Baili Xi

Baili Xi (百里奚) (??? - ???) was an influential prime minister of the state of Qin during the Spring and Autumn Period in ancient China.

Baili Xi was born to a poor family in the state of Yu (虞). Duke Xian of Jin (晉獻公) attacked and destroyed Yu and captured Baili Xi, who was working as an officer. He was sent by the Duke of Jin to accompany the princess of Jin to marry the Duke of Qin. On the way there, he escaped and fled to the city of Wan (宛) but was captured by the state of Chu. The Duke of Qin at the time, Duke Mu of Qin, was highly ambitious and sought talented people to help him rule his state. The duke was delighted to learn about Baili Xi's abilities and knowledge. He wanted to ask the Duke of Chu to release Baili but wanted to hide the fact that he could make a very valuable officer. Instead of paying a high tribute to buy Baili Xi's freedom, the duke of Qin claimed that Baili Xi, who was supposed to have accompanying the princess to enter Qin, a runaway officer and would offer five sheepskins to Chu for his return. The Duke of Chu thought that he could do a favor for the Duke of Qin by releasing a relatively insignificant individual. Baili Xi finally entered the court of Qin and was appointed prime minister.

Baili Xi's first act as an officer of Qin was the introduction of another talented officer named Jian Shu (蹇叔), who was a dear friend of Baili. Qin focused most of its foreign relations with Jin which shared its eastern border. Since the State of Qin was located on China's western frontier, Qin did not really have to deal with any other polity but Jin. For the most part, the relationship between Qin and Jin was positive. With the guidance of Baili Xi and Jian Shu, Qin was able to make peace and make war with Jin to its own benefit. Qin cultivated hundreds of miles of farmland and became the biggest power in the west, making many barbarian tribes tribute states.