Guan Zhong (c. 645 BCE), with the clan name Ji and family name Guan, given name Yiwu, styled Zhong, posthumously titled "Jing," was a native of Yingshang in the State of Qi (present-day Yingshang County, Anhui Province), historically known as Guanzi. A descendant of King Mu of Zhou, he was a renowned statesman and military strategist of the State of Qi during the Spring and Autumn Period.
In his youth, Guan Zhong lost his father and lived in poverty with his elderly mother at home. He went into business with Bao Shuya (his close friend), later joined the military, and served Prince Jiu of Qi. During the reign of Duke Xiang of Qi, the brothers Prince Xiaobai and Prince Jiu fled Qi to escape their elder brother's tyranny. With Bao Shuya's planning, Prince Xiaobai went to Ju, while Prince Jiu, aided by Guan Zhong and Zhao Hu, went to Lu. After Duke Xiang was killed, both princes raced back to claim the throne. Prince Xiaobai, being closer to Qi's capital from Ju, entered first and became ruler—Duke Huan of Qi. Fearing Prince Jiu might still contend for the throne, Duke Huan attacked Lu and forced it to kill Prince Jiu. Zhao Hu committed suicide to follow Prince Jiu, but Guan Zhong, recommended by Bao Shuya, became Duke Huan's prime minister. Guan Zhong possessed extraordinary political talent; under his guidance, Duke Huan was empowered like a tiger with wings, and Qi rapidly grew strong and prosperous. Qi repeatedly convened alliances as the leading state, halting many wars and sparing the people from disasters. Additionally, Guan Zhong proposed the policy of "Honoring the Zhou King and Repelling the Barbarians" (Zun Wang Rang Yi), uniting northern neighboring states to resist the invasion of the Shanrong tribes from the south.
When Confucius discussed historical figures with his disciples, he spoke of Guan Zhong (Prime Minister of Qi State). Zi Lu (a brave and straightforward disciple) said that Duke Huan killed Prince Jiu, while Zhao Hu committed suicide to follow him, but Guan Zhong did not die, questioning whether he lacked Ren (Benevolence). However, Confucius viewed Guan Zhong's merits and faults from the highest realm of Ren (Benevolence)—"broadly bestowing benefits upon the people and helping the multitude"—believing that Guan Zhong's assistance to Duke Huan in governing the world and bringing benefits to the common people was precisely his virtuous De (Virtue/Moral Power), rather than clinging to petty integrity like ordinary people, who would die unnoticed in a mountain valley. He further said that without Guan Zhong, the Chinese people would likely have degenerated into barbarians with "unbound hair and left-fastened garments." Yet Confucius did not consider Guan Zhong perfect, pointing out that he loved luxury, enjoyed treatment equal to a ruler, erected a screen gate at his door, hosted foreign lords at banquets, and set up a "reverse stand" (a ritual platform for toasting) reserved for rulers—all acts of usurpation that showed no understanding of Li (Propriety/Ritual/Etiquette). Guan Zhong's subordinates never held concurrent positions, showing a lack of frugality, so Confucius called him a "vessel of small capacity."