Picture
Wine Vessel from Spring and Autumn Period
Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/utishpenguin/
 During the Spring and Autumn Period, Duke Xian of the State of Jin Killed the crown prince Shen Sheng because he had heard slander about Shen Sheng and believed it. 

He also sent his men to arrest Chong Er, Shen Sheng’s brother. Hearing the news, Chong Er escaped from the State of Jin, remaining a fugitive for more than ten yeasrs. After innumerable hardship, Chong Er arrived at the State of Chu at last.  

King Cheng of the State of Chu treated him with high respect as he would have treated the rule of a state, believing that he would have a bright future.  King Cheng of the State of Chu gave a banquet in honor of Chong Er. 

Suddenly, amid the harmonious atmosphere of drinking and talking, King Cheng of the State of Chu asked Chong Er, "How will you repay me when you return to the state of Jin and become its ruler one day?” 

Chong Er answered, "If I should be fortunate enough to return to the State of Jin and become its ruler, the States of Jin would be friendly to the State of Chu. If, one day there should be a war between the two states, I would  definetely order my troops to retreat thirty miles as a condition for peace. If, under that condition, you were still not reconciled, then I would fight with you”.  

Four year later, as might be expected, Chong Er returned to the State of Jin and became its ruler. He was the famous Duke Wen in history books. Under his management, the State of Jin became increasingly powerful. 

In the year 633 B.C., the Chu troops and the Jin troops confronted each other in a battle. Faithful to his promise, Duke Wen of the State of Jin ordered his troops to retreat about thirty miles before he fought back and defeated the Chu army.