Guan Zhong: A statesman of Qi in the Spring and Autumn Period. My name is Yi Wu, also known as Guan. It is said that he did business in his early years and then engaged in political activities. In the struggle for the throne between Xiao Bai (Qi Huangong) and Gong Zijiu, the sons of Qi, Guan Zhong once supported Gong Zijiu. After Xiao Bai acceded to the throne, he put aside the past and reused Guan Zhong. Guan Zhong also helped Qi Huangong to carry out reforms. Politically, the system of participating in and discussing state affairs and despising the state is implemented, that is, the monarch and the second secretary jointly govern the state, set up military organizations at all levels, and stipulate that scholars, industry and commerce go their own ways; Economically, the tax system reform was implemented, and the mining fields "declined everywhere" (see pre-Qin taxation), and some policies conducive to the development of agriculture and handicrafts were adopted.
Bao: Also known as the doctor of the State of Qi in the Spring and Autumn Period, he was famous for knowing people. When I was young, I made friends with Guan Zhong and did business together. In the chaos, he went out to Lu with Childe Xiaobai, and Guan Zhong went out to Lu with Childe Jiu. Qi Xianggong was killed, and Xiao Bai fought for the throne. Xiao Bai won the throne, that is, Qi Huangong. Guan Zhong was imprisoned by Huan Gong. Bao knew Guan Zhong's talent and recommended him to take his place. He himself was willing to live under Guan Zhong, and Qi became stronger and stronger because of Guan Zhong's governance.
"Guan Bao" refers to the politicians Guan Zhong and Bao in the Spring and Autumn Period of China in the 7th century BC. They are good friends. Guan Zhong is poor and Bao Fu is rich, but they know each other and trust each other. Guan Zhong and Bao were business partners in their early years. Guan Zhong paid little capital, but he got a lot of money when he paid dividends. Bao Shu Ya doesn't care. Knowing that Guan Zhong's family had a heavy burden, he asked Guan Zhong, "Is this money enough?" On several occasions, Guan Zhong helped package ideas, but he all screwed up. Bao was not angry, but comforted Guan Zhong and said, "It's not your bad idea, but the bad timing. Never mind. " Guan Zhong was an official for three times, but he was dismissed every time. Bao thinks that Guan Zhong is not without talent, but has not met anyone who appreciates him. Guan Zhong joined the army to fight, got cold feet and ran away. Bao Shuya didn't laugh at Guan Zhong's fear of death. He knew that Guan Zhong was worried about his elderly mother at home.
Later, Guan Zhong and Bao both went into politics. At that time, the state of Qi was in chaos, and the governors fled to other countries to avoid disasters and waited for opportunities. Guan Zhong assisted the prince of Lu, while Bao assisted another prince of Qi in Ju. Soon, Qi rioted, the king was killed and the country lost its monarch. When he heard the news, they hurried to the state of Qi, trying to seize the throne. The two teams happened to meet on the road. In order to make Xiao Bai king, Guan Zhong shot an arrow at him, but the arrow only hit the hook on Xiao Bai's belt and didn't hurt Xiao Bai. Later, Xiao Bai became king, known as "Qi Huangong" in history.
As soon as Qi Huangong became king, he told Lu to kill the prince and shut Guan Zhong up. Qi Huangong wants Bao to be prime minister and help him run the country. Bao thinks he is incapable of being a prime minister. He strongly recommended Guan Zhong, who was imprisoned in Lu. Bao said: "I am not as good at governing the country as Guan Zhong. Guan Zhong is kind, loyal and upright, able to formulate a standardized national system and be good at commanding the army. I don't have this, so if your majesty wants to govern the country well, he can only ask Guan Zhong to be the prime minister. " Qi Huangong didn't agree. He said, "Guan Zhong shot me with an arrow and almost killed me. If I don't kill him, how can I make him prime minister? " Bao immediately said, "I heard that a wise monarch can't hold grudges. What's more, Guan Zhong was working for the prince at that time. A man can serve his master faithfully, and he will certainly serve the king faithfully. If your majesty wants to dominate the world, he can't succeed without Guan Zhong. You must appoint him. " Finally, under Bao's persuasion, he returned to Qi with Guan Zhong.
Guan Zhong returned to Qi as prime minister, but Bao was willing to be Guan Zhong's assistant. With the joint efforts of Guan Zhong and Bao, Qi became the most powerful country among the vassal states and the overlord among them.
After Bao died, Guan Zhong wept bitterly at the grave. Thinking of Bao's understanding and support, he sighed: "At the beginning, the prince I assisted failed to rehabilitate, and other ministers swore allegiance to the death, but I was willing to go to prison. Bao Shuya didn't laugh at my dishonesty. He knows I don't care about my reputation for planning big things. It was my parents who gave birth to me, but it was Bao Shu Ya who really understood me! "
The deep friendship between Guan Zhong and Bao has become a much-told story handed down from generation to generation in China. In China, people often use the word "close friend" to describe the intimate and trusting relationship between them and their good friends.