing of the legitimate heir to establish a concubine’s son; the three families, Meng, Shu, and Ji, as ministers, personally attacking Duke Zhao, causing him to flee. As for their emphasis on the rites of bowing and yielding, they indeed followed ancient practices, yet in their actions, how perverse they were!

After King Wu died, King Cheng was young and orphaned. The Duke of Zhou acted as regent, leaning against the screen and holding the map. When he later returned the government to King Cheng and resumed his position as a minister, he faced north and sighed respectfully. His eldest son was enfeoffed in Lu, which was the ancient territory of Shaohao. He assisted the Zhou royal house and steadfastly upheld his duties. By the time of King Xiao, Mu Zhong had praised him. Duke Yin was able to yield the throne, which was at the beginning of the Spring and Autumn period. Zuo Qiuming held the bamboo slips in hand, recording the praise and blame in detail.