To appoint officials and select talent based solely on their merit, character, and ability, rather than on favoritism or connections.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Synonym:
Story:
Duke Xiang of Qi had two younger brothers, one named Gongzi Jiu, and the other Gongzi Xiaobai. Each had a highly capable tutor. Due to Duke Xiang's tyrannical and dissolute rule, in 686 BC, Gongzi Jiu fled to the state of Lu with his tutor Guan Zhong, while Gongzi Xiaobai escaped to the state of Ju with his tutor Bao Shuya.
Soon after, great chaos erupted in Qi. Duke Xiang was killed, and another ruler was enthroned. The following year, the ministers killed the new ruler and sent envoys to Lu to invite Gongzi Jiu back to become the new ruler of Qi.
Duke Zhuang of Lu personally led troops to escort Gongzi Jiu back to Qi. Gongzi Jiu's tutor, Guan Zhong, feared that Gongzi Xiaobai, being closer to Qi from Ju, might return first and seize the throne. With Duke Zhuang's permission, he led a detachment to intercept Gongzi Xiaobai. Indeed, when Guan Zhong's troops reached the vicinity of Jimo, they spotted Gongzi Xiaobai rushing towards Qi. Guan Zhong approached to persuade him not to go, but Xiaobai insisted. So Guan Zhong secretly shot an arrow at Xiaobai. Xiaobai collapsed, and Guan Zhong, believing him dead, calmly returned to Lu to escort Gongzi Jiu to Qi.
Unexpectedly, Gongzi Xiaobai was not killed. After Bao Shuya rescued and treated him, they hurried back to the capital of Qi before Guan Zhong and Gongzi Jiu. They persuaded the ministers to enthrone Gongzi Xiaobai as the ruler. This was Duke Huan of Qi.
Meanwhile, after returning to Lu, Guan Zhong and Gongzi Jiu prepared to ascend the throne under the protection of Duke Zhuang's army. Consequently, a war broke out between Qi and Lu. The Lu army suffered a major defeat and had to agree to Qi's terms: force Gongzi Jiu to commit suicide and arrest Guan Zhong.
Qi's envoy stated that Guan Zhong had shot their ruler, and the ruler desired to avenge the arrow personally, insisting on having Guan Zhong brought to Qi. Duke Zhuang had no choice but to agree. Guan Zhong, bound, was escorted from Lu to Qi. Along the way, he endured hunger and thirst, suffering greatly.
When he arrived at Qiwu, he met the border official there and requested food. To his surprise, the border official knelt, presented food to Guan Zhong, and showed great respect. After Guan Zhong finished eating, the official privately asked, “If you reach Qi and, by chance, are not killed but are appointed, how will you repay me?” Guan Zhong replied, “If I am appointed as you suggest, I will appoint the virtuous, employ the capable, and reward the meritorious. What could I specifically give to repay you?”
After Guan Zhong was brought to the capital of Qi, Bao Shuya personally went to greet him. Later, Duke Huan not only did not seek revenge for the arrow but appointed him as prime minister, with Bao Shuya voluntarily serving as his deputy. It turned out that Bao Shuya knew Guan Zhong's talent surpassed his own, and therefore persuaded Duke Huan to do so.