| | Therefore, when King Cheng was still an infant swaddled in 襁褓 and received homage from feudal lords, it was the Duke of Zhou who wielded authority. King Wu Ling was assassinated at Shachou when he reached fifty years of age—this was due to his reliance on Li Dui. Duke Huan of Qi, having gained Guan Zhong as a minister, convened the feudal lords nine times and unified the realm under one order, twice earning the title of Righteous King; After losing Guan Zhong and entrusting power to Shudiao and Diya, he died without a proper burial and became the subject of ridicule throughout the world. The same person may experience both honor and disgrace—this depends entirely on whom they entrust with power. Therefore, the state of Wei, having Marquis Wuji (the Lord Pei), regained lost territories after they had been reduced. The state of Zhao, having Lin Xiangru, caused the Qin to dare not take action. Anling, by entrusting Zhou Zhan, saw its people stand independently. The state of Chu, having Shen Baoxu, enabled King Zhao to restore his throne after it had been lost. Qi, having Tian Dan, allowed King Xiang to recover his kingdom. From this we see that there has never been a case where success, fame, security, or the revival of a dynasty was achieved without the assistance of virtuous and capable officials.
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