Duke Li of Jin
Zhoupu ( | |||||
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Duke Li of Jin | |||||
Ruler of Jin | |||||
Reign | 580–573 BC | ||||
Predecessor | Duke Jing of Jin | ||||
Successor | Duke Dao of Jin | ||||
Died | 573 BC | ||||
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Father | Duke Jing of Jin |
Duke Li of Jin (simplified Chinese:
Battle of Masui
[edit]In 580 BC, the first year of his reign, Duke Li made an alliance with Duke Huan of the State of Qin. The alliance did not last, however, as Jin attacked Qin two years later and defeated Qin at Masui (
Battle of Yanling
[edit]Duke Li fought and won one of the most significant battles of the Spring and Autumn period, the Battle of Yanling, against Jin's archrival, the State of Chu. In 577 BC, the Jin vassal state Zheng attacked the Chu vassal state Xu (
The two forces met at Yanling, and Jin defeated Chu by attacking its weaker flanks manned by the poorly trained Zheng and Dongyi soldiers. During the battle King Gong was shot in the eye by an arrow. Despite his wound, at the end of the day King Gong summoned the chief military commander Zifan to discuss the battle plan for the next day, but caught Zifan drunk. King Gong decided to retreat and Zifan later committed suicide.[2][3][4]
Struggle against the clans
[edit]Although Jin regained its status as the leader of the Spring and Autumn states by defeating Chu, it would soon be riven by internal strife that would eventually lead to its partition into the new states of Han, Zhao, and Wei. During the reign of Duke Li the Xi (郤) clan, led by Xi Qi (郤錡), Xi Chou (郤犨), and Xi Zhi (郤至) – together called the three Xis – was one of the most powerful clans that dominated Jin politics. In 573 BC Duke Li struck the Xi clan and killed the three Xis. However, two other clans, the Luan (欒氏) led by Luan Shu (欒書), and the Zhonghang (
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Sima Qian.
晉 世 家 [House of Jin]. Records of the Grand Historian (in Chinese). Retrieved 12 April 2012. - ^ a b "Battle of Yanling" (in Chinese). Henan Museum. 21 April 2006. Archived from the original on 1 January 2012. Retrieved 22 February 2012.
- ^ "Battle of Yanling" (in Chinese). People.com.cn. 13 June 2010. Archived from the original on 21 June 2010. Retrieved 22 February 2012.
- ^ Zuo Qiuming. "Book VIII. Duke Cheng". Zuo Zhuan (in Chinese and English). Retrieved 22 February 2012. Chapter XVI.