Guan and Cai Families: Betrayals and Power Struggles in Zhou Dynasty

Guan Shuxian and Cai Shudu were the sons of King Wen of Zhou, and the younger brothers of King Wu of Zhou. King Wu had ten full brothers. Their mother was Tai Si, who was the chief consort of King Wen. The eldest son was Bo Yikao, followed by King Wu, then Guan Shuxian, then Duke of Zhou, Dan, then Cai Shudu, then Cao Shuzhenduo, then Cheng Shuwu, then Huo Shuchu, then Kang Shufeng, and the youngest, Ran Jizai. Among these brothers, only King Wu and Duke Dan were considered wise, and they assisted King Wen, which led King Wen to appoint Wu as the crown prince instead of Bo Yikao. When King Wen passed away, King Wu ascended to the throne. Bo Yikao had already passed away by that time.

After King Wu defeated the tyrant King Zhou of the Shang dynasty and pacified the world, he rewarded his loyal brothers and supporters. Guan Shuxian was granted the state of Guan, and Cai Shudu was granted the state of Cai. Both were entrusted with the administration of the remaining Shang people, who were ruled by the former king’s son, Wu Geng, and the minister Lü Fu. Duke Dan was granted the state of Lu and served as the prime minister of Zhou, becoming Duke of Zhou. Cao Shuzhenduo was granted the state of Cao, Cheng Shuwu the state of Cheng, and Huo Shuchu the state of Huo. Kang Shufeng and Ran Jizai, being too young, did not receive land.

After the death of King Wu, the young King Cheng ascended the throne, and Duke Dan held the reins of power. However, Guan Shuxian and Cai Shudu grew suspicious of Duke Dan and feared that he might not be acting in the best interest of King Cheng. They conspired with Wu Geng to rebel. Duke Dan, upon receiving the orders of King Cheng, launched an attack, defeating Wu Geng, killing Guan Shuxian, and exiling Cai Shudu. Cai Shudu was moved to a place with ten chariots and seventy followers. The remaining Shang people were divided: one part was granted to Wei Zi Qi to continue the Shang royal sacrifices, and the other to Kang Shufeng to rule Wei. Kang Shufeng and Ran Jizai, being virtuous, were appointed as high-ranking officials: Kang Shufeng as the minister of law and Ran Jizai as the minister of public works. Both gained fame and respect throughout the land.

After Cai Shudu’s exile, he passed away, and his son, Hu, succeeded him. Hu turned his ways around, becoming a man of good character. Duke Dan, hearing of this, appointed Hu as a minister in Lu, where he helped govern the state. Eventually, Duke Dan persuaded King Cheng to reinstate Hu to Cai to honor his father’s legacy, and Hu became known as Cai Zhong. The other five brothers settled in their respective states without any further involvement in the central government.

Cai Zhong passed away, and his son Cai Bohuang succeeded him. Cai Bohuang passed away, and his son Gong Hou took over. Gong Hou passed away, and his son Li Hou became the ruler. Li Hou passed away, and his son Wu Hou succeeded him. During the time of Wu Hou, King Li of Zhou lost the throne and fled to Zhi, where he formed an alliance with other states. Many feudal lords rebelled against Zhou’s rule.

Rise and Fall of the Zhou Dynasty Lords

Wu Hou passed away, and his son Yi Hou succeeded him. Eleven years later, King Xuan of Zhou ascended the throne. Twenty-eight years later, Yi Hou died, and his son Xi Hou took over.

Thirty-nine years into Xi Hou’s reign, King You of Zhou was killed by the Quanrong tribe, and the Zhou royal family fell into decline, moving eastward. It was during this period that Qin began to rise and was officially recognized as a feudal lord.

Forty-eight years into Xi Hou’s reign, Xi Hou died, and his son Gong Hou Xing succeeded him. Gong Hou ruled for two years before dying, and his son Dai Hou succeeded him. Dai Hou ruled for ten years, and then his son Xuan Hou Cuo Fu took over.

Twenty-eight years into Xuan Hou’s reign, Duke Yin of Lu began his rule. Thirty-five years later, Xuan Hou died, and his son Huan Hou Fengren succeeded him. Three years later, Duke Yin of Lu was assassinated by his own people. Twenty years later, Huan Hou died, and his brother Ai Hou Xian Wu succeeded him.

Eleven years into Ai Hou’s reign, a conflict arose. Ai Hou had married a woman from the Chen family, and so did Xi Hou. When Xi Hou’s wife was returning home and passed through Cai, Cai Hou treated her disrespectfully. Xi Hou, enraged, sought help from King Wen of Chu, saying, “Come and attack me. I will ask Cai for help, and when they come, you can defeat them and gain merit.” King Wen of Chu agreed, captured Cai Ai Hou, and brought him back to Chu, where he remained for nine years before dying. He ruled for a total of twenty years. The people of Cai then made his son, Xi, the new ruler, known as the Miao Hou.

