Guan Zhong, known as Guanzi, was a renowned statesman from the early Spring and Autumn Period, hailing from Yingshang.
During the Spring and Autumn period, Duke Huan of Qi sought to strengthen his state and dominate the realm. He intended to appoint his minister Bao Shuya as prime minister, but Bao Shuya declined, saying he lacked the talent and instead recommended his close friend Guan Zhong. Duke Huan summoned Guan Zhong and asked about the strategies for governance and achieving hegemony. Guan Zhong replied, "For opening up vast farmlands, expanding towns, developing production, and maximizing wealth from the land, I am not as capable as Ning Yue—appoint him to manage the economy. For assessing the times, speaking with propriety, and mastering court etiquette, I am not as good as Xi Peng—appoint him to handle diplomacy. For enduring hardship, risking life, disregarding personal wealth and honor, and offering frank remonstrance, I am not as good as Dongguo Ya—appoint him as chief censor. For drilling troops, inspiring courage on the battlefield, and making soldiers fearless in the face of death, I am not as good as Wangzi Chengfu—appoint him as commander of the army. For judging cases wisely and never killing the innocent, I am not as good as Xian Zhang—appoint him to oversee justice. If you wish to enrich the state and strengthen the army, these five men are sufficient. But if you aim to dominate the realm, then I, Guan Zhong, am still here." Source: *Records of the Grand Historian*, "Biography of Guan Zhong"
Duke Huan of Qi, impressed by Guan Zhong's wisdom, immediately appointed him as prime minister. Following Guan Zhong's advice, the duke assigned specific roles to five key officials, placing them under Guan Zhong's unified command. True to expectations, each excelled in their appointed duties, proving the effectiveness of Guan Zhong's leadership.
With Guan Zhong's guidance, after ten years, the state of Qi grew powerful and finally became the hegemon among all the feudal lords.
Later, the idiom "regarding death as returning home" came to describe someone willing to sacrifice their life for a righteous cause.
Source: *Lüshi Chunqiu*, Chapter "Wu Gong"
Meaning of the Idiom: Later, the Chinese idiom "视死如归" came to describe how someone willing to sacrifice their life for a righteous cause.