Zhao Gongshi shared the same surname with the Zhou dynasty, the Ji clan. When King Wu of Zhou overthrew King Zhou of the Shang dynasty, he granted the title of Zhao Gong (Duke Zhao) in the northern region of Yan.
During the reign of King Cheng, Zhao Gong served as one of the three most prominent officials of the Zhou court. The western region, from the Shaanxi area and beyond, was under Zhao Gong’s jurisdiction, while the eastern region was managed by Duke Zhou. Since King Cheng was young, Duke Zhou acted as regent, and as the country prospered, Zhao Gong grew suspicious, leading him to write the “Jūn Shì” (The Ruler Shi). This work does not praise Duke Zhou, and in it, Duke Zhou is referred to as “Tang, who had Yi Yin, entrusted by Heaven; during the reign of King Taiwu, there were figures like Ruoyi Zhi and Minister Hu, who were entrusted by the Supreme God; in the reign of Zu Yi, there were people like Wu Xian; during the reign of Wu Ding, there were figures like Gan Ban. And it is said that the world was protected in the same way it had been during the time of the Zhou.”
As a result, Zhao Gong became convinced.
Zhao Gong’s governance in the western region was highly successful, and the people thrived under his rule. When Zhao Gong traveled through the villages, he would often stop under a tree, where he would settle disputes and manage the administration. From the noble lords to the common people, everyone was treated fairly, and no one was neglected in their duties. After Zhao Gong’s death, the people mourned his rule. They revered the tree where he had sat so much that they would not dare cut it down. A poet named Ge composed a poem about it, which became the famous “Gantan” (Sweet Gantan) poem.
After Zhao Gong, the reign of the state of Yan passed through nine generations, culminating with Duke Hui of Yan. Duke Hui reigned during the period when King Li of Zhou fled to the state of Chi, at the time of the “Commonwealth” and political restructuring.
Duke Hui passed away, and his son, Duke Li, succeeded him. During this time, King Xuan of Zhou ascended the throne. In the 21st year of Duke Li’s reign, Duke Huan of Zheng was first granted his title. In the 36th year of Duke Li’s reign, he passed away, and his son, Duke Qing, succeeded him.
Duke Qing reigned for 20 years, during which King You of Zhou fell into licentiousness and was murdered by the Quanrong people. The Qin state began to rise as a feudal power.
In the 24th year of Duke Qing’s reign, Duke Ai of Zheng succeeded him. Duke Ai ruled for two years before his death, and his son, Duke Zheng, ascended to the throne. Duke Zheng ruled for 36 years before passing away, and his son, Duke Miao, succeeded him.
Duke Miao ruled for seven years, while Duke Yin of Lu began his reign. He passed away after 18 years, and his son, Duke Xuan, took over. Duke Xuan ruled for 13 years before his death, and his son, Duke Huan, succeeded him. Duke Huan ruled for seven years before passing away, and his son, Duke Zhuang, took the throne.
During Duke Zhuang’s reign, the Duke of Qi, Huan Gong, began his dominance. In the 16th year of Duke Zhuang’s reign, together with the states of Song and Wei, he launched an attack on King Hui of Zhou. King Hui fled to Wen, and the younger brother of King Hui, Tui, was installed as the new King of Zhou. In the 17th year, Zheng captured Yan Zhongfu and brought King Hui back to Zhou. In the 27th year, the mountain tribes invaded the region. Duke Huan of Qi came to the rescue of Yan and led a northern campaign against the mountain tribes. After the campaign, Duke Huan returned and sent Yan the land he had conquered, ensuring that Yan continued to pay tribute to the Emperor as it had during the time of the Zhou. Duke Huan also restored the laws established by Zhao Gong. Duke Zhuang passed away in the 33rd year, and his son, Duke Xiang, succeeded him.
In the 26th year of Duke Xiang’s reign, Duke Wen of Jin held a land-granting ceremony and was titled Bo (a title of nobility). In the 31st year, the army of Qin was defeated at the Battle of Xiaoxiao. In the 37th year, Duke Mu of Qin passed away. In the 40th year, Duke Xiang died and was succeeded by Duke Huan.
In the 16th year of Duke Huan’s reign, he passed away, and was succeeded by Duke Xuan. Duke Xuan ruled for 15 years before his death, and was succeeded by Duke Zhao. Duke Zhao ruled for 13 years, and was succeeded by Duke Wu. In this year, Jin destroyed the three great families of the Xie.
