| Summary: | 碩士 === 國立高雄師範大學 === 經學研究所 === 103 === Abstract
During the Spring and Autumn Period, vassal states competed with each other intensely for survival. King Zhuang of Chu, Duke Huan of Qi, Duke Xiang of Song, Duke Wen of Jin, and Duke Mu of Qin were the Five Hegemons of the period. Before Duke Huan of Qi dominated the Central Plains of China, Duke Zhuang of Zheng was a source of vexation for the Emperor of Zhou, who desperately rallied vassal states to wage war against the State of Zheng, only to be comprehensively defeated. Subsequently, Duke Zhuang of Zheng subjugated the Emperor’s Army in order to convince other vassal states to defect to his command. The Spring and Autumn Annals begins by introducing the State of Zheng.
The State of Zheng during the Spring and Autumn period is worthy of research in various aspects, including its geological position, strategic relationships, and course of history. This study was conducted to summarize the depiction of the State of Zheng in Zuo Zhuan. Zuo Zhuan was selected because among the three surviving commentaries on the Spring and Autumn Annals, this text emphasizes historical narratives, and is thus distinct from the other two commentaries, Gongyang Zhuan and Guliang Zhuan, which emphasize on the interpretations of the Confucian Classics.
The compelling narratives of Zuo Zhuan (Commentary of Zuo) have made studying the history of the Spring and Autumn period more entertaining, aiding readers in comprehending the struggle and futility experienced by vassal states on the brink of demise. Readers can gain insight into the historical context of each battle and the accompanying decisions. Moreover, they can empathize with what Mencius meant when he stated, “In the ‘Spring and Autumn, there are no righteous wars.”
Because of the distinctive characters living in the vassal state of Zheng, the state was a critical component of several historical battles; Zheng was also responsible for changes related to the states of the Central Plain. This study referred to the events recorded in the Spring and Autumn Annals and Zuo Zhuan to present an overview of the state of Zheng throughout the Spring and Autumn period. In addition, interactions between Zheng and other states were clarified, and changes in the surrounding states were examined. Synoptically, the rise and fall of Zheng as illustrated in the Zuo Zhuan has been faithfully presented.
Keywords: State of Zheng, Rise and fall of Zheng, History of Zheng, Zuo Zhuan, Spring and Autumn Annals
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