Duke Xiang of Song

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Duke Xiang of Song (Song Xiang Gong) ruled Song from 650 to 637 BC. His personal name was Zifu, and his ancestral clan was Song. He was the son of Duke Huan I of Song.

After the death of Duke Huan of Qi in 643 BC, Xiang helped Prince Zhao in Qi’s succession dispute. He formed an alliance with the states Cao, Wey, and Zou, invaded Qi, and helped Zhao’s rival brothers be defeated, crowning Zhao as Duke Xiao of Qi. With his influence growing, Xiang sought to become China’s next hegemon and went to war with Chu.

In 641 BC he made a covenant with Cao and Zhu. When the viscount of Zeng arrived late for the first covenant, Xiang had him sacrificed, though the viscount appeared in a later covenant.

In 638 BC he attacked Zheng and met Chu forces coming to Zheng’s aid. Rather than launching a surprise attack, Xiang waited for Chu to cross a river to display Ren (benevolence) as a Junzi.

In the Battle of Hongshui, Xiang’s forces were defeated by the larger, prepared Chu army, and he was badly wounded. He died in 637 BC and was succeeded by his son Wangchen, who became Duke Cheng of Song.

Although his expansion failed, some historians still count him as one of the Five Hegemons. Mao Zedong later criticized his emphasis on virtue in war. He had wives and several sons, including Duke Cheng of Song.