In the 19th year of Duke Wu’s reign, he passed away, and was succeeded by Duke Wen. Duke Wen ruled for 6 years before his death, and was succeeded by Duke Yi. In the first year of Duke Yi’s reign, Duke Zhuang of Qi was assassinated by his minister, Cui Zhu. Duke Yi died in the 4th year of his reign, and was succeeded by Duke Hui.
In the first year of Duke Hui’s reign, Duke Gaozhi of Qi sought refuge in Jin. In the 6th year, Duke Hui had many concubines, and he wanted to replace his officials with the favored concubine, Consort Song. The officials rose up and killed Consort Song, and Duke Hui fled to Qi in fear. In the 4th year of Duke Hui’s reign, Duke Gao sought support from Jin to invade Yan and capture its ruler. Duke Ping of Jin agreed to the alliance and invaded Yan, leading to Duke Hui’s capture. He died upon arriving in Yan, and Yan installed Duke Dao as their ruler.
Duke Dao ruled for 7 years before his death, and was succeeded by Duke Gong. Duke Gong reigned for 5 years before his death, and was succeeded by Duke Ping. The Jin state, once lowly, now had six powerful families.
In the 18th year of Duke Ping’s reign, King Helu of Wu defeated the state of Chu and entered Ying. Duke Ping passed away in the 17th year, and was succeeded by Duke Jian. Duke Jian reigned for 12 years before his death, and was succeeded by Duke Xian. During Duke Xian’s reign, Zhao Yang of Jin surrounded the city of Fan, while Zhonghang of Jin captured the city of Changge. In the 12th year of Duke Xian’s reign, Duke Tianchang of Qi assassinated Duke Jian. In the 14th year, Confucius passed away. In the 28th year, Duke Xian passed away, and his son, Duke Xiao, succeeded him.
Duke Xiao ruled for 12 years. In the 15th year, the states of Han, Wei, and Zhao destroyed the forces of Zhi Bo, and divided his land, making the Three Jin States stronger.
In the 15th year of Duke Xiao’s reign, Duke Cheng succeeded him. Duke Cheng ruled for 16 years before passing away, and was succeeded by Duke Min. Duke Min ruled for 31 years before his death, and was succeeded by Duke Xi. That year, the Three Jin States were ranked as vassals.
In the 30th year of Duke Xi’s reign, he led an army to defeat Qi at the Battle of Linying. Duke Xi died and was succeeded by Duke Huan. Duke Huan ruled for 11 years before passing away, and was succeeded by Duke Wen. That year, Duke Xian of Qin passed away, making the state of Qin stronger.
In the 19th year of Duke Wen’s reign, King Wei of Qi passed away. In the 28th year, Su Qin first came to meet Duke Wen and advised him. Duke Wen gave him horses, chariots, gold, and silk to take to Zhao. Zhao’s ruler, Duke Su, took his advice and formed an alliance with the six states. Qin’s King Hui gave his daughter to the crown prince of Yan.
In the 29th year of Duke Wen’s reign, Duke Wen died and was succeeded by his son, who became King Yi. When King Yi first ascended to the throne, King Xuan of Qi, taking advantage of the mourning period in Yan, attacked and took ten cities from Yan. Su Qin persuaded Qi to return these cities to Yan. After ten years, Yan’s ruler became a king. Su Qin then secretly had an affair with the wife of Duke Wen of Yan, fearing punishment. He sought to sow discord in Qi by instigating rumors of treason. King Yi reigned for 12 years before his death, and was succeeded by his son, Yan Kuai.
After Yan Kuai ascended the throne, the people of Qi assassinated Su Qin. During Su Qin’s time in Yan, he had arranged a marriage between his daughter and Duke Zhi of Yan, while Su Dai had a close relationship with Duke Zhi. After Su Qin’s death, King Xuan of Qi once again made use of Su Dai. Three years after Yan Kuai became king, Yan, along with Chu and the Three Jin states, launched an attack on Qin, but they were defeated and returned.
Duke Zhi of Yan became highly influential during this time, with his power growing stronger. Su Dai was sent by Qi as an envoy to Yan. The King of Yan asked him, “What of the King of Qi?” Su Dai replied, “He will never be a hegemon.” The King of Yan asked, “Why?” Su Dai responded, “He does not trust his ministers.” This remark was intended to provoke the King of Yan into elevating Duke Zhi’s status. Following this, the King of Yan placed great trust in Duke Zhi and rewarded him with a hundred pieces of gold, allowing him to carry out his missions freely.
Lu Mao Shou advised the King of Yan, saying, “It would be better for you to relinquish the state and pass it to Duke Zhi. People say that Yao was virtuous because he handed over the world to Xu You, who did not accept it, and thus Yao earned the reputation of selflessness without actually losing the world. Now, if you give the state to Duke Zhi, he will not dare to take it. This way, you will be seen as being as virtuous as Yao.”
