Qi and Lu Fight for Hegemony

Qi and Lu fight for hegemony "Qi-Lu Struggle" refers to the centuries-long political, military, and cultural game between Qi and Lu in Shandong during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period. It was not a single decisive battle, but a long-term contest between two modes of governing the country. The State of Qi was founded by Jiang Ziya, with its capital at Linzi. It pursued a pragmatic and open strategy, focused on industry and commerce, the interests of fish and salt, and the military. It quickly became prosperous and powerful. Duke Huan of Qi became the leader of the Five Hegemons in the Spring and Autumn Period, and one of the Seven Hegemons during the Warring States Period. He was eventually destroyed by Qin. The State of Lu was founded by Bo Qin, the son of Duke Dan of Zhou. Its capital was Qufu. It strictly followed Zhou rituals, emphasized patriarchal laws and agriculture, and had a prosperous culture (the birth of Confucius). However, its military strength was weak and it was eventually destroyed by the State of Chu. During the Spring and Autumn Period, Qi was strong and Lu was weak. When Duke Huan of Qi was hegemonic, Lu relied on Qi. In the Battle of Changshao, the weak defeated the strong, but it could not change the overall situation. Although the two countries were married, Qi often interfered in Lu's internal affairs. During the Warring States Period, after the Tian clan succeeded Qi, the country became more powerful again. Lu was reduced to a small country and was invaded by Qi. It was finally destroyed by Chu and Qin in 256 BC and 221 BC respectively. Culturally, Qi culture emphasizes utility and transformation (military strategists, Yin-Yang masters, etc.), While Lu culture emphasizes ethics and order (Confucian culture). The integration of the two laid the foundation for Shandong's regional culture. In short, Qi won with hard power, while Lu influenced China with Confucian culture for more than two thousand years.