Shen Baoxu ( zh, 申包胥, )
was a courtier of the
Chu state during the
Spring and Autumn period
The Spring and Autumn period () was a period in History of China, Chinese history corresponding roughly to the first half of the Eastern Zhou (256 BCE), characterized by the gradual erosion of royal power as local lords nominally subject t ...
. Serving
King Ping of Chu and
King Zhao of Chu, he defended Chu from invasion by
Wu, supported by Shen's friend
Wu Zixu. When Chu was conquered by Wu, Shen begged at the court of
Qin for their aid. Shen wailed for seven days and nights without ceasing, eventually leading to
Duke Ai of Qin
Duke Ai of Qin (, died 501 BC), personal name unknown, was a duke of the state of Qin (state), Qin during the Eastern Zhou dynasty. Duke Ai succeeded his father Duke Jing of Qin, Duke Jing, who died in 537 BC, as ruler of Qin.
Marriage with Chu
...
sending troops to restore Chu. When King Zhao offered Shen rewards for his actions, he refused,
saying that he acted out of loyalty for King Zhao, whose safety was reward enough. Shen was exemplary of a minister's loyalty to his ruler, without regard for reward, and even when the ruler was incompetent.
References
Chinese courtiers
People of the Spring and Autumn period
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