Miao Hou later married his daughter to Duke Huan of Qi. Eighteen years later, Duke Huan of Qi was playing on a boat with the Cai lady, but when the lady refused to stop rowing, Duke Huan became angry, returned her to Cai, and ended their relationship. Cai Hou, enraged, sent his brother to marry the lady instead. Duke Huan of Qi, furious, attacked Cai. After Cai was defeated, Miao Hou was captured and taken to Shaoling in Chu. Eventually, the other lords of the feudal states apologized to Qi for Cai’s actions, and the Qi lord returned Miao Hou to Cai. Miao Hou died after twenty-nine years, and his son Zhuang Hou Jiamu succeeded him.

Three years into Zhuang Hou’s reign, Duke Huan of Qi died. Fourteen years later, Duke Wen of Jin defeated Chu at the Battle of Chengpu. Twenty years later, the crown prince of Chu, Shang Chen, assassinated his father, King Cheng, and took the throne. Twenty-five years later, Duke Mu of Qin died. Thirty-three years later, King Zhuang of Chu ascended to the throne. A year later, Zhuang Hou died, and his son Wen Hou Shen succeeded him.

Fourteen years into Wen Hou’s reign, King Zhuang of Chu attacked Chen and killed Xia Zhengshu. Fifteen years later, Chu surrounded Zheng, forcing Zheng to surrender to Chu, which was later rewarded with goodwill. Twenty years later, Wen Hou died, and his son Jing Hou Gu succeeded him.

Rise and Fall of the Chu Dynasty Rulers

In the first year of Jing Hou’s reign, King Zhuang of Chu passed away. Forty-nine years later, Jing Hou, as crown prince, took a wife from Chu, and during this time, he became involved with her. The crown prince, jealous, killed Jing Hou and ascended to the throne, becoming King Ling.

In the second year of King Ling’s reign, the Chu prince Wu assassinated King Ling’s father, Jiao Ao, and declared himself king, known as King Ling. Nine years later, Chen’s Minister of the Interior, Zhao, assassinated his ruler, Duke Ai. The Chu sent the prince, Qi Ji, to destroy Chen and take control. In the twelfth year, King Ling of Chu, suspecting Ling Hou of plotting to kill his father, invited him to a meeting in Shen, where he was ambushed, drunk, and killed along with seventy of his soldiers. The prince, Qi Ji, was then ordered to lay siege to Cai. By November, Cai was destroyed, and Qi Ji was made the ruler of Cai.

Three years after Chu destroyed Cai, the Chu prince, Qi Ji, killed King Ling and took the throne, becoming King Ping. King Ping sought to restore the descendants of the Cai and Chen royal families, so he reestablished the rule of the Cai royal family and the Chen dynasty.

Nine years after King Ping’s reign, Ling Hou Ban’s grandson, Dongguo, attacked the son of King Ping and declared himself king, becoming King Dao. King Dao’s father was the former crown prince, Yin Tai Zi You. Yin Tai Zi You had been the crown prince under King Ling, but after King Ping killed him, his son Dongguo attacked King Ping’s son and took the throne, becoming King Dao. King Dao ruled for three years before passing away, and his brother, Zhao Hou Shen, succeeded him.

Ten years into Zhao Hou’s reign, he went to Chu to meet with King Zhao of Chu, bringing two fine fur coats as gifts. He presented one to King Zhao and kept the other for himself. The prime minister of Chu, Zi Chang, wanted the coat but was refused. Zi Chang slandered Zhao Hou, leading him to be kept in Chu for three years. After discovering this, Zhao Hou sent his coat to Zi Chang, and when Zi Chang accepted it, Zhao Hou was allowed to return to Cai. On his return, he went to Jin and sought their help to attack Chu.

In the thirteenth year of Zhao Hou’s reign, he met with Duke Ling of Wei at Shaoling. Zhao Hou secretly conspired with Zhou Changhong to extend his influence over Wei. Wei sent a message praising Kang Shuzi’s contributions, and thus, Wei expanded its power. In summer, Zhao Hou led Jin to destroy Shen, angering Chu. Chu attacked Cai, and Zhao Hou sent his son as a hostage to Wu to join forces against Chu. In winter, Zhao Hou joined King Helu of Wu to attack Chu and entered Ying, the Chu capital. Zhao Hou was angry with Zi Chang, who in turn feared retaliation and fled to Zheng.

