1. East Zhou Dynasty 1 - Spring and Autumn
东周 1
- 春秋时期

2. Spring and Autumn
The last emperor of West Zhou was killed, and his son later became an emperor. This was the beginning of East Zhou Dynasty.
Although the emperor had the highest position, there were many kings under him who became more and more powerful. Gradually the emperor lost power and the most powerful king became the real govener. There were 5 powerful kings altogether, once at a time.
There are two parts of East Zhou Dynasty – Spring and Autumn period and Warring nations period.
Spring and Autumn period lasted from 770 B.C. to 476 B.C. It got this name because Confucius wrote a book names “Spring and Autumn” during this period.

3. A Map of East Zhou Dynasty

4. Famous Stories in Spring and Autumn Period – Withdraw 3 She
A prince of Jin whose name was Chong’er (重耳) was disliked by his father because his step mother libeled him, so he went to another country Chu. The king of Chu treated him very well and once joked to him: “I’ve been treating you as my friend. If one day you become the king of your country, what would be my reward?” Chong’er said: “Your country is wealthy and I can’t think of anything you need from me. But if I once become the king, what I can do is that in case the two countries fight, I’d withdraw my armies for 3 She (around 30miles) ”. Chong’er did become the king.Many years later there was a fight, Chong’er ordered his armies to withdraw for 3 She then defeated his former friend. He became the most powerful king at that time and “withdraw for 3 She” became an idiom which means to withdraw to avoid conflicts.

5. Famous Stories in Spring and Autumn Period – Sleep on Clay and Taste Gallbladder
There were two countries, Wu (吴) and Yue (越), fought with each other and Yue was defeated. Goujian, The king of Yue was captured and humiliated by the king of Wu. Goujian wanted to revenge, but he pretended to be obedient. He gave an extremely pretty woman whose name was Xishi (West Shi) to the Wu King, and the king was very pleased. But actually Xishi was a spy and reported everything about the king to Goujian. To remind himself the defeat and humiliation he experienced, Goujian slept on clay and wood which was very uncomfortable and tasted bitter gallbladder everyday. After years of preparation, he finally defeated Wu. “Sleep on clay and taste gallbladder” became an idiom to describe make oneself experience hardship to doing something.
Xishi was said to be one of the 4 most beautiful women in China’s history.