Duke Qing of Qi

Duke Qing of Qi (Chinese: 齊頃公; pinyin: Qí Qǐng Gōng; died 582 BC) was from 598 to 582 BC ruler of the State of Qi, a major power during the Spring and Autumn period of ancient China. His personal name was Lü Wuye (呂無野), ancestral name Jiang (姜), and Duke Qing was his posthumous title.^[1][2]

Accession to throne

Duke Qing was the son of Duke Hui of Qi and grandson of Duke Huan, the greatest leader of the State of Qi. He succeeded his father, who died in 599 BC after a ten-year reign. Duke Hui had favoured the official Cui Zhu (崔杼). After Duke Hui's death the powerful Gao and Guo clans of Qi expelled Cui, who fled to the State of Wey. Cui would later return to Qi and cause great turmoil in the state.^[1][2]

Battle of An

In 589 BC Qi attacked the states of Lu and Wey, and annexed the Lu city of Long. Lu and Wey were allies of the State of Jin, a major power of the Spring and Autumn period. In response, Duke Jing of Jin dispatched the Jin army led by generals Xi Ke, Shi Xie, Luan Shu, and Han Jue to help his allies. The Qi and Jin forces fought at An (near present-day Jinan), and Qi was decisively defeated. Duke Qing narrowly escaped capture by exchanging clothes and position with officer Pang Choufu (逢丑父), who was taken prisoner by Jin general Han Jue mistaking him as Duke Qing. After the battle Duke Qing was forced to plead for peace and cede territory to the state of Lu.^[2][3]

Duke Qing was greatly humbled by the defeat at the Battle of An. After the battle he reduced taxes, gave alms to orphans and the infirm, and was said to forgo alcohol and meat until his death seven years later.^[1][2]

Death and succession

Duke Qing died in 582 BC after 17 years of reign. He was succeeded by his son Huan, Duke Ling of Qi.^[1][2]

References