In the fourteenth year, after Wu withdrew, King Zhao of Chu regained control. In the sixteenth year, Chu’s prime minister ordered his people to cry in front of Zhao Hou’s officials to plot against him. Fearing the worst, Zhao Hou grew anxious. In the twenty-sixth year, Confucius visited Cai. King Zhao of Chu launched an attack on Cai, and Zhao Hou, terrified, sent a desperate message for help to Wu. Wu decided to assist Cai, and they made arrangements to transport the city to a safer location, ensuring mutual support in times of crisis. Zhao Hou secretly agreed, but did not consult his ministers. The people of Wu came to Cai’s aid, and the city was moved to a nearby state.

In the twenty-eighth year, Zhao Hou was preparing to visit Wu. His ministers feared another relocation and secretly plotted against him. They arranged for Zeli to kill Zhao Hou. Afterward, they punished Zeli for his actions, and Zhao Hou’s son, Shuo, succeeded him as Cheng Hou.

Succession and Struggles of Zhou Dynasty Rulers

In the fourth year of Cheng Hou’s reign, Song destroyed Cao. In the tenth year, Tian Chang of Qi assassinated his ruler, Duke Jian. In the thirteenth year, Chu destroyed Chen. Nineteen years into Cheng Hou’s reign, he passed away, and his son, Sheng Hou, took over. Sheng Hou ruled for fifteen years before passing away, and his son, Yuan Hou, succeeded him. Yuan Hou ruled for six years before passing, and his son, Hou Qi, took over.

In the fourth year of Hou Qi’s reign, King Hui of Chu destroyed Cai, and Cai Hou Qi perished. Cai’s ancestral sacrifices were subsequently discontinued. Chen fell thirty-three years later.

As for Bo Yikao, there is no record of his posthumous title. After King Wu of Zhou (Wu Wang Fa) defeated the tyrant King Zhou of Shang, the records state that his reign was chronicled. Guan Shu Xian rebelled and was executed without leaving descendants. The Duke of Zhou, Dan, later became the ruler of Lu, and there are genealogical records for his descendants. Cai Shu Du later ruled Cai, with genealogical records tracing his line. Cao Shu Zhen Duo had descendants who continued the Cao family line, with genealogical records for them. Cheng Shu Wu had no descendants recorded. Huo Shu Chu’s descendants were later extinguished during the reign of Duke Xian of Jin. Kang Shu Feng later ruled Wei, with genealogical records of his line. As for Ran Ji Zai, there are no recorded descendants.

The Grand Historian (Sima Qian) says: “The rebellions of Guan and Cai are not worth further mention. However, after the death of King Wu of Zhou, King Cheng was young, and the states were already suspicious. It was the ten brothers, including Cheng Shu, Ran Ji, and other maternal siblings, who helped stabilize the kingdom. Therefore, the lords of the states ultimately supported the Zhou royal family and their descendants were recorded in genealogical records.”

Cao Shu Zhen Duo was the brother of King Wu of Zhou. After King Wu defeated the tyrant King Zhou of Shang, he granted Zhen Duo the land of Cao.

When Zhen Duo died, his son, Tai Bo Pi, succeeded him. Tai Bo died, and his son, Zhong Jun Ping, took over. Zhong Jun Ping died, and his son, Gong Bo Hou, succeeded him. Gong Bo Hou died, and his son, Xiao Bo Yun, became the ruler. Xiao Bo Yun died, and his son, Yi Bo Xi, succeeded him.

Yi Bo ruled for twenty-three years before King Li of Zhou fled to Zhi.

In the thirtieth year, Yi Bo died, and his brother, You Bo Qiang, succeeded him. After nine years, You Bo was killed by his brother, Su, who took the throne, known as Dai Bo. In the first year of Dai Bo’s reign, King Xuan of Zhou had been king for three years. In the thirtieth year, Dai Bo died, and his son, Hui Bo, succeeded him.

Hui Bo ruled for twenty-five years, and during his reign, King You of Zhou was killed by the Quanrong tribe, forcing the Zhou royal family to move eastward and further lose their power. The feudal lords began to rebel against the Zhou. This is when Qin was officially recognized as a feudal lord.

In the thirty-sixth year, Hui Bo passed away, and his son, Shi Fu, succeeded him. His brother, Wu, killed him and took the throne, known as Duke Miao. Duke Miao ruled for three years before passing away, and his son, Duke Huan, ruled for the remainder of his life.

Succession and Struggles of Zhou Dynasty States

In the 35th year of Duke Huan’s reign, Duke Yin of Lu ascended to the throne. In the 45th year, the state of Lu assassinated its ruler, Duke Yin. In the 46th year, Hua Fu, the governor of Song, assassinated Duke Shang of Song and also killed Kong Fu. In the 55th year, Duke Huan passed away, and his son, Duke Zhuang of Xigu, succeeded him.

