Historical figures mentioned in my article 19

Zhi Yao智瑶, of the Ji姬 surname and the Zhi智 lineage (also known as Xun Yao荀瑶 due to the Zhi clan's origins from the Xun荀 clan), posthumously titled "Xiang襄", was a prominent statesman of Jin during the late Spring and Autumn period. Historically, he is referred to as Viscount Xiang of Zhi.

Zhi Yao demanded territories comprising 10,000 households from the Han韩, Wei魏, and Zhao赵 clans. The Han and Wei clans complied, but the Zhao clan refused. In response, Zhi Yao led the combined forces of Han and Wei to attack Zhao.

On the verge of victory, the Han and Wei clans suddenly betrayed Zhi, joining forces with Zhao to flood Zhi’s battalions by diverting a river. Defeated in the surprise attack, Zhi Yao was killed in battle. The Han, Wei, and Zhao clans then divided Zhi’s territories among themselves and exterminated the Zhi clan.

The fall of Zhi marked a turning point: "With the destruction of Zhi, the three clans partitioned Jin; with the partition of Jin, the Seven Warring States emerged." This event is traditionally regarded as the beginning of the Warring States period in Chinese history.

According to legend, after his death, Zhi Yao’s skull was fashioned into a drinking cup by the ruler of Zhao.