Yan Ying

Yan Ying ( -500 BC), courtesy name Pinzhong, was a statesman in the Spring and Autumn Period. He was born in Weiyi (today`s Gaomi, Shandong). In 556, the 26th year of Emperor Linggong of Qi, he became a prime minister and served for 3 years. In his term of office, he worked for political reform. After Emperor Linggong of Qi, he served for Emperor Zhuanggong and was very much appreciated. Later he resigned to farm in Haibin for his proposal being rejected by Zhuanggong to fight Jin Kingdom. During the reign of Emperor Jinggong, he was reposted as the prime minister. He often spoke dauntlessly for the benefit of people. One summer, Qi Kingdom suffered heavy rain and flooding. Many people became destitute and homeless. Emperor Jinggong was indifferent and addicted to drinking. Yan Ying asked for relief aid, but was refused. He said to the emperor that he was very disappointed with his addiction to drinking and entertaining and decided to resign. The emperor was shocked and realized his fault. He went to Yan`s home, only to find Yan had given all his grain and provisions to the citizens. The emperor was moved and took effective ways to help the afflicted people.

Two well-known stories about his quick wits and eloquence involved Yan Ying officially visiting Kingdom of Chu. Emperor Ling of Chu looked down upon kingdom of Qi, and saw the ambassador Yan Ying was such a short person and wanted to insult him. He opened side-door instead of the main entrance to``greet`` him. Yan then said: ``I will only enter the door for the dog when I visit the dog kingdom.`` Embarrassed, Chu officials opened the main entrance. During the banquette entertaining Yan, two soldiers and one man who was bound, passed by. Emperor Ling inquired, and soldiers said the man was a citizen from Kingdom Qi and was captured for stealing. Then Emperor Ling said mockingly: ``Oh, Qi people like stealing.`` Yan stood up and retorted: ``I have heard that orange planted south of Huai River is called orange, while planted north of Huai river it is called trifoliate orange. They look alike, but taste different. That`s because of different geographical situation. Qi people don`t steal in Qi, but take to stealing in Chu. I guess that is because of geographical situation of Chu.``

He advocated thrift and opposed to extravagance and had led a frugal and sparse life. Confucius and Sima Qian all praised him highly.