Duke Zhuang of Zheng facts for kids
Duke Zhuang of Zheng (born 757 BC, died 701 BC) was an important ruler in ancient China during a time called the Spring and Autumn period. He was the third leader of the State of Zheng. His birth name was Wusheng, which meant "difficult birth" because he was born feet first. In 743 BC, he became the duke of Zheng. He was known for being a very smart and sometimes tricky leader. He even defeated his younger brother, Gongshu Duan, who tried to take his power. Duke Zhuang also led armies for the Zhou king against other groups and states.
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Early Life and Becoming Duke
Duke Zhuang was the first of two sons. He was expected to become the next ruler. However, his mother preferred his younger brother. This was because she had a very painful time giving birth to Zhuang. When Duke Zhuang became the duke, his mother was very upset. She started making plans to help Gongshu Duan become the ruler instead.
First, she asked Duke Zhuang to give Gongshu Duan the city of Duan. Duan was the second largest city in Zheng. It was also a very important fort. Duke Zhuang did not want to give away this land. His advisors begged him to say no. But to be polite to his mother, he agreed.
A Tricky Plan
Seeing her plan going well, Duke Zhuang's mother told Duan to build strong walls. She also told him to gather weapons and hire soldiers for a rebellion. Soon, news of all this reached the capital city. It was clear to everyone what was about to happen. Duke Zhuang's ministers told him to take Duan back from Gongshu. They said it was important to act before it was too late.
However, Duke Zhuang ignored their advice. He said he saw nothing wrong with Gongshu Duan's actions. He also said there was no proof his brother was planning to take over. He added that Gongshu Duan was his brother, and he could not fight against him.
Soon after, Duke Zhuang left the dukedom for a short time. He went to Luoyang for some diplomatic talks. His mother then wrote a letter to Duan. She told him to start his rebellion now. She promised to open the capital gates for him. So, Gongshu Duan rebelled against Duke Zhuang. Not long after, he was at the capital's walls. It looked like Duke Zhuang was in trouble.
The Battle and Its Aftermath
But then, news came that Duan had fallen to Duke Zhuang's forces. This surprised everyone. Duke Zhuang had known a rebellion was coming. He had set a trap, and both his mother and brother fell into it. Gongshu Duan's army lost hope and scattered. With nowhere to run, Gongshu Duan took his own life.
When Duke Zhuang heard this, he rushed to see his brother's body. He cried a lot and said, "Gongshu Duan, you knew your older brother would always forgive you. Why did it have to end like this?"
In reality, Duke Zhuang was not as kind as he seemed. He only acted sad for show. After ending the rebellion, he put his mother under strict watch. He told her, "We will meet again under the ground!" This meant he would not see her until they both died. But people started to criticize him for this. So, he soon dug a tunnel linking his palace to his mother's. There, they met and made up.
His Time as Ruler
Duke Zhuang was appointed as a special advisor by King Ping of Zhou. After King Ping died, the next king, King Huan of Zhou, removed Duke Zhuang from his position. Because of this insult, Duke Zhuang refused to go to the capital to meet King Huan.
In 707 BC, King Huan led an army against Duke Zhuang. This led to the Battle of Xuge, where Duke Zhuang's army won. Duke Zhuang's army defeated the king's army. They even wounded King Huan on the shoulder with an arrow. This event made the Zhou royal family lose even more respect and power. After Duke Zhuang died, his sons fought a long war (from 701 to 680 BCE) to decide who would rule Zheng next.
What Happened After He Died?
Duke Zhuang had 11 sons. The most well-known were Hu, Tu, Men, and Yi. Hu was supposed to be the next ruler. He became Duke Zhao of Zheng at first. But then, Duke Zhuang of Song got involved in Zheng's succession. A minister named Ji Zu was forced to send Duke Zhao away. Instead, Tu became Duke Li of Zheng. Men and Yi also had to leave.
Later, Duke Li was also forced to leave. He had tried to plot against Ji Zu because he felt controlled. Duke Zhao was then brought back to rule. However, three years later, a vice minister named Gao Qumi murdered Duke Zhao. Gao Qumi was friends with Men and did not like Duke Zhao. He made Men the new ruler. Ji Zu's power did not change.
Less than a year later, Duke Xiang of Qi wanted to gain fame. He invited Men and Gao Qumi to a meeting and had them killed. Ji Zu then made Yi the duke. He also promised to form an alliance with the State of Chu. Meanwhile, the exiled Duke Li planned to return to power. Seventeen years later, Duke Li, with help from the State of Qi's army, defeated Yi. He killed Yi's two sons and managed to become ruler again in 680 BCE. All the future dukes of Zheng were descendants of Duke Li.
Famous Sayings
- '多行不義必自斃' (duō xíng bùyì bì zìbì; 'If someone keeps doing bad things, they will surely bring themselves down.') This was said about his younger brother.
- '國不堪貳' (guó bùkān èr; 'A nation cannot have two leaders.') This advice was given to Duke Zhuang by his minister Gongzi Lü.
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