In the early Spring and Autumn period, there was a pair of exceptionally close friends: one named Guan Zhong, the other Bao Shuya. Later, both became renowned statesmen.
When Guan Zhong and Bao Shuya were young, they went into business together. Bao Shuya, being wealthier, contributed most of the capital, while the poorer Guan Zhong put in little. After they made a profit, Guan Zhong took a larger share for himself. Bao Shuya's men grumbled, "Guan Zhong is greedy for money!" But Bao Shuya disagreed, explaining, "Guan Zhong's family is poor and needs the money—I was happy to give him more. Friends should help each other; how can you call that greed?"
When Guan Zhong led troops into battle, he suffered three defeats in three campaigns, leading some to whisper that he was a coward who feared death. But his friend Bao Shuya defended him, arguing, "Who says Guan Zhong is afraid to die? He spares his own life only because his elderly mother is frail and ill, and he must care for her. In truth, a man as brave as he is rare in this world—do you truly believe he lacks the courage to fight?"
The clearest testament to their profound friendship was when Bao Shuya offered the prestigious position of prime minister—the highest office in the land—to his friend Guan Zhong.
During the chaotic reign of Duke Xiang of Qi, two brothers fled for their lives—each guided by a loyal tutor. Guan Zhong served Prince Jiu, while Bao Shuya mentored Prince Xiaobai. When the duke's tyranny became unbearable, Guan Zhong fled with Prince Jiu to the State of Lu, and Bao Shuya escaped with Prince Xiaobai to the State of Ju (in modern-day Shandong). In 686 BC, their paths diverged, but fate had a twist in store.
Soon after, civil war erupted in Qi—Duke Xiang of Qi was assassinated, and a new ruler was installed. The very next year, Qi's ministers killed that new ruler too, then sent an envoy to Lu to retrieve Prince Jiu and invite him back to take the throne. Duke Zhuang of Lu personally led an army to escort Prince Jiu home.
Guan Zhong, the tutor of Prince Jiu, said to Duke Zhuang of Lu, "Prince Xiao Bai is in Ju, which is close to Qi. If he returns to Qi first and seizes the throne, it will be disastrous. Let me lead a force to block Prince Xiao Bai's path to Qi. What do you think?"
Duke Zhuang of Lu agreed. Guan Zhong then led his troops in pursuit. Near Jimo (in present-day Shandong Province), they caught up with Prince Xiaobai, who was racing toward the State of Qi. Guan Zhong told him, "Your elder brother, Prince Jiu, is returning to the state—you should not go." Bao Shuya, however, retorted, "Guan Zhong, stay out of this."
Unable to persuade Prince Xiaobai from returning to the state of Qi, Guan Zhong secretly aimed an arrow at the prince and shot. Prince Xiaobai fell to the ground with a cry. Believing him dead and thus securing Prince Jiu's claim to the throne, Guan Zhong leisurely returned to the state of Lu to escort Prince Jiu back to Qi.
Unexpectedly, Prince Xiaobai was not killed by the arrow. Bao Shuya sent men along a shortcut, racing ahead of Guan Zhong and Prince Jiu back to the Qi capital Linzi (present-day northeast Zibo, Shandong), and demanded the ministers immediately install Prince Xiaobai as ruler. The ministers objected, arguing that envoys had already been sent to Lu to fetch Prince Jiu, and that he was older and should be king. Bao Shuya warned them, "If we make Prince Jiu king, Lu will act as our benefactor for helping him through his exile, and Qi will have to bow to Lu in all matters—a disastrous outcome." Convinced, the ministers installed Prince Xiaobai, who became known as Duke Huan of Qi.
At this point, Duke Zhuang of Lu had already led his army to escort Prince Jiu back. A war broke out between Qi and Lu, and Lu was defeated. Qi then pressed its attack into Lu territory. Unable to withstand the Qi forces, Lu had no choice but to accept Qi's terms: they forced Prince Jiu to commit suicide and arrested Guan Zhong. The Qi envoy declared, "Guan Zhong shot our ruler, and our ruler wants to avenge that arrow wound. He must kill Guan Zhong with his own hands to be satisfied, so we must take him back to Qi." Duke Zhuang of Lu had to agree.
Guan Zhong was escorted to Linzi, the capital of Qi. Bao Shuya personally went outside the city gate to welcome him and urged Duke Huan of Qi to appoint him to a high position. Duke Huan asked in confusion, "Guan Zhong shot an arrow at me, trying to kill me. How can you ask me to give him a high-ranking post?"
Bao Shuya replied, "At that time, he served Prince Jiu and naturally supported his master. But in ability, he far surpasses me. If you employ him, my lord, he will surely accomplish great deeds and achieve remarkable merit for you."
Duke Huan of Qi, trusting his mentor's judgment without question, appointed Guan Zhong as his prime minister, while Bao Shuya willingly served as his deputy.
Later, Guan Zhong was deeply moved and said, "When I was imprisoned and humiliated for Prince Jiu, Bao Shuya did not consider me shameless. My parents gave me life, but it is Bao Shuya who truly knows me!" This is the story of the friendship between Guan Zhong and Bao Shuya. Later generations use "Guan-Bao Friendship" to describe close friends who trust each other, disregard gains and losses, and share deep affection.
Source: *Liezi*, Chapter "Strength and Destiny"
Meaning of the Idiom: Later, the Chinese idiom "管鲍之交" came to describe close friends who trust each other, disregard gains and losses, and share deep affection.