During the Spring and Autumn Period in China, there were Guan Zhong and Bao Shuya. They were very close ever since their childhood and became government officials together. Guan Zhong became an aide to Gyu, the son of Yanggong, the monarch of Qi, and Bao Shuya served Gyu’s half-brother, Xiǎo bái.
However, when Yanggong was killed, the two brothers and their supporters fought over the throne. When Xiǎo bái succeeded the throne and tried to kill Gyu and his supporters, Bao Shuya earnestly asked the king to appoint Guan Zhong as a government official. Guan Zhong helped the king wholeheartedly with the governmental affairs and was eventually appointed as a chancellor. Bao Shuya was happy for Guan Zhong’s success as if it had happened to himself. Later, Guan Zhong reminisced about Bao Shuya as follows:
“When I ran a shop with Bao Shuya, I tried taking a bigger profit than him. However, Bao Shuya understood that I was poor and never called me greedy. When I failed the exam to become a government official three times, Bao Shuya never called me incompetent, but he consoled me and said I was only unlucky. Also, when I went out to the battlefield and ran away three times, he never called me a coward. Instead, he covered for me and explained that it could not be helped since I had to take care of my mother who was getting old.”
Guan Zhong and Bao Shuya’s Friendship represents a deep friendship that loves one another, regardless of time and circumstances.