The King of Yan decided to transfer his power to Duke Zhi, and Duke Zhi became highly honored. Some advised, “Yu recommended Yi, who was later appointed as an official. When he grew old and felt Yi was not capable of handling the world, he passed it to Yi. However, Yi later conspired against him with his faction, taking control of the world for himself. The world remembers Yu as having passed the world to Yi, but in reality, it was Yi who took it by force.” Now, the King of Yan handed over power to Duke Zhi, yet his officials were still those loyal to the crown prince, meaning Duke Zhi was effectively in control.
As a result, the King of Yan took control of administrative duties from the lower-ranking officials, beginning with those holding positions as high as the three-hundred-stone level. Duke Zhi conducted state affairs, while the aging King Kuai no longer participated in governance, leaving all decisions to Duke Zhi.
Three years later, the country fell into chaos, and the people were terrified. General Shi Bi, along with Crown Prince Ping, conspired to overthrow Duke Zhi. Several generals advised King Min of Qi, saying, “If we attack now, we can defeat Yan easily.” King Min sent a message to Crown Prince Ping of Yan, saying, “I have heard of your righteousness. You plan to abandon selfish desires and establish public virtue, to set clear distinctions between rulers and ministers and clarify the roles of father and son. My state is small and cannot afford to lead, but you can still issue orders to the people.” Crown Prince Ping, seeing an opportunity, gathered supporters.
General Shi Bi besieged the palace of the crown prince and attempted to capture Duke Zhi, but failed. The people then turned against Crown Prince Ping, and General Shi Bi was killed. After months of conflict, there were tens of thousands of casualties. The people were frightened, and the country was in turmoil. Meng Ke (Mencius) advised King Min of Qi, saying, “Now is the time to attack Yan, as this is a pivotal moment in history. It must not be missed.” King Min then ordered his general, Zhang Zi, to lead an army of five cities to attack Yan. The soldiers, however, refused to fight, and the gates of the city remained open. King Kuai of Yan died, and Qi emerged victorious.
Two years after Yan Kuai’s death, the people of Yan crowned Crown Prince Ping as their new king, known as King Zhao of Yan.
After the fall of Yan, King Zhao of Yan took the throne and humbled himself, offering rich rewards to attract talented individuals. He invited Guo Kui, saying, “Qi took advantage of the disorder in Yan and attacked us. I know our state is small and lacks the strength to retaliate. But if we can gather talented individuals to assist in governing, we can avenge the shame of our former kings. This is my wish. Sir, if you find suitable candidates, they can serve the state.” Guo Kui responded, “If the king truly desires talented people, he must begin by seeking out those loyal to me. How could others be far off?” Thus, King Zhao of Yan built a new palace for Guo Kui and served him.
The renowned generals, Yue Yi from Wei, Zou Yan from Qi, and Ju Xin from Zhao, all joined Yan, and the state saw a flood of talented men eager to serve.
In the 28th year of King Zhao’s reign, Yan became wealthy, and the military was well-prepared for war. Yue Yi was appointed as the supreme general and, together with Qin, Chu, and the Three Jin states, they formed an alliance to attack Qi. The Qi army was defeated, and King Min fled the state. Yan’s army advanced north, reaching Linzi, and took all of Qi’s treasures, burning its palaces and ancestral temples. Only the cities of Liao, Ju, and Jimo held out against the Yan forces, while the rest of the state fell to Yan, a domination that lasted six years.
In the 33rd year of King Zhao’s reign, he passed away, and his son, King Hui, succeeded him.
When King Hui was still crown prince, he had a falling out with Yue Yi. After ascending the throne, he became suspicious of Yue Yi and sent Qi Jiao to replace him as general. Yue Yi fled to Zhao. Qi’s general Tian Shan decisively defeated the Yan army at Jimo, and Qi recovered all of Yan’s former cities after killing Qi Jiao. King Min of Yan died in Ju, and his son ascended the throne as King Xiang.
King Hui passed away in the 7th year of his reign. The states of Han, Wei, and Chu jointly attacked Yan, and King Wucheng of Yan succeeded him.
In the 7th year of King Wucheng’s reign, Qi’s Tian Shan attacked Yan again and captured Zhongyang. In the 13th year, Qin defeated Zhao at Changping, killing over 400,000 soldiers. In the 14th year, King Wucheng passed away, and his son, King Xiao, took the throne.
In the first year of King Xiao’s reign, Qin lifted its siege of Handan. In the third year, King Xiao died, and his son, King Jin, succeeded him.
