Tomb of Lord Mengchang

　　    The Tomb of Lord Mengchang is situated 1 kilometer south of Guanqiao Town, in the northeast corner of the ancient city of the State of Xue. Originally, there was a large tomb mound resembling a small hill. According to historical texts, it is the tomb of Lord Mengchang of Qi, Wen, who served as the Prime Minister of Qi, and his father, Lord Jingguo, Tian Ying. The Northern Wei Dynasty’s Li Daoyuan wrote in his “Commentary on the Water Classic”: “The tombs of Lord Jingguo and Lord Mengchang are located in the northeast corner of the city. Li personally verified this with his own eyes. It is said that Lord Mengchang was enfeoffed in Xue, where he was also buried.”

　　    During the Warring States Period, Tian Ying, the youngest son of King Wei of Qi, served under his father and frequently led troops in battle. In the ninth year of King Xuan of Qi’s reign (312 BC), Tian Ying was appointed Prime Minister. In the third year of King Min of Qi’s reign (299 BC), he was enfeoffed in the region of Xue. After Tian Ying’s death, his son Tian Wen inherited his title and continued to reside in Xue, known as the Lord of Xue, also called Lord Mengchang.

　　    Lord Mengchang became famous throughout the land for his generosity and hospitality toward scholars. He was adept at employing people, recruiting talented individuals from across the country, and was willing to deplete his own wealth to treat guests generously. As a result, virtuous scholars from all regions came to join him, and he hosted over 3,000 retainers. His reputation spread far and wide, and he became one of the renowned Four Lords of the Warring States Period — along with Lord Pingyuan of Zhao, Lord Xinling of Wei, Lord Chunshen of Chu, and Lord Mengchang of Qi. Appointed Prime Minister by King Min of Qi, Lord Mengchang treated all his retainers equally regardless of background or status. He welcomed everyone warmly, never inquiring about their origins or reasons for joining. Whether they stayed for a short while or long, he ensured they were well accommodated. Because of this, many grateful individuals later contributed greatly to his cause. On one occasion, a retainer helped secure his release...

　　    Feng Xuan volunteered to go to Xue to collect overdue debts. Upon arriving, he found that the people had suffered consecutive years of disaster, crop failures, and hardship. He burned all the debt notes of those unable to repay, telling the people that it was Lord Mengchang’s order. The people bowed in gratitude upon hearing this. When Feng Xuan returned to report to Lord Mengchang, he claimed to have bought “righteousness” for his lord. Initially upset, Lord Mengchang dismissed him from his position as Prime Minister, and he returned to his fiefdom of Xue. The people, upon learning of his return, lined the roads in welcome—old and young alike kneeling and offering food and wine. Only then did Lord Mengchang realize what Feng Xuan had done, saying that burning the debt notes to buy righteousness had brought immeasurable merit. During his time in Xue, Feng Xuan advised Lord Mengchang that to remain invincible, one must be like a cunning rabbit with three burrows. Since Xue was the first, he would help create two more to ensure lasting security. Feng Xuan then traveled to the states of Wei and Qin, persuading King Zhao of Wei and King Mu of Qin to appoint Lord Mengchang as their Prime Minister and to offer rich rewards. He also went to Qi to explain the strategic advantages to the king, prompting King Min of Qi to personally visit Xue to apologize to Lord Mengchang, invite him back to the capital, and restore his position as Prime Minister.

　　    More than two thousand years have passed, yet the story of Lord Mengchang remains a celebrated tale. The tombs of Tian Wen and Tian Ying were restored and marked with commemorative steles by the Guanqiao Town government in 1991. A Hall of Honoring the Worthy was also added, providing visitors a place to pay tribute to these historical figures.