Duke Wen of Jin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Duke Wen of Jin 晉文公
Duke of Jin
Duke Wen of Jin Recovering His State by Li Tang, 1140
Ruler of Jin
Reign	636–628 BC
Predecessor	Duke Huai of Jin
Successor	Duke Xiang of Jin
Born	697 BC
Died	628 BC (aged 68–69)
Spouse	Ji Kui (zh:季隗) Qi Jiang (zh:齊姜) Huai Ying (zh:懷嬴)
Issue	Botiao (伯鯈) Shuliu (叔劉) Duke Xiang<4br/>Prince Yong (zh:公子雍) Prince Le(zh:公子樂) Duke Cheng
Full name Ancestral name: Ji Given name: Chong'er
Father	Duke Xian of Jin
Mother	Hu Ji

Duke Wen of Jin (697–628 BC), whose birth name was Chong'er (meaning "Double Ears"), was a very important leader from the Jin state in ancient China. This was during a time called the Spring and Autumn Period. He is famous for spending a long time away from his home state. But he eventually returned to power (r. 636–628 BC). He quickly made Jin a very strong state, becoming a hegemon (a powerful leader) over other Chinese states. Many Chinese legends tell stories about him and his loyal helper, Jie Zhitui. It is said that Jie Zhitui's death inspired China's Cold Food and Qingming Festivals.

Understanding Duke Wen of Jin's Names

"Duke Wen of Jin" is a special name given to him after his death. This was part of a tradition to honor ancestors. The name "Wen" means "Cultured" or "Accomplished." So, it means the "Cultured Duke of Jin." His personal name was Chong'er. His family name, or clan name, was Ji.

Duke Wen's Life Story

His Early Years

Prince Chong'er was born in 697 BC. His father was Duke Xian of Jin. Old records say that his ribs were "all grown together." This was seen as a sign that he would be strong and a great leader. Chong'er had two half-brothers, Shensheng and Xiqi. Shensheng was supposed to be the next ruler. But later, Duke Xian liked another woman named Li Ji. She wanted her own son, Xiqi, to become the ruler instead.

His Long Journey and Exile

Because of these family issues, Chong'er had to leave Jin. This time was known as the Li Ji Unrest. Duke Xian even fought against his own sons, forcing them to flee. Chong'er traveled with a group of smart and loyal men. These included Zhao Cui, Hu Yan, and Jie Zhitui. He first went north. In 651 BC, his father died, causing problems over who would rule next. Chong'er was asked to come back, but he said no. So, his half-brother Yiwu became Duke Hui of Jin.

In 644 BC, Duke Hui tried to harm Chong'er. So, Chong'er moved to the State of Qi. He stayed there until 639 BC, when new problems arose in Qi. He then traveled to many other states. These included Cao, Song, Zheng, Chu, and finally Qin. He spent 19 years in exile. During this time, he became well-known and gathered many talented helpers. A lady from a foreign court once said that his followers were all fit to be important leaders.

In 636 BC, Duke Hui died. Duke Mu of Qin helped Chong'er return to Jin with an army. Chong'er then became the Duke of Jin.

Becoming the Duke of Jin

As Duke, Wen made many important changes. He improved the state's military and government. He created a new army system with three parts: upper, middle, and lower. Each part had a General and a Lieutenant-General. The state became stronger because of the many skilled leaders Duke Wen had found during his travels. He gave them important jobs in the army and government.

With his strong army and great reputation, Duke Wen took control of many states around Jin. He made them part of his territory or his allies. For example, he attacked Cao because they had treated him badly during his exile. He also supported the Eastern Zhou royal family and King Xiang of Zhou. In 635 BC, King Xiang was removed from power by his brother. Duke Wen led a group of states to help King Xiang get his throne back.

