Bao Shuya

As an official he was renowned as a judge of character and talent, with Guan Zhong himself commenting that "My parents gave birth to me, but it is Bao who knows me best."

In 645 BC, as Guan Zhong had fallen seriously ill, Duke Huan consulted him to find a successor to the Chancellorship.

Guan Zhong stated that Bao Shuya held himself to very exacting standards, but also expected others to do the same; this meant it would be difficult for him to work with the rest of the court.

In Chinese culture Bao Shuya is known mainly for his loyalty to his friend, as well as his open-mindedness and tolerance and his judgement of ability; Guan Zhong's political career and the subsequent power of the state of Qi arguably began from Bao's belief in his friend's talent, which he stood by firmly.

When Prince Jiu was killed I was jailed and disgraced, and endured it; he did not deem me shameless, but knew I had greater ambitions.

[1]Bao Shuya is one of the 32 historical figures who appear as special characters in the video game Romance of the Three Kingdoms XI by Koei.