In the fourth year of King Jin’s reign, King Zhao of Qin passed away. The King of Yan ordered his minister, Li Fu, to consult with Zhao about a treaty. He sent 500 gold pieces as a gift for the King of Zhao, and when the envoy returned, he reported, “The strong warriors of Zhao were all killed at Changping, and the only remaining ones are too young and can be attacked.” The King of Yan summoned the court minister, Chang Guo, for advice. Chang Guo replied, “Zhao has fought in four wars; its people are well-trained in military matters. It is not an easy target.” The King of Yan responded, “I will attack them with five units against one.” Chang Guo disagreed, but the King of Yan was adamant. He sent out two armies, with 2,000 chariots, and Li Fu led the attack on Zhao. However, a high-ranking minister warned the King of Yan, saying, “Sending gold to another state, only to later attack it, is inauspicious. There is no victory in this.” But the King of Yan did not listen and personally led the expedition. The minister pleaded, “Do not go, Your Majesty. If you go, success is impossible.” The King of Yan kicked him aside. The minister wept, saying, “I am not thinking of myself, but of your kingdom!”
The Yan army reached Song Zi, where Zhao sent General Lian Po to lead the defense and successfully repelled Li Fu at Hao. General Yue Sheng, defending Zhao’s interests, also defeated the Yan army at Dai. Li Fu fled to Zhao, and Lian Po pursued him for over 500 miles, laying siege to his domain. The people of Yan sought peace, but the people of Zhao refused, insisting on negotiations with Li Fu as their representative. After some time, peace was negotiated, and Zhao ended the siege on Yan.
In the 6th year, Qin destroyed Eastern Zhou and established the Three Rivers Commandery. In the 7th year, Qin conquered 37 cities from Zhao, establishing the Dayuan Commandery. In the 9th year, King Zheng of Qin ascended the throne. In the 10th year, Zhao sent Lian Po to attack Fanyang, and he succeeded in capturing the city.
Zhao’s King Xiaocheng passed away, and King Daoxiang succeeded him. Lian Po was sent to replace General Yue Sheng, but Yue Sheng refused, and instead attacked Lian Po. Yue Sheng fled, and Lian Po retreated to Da Liang.
In the 12th year, Zhao sent Li Mu to attack Yan, capturing Wusui and Fangcheng. Ju Xin, who had previously been in Zhao and was well-connected with Pang Xuan, fled to Yan. Yan, seeing Zhao’s difficulties with Qin and Lian Po’s departure, made Pang Xuan the commander. Pang Xuan successfully defeated the Yan army, killing General Ju Xin and capturing 20,000 Yan soldiers. Qin took 20 cities from Wei, establishing the Eastern Commandery.
In the 19th year, Qin captured nine cities in Ye, Zhao’s capital, and Zhao’s King Daoxiang passed away.
In the 23rd year, Prince Dan of Zhao was taken as a hostage in Qin, but he managed to escape back to Yan.
In the 25th year, Qin captured King Han An and established the Yingchuan Commandery.
In the 27th year, Qin captured King Zhao Qian and destroyed the state of Zhao. Prince Jia of Zhao declared himself King of Dai.
When Yan saw that Qin was on the verge of destroying the Six States and that Qin’s army was approaching the Yishui River, disaster loomed for Yan. Crown Prince Dan secretly trained twenty strong warriors and sent Jing Ke to present the map of Duxiang to the Qin Emperor, intending to assassinate him. However, the Qin Emperor became aware of the plot, had Jing Ke executed, and sent General Wang Jian to attack Yan.
In the 29th year, Qin’s forces captured Ji, and the King of Yan fled to Liaodong. Crown Prince Dan was executed and sent to Qin as a token of submission. In the 30th year, Qin conquered Wei.
In the 33rd year, Qin annexed Liaodong and captured King Xi of Yan, effectively destroying the state of Yan. That same year, Qin general Wang Ben also captured Prince Jia of Dai.
The Grand Historian said: “Zhao Gongshi was indeed a man of virtue! The people of Gantang still think of him, not to mention his descendants. Yan, located at the borders of the barbarian tribes, wedged between powerful states like Qi and Jin, was the weakest and nearly destroyed multiple times. Yet, it survived for over 800 years, with its people sustained by the blood and food of their ancestors, and continued to last until the fall of the Ji family. Could this not be attributed to the efforts of Zhao Gongshi?”
Phoenix Lee https://chinese-tradition.com/the-rise-and-fall-of-yan-zhao-gongshis-legacy-and-qins-conquest-of-the-six-states.html