Duke Mu of Qin, a visionary ruler of the Spring and Autumn period, transformed his western frontier state into a formidable power through strategic governance.
During his 39-year reign from 659 to 621 BCE, Duke Mu of Qin actively recruited talent, appointing Baili Xi, Jian Shu, and You Yu as advisors, and Meng Ming, Bai Yi, and Gongsun Zhi as generals. With this team of civil and military officials, Qin conquered 12 neighboring states and dominated the Western Rong tribes.
In his later years, as virtuous ministers like Baili Xi passed away one after another, Meng Ming recommended to Duke Mu the three sons of Grand Master Ziche: Yanxi, Zhonghang, and Hu, praising their exceptional talents and mastery of both civil and military arts, earning them the title of the "Three Virtuous Ones" from the people. Duke Mu of Qin was delighted and immediately summoned Yanxi, Zhonghang, and Hu to the palace.
Duke Mu of Qin once held a lengthy discussion with the three brothers Yan Xi, Yan Zhong, and Yan Shu. Impressed by their vast knowledge and mastery of statecraft, he appointed all three as high ministers. From then on, the duke frequently summoned them to the palace to consult on governance. The brothers spoke with eloquence and confidence, offering strategies to enrich the state and strengthen its army—every proposal Duke Mu accepted and followed without question.
One day, Duke Mu of Qin hosted a banquet in the inner hall for Yanxi and his two brothers. After three rounds of wine, the duke, slightly tipsy, said, "You three brothers and I share a deep bond and great harmony. I wish that in life we may share this joy, and in death, this sorrow."
Yanxi and his two brothers, overwhelmed by the honor, immediately rose and bowed in gratitude, saying, "We brothers, having received such grace from Your Majesty, will follow you in life and death!" At that time, the state of Qin was still in a slave society, where the practice of human sacrifice was prevalent. By saying they would "follow in life and death," Yanxi and his brothers meant that once Duke Mu died, they were willing to be buried alive with him.
In 621 BCE, Duke Mu of Qin fell ill and died. Duke Kang of Qin succeeded him. Before his death, Duke Mu had left a will demanding that the Yanxi brothers fulfill their oath of "following in life and death." Thus, Duke Kang summoned the three brothers to seek their consent. Out of blind loyalty, all three expressed willingness to honor their promise.
According to historical records, when Duke Mu of Qin was buried, he was accompanied in death not only by the three Yanxi brothers but also by 177 of his concubines, servants, and slaves—the largest recorded mass human sacrifice in the Spring and Autumn period.
The people of Qin were deeply grieved by the death of the three Yan brothers, composing a poem titled "Yellow Bird" that repeatedly lamented, "Approaching his grave, they trembled with fear. O Heaven! You have slain our finest men. If we could ransom their lives, we would give a hundred of our own to bring them back."
The poem "Yellow Bird" appears in the *Book of Songs*, "Airs of Qin," and is one of the most famous poems in the collection.
Later, the idiom "anxious and uneasy" came to describe a state of nervousness and fear.
Source: *Zuo Zhuan*, "Duke Wen's Sixth Year"
Meaning of the Idiom: Later, the Chinese idiom "惴惴不安" came to describe a state of nervousness and fear.