Bao Shuya

Bao Shuya (simplified Chinese: 鲍叔牙; traditional Chinese: 鮑叔牙; pinyin: Bào Shūyá; d.644 BC) was a famous official of the State of Qi under Duke Huan of Qi during the Spring and Autumn Period in China. He was a contemporary and friend of Guan Zhong.

Though an able administrator in his own right, Bao is best known for his friendship with Guan, and for persuading Duke Huan of Qi to put aside personal enmities and elevate Guan Zhong to the post of Chancellor. As an official he was renowned as a judge of character and talent, with Guan Zhong himself commenting that "My parents gave birth to me, but it is Bao who knows me best."

Life

Bao Shuya was a native of Yingshang, in modern-day Anhui Province, as was Guan Zhong. Bao Shuya's family was relatively wealthy, compared to Guan Zhong; nonetheless the two became fast friends from youth, and Bao admired his friend's talent. Before entering politics the two often took part in business ventures together.

The Princes' Rivalry

The two friends later entered politics as the tutors to two princes of Qi; Guan Zhong tutored Prince Jiu, while Bao Shuya tutored Prince Xiaobai (who would later become Duke Huan of Qi). The reigning duke of Qi at the time, Duke Xiang of Qi, was a dissolute ruler; foreseeing chaos and fearing for the prince's safety Bao fled with Xiaobai to the neighbouring state of Ju. (Guan Zhong, in turn, fled with prince Jiu to the State of Lu).