Song Xianggong

Also known as Ming Zifu

Duke Xiang of Song, personal name Zifu, was a son of Duke Huan of Song and became ruler in 650 BC. As heir he had offered the succession to his elder half-brother Muyi, who refused and became his chief minister. After Duke Huan of Qi died in 643 BC and his sons fought for the throne, Duke Xiang led the states against Qi the next year and installed Duke Xiao. Seeking Qi's old leadership, he was seized by King Cheng of Chu at the meeting of Yu in 639 BC and later freed. In 638 BC he attacked Zheng, and when Chu came to its aid he fought at the Hong River, refusing to strike before Chu had crossed and formed ranks, since a gentleman did not wound the wounded or seize the grey-haired. Song was routed and he was wounded in the thigh, dying the next year. The Gongyang Commentary praises his regard for ritual, while the Zuo Tradition (Zuozhuan) records Muyi's complaint that he did not understand war.