In this article, I compare two lengthy parallel anecdotes found in
the newly discovered manuscript Zhou xun 周訓 and the philosophical
compendium from the late Zhanguo period, Lüshi chunqiu 呂氏春秋. Based
on this comparison, I argue that the authors of the Lüshi chunqiu borrowed
from the Zhou xun. The techniques employed in incorporating the borrowed
materials into the respective chapters proved to be virtually identical. Given
that the materials under consideration appear in different parts of the Lüshi
chunqiu––the relation, the time and the order of composition of which have
been the subject of long debates––the present study promises to helps us
gain a better understanding of the process and principles of its creation.
Moreover, I discuss the appearance of the main protagonist of the Zhou xun,
Lord Zhaowen of Zhou 周昭文君 (4th c. BC), in the Lüshi chunqiu. In some
chapters, he is portrayed as a ruler who acquired considerable fame among
his contemporaries. Especially in the state of Qin, his renown was said to
have culminated in his recognition as “teacher” (shi 師) by King Hui(wen) of
Qin 秦惠 ( 文 ) 王 (356–311 BC, r. 338–311 BC). In view of these attempts
to establish the (historically unlikely) close ties between Lord Zhaowen (and
his teachings) and the state of Qin, in the concluding part of this paper, I
conjecture in regard to the place of origin of the Zhou xun.