Duke Hui of Jin (晋惠公, Tấn Huệ công; personal name Yiwu 夷吾; reigned 650–637 BC), was the controversial monarch of the State of Jin during the Spring and Autumn period, son of Duke Xian of Jin and younger brother of Duke Wen (Duke Wen of Jin / Chong’er).
Exiled during the Li Ji Unrest, Yiwu secured the Jin throne by promising extensive frontier territories to Duke Mu of Qin (Duke Mu of Qin) and noble fiefs to chancellor Li Ke. Once enthroned, however, Duke Hui executed Li Ke and broke his promises to Qin. When Jin suffered a terrible famine in 647 BC, Duke Mu generously sent massive grain fleets along the Yellow River (‘The Grain Route of Qin’ 泛舟之役). But when Qin suffered famine the following year, Duke Hui not only refused to send grain, but launched an unprovoked invasion against Qin! In the resulting Battle of Han (645 BC), Qin routed the Jin army, capturing Duke Hui alive on the battlefield. Duke Mu released him only after Duke Hui surrendered all lands west of the Yellow River and sent his crown prince as hostage.
Contents
Role in History (Zuo Zhuan & Shiji)
Zuo Zhuan (Fifteenth Year of Duke Xi): Relates the Battle of Han where Duke Hui’s war chariot was stuck in the mud. Duke Mu of Qin captured him, roaring: ‘I gave you grain when you starved; you brought spears when we hungered!’
Duke Hui of Jin — Historical & Literary Timeline
655 BC
Exile during Li Ji Unrest
Flees to Liang after Crown Prince Shensheng’s death.
650 BC
Ascension with Qin Aid
Enthroned with Duke Mu of Qin’s military backing; breaks his territorial promises.
647 BC
The Qin Grain Relief
Qin sends fleets of grain along the river to save Jin from starvation.
645 BC
Battle of Han & Capture
Invades starving Qin; captured alive by Duke Mu of Qin and forced to cede Hexi.
637 BC
Passing in Jin
Dies in Jiang; succeeded by Duke Huai before Chong’er returns as Duke Wen.
Key Relationships
Family
- Father Duke Xian of Jin: Father whose succession crisis broke Jin.
- Brother Duke Wen of Jin (Chong’er): Rightful elder brother who succeeded him as hegemon.
- Son Duke Huai of Jin (晋怀公 – Yu): Hostage in Qin who fled back to Jin.
Friends
- Righteous Advisor Qing Zheng (庆郑): Criticized Duke Hui’s ingratitude and died with honor.
Enemies
- Generous Benefactor & Captor Duke Mu of Qin (Duke Mu of Qin): Qin hegemon who saved Jin from starvation and captured Duke Hui at Han.
- Purged Minister Li Ke (里克): Enthroned Duke Hui and was executed by him.
Other
- Stepmother Li Ji (骊姬): Whose intrigue drove him into exile.
In Zuo Zhuan
The Peril of Ingratitude
“Qing Zheng said: ‘To bite the hand that fed your people in famine is to invite Heaven’s lightning!’ Duke Hui listened not, and his chariot was trapped in the mire of Han.”
Historical Significance
Duke Hui’s repeated betrayals of Qin established the deep-seated rivalry between Qin and Jin, but set the contrast for the benevolent rule of his brother Duke Wen.