Duke Qing of Qi (; died 582 BC) was from 598 to 582 BC ruler of the
State of Qi
Qi, or Ch'i in Wade–Giles romanization, was a state of the Zhou dynasty-era in ancient China, variously reckoned as a march, duchy, and independent kingdom. Its capital was Linzi, located in present-day Shandong.
Qi was founded shortly ...
, a major power during the
Spring and Autumn period
The Spring and Autumn period was a period in Chinese history from approximately 770 to 476 BC (or according to some authorities until 403 BC) which corresponds roughly to the first half of the Eastern Zhou period. The period's name derives fr ...
of ancient China. His personal name was Lü Wuye (呂無野),
ancestral name
In some cultures, a surname, family name, or last name is the portion of one's personal name that indicates one's family, tribe or community.
Practices vary by culture. The family name may be placed at either the start of a person's full name, ...
posthumous title
A posthumous name is an honorary name given mostly to the notable dead in East Asian culture. It is predominantly practiced in East Asian countries such as China, Korea, Vietnam, Japan, and Thailand. Reflecting on the person's accomplishments or ...
.
Accession to throne
Duke Qing was the son of
Duke Hui of Qi
Duke Hui of Qi (; died 599 BC) was from 608 to 599 BC ruler of the State of Qi, a major power during the Spring and Autumn period of ancient China. His personal name was Lü Yuan (呂元), ancestral name Jiang ( 姜), and Duke Hui was his posthum ...
and grandson of Duke Huan, the greatest leader of the
State of Qi
Qi, or Ch'i in Wade–Giles romanization, was a state of the Zhou dynasty-era in ancient China, variously reckoned as a march, duchy, and independent kingdom. Its capital was Linzi, located in present-day Shandong.
Qi was founded shortly ...
. 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
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
The Spring and Autumn period was a period in Chinese history from approximately 770 to 476 BC (or according to some authorities until 403 BC) which corresponds roughly to the first half of the Eastern Zhou period. The period's name derives fr ...
. In response, Duke Jing of Jin dispatched the Jin army led by generals Xi Ke, Shi Xie, Luan Shu, and
Han Jue
Han Jue (; died after 566 BC), posthumously known as Han Xianzi (), was the fifth head of the House of Han and a Jin politician and general. He was the son of Ziyu of Han.司马贞·史记索隐 “万生赇伯，赇伯生定伯简，简生舆， ...
to help his allies. The Qi and Jin forces fought at An (near present-day
Jinan
Jinan (), Postal Map Romanization, alternately romanization of Chinese, romanized as Tsinan, is the Capital (political), capital of Shandong province in East China, Eastern China. With a population of 9.2 million, it is the second-largest city i ...
), 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. Chapter II.
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.
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
Duke Ling of Qi (; died 554 BC) was from 581 to 554 BC ruler of the State of Qi, a major power during the Spring and Autumn period of ancient China. His personal name was Lü Huan (呂環), ancestral name Jiang ( 姜), and Duke Ling was his pos ...
.
Family
Wives:
* Sheng Meng Zi, of the Zi clan (), the mother of Prince Huan
Sons:
* Prince Huan (; d. 554 BC), ruled as
Duke Ling of Qi
Duke Ling of Qi (; died 554 BC) was from 581 to 554 BC ruler of the State of Qi, a major power during the Spring and Autumn period of ancient China. His personal name was Lü Huan (呂環), ancestral name Jiang ( 姜), and Duke Ling was his pos ...