At the same time, the State of Chu was expanding north. Duke Wen stopped them. The two states often fought over smaller states between them. In 633 BC, Chu attacked the State of Song, which was an ally of Jin. Duke Wen led his allies, including troops from Qin, Qi, and Song. They won a big victory against Chu at the Battle of Chengpu in 632 BC. This battle stopped Chu's expansion for many years. It also made Duke Wen very powerful. The next year, he brought many rulers together at Jiantu. There, he was confirmed as the main leader, or hegemon, over the other states. He became one of the Five Hegemons of China.

Duke Wen of Jin died in 628 BC. His son, Duke Xiang of Jin, became the next ruler. His son also kept Jin as the most powerful state for almost a century.

Famous Legends About Duke Wen

The Promise to Retreat Three She

When Chong'er was in exile, he stayed at the court of the Chu state. The king of Chu treated him very well. At one meal, the king asked Chong'er how he would repay this kindness. Chong'er replied that if Jin and Chu ever met in battle, he would order his own troops to retreat three she. A she is about 30 kilometers (18 miles).

Later, after Chong'er became Duke of Jin, he did meet Chu in battle. He remembered his promise and ordered his men to retreat three she. But he used this chance to trick the Chu commander, Ziyu. He led Ziyu into a trap at Chengpu and won the battle.

The Cold Food Festival Story

Mt Mian near Jiexiu, Shanxi, believed to be where Jie Zhitui and his mother died.

There are old stories about Chong'er and his loyal helper, Jie Zhitui. Jie Zhitui was a musician and follower who stayed with Chong'er during all his years of exile. When Chong'er became Duke, Jie Zhitui did not want any rewards. He believed that Heaven had helped Chong'er return. So, he and his mother went to live as hermits in the forests of Mt Mian.

Later stories add more details. Once, when Chong'er and his followers were very hungry during their travels, Jie Zhitui made a soup for Chong'er. It was a hearty soup of meat and herbs. When asked, Jie Zhitui revealed he had cut flesh from his own thigh to make the soup. This saved Chong'er from starving.

After Chong'er became Duke, he wanted to reward all his loyal followers. But he forgot about Jie Zhitui. When he remembered, he went to find Jie Zhitui and his mother. His new advisors suggested starting a small forest fire to make Jie Zhitui come out. They thought Jie Zhitui would leave the forest to protect his mother. But the fire burned for three days and nights. Sadly, Jie Zhitui and his mother were found dead under a willow tree.

Duke Wen was filled with sorrow and guilt. He renamed the mountain after Jie. The area around it is now called "Jiexiu", meaning "[Place of] Jie's [Final] Rest." To honor Jie, Duke Wen ordered people not to use fire for three days around the Qingming time of year. This meant people had to eat cold food. This tradition eventually led to the Cold Food Festival. Over time, this festival also became part of the Tomb-Sweeping Festival, where people honor their ancestors.

Duke Wen's Family

Duke Wen had several children.

• His son Huan, born by Bi Ji, became Duke Xiang of Jin. He was a good ruler who won battles against Qin and Di.
• His daughter Bo Ji, also born by Bi Ji, married Zhao Cui. She was praised for her kindness.
• He also had sons named Yong, Le, and Heitun. Heitun later became Duke Cheng of Jin.

• Father: Duke Xian of Jin
• Stepmother: Li Ji
• Brothers: Shensheng, Xiqi, and Duke Hui of Jin
• Nephew: Duke Huai of Jin

Duke Wen's Lasting Impact

Duke Wen's changes to the military and government helped Jin stay strong for many years. However, these changes also set the stage for future events. Over time, some powerful noble families, like the Wei and Zhao families, gained more control. This eventually led to the partition of Jin, where the state of Jin was divided into smaller states.

Duke Wen's life has been shown in TV shows. In the early 1990s, Hong Kong's TVB made a show called The Legend of Duke Wen. It starred Leon Lai. In 2011, there was a Chinese series called Song of Spring and Autumn. In 2019, a romantic comedy TV series called Chong Er's Preach also told his story.