Duke Zhuang ruled for 23 years, and in the 31st year of his reign, Duke Zhuang of Lu passed away, and his son, Duke Li of Yi, succeeded him. After 9 years, Duke Li passed away, and his son, Duke Zhao, succeeded him. In the 6th year of Duke Zhao’s reign, Duke Huan of Qi defeated Cai, and then advanced to the region of Chu. In the 9th year, Duke Zhao passed away, and his son, Duke Gong of Xiang, succeeded him.

Duke Gong ruled for 16 years. Initially, Duke Gong was passing through Cao when Prince Chong Er of Jin, who had been in exile, passed through the state of Cao. The ruler of Cao was disrespectful and wanted to inspect Prince Chong Er’s leg chains. This angered Duke Gong, who advised the ruler of Cao but was ignored, leading him to secretly help Prince Chong Er. In the 21st year, Duke Gong was captured by Prince Chong Er of Jin and returned to Jin. He ordered that Duke Gong’s family and clan be left untouched. Some advisors to Duke Chong Er said, “When Duke Huan of Qi gathered the lords, he invited those of different surnames. Now, you, the ruler of Jin, have captured the ruler of Cao, who shares the same surname, and you intend to exterminate him—how can you command the other lords?” Thus, Duke Gong of Cao was returned to his state.

In the 25th year, Duke Chong Er of Jin passed away. In the 35th year, Duke Gong passed away, and his son, Duke Wen of Shou, succeeded him. Duke Wen ruled for 23 years and passed away, and his son, Duke Xuan of Qiang, succeeded him. Duke Xuan ruled for 17 years and passed away, and his younger brother, Duke Cheng of Fuchu, succeeded him.

In the 3rd year of Duke Cheng’s reign, Duke Li of Jin attacked Cao, capturing Duke Cheng, but then released him. In the 5th year, the ministers of Jin, Luan Shu and Zhongxing Yan, ordered the assassination of Duke Li of Jin. In the 23rd year, Duke Cheng passed away, and his son, Duke Wu of Sheng, succeeded him. Duke Wu ruled for 26 years, and in the 27th year, Prince Qi of Chu assassinated King Ling of Chu and took the throne. Duke Wu passed away in the same year, and his son, Duke Ping of Xu, succeeded him. Duke Ping ruled for 4 years and passed away, and his son, Duke Dao of Wu, succeeded him. During this year, the states of Song, Wei, Chen, and Zheng were all ravaged by fires.

In the 8th year of Duke Dao’s reign, Duke Jing of Song ascended to the throne. In the 9th year, Duke Dao visited Song, where he was imprisoned. The state of Cao then installed his younger brother, Ye, as Duke Sheng. Duke Dao died in Song, and his body was returned for burial in his homeland.

Decline and Fall of Cao: Assassinations and Betrayals

In the 5th year of Duke Sheng’s reign, Duke Ping’s younger brother, Tong, assassinated Duke Sheng and took the throne, becoming Duke Yin. In the 4th year of Duke Yin’s reign, Duke Sheng’s younger brother, Lou, assassinated Duke Yin and took the throne, becoming Duke Jing. Duke Jing ruled for 4 years and passed away, and his son, Duke Boyang, succeeded him.

In the 3rd year of Duke Boyang’s reign, many of the people dreamed of a group of gentlemen standing at the ancestral temple, conspiring to overthrow the state of Cao. Cao’s officer, Shu Zhenduo, stopped them and suggested waiting for Gongsun Qiang. The people agreed. The next morning, they searched for Gongsun Qiang but found no one. The dreamer’s son warned his family, saying, “When I am gone, if you hear of Gongsun Qiang taking power, be sure to leave Cao, or disaster will strike.” When Duke Boyang took the throne, he enjoyed hunting and farming. In the 6th year, a commoner from the state of Cao, Gongsun Qiang, also took an interest in farming and hunting. He caught a white goose and presented it to Duke Boyang, speaking about hunting and farming methods and inquiring about state affairs. Duke Boyang was greatly pleased, gave him a favored position, and appointed him as the Chief Minister to manage the state’s affairs. The dreamer’s son, realizing that the warning had come true, left Cao.

Gongsun Qiang then persuaded Duke Boyang to adopt a policy of expansion for Cao. In the 14th year, Duke Boyang followed his advice and broke away from Jin’s influence, turning against Song. In the 15th year, Duke Jing of Song attacked Cao, and Jin did not come to Cao’s aid. Song defeated Cao, capturing both Duke Boyang and Gongsun Qiang and executing them. Afterward, Cao ceased to honor its ancestral sacrifices.

The Grand Historian remarked: “I found that Cao Gong’s refusal to listen to Xi Fuyi, and his later reliance on a group of 300 soldiers, showed a lack of virtue. When Zhenduo had a dream, was it not a warning to preserve Cao’s ancestral sacrifices? But Gongsun Qiang failed to manage state affairs, leading to the disregard of the sacrifices for